2014 Vauxhall Insignia 2.0L Diesel · ST63 XCL

The most recent DVSA examination on 29 December 2025 resulted in a Pass, though a minor defect was recorded in respect of the nearside registration plate lamp being inoperative within a multiple lamp arrangement, alongside advisories concerning both front suspension arm pins or bushes and both front tyres being worn close to the legal limit with edge wear present. Reviewing the trajectory across the documented history, the vehicle has consistently passed its annual tests since the two recorded failures in December 2022 and December 2023, with the latter failure appearing to relate to remedial work on items that subsequently passed at the same attendance. However, the advisory pattern over successive tests is clearly worsening rather than improving, with repeated mentions of oil leaks, front suspension arm bushes, front brake disc pitting, and tyre edge wear indicating an accumulating maintenance burden that a prospective buyer must weigh carefully. The recorded odometer reading of 136,208 miles against a 2014 registration equates to an annualised usage of approximately 11,351 miles, which is broadly typical for a vehicle of this age and profile. The MOT records reflect a continuous and fairly regular accumulation of mileage, suggesting the Insignia has been in consistent service rather than left standing for extended periods, which is mechanically favourable as it reduces the likelihood of seized brake calipers, deteriorated brake fluid, perished coolant hoses, and flat-spotted tyres. That said, the cumulative wear implied by this mileage, combined with the recurring advisory items concerning suspension and braking components, confirms that consumables and chassis parts are entering the latter stages of their serviceable lifespan and will require attention irrespective of the current MOT pass status. The persistent advisories regarding the nearside and offside front suspension arm pins or bushes, recorded at three of the four most recent tests, are mechanically significant and warrant close inspection. On a test drive, the buyer should listen for clonking or knocking noises from the front suspension over uneven surfaces, particularly over speed humps, cats eyes, and pothole strikes, and pay attention to vague or wandering steering response, uneven or feathered front tyre wear, and any vibration through the steering wheel. Although the advisories note the wear is not yet resulting in excessive movement, the progressive nature of the defect over successive tests suggests replacement of the front lower suspension arms or bushes is imminent and should be budgeted for as part of any purchase negotiation. The recurring advisories for an oil leak, noted as not excessive at multiple tests since 2022, indicate a chronic but currently minor seepage that requires monitoring. The buyer should inspect the engine bay and undertray for fresh oil residue, check the oil level on the dipstick before any test drive, and look for staining on the driveway or parking area. The brake disc pitting advisories from the 2023 tests should also prompt a physical inspection of the front and rear discs for lipping, surface corrosion, and pulsation under braking, with any brake shudder or extended stopping distances indicating that disc replacement, rather than just pad renewal, is now due. Given the vehicle's age and mileage, further prudent checks include verifying the service book stamps and history of timing belt replacement if applicable, examining all tyres for age-related sidewall cracking and perishing regardless of tread depth, testing the 12 volt battery under load for cranking performance, and confirming the date of last change for brake fluid, coolant, and transmission fluid to ensure calendar-based fluid degradation has not compromised their protective properties.