2019 Vauxhall Insignia 1.5L Petrol · VU19 RBX

The 1.5-litre petrol Insignia typically returns around 42-48 mpg on a combined cycle, depending on driving style and conditions. Road tax falls in a reasonable bracket for a petrol saloon of this size, and insurance should sit in a moderate group for the Insignia range. Routine maintenance is generally affordable, with parts widely available and reasonably priced compared to premium alternatives.

Given the higher-than-average mileage, budget for more frequent replacement of wear items such as tyres, brake pads, and discs. The 1.5-litre engine is generally regarded as reasonably economical to maintain, but any turbocharged components or ancillaries can be costly if they fail. Estimated annual running costs, covering fuel, tax, insurance, and routine maintenance, are likely to fall in the region of £1,400-£1,800 given the mileage profile.

Start with a close physical inspection of the rear shock absorbers, as oil misting has been recorded at the last two MOTs. Look for visible dampness, corrosion around the damper bodies, and test for excessive bounce or instability by pushing down hard on each rear corner. Also inspect the front tyres closely for uneven wear, which could point to tracking or suspension geometry issues, given that both front tyres were flagged as edge-worn in 2022.

Check the rear brake pads and discs for remaining thickness, as they were already wearing thin at 38,872 miles. With around 63,000 miles covered since that advisory, replacement is highly likely. Also inspect the coil springs, which feature prominently in Insignia MOT failure data, for any signs of corrosion or cracking, particularly at the lower coils where road salt accumulates. Finally, examine the underside of the vehicle for any corrosion, as this is another common Insignia MOT failure point, and check the exhaust system for signs of corrosion or damage.