2015 Vauxhall Insignia 1.6L Diesel · YY65 CCK

The 1.6 CDTi diesel is one of the more frugal engines in the Insignia range, with realistic fuel economy of 50-60 mpg on a motorway commute and 40-48 mpg in mixed driving, helped by a sensible 1,598cc displacement. Road tax sits in a low VED band for a car of this size, and insurance is generally group 15-20 depending on trim, keeping premium costs moderate for the family car-exec segment. Servicing is relatively affordable thanks to widely available parts, though diesel-specific items like AdBlue top-ups, DPF cleaning and EGR attention can add up if neglected.

Estimated annual running cost: £1,500-£1,900. This covers fuel (assuming 12,000 miles), £190-ish road tax, insurance in the £400-£600 range, and routine maintenance plus a contingency for wear-and-tear items at this mileage. Diesel Insignias of this generation typically demand £400-£700 per major service once they pass the 100,000-mile mark.

The MOT history shows only minor wear-related items (tyres and a wiper), but at 126,583 miles the inspection should focus on areas the MOT does not cover. Check the dual-mass flywheel for juddering or clonking on pull-away — a common failure on the 1.6 CDTi beyond 100k miles. Inspect the DPF for soot accumulation by checking oil level (overfilled with diesel fuel suggests DPF issues) and feeling for restricted performance; a blocked DPF typically triggers a dashboard warning. Examine the EGR valve and intake for carbon build-up, which can cause rough idle and reduced economy.

The model-level data flags coil spring, tyre and corrosion as the most common failure reasons for the Insignia as a whole, so inspect all four coil springs for signs of cracking or sagging, particularly at the rear. Look closely at the wheel arches, sills and underbody for corrosion bubbling — a known weakness for this generation, especially on cars that have lived near the coast. Finally, on a 1.6 diesel of this age and mileage, check the timing chain stretch by listening for a rattle on startup and verifying any replacement paperwork; this is a costly job if it has not been done.