Faults:

Exhaust, cam-belt, front suspension, brake discs and pads, ABS sensors, etc.

Biggest failure was the gearbox - at only 90,000 miles it started to whine in all gears, very common fault on this "M32" gearbox, the bearings wear out prematurely, cost nearly £1000 to put right!

Most other items were wear and tear, it hasn't been too unreliable. I keep it serviced on time.

General Comments:

Silver Insignia Exclusiv, very common but smart looking car.

Drives very nice and smooth, Exclusiv is a very basic spec - go for an SRi or Elite, this has electric front windows but that is about it. The interior is nicely styled though, and the seats are very, very comfortable. The car is quiet on the move, great motorway cruiser, which is what this car does most.

1.8 has poor performance and economy, feels under-powered especially accelerating up hill. Struggles a bit for 40 MPG - realistically is does 34 - 38 at best, not great by today's standard. I'd recommend a diesel, but have heard they are unreliable, but obviously have better performance and economy.

Overall just a pretty average car, that gearbox failure was the most disappointing, very common, just look up the M32 box in an internet search, pretty much every mechanic I talk to knows about how bad this box is. It's a shame really as this car could have been so much better, I can only recommend it if you find a used one with evidence that the box has been reconditioned and the car has full history and in good order at a good price; only then are they worth it, do not pay too much for a used Insignia at this age and mileage.

Faults:

Exhaust corroded, spring mount needed replaced, rocker cover gasket leak, brakes needing done, etc.

General Comments:

I have had this Insignia a good few years now, it is a great performing and comfortable car.

Good looking in silver. Common color, but a nice set of bigger alloys make it stand out.

1.8 is pretty quick and does about 38 mpg.

Electronic parking brake is a real pain to get used to, but no big deal now that I have had it a while. SRi model has plenty of kit.

Cheap to buy at this age and mileage, ideal for anyone who just wants a large family hatch/saloon to get them about in comfort. Avoid tatty high milers, look for a low mileage example with history (do not touch cars with missing history) and it will do you good for a few years.

Faults:

Basically nothing in the year I have had it, I got the car serviced upon sale and took a chance on a car with missing history (I got a great deal though, paid less than £2000) so cannot tell you much about it. Seems to be OK and looked after however. I think the history book has been genuinely misplaced. The brakes feel tight and many parts have obviously been replaced at the age and mileage. The engine is very quiet and smooth running.

General Comments:

The Insignia is a very smart looking car for the money, I like it. Mine is silver with alloy wheels, looks to be taken from an SRi model.

Exclusiv is a very basic specification, but has enough electrics for me. Seats are comfortable. Cabin is quiet enough.

1.8 petrol is a good engine, and with 40 - 50 mpg possible, I would recommend it over the much more common diesels. Fun enough to drive but nothing to shout about.

If you need a cheap family car, jump right in, I would advise against buying without history however - myself I am a mechanic and I knew the dealer that sold it to me and is trustworthy. Anyone else should demand a fully checked out car with history no matter what you are paying. These cars are generally reliable, but need looking after and can be expensive to fix as any car if things go wrong.