Faults:

Consumables + services. New cam-belt.

Thermostat renewed.

Oil cooler replaced.

Small water leak in boot area.

Previous owner had gearbox reconditioned (M32 manual box, common to fail early).

General Comments:

Smooth and nice to drive, I love my Insignia.

Bought used with a tonne of work already done to it, I have enjoyed this car for the last two years at a great price.

Very nice styling on the exterior. Hatchback, but looks like a coupe! I have the larger 18 inch SRi upgraded alloy wheels.

Inside is charcoal sports seats and all electrics on this SRi, a great trim level. Huge boot area. Ride is a bit firm but never uncomfortable. And the car handles very well with SRi stiffer springs.

Gearbox has slick shift, and the clutch and steering are all light and nice to use.

Radio sound is great quality.

1.8 has average performance and economy, nothing special but not a bad engine. Great for long journeys, not a car for short journeys. Easy to maintain.

Just a great car for the money, they are as cheap as it gets on the used market right now, find a looked after one and you have a great used car that should last a few more years even though these early Insignia's are well over ten years old now; mine is a pre face-lift 2013 model. Later updated 2013- 2017 are the ones to go for however, they were improved massively on an already great car.

Faults:

Thermostat and housing replaced recently, both leaked. Expansion tank dodgy also - the cooling system on these cars is a major pain as they age. Also you may get a warning on the dash that says "AC off due to high engine temp" (even if not overheating) which is almost certainly the temperature sensor going faulty.

Exhaust, centre and rear box.

Four wheel alignment after brake and suspension work.

Gearbox bearings replaced - another unfortunately common expensive fault. Just do an internet search for M32 gearbox, you'll see ;)

General Comments:

What can I say about this Insignia, I actually really like this car despite the expensive and serious issues above.

It is too God damn good looking for a start - in fact, such a run of the mill car has no business being this good looking! Mine is black, upgraded 18 inch wheels, chrome trim standard for SRi. Huge car for its class. Real presence on the road.

Interior is also nicely styled and very, very comfortable. The upgraded seats on SRi are well worth it over the standard seats you find on Exclusiv and other lower range models. Visibility a bit limited but the car is spacious inside. Boot is massive. Standard sound system is great quality and there is a USB slot for music.

Great drive, gear change feels great and the tighter springs on this model make for good handling.

Out of all the engines available for this car (there are lots) the 1.8 petrol is the most mediocre. Dull performance and only economical when you get on motorways (expect 37 - 40 mpg at best, dropping to low 30's mpg if you do a lot of town driving). Not great with current fuel prices. But the diesels if you go for one obviously are more powerful and get better MPG, but they have their reliability issues as well. The 1.8 petrol is at least nice and simple and easy to look after. Tax is way too expensive though.

Overall however this 2013 SRi 1.8 Insignia has me split 50/50. When I bought it as a used car I got a good deal I suppose (they are as cheap as used cars get), but the car has about as much to dislike as there is to like unfortunately. Go for one if buying privately and just do not pay too much and make sure it is a looked after car; all services and belt changes are a must to avoid disaster as with any car. But even if you do all that you may be left with a car with annoying little reliability issues (especially at this age and mileage). But at least it will look good on your drive and I can say with certainty you will enjoy driving it.