Faults:

Mostly just wear and tear (exhaust, suspension, brakes, etc).

Coolant leak (expansion tank fails, very common).

12v socket in center of dash stopped working.

Armrest broke.

Oil leaking at rocker cover gasket, common but in no hurry to fix, no significant loss.

General Comments:

After hearing horror stories about how bad this car was, I took a chance on this 2015 SRi Insignia. After a test drive I was impressed - the car drove very smoothly and was a nice price.

I believe the diesel Insignias (CDTi) are more problematic than petrol, so that is why I went for this 1.8 VVT petrol engine. In all honesty go for the more modern 1.4 turbo petrol unit - this old school 1.8 has average performance and economy, really nothing special at all. It was a dated under-powered engine even in the Vectra. And the Insignia is a heavier car! A 2.0 petrol with more power and torque would have been a better choice.

That said, the car is otherwise fantastic to drive. Sharp handling on the SRi. Ride a little bumpy on rough roads but no big deal. Seats are very comfortable.

Love the looks, 18 inch alloy wheels, white exterior with windows tints. Inside also styled very nicely.

This is a facelifted car (2015) much better than earlier 2008 - 2013 models. If you can find one on the used market at a nice price, go for it, make sure it has history, these require frequent oil changes and the timing belt is due at this age and mileage.

Faults:

EGR valve, coolant leak, suspension at front, battery, A/C not working, typical higher mileage car stuff. Diesel engine a bit nosier now.

General Comments:

This diesel Insignia has been ideal for me - needed a great looking and comfortable family car that is cheap to run and it has delivered.

Reliability has been average however, these cars do have their issues but they are relatively easy to fix.

Design model is a bit basic, but you still get plenty of electrics. Interior is very nice and refined. Love driving this car.

2.0 CDTi is powerful and always does over 55 mpg.

Avoid Vauxhall main dealers like the plague - they are overpriced. Honestly put me off the brand soo much that I do not know if I would buy another. They will stand there with a smug look on their face as they charge you thousands for something that can be done much cheaper elsewhere. I got all my repairs done by a local garage for less than half of what they quoted for any repair work. That is just my experience of main dealers. But with any car that is getting older you should always find a good local garage for repairs.

In short they are a pretty cheap to buy and run car, just watch for annoying little common faults and make sure you know a good mechanic that knows these cars well to help you out and you have a winner; the Insignia is a good looking, economical, good to drive car that can last with preventative maintenance.

Faults:

Cam-belt change, front suspension shocks, brake pads, all the usual stuff that comes with age and mileage. The car has no major faults and looks great for nearly 8 years old.

General Comments:

My silver 2015 Insignia has been a great car to own the last few years. Easy on running costs and very easy to live with, but for a run of the mill car it still drives very well.

1.8 16v petrol is less common than diesels, and only does 40 mpg at best, but is more reliable from what I have heard. My engine has never missed a beat, and is quiet and refined also. Fast enough for every day driving.

Pretty much every garage you find in the UK can service or repair these cars for a fair price, so there is no need to go to a Vauxhall main dealer for anything. My experience of them has always been negative - too expensive and just not interested in older cars. And since it is getting older now (and well out of warranty) there is plenty of knowledge from most mechanics about these cars elsewhere.

Design trim is rather basic, I would have preferred an SRi, but this car does me fine, it is usually only me that is in it and it has A/C, electric windows, cruise control, etc. Seats are comfortable also.

Easy to live with, excellent value for money as a used buy.