2009 Vauxhall Insignia SRi 1.8 petrol from UK and Ireland
Summary:
Good looking, nice to drive, cheap to buy but average in all other areas
Faults:
Engine management light illuminated, mid and rear exhaust section needed replaced, front shocks replaced, new discs and pads all round for the brakes at MOT time.
Air con will no longer work, and then the rear boot motor stopped working and jammed the hatch shut, a major pain but got it sorted for cheap.
I keep the car serviced on time with any oil/belt changes as scheduled. Cosmetically the car is in great shape for its age, inside and out.
General Comments:
A very smart looking modern car for 14 years old. Drives very well also. These early Insignia's can be bought for less than £3000 and are a good family/executive car.
Downside is they feel a bit cheap and nasty now, materials inside are nice enough but the car looks like a tonne of plastic was used everywhere. The seats on this SRi model are very comfortable however. Being a 2009 model I have a manual handbrake - much better than later electronic ones.
1.8 petrol engine is a bit dated, in fact I think it is much the same engine used in the Vectra in its last few years. Plodding performance and you only get 37 mpg which isn't really good enough by today's standard. Quite expensive to tax also. However insurance and repairs have been cheap enough. Vauxhall dealers are uninterested in cars of this age, I got a cold reception when going to my local dealer for service or repairs. Find a friendly back street garage at this age - much better and cheaper.
All in all it is an older car now, but I will keep it so long as it runs.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know
Review Date: 23rd April, 2023
25th Apr 2021, 13:47
All DPF's are a real pain on modern diesels. I have found longer drives seem to keep them good. You do not need to do an expensive "re-gen" or replacement if you keep them clear with a firm long drive now and then, if you have been doing too many short journeys.