2011 Vauxhall Insignia SRi 1.8 16v petrol from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Very nice!

Faults:

The car had a misfire on purchase, dealer changed the coil pack under warranty = problem solved.

The rest was just wear and tear, I have changed the timing belt (it was overdue) and water pump at last service, recommended if keeping these cars beyond 100K miles.

According to the history the gearbox (M32) was reconditioned at some point. Common fault unfortunately, do check this out if buying a 2008 - 2013 Insignia.

General Comments:

Good looking and fun to drive, yes the Insignia can impress despite what you might have heard.

Much better car than my old VW Passat, which was overrated.

I don't get why the Insignia gets such bad press; cheap to buy used and just as capable as any car in the same class.

Really good looking in white with window tints, SRi model looks great, 17 inch alloy wheels and all electrics plus sporty comfy seats. Ride is a bit firm, but not uncomfortable.

1.8 is not the fastest engine, and the best I have managed so far is 37 MPG, but that is OK for a 1.8 petrol in a heavy car. Best suited to long journeys. Perfect motorway cruiser.

Love it, clean and simple Vauxhall, can see myself keeping this a long time. Tax is rather expensive, but the car is otherwise as cheap to run as a car this size will get these days.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 23rd July, 2024

2011 Vauxhall Insignia SRi Nav 1.8 petrol from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Brilliant

Faults:

Oil cooler replaced.

Clutch judder.

Rear brake pad issue with electronic parking brake (grinding).

Coolant expansion tank split (very common).

In its last few years with me it was cosmetically looking pretty rough inside and out, but it did get heavy family use.

General Comments:

Gorgeous car the Insignia, especially in black with the 18 inch alloy wheels.

SRi Nav is a good spec, plenty of toys and stiffer suspension. Interior with grey/black sports seats is extra comfortable.

Quite a blind spot when reversing, but the car is otherwise great to drive.

1.8 petrol not the best engine, average performance and economy. Certainly more reliable than diesels (if looked after correctly). That's why I bought it to be honest.

Super smooth on motorways, this car is built for long distance cruising, not the best car for shorter journeys. MPG really suffers on short journeys (less than 32 MPG!). But motorway cruising expect around 37 + MPG, much better. It is a heavy car remember.

Massive amount of space inside, lots of storage areas.

Built in Sat Nav is/was very dated, but it's fairly easy to update or retro fit a better one.

Just a brilliant all round car, I only traded it last year because it was getting older and the miles were getting higher.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 31st May, 2024

2011 Vauxhall Insignia ES 2.0 CDTi from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Smooth

Faults:

Oil leak, notchy gearbox, DMF rattle, usual mechanical faults for the age and miles.

Low oil pressure - oil seal pick up valve replaced.

Headlights gather condensation even with replacement units, very common fault, hard to seal them correctly. I have found leaving the rubber backing caps off the main headlights to let the air circulate better seems to work for the most part.

General Comments:

Grey 2011 Insignia, very common car and colour. Popular CDTi model.

The car is very, very smooth to drive and spacious. Huge car in this class. Comfort levels are top tier even though this is a very basic model (ES) which is actually one below the "Exclusiv" model. But the seats are very comfortable, the ride is super smooth, and the car still has electric windows and mirrors.

Pretty good to drive, gear change is OK despite being notchy sometimes. Acceleration is good and economy is around 45 mpg.

Good looking car, even with wheel trims and a basic model and colour.

Not quite as reliable or economical as my old Skoda Octavia, but the Insignia is a great car for the money. Watch out for the oil seal pick up valve failing, a very common fault on higher mileage diesels. I had mine fixed before it became a problem, but this is a £500 job. But it was worth it as my car was looked after (all services and timing has belt done also). So it should still last a long time despite being over a decade old and higher mileage now.

Buy a looked after Insignia with common faults attended to and you have one of the biggest and best driving cars on the market for the money!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 19th May, 2024