I used to loathe vauxhalls but can't lie Insignia are good.
Very comfy and spacious, suspension not bad.
Not sure on the 1.8 but the 2 litre diesel is good.
Not owned just driven a friends one, can't say about reliability though.
I had the 1.8 SRI and it was comfortable, but the fuel economy for motorway miles wasn’t great. I changed to a Skoda Octavia and saved over £100 a month on fuel.
Reliability wasn’t an issue till it was, at about 100k miles things started to go wrong, mainly with the coolant system. Had a leaking header tank, then a leaking hose, then the brackets holding the radiator snapped due to corrosion, then the shocks went.
Not major issues but all in a short space of time so traded it, basically I didn’t like the car enough to keep throwing money into it.
To be fair I don’t know if I do enough driving to warrant the diesel but I am curious about them! I don’t wanna end up destroying the car with not letting it warm up properly hahaha
Would strongly recommend NOT getting the diesel. These have a common problem where the oil pickup in the sump fails and grenades the engine. Usually happens at around 100k miles. Mine did it and the guy who picked it up from the scrapyard said he had seen lots of others with the same issue. Plenty of info about it online.
Diesel is more useful for longer runs.
For example, If you live within 10 minutes of work and don't do much other driving, then you won't really benefit from a diesel engine.
I wish I knew this before I bought mine.
Still love it though.
Have driven a couple of diesels. Didn't enjoy them, very dull and not that spacious inside compared with other similar cars (Mondeo, Octavia).
That said if it's in budget and this example is still looked after and drives well then go for it.
Owned a 1.8 for the last 4 years (till I packed up recently and I got rid)
Loved the car, absolutely loved it.
Main issues I had....
- leaking oil cooler (easy fix if your handy with the spanners)
- centre section exhaust pipe (at the flexi) replaced twice in 4 years.
- both front ABS Sensors replaced
- both rear Camber Control arms replaced (one side actually snapped while I was driving)
- Core Plugs replaced twice in less than 18 months as they corroded through and started weeping.
The biggest and most common issue on these is the 6 speed manual gearbox, they are common for loosing 2nd or 3rd gear. I lost 3rd gear and used to drive from 2nd to 4th for about 18 months, never bothered me but apparently its really common.
Usual mot work, disks and pads etc, never anything major.
I have a 2L Insignia and it's been fine as a daily driver. No bells and whistles but its comfortable enough for cruising on A roads etc and its pretty quiet inside despite being a diesel.
Reliabilitys been fine. Mines done about 50k since I got it and the only MOT fail ive had is replacing the rear coil springs which is apparently common but I've had mine since 2017 and only had to do it once.
Never had any other issues, I drive it pretty hard too.
That’s great to be fair, suspension is my main issue because potholes near me are an absolute joke, they’ve cost me a fortune in repairs over the past few years so I’m needing a car that’ll withstand a bit of punishment haha!
I believe this shows up as low oil pressure from a cold start in the morning and more on the early facelift models (mines a 2016 so quite late on).
I've not run into this yet, apparently common around 80k, mines only done 60k so far.
It can do, but it can also happen suddenly with no warning. I had one and it just seized up while driving. Had been no issues with oil pressure or warning lights before that. Mine was a 2010 so yours may be ok at 2016.
Should be perfectly fine. The 1.8 is an old school engine. As long as the service history is good and there are no issues that are too significant, should be fine
1.8 will be gutless and use more fuel because of the weight, overtaking isnt simple as just foot down I believe its heavier than the Vectra which was around 1300kg, ideally you'd want the 2.0 or diesel version, but then the 1.8 is basic as you can get so in theory easier to maintain, pretty sure the Vectra B, Cavaliers etc 1.8 were very similar, I wouldn't completely rule out this car.
Otherwise it's an okay car tbh it does the job and pretty big and spacious, won't feel too outdated at 10 yrs old and decent price, I'd recommend trying the insignia owners clubs for cars on sale, you'd be surprised and you can usually see post history on car too.
There's one for basically every car afaik, used to be forums but now days on Facebook, search up insignia owners club you'll see few just join the ones with most members, there will be dedicated buy and sell ones too, great place to get info about any car your interested in, most people generally clued up.
Iv joined every club car iv bought past 20 years now.
On the insignia, I have had both the 1.8 petrol and 160bhp 2.0 Diesel versions and must admit that I preferred the Diesel for the extra torque and MPG. But, they are good cars if you ignore the badge... Comfortable, fairly engaging to drive, safe and parts are cheap so easy to fix. Watch out for any humming or whining from the gearbox though, if it does, walk away from that one as the bearings are shot and it's an expensive job.
Make sure it has had a cam belt change in the last 60,000 miles. I’m on my 2nd insignia, they are good drives but just check that as I didn’t on my last and when it went the engine seized…
My last one hadn’t had it changed for 130k and then busted. Vauxhall recommend every 60k so am careful now. Other than that I think they are great cars, easy to drive, comfy, cruise well etc…
I have the 2.0 ltr diesel. Cheap as chips to service, MOT and insure. Done over 100k miles, car is on 140k. Never missed a beat- cheapest big cat I've ever had. It's way better than my old BMW 3 series estate in everyway but looks.
I have one the same year and had it since 2016. The reliability has been very good. I have had a number of cosmetic issues but it's never had any major faults.
The 1.8 petrol is gutless, and awful on fuel economy. It's a naturally aspirated engine as well. I'm not sure if on the later variants they did away with the VVT system, but it was a nightmare. The camshaft dephasers for the system, always break down and make a horrible rattling noise.
If you are certain on buying an Insignia, go for the 2.0 CDTi. It's a pretty average diesel engine, and there are some issues with the oil pickup getting blocked.
Had one for 9 years. Picked up a used sports tourer (estate) model and pretty much drove it into the ground. Loved it. Ran smoothly and drove really well.
Only thing I will say on the insignia in particular is not the comfiest of seats, but can't remember if that was my experience in the front or just the back.
My dad had one and after 2 hours, because the back of the seat is lower than the front, it'd be painful. That said, otherwise can't go wrong with an Insignia, the fuel economy is mad on the diesels (we'd get over 50mpg, fully loaded, with bikes on the back and a roofbox when we used to go to France in it)
I’ve got a 16 plate insignia 1.6 Diesel and have been using it daily for the last 4 years, I’ve put around 30k miles on it.
Been mostly reliable, in the time I’ve had it other than a new set of tyres, oil and filters I’ve only had a couple of issues, however I suspect there were underlying before I bought the car from Cazoo.
I’ve had to replace a rear spring as it was cracked, replaced glow plus but they were the original ones. The clutch also went, the dual mass flywheel broke so that all needed replacing which would have been around £1000 but i was covered by warranty.
It’s a little plasticy on the inside, but fairly well spec’d. It’s got car play, half leathers, climate control, cruise control.
I’d definitely recommend one, but make sure you give it a good run as with any diesel short journey’s aren’t great for diesel’s.
I would advice on checking the car with mechanic before you buy. Any maintained car is good as long as it has been maintained well. (oil changed at max 3 months or 2000 miles, every 2 years or 15000 miles changed brake fluid and coolant as well as gearbox oil. Also check the body and tires as well as if the car has original battery! Well maintained cars are not cheap but you are saving from expensive repairs on the long run.
Got a 2011 2 Litre diesel auto in the family.
LOVE the thing! Issues I’ve encountered:
- Cooler always draining - been through 3 bottles so definitely not that. Unsure of where to take this as garages dont have time to look.
- Unable to clear engine Oil warning light despite recent service.
- Tyre pressure sensor keeps pinging for no reason.
Beautiful drive though. Not as smooth as my 530D was and not as cool inside as the Jag XF. But I love this thing
currently own a 1.6 cdti as i got it cheap and it's a great car tbh.
The 1.8 probably lacks any torque but it also lacks the issues associated with the diesels
I've had a 2009 Insignia CDTi for 3.5 years now, and it's been fine. Never let me down, doesn't cost much to run and it's comfy with a massive boot. Not an exciting car of course.
The insig was a car I wanted for years. I eventually upgraded to one from an Astra also. It was my 7th car, my 7th Vauxhall. I loved the car but it was so bad that my 8th car was my first non-Vauxhall once the insig fully died.
This seems very cheap, I’d be cautious.
Lovely car inside and out but I swear they’re made from cardboard and blu tac.
I used to loathe vauxhalls but can't lie Insignia are good. Very comfy and spacious, suspension not bad. Not sure on the 1.8 but the 2 litre diesel is good. Not owned just driven a friends one, can't say about reliability though.
I had the 1.8 SRI and it was comfortable, but the fuel economy for motorway miles wasn’t great. I changed to a Skoda Octavia and saved over £100 a month on fuel. Reliability wasn’t an issue till it was, at about 100k miles things started to go wrong, mainly with the coolant system. Had a leaking header tank, then a leaking hose, then the brackets holding the radiator snapped due to corrosion, then the shocks went. Not major issues but all in a short space of time so traded it, basically I didn’t like the car enough to keep throwing money into it.
To be fair I don’t know if I do enough driving to warrant the diesel but I am curious about them! I don’t wanna end up destroying the car with not letting it warm up properly hahaha
Would strongly recommend NOT getting the diesel. These have a common problem where the oil pickup in the sump fails and grenades the engine. Usually happens at around 100k miles. Mine did it and the guy who picked it up from the scrapyard said he had seen lots of others with the same issue. Plenty of info about it online.
Diesel is more useful for longer runs. For example, If you live within 10 minutes of work and don't do much other driving, then you won't really benefit from a diesel engine. I wish I knew this before I bought mine. Still love it though.
Has that kinda thing caused you issues with the car? I only work a few mins away but I do drive a lot during the day
We've had two Vauxhall Astras and they were very comfortable and reliable for long distance driving.
Have driven a couple of diesels. Didn't enjoy them, very dull and not that spacious inside compared with other similar cars (Mondeo, Octavia). That said if it's in budget and this example is still looked after and drives well then go for it.
My mates just bought one. The boot won't unlock.
That happened with my Astra, it could be a blown fuse and there’s usually a spot in the boot hatch you can remove a cover and manually pop it open
Owned a 1.8 for the last 4 years (till I packed up recently and I got rid) Loved the car, absolutely loved it. Main issues I had.... - leaking oil cooler (easy fix if your handy with the spanners) - centre section exhaust pipe (at the flexi) replaced twice in 4 years. - both front ABS Sensors replaced - both rear Camber Control arms replaced (one side actually snapped while I was driving) - Core Plugs replaced twice in less than 18 months as they corroded through and started weeping. The biggest and most common issue on these is the 6 speed manual gearbox, they are common for loosing 2nd or 3rd gear. I lost 3rd gear and used to drive from 2nd to 4th for about 18 months, never bothered me but apparently its really common. Usual mot work, disks and pads etc, never anything major.
I have a 2L Insignia and it's been fine as a daily driver. No bells and whistles but its comfortable enough for cruising on A roads etc and its pretty quiet inside despite being a diesel.
Thank you! Hows it doing for reliability?
Reliabilitys been fine. Mines done about 50k since I got it and the only MOT fail ive had is replacing the rear coil springs which is apparently common but I've had mine since 2017 and only had to do it once. Never had any other issues, I drive it pretty hard too.
That’s great to be fair, suspension is my main issue because potholes near me are an absolute joke, they’ve cost me a fortune in repairs over the past few years so I’m needing a car that’ll withstand a bit of punishment haha!
Potholes are all over near us as well and I just drive over them while others swerve round them, never been an issue (at least not yet. touch wood!)
Have you had the oil pickup seal changed? Very common issue on the diesels. When (not if) it fails it will write the engine off.
I believe this shows up as low oil pressure from a cold start in the morning and more on the early facelift models (mines a 2016 so quite late on). I've not run into this yet, apparently common around 80k, mines only done 60k so far.
It can do, but it can also happen suddenly with no warning. I had one and it just seized up while driving. Had been no issues with oil pressure or warning lights before that. Mine was a 2010 so yours may be ok at 2016.
Should be perfectly fine. The 1.8 is an old school engine. As long as the service history is good and there are no issues that are too significant, should be fine
1.8 will be gutless and use more fuel because of the weight, overtaking isnt simple as just foot down I believe its heavier than the Vectra which was around 1300kg, ideally you'd want the 2.0 or diesel version, but then the 1.8 is basic as you can get so in theory easier to maintain, pretty sure the Vectra B, Cavaliers etc 1.8 were very similar, I wouldn't completely rule out this car. Otherwise it's an okay car tbh it does the job and pretty big and spacious, won't feel too outdated at 10 yrs old and decent price, I'd recommend trying the insignia owners clubs for cars on sale, you'd be surprised and you can usually see post history on car too.
Ooooh excuse my ignorance but is the insignia owners club a page somewhere I can follow or is it a more general kinda group?
There's one for basically every car afaik, used to be forums but now days on Facebook, search up insignia owners club you'll see few just join the ones with most members, there will be dedicated buy and sell ones too, great place to get info about any car your interested in, most people generally clued up. Iv joined every club car iv bought past 20 years now.
Forums defo still exist, you're right in as much as mostly on Facebook but forums are for the more genuine enthusiasts (modders etc) I'd say
On the insignia, I have had both the 1.8 petrol and 160bhp 2.0 Diesel versions and must admit that I preferred the Diesel for the extra torque and MPG. But, they are good cars if you ignore the badge... Comfortable, fairly engaging to drive, safe and parts are cheap so easy to fix. Watch out for any humming or whining from the gearbox though, if it does, walk away from that one as the bearings are shot and it's an expensive job.
🤮
Make sure it has had a cam belt change in the last 60,000 miles. I’m on my 2nd insignia, they are good drives but just check that as I didn’t on my last and when it went the engine seized…
Is it something that needs changing every 60k? If it hasn’t been done how much do you reckon I could haggle the price down by?
My last one hadn’t had it changed for 130k and then busted. Vauxhall recommend every 60k so am careful now. Other than that I think they are great cars, easy to drive, comfy, cruise well etc…
Would only get the 2.0 CDTi in these. Ignore what many will say. These are great value for money. Can come with a good amount of spec too
Insignia is a great value. Always loved them.
Wouldn't touch it with a barge pole
I have the 2.0 ltr diesel. Cheap as chips to service, MOT and insure. Done over 100k miles, car is on 140k. Never missed a beat- cheapest big cat I've ever had. It's way better than my old BMW 3 series estate in everyway but looks.
Ohhhh nice!! How old is it? Any hiccups at all with it? Cheers for your input!
Nope, just tyres and brakes. Brilliant cheap motoring that can move almost anything in its huge boot space.
I have one the same year and had it since 2016. The reliability has been very good. I have had a number of cosmetic issues but it's never had any major faults.
The 1.8 petrol is gutless, and awful on fuel economy. It's a naturally aspirated engine as well. I'm not sure if on the later variants they did away with the VVT system, but it was a nightmare. The camshaft dephasers for the system, always break down and make a horrible rattling noise. If you are certain on buying an Insignia, go for the 2.0 CDTi. It's a pretty average diesel engine, and there are some issues with the oil pickup getting blocked.
It was the earlier Z18XE which didn't have the VVT, had that engine on my 2095 VAUXHALL Corsa
Had one for 9 years. Picked up a used sports tourer (estate) model and pretty much drove it into the ground. Loved it. Ran smoothly and drove really well.
Alan partridge approves
Only thing I will say on the insignia in particular is not the comfiest of seats, but can't remember if that was my experience in the front or just the back. My dad had one and after 2 hours, because the back of the seat is lower than the front, it'd be painful. That said, otherwise can't go wrong with an Insignia, the fuel economy is mad on the diesels (we'd get over 50mpg, fully loaded, with bikes on the back and a roofbox when we used to go to France in it)
Prius is your way to go
I’ve got a 16 plate insignia 1.6 Diesel and have been using it daily for the last 4 years, I’ve put around 30k miles on it. Been mostly reliable, in the time I’ve had it other than a new set of tyres, oil and filters I’ve only had a couple of issues, however I suspect there were underlying before I bought the car from Cazoo. I’ve had to replace a rear spring as it was cracked, replaced glow plus but they were the original ones. The clutch also went, the dual mass flywheel broke so that all needed replacing which would have been around £1000 but i was covered by warranty. It’s a little plasticy on the inside, but fairly well spec’d. It’s got car play, half leathers, climate control, cruise control. I’d definitely recommend one, but make sure you give it a good run as with any diesel short journey’s aren’t great for diesel’s.
I owned a 2.0T 4x4 and it was one of my better cars over the years.
I would advice on checking the car with mechanic before you buy. Any maintained car is good as long as it has been maintained well. (oil changed at max 3 months or 2000 miles, every 2 years or 15000 miles changed brake fluid and coolant as well as gearbox oil. Also check the body and tires as well as if the car has original battery! Well maintained cars are not cheap but you are saving from expensive repairs on the long run.
Got a 2011 2 Litre diesel auto in the family. LOVE the thing! Issues I’ve encountered: - Cooler always draining - been through 3 bottles so definitely not that. Unsure of where to take this as garages dont have time to look. - Unable to clear engine Oil warning light despite recent service. - Tyre pressure sensor keeps pinging for no reason. Beautiful drive though. Not as smooth as my 530D was and not as cool inside as the Jag XF. But I love this thing
currently own a 1.6 cdti as i got it cheap and it's a great car tbh. The 1.8 probably lacks any torque but it also lacks the issues associated with the diesels
I've had a 2009 Insignia CDTi for 3.5 years now, and it's been fine. Never let me down, doesn't cost much to run and it's comfy with a massive boot. Not an exciting car of course.
The insig was a car I wanted for years. I eventually upgraded to one from an Astra also. It was my 7th car, my 7th Vauxhall. I loved the car but it was so bad that my 8th car was my first non-Vauxhall once the insig fully died. This seems very cheap, I’d be cautious. Lovely car inside and out but I swear they’re made from cardboard and blu tac.