2012 Vauxhall Insignia SRI Nav 1.8 petrol

Summary:

Average

Faults:

Thermostat, expansion tank leak, general cooling problems.

Various sensors.

Gearbox failure (very expensive).

Plus the usual wear and tear (brakes, exhaust, etc)

Try to keep the car serviced on time and looked after. Done the cambelt as well.

General Comments:

The Insignia SRi is a really good looking and comfortable car, but that's about it. Everything else is average. And the car has had too many issues in my opinion. Just do an internet search for M32 gearbox, very common and expensive failure. Fitted to the Astra and some other cars as well, avoid cars with this gearbox if you can.

Shame really as the car is otherwise OK and a decent Ford Mondeo rival. Better than my previous Peugeot 407, but that wouldn't be too hard.

Want to like it more, but just not reliable.

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

Review Date: 12th June, 2023

18th Jun 2023, 16:26

My thoughts exactly. The Insignia is a fine car, but that M32 gearbox is a pain on any car it is fitted to; my Astra with the same box did the same - started to be difficult to shift and then there was a whine/grind noise heard above 40 mph in 5th/6th gear, changed the worn bearings (expensive!) and although better it was still notchy to use and just felt horrible. What were Vauxhall thinking fitting this crappy gearbox to all their cars at this time?!?!

In reply to 18th Jun 2023, 16:26

24th Jun 2023, 14:17

As it turns out the gearbox used in this car was also fitted to Fiat's and Alfa Romeo's at the time. Should tell you all you need to know about its reliability!

2012 Vauxhall Insignia SE Sports Tourer 2.0 CDTi

Summary:

A middle of the road vehicle, but nice enough to drive and own

Faults:

When I bought the car a lot of common expensive faults had been addressed; DPF replaced, injectors replaced. I would advise anyone buying a diesel to check these items. Mine is an automatic; if manual check the clutch and flywheel. Thankfully I have had no problems with the auto box.

In my ownership of one year I have replaced the brake pads and front discs, that is all, and it has had a service.

General Comments:

The Sports Tourer Insignia is just an estate car version of the more common hatchback. You get a lot more space, though I think other cars in this class are bigger, so if you carry a lot this still might not be big enough for you.

As a family car it does me fine; the car is nice to drive, performs OK and even with the auto transmission, the 2.0 turbo diesel engine still can manage close to around 50 mpg.

SE model is well equipped, the interior is comfortable and quiet to be in. Center console is a little fiddly at first but you get used to it.

Outside I think the car looks great, the Insignia is a very sharp looking car, best in darker colors, mine is a dark metallic brown (looks black in anything but direct sunlight) which is a pretty rare color.

In short if you are after a family car, you could do a lot worse than one of these. Used prices are as cheap as it gets.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 28th October, 2022

2012 Vauxhall Insignia SRi 1.8 petrol

Summary:

Comfortable cruiser

Faults:

Not much, only had it a year and put average mileage on it. Service and MOT gave no advisories. Looking through the details in the car's history however, the usual consumables have been replaced.

General Comments:

Light blue Insignia SRi, a petrol model which is rare as most of these are diesel. Good looking car.

1.8 petrol has decent power and you can get 40 mpg taking it easy.

Interior is nice if a bit grey and plastic.

Recommended if you want a quiet comfortable cruiser, you can get these cars very cheap now. A looked after one should also prove reliable.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 22nd July, 2022

27th Jul 2022, 15:22

The Insignia is a decent car, and reminds me of the old Cavalier and Vectra from Vauxhall (it is after all their successor) but is obviously more advanced. Petrol's do seem more reliable than diesels, something to keep in mind when buying used.

In reply to 27th Jul 2022, 15:22

10th Sep 2023, 21:44

Any engine and spec is a safe bet for the Insignia now - there are lots of them for real cheap on the used market, find a looked after car and you cannot go wrong.

2012 Vauxhall Insignia Elite Nav CDTi 2.0 turbo diesel

Summary:

Great looking, and a pleasure to own

Faults:

Nothing has gone wrong at all; the only problem is my local dealer has a very poor way of treating the customer and the car when in for a service.

General Comments:

Very good car. Thought my Omega was outstanding, but this is a worthy replacement.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 7th July, 2014

23rd Jan 2018, 14:58

Would have liked a longer more in depth review, but I get what you are saying. These "family" sized cars are now almost on par with larger executive cars from the past, in regards to refinement.

Also after test driving both the Ford Mondeo and Vauxhall Insignia, they are excellent cars and there is very little rivalry between them now as well; all are very capable cars in every way. Looking to buy an upgraded shape Insignia 2013 model - it is a very sharp looking car in a dark color with the right alloy wheels.

In reply to 23rd Jan 2018, 14:58

14th Mar 2018, 13:45

These are good cars, but watch the depreciation when buying used. You can get a 2010 model Insignia for about £3000 or much less now. They are not holding value well. A similar Mondeo would be much more.