2012 Vauxhall Insignia Exclusiv CDTi 2.0 Diesel

Summary:

Not bad

Faults:

A lot of maintenance work, new cam-belt + water pump and so on.

Brake discs and pads.

Exhaust and suspension components as required per MOT.

Coolant leak.

ABS sensor.

Difficulty selecting gears.

Low oil pressure - Oil pick up seal failed and seized engine.

General Comments:

This Insignia, although a basic "Exlcusiv" model, was a really nice looking and comfortable performing car over the time I had it.

2.0 CDTi engine was fast and economical. Great to drive. Engine a bit noisy around town, but a quiet refined cruiser on the motorway doing anything between 50 - 60 mpg.

Very comfortable interior, nice seats and plenty of kit as standard. Rear headroom a little limited if you are 6 foot or more, but otherwise no complaints.

Plenty of space in that boot. Practical car.

It's a shame the engine failed after a well known problem with the oil seal/pick up valve; do check this when buying high mileage diesel Insignia's, they are a known weak spot. I decided to scrap the car as it was higher mileage and older and not worth repairing, gearbox was feeling and sounding dodgy also. Shame really, it was a fantastic car otherwise all the time I had it. I do not know if I'd buy another - I think Vauxhall really dropped the ball here with the Insignia, they really could have had a Ford Mondeo beater if they just put a bit more effort into quality and reliability, and this could have been the perfect car, but in all honesty the Ford Mondeo is still the better car on reliability alone.

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

Review Date: 12th August, 2023

2012 Vauxhall Insignia SRi 1.8 petrol

Summary:

Could have been better, average performing but great looking car

Faults:

Coolant leaks, thermostat, suspension, gearbox whine, clutch, and the air con does not work.

General Comments:

White 2012 Insignia. Really nice looking car. Bigger 18 inch SRi alloy wheels, the car looks amazing. If it had an Audi or BMW badge on it, people would notice it more.

SRi is the spec to have, very nice seats and sharp suspension, and never sacrifices ride quality, except on the roughest of surfaces. Noise suppression is also pretty good.

Performance and economy from this 1.8 petrol engine is pretty poor. I get mid 30's mpg along with lackluster performance. Go for the diesels with more horse power, or the later turbo charged 1.4 petrol.

There is a reason people always say find a trusted independent garage for servicing and repairs - for one you will keep costs down, and two you do not have to go to Vauxhall with a car this age, they are usually pretty uninterested and expensive anyway.

Overall I really like this car, it just annoys me that it could have been so much better. Do not pay too much for a used one and keep an eye out for its common faults and you should be OK.

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

Review Date: 14th July, 2023

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?!?!

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!