Faults:

Mostly cooling issues, overheating. Suspected head gasket.

Oil cooler also on the way out.

General Comments:

White 2011 Insignia SRi Vx Line, a great looking sporty (looks only!) car.

Full body-kit and bigger alloy wheels, with windows tinted. This is a very good looking car.

It's actually really nice to drive. Gearbox shift is super smooth, and the car is quiet around town and on motorways.

It's a shame the 1.8 engine has not got the power to match the excellent handling (grips like glue in corners). The car handles very well and deserves a more powerful engine. This 1.8 is not matched well with this heavy car, it is also too expensive to tax (over £300 per year) and barely does 34 mpg. Rubbish today in 2026.

VERY spacious and comfortable, inside the SRi Vx Line gets some nice interior touches and comfy seats.

Vauxhall main dealers are uninterested when I inquired about parts and servicing. I do not think they care for older cars.

The reason I keep it around is I wanted to like this car soo much, as I said, the looks are deceptive. I think Vauxhall tried with this car - they wanted it to be good, but falls short in too many areas. As a used buy, it's a minefield, to be honest all Insignia's have common problems with their engines and gearboxes. I would love another, maybe a more powerful diesel version, but only one with verified history of all common problems sorted out. I bought this one a few years ago with patchy history and that was a mistake, but thankfully I didn't pay too much for it and my local mechanic has helped out a lot at a fair price, but I do not think I'd take a chance on one of these cars again. They are cheap to buy and insure at-least, but poor economy (from this 1.8) and too high tax and many dodgy issues make it a poor choice for running on a tight budget. I'll keep this one till the engine blows up, then scrap it, it is not worth much at this age and mileage.

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.

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.