22nd May 2022, 15:10
I know its been a while since this comment, but used values have shown the Insignia to be much the same as the Vectra - depreciation dropping fairly quickly as they age (a similar Mondeo is easily more expensive and ultimately a better car. So nothing has changed since the 1990's!).
The Insignia isn't a bad car, it is good, but just not good enough. And reliability is average. Diesels have the same problems as any from this time period (dual mass flywheel, injectors, EGR valve, etc), even Mercedes and BMW are not immune. Play it safe and get a petrol - probably cheaper in the long run.
The 2017 - present day newer Insignia is a very sharp looking car, but long term reliability remains to be seen. So far they seem to be OK though.
28th Jul 2022, 15:26
I wouldn't buy a diesel one of these unless you are certain the common faults associated with them have been fixed recently.
The Insignia is a fine car, just not as well built as some others unfortunately, but you can get them used for very little cash. I got a 2010 model for £1500 with low mileage. A similar Mondeo, or even KIA or Hyundai's family offerings are easily more expensive at around nearly £3000 in this age/mileage range.
10th Nov 2012, 01:31
Unfortunately, the Opel Insignia here in Australia hasn't lost its camber sensitivity that has been commented on by many in the UK, i.e, pulling to the left when releasing the steering wheel in a straight line.
I had a Vauxhall Vectra in England back in 2004, and this car suffered from the camber sensitivity issue, too.
Whilst Opel are free to push their Insignia range as being prestige here in Australia, I don't see any prestige connotations myself, nor will I buying one sometime soon. The driving experience, whilst quick and refined, and far superior to the Vectra, lacks the handling sharpness and driver involvement of a Mazda 6 or Ford Mondeo.
In reality, the Insignia is a rival to Mazda 6, Ford Mondeo, Honda Accord, Hyundai i40 et al.
But what further sullies the case to buy, is the number of clutch and dual mass flywheel failures, brake issues, and an underbonnet fire documented on one example. Vauxhall's responses to such problems is still very, very coy, even dating back to Vectra handbrake failures.
Is this a case of more of the same, despite the Insignia being a demonstrably superior car than the Vectra?
You be the judge.