17th Jun 2026, 17:00
Agreed. Early Insignia's were.. interesting.
The newer model is much better (2017 onward) but unfortunately is not without its issues. Guy in my work has a 2017 with the 1.5T petrol engine, its a fine and economical quiet unit, but the timing chain needs changed now at high miles (expensive).
According to mechanics I talk to, the diesels suffer from the usual diesel issues as well at high miles. But a significant improvement in reliability over older ones. And not the cars fault but there is "Adblu" in them now - a major pain on all modern diesels. The gearboxes both manual and auto are also much better at least. I'd highly recommend them over any of the older Insignia's - You can get them real cheap now as well. Just make sure you buy a low mileage cared for example and do not pay too much.
10th Jun 2026, 14:59
The 1.8 is a horrible engine.
Gutless to the point that it makes a Prius feel nippy in comparison to and guzzles fuel like nobody's business. It's not ULEV "friendly" and it has its fair share of reliability issues such as the PCV valve that blows a hole and blows the headgasket. Absolutely horrible engine. Avoid it at all costs. Avoid it like the plague. Whether it's an STD or COVID-19. Not to mention that it's totally unsuitable for the sheer mass of the Insignia. Oh yes, the Insignia is a fatty.
The Insignia only works if it's got a 2.0 16v Turbo PETROL under the bonnet, but prepared for its thirst for petrol and road tax.
The 160, 163, 170 and 190 CDTI are good when they work, but a kick in the groin when they don't... The 1.6 CDTI? Forget about it. Even worse than the 2.0 CDTI.
The 2.8 Turbo V6 is smooth as silk, but drinks like a twin-turbo V8, emits as much CO2 as twin-turbo V8 SUV and has timing chain problems and Haldex problems as well.
Yeah, the ideal Insignia is the 2.0 Turbo PETROL with FWD and preferably a manual transmission.