Skip advert
Advertisement

Used Vauxhall Insignia (Mk1, 2008-2017) review - What do owners think? 

The Vauxhall Insignia scored poorly for build quality and reliability in Driver Power, but parts should at least be inexpensive

Feedback from the Auto Express Driver Power 2015 satisfaction survey suggests the Vauxhall Insignia isn’t the most dependable car on the market. It ranked in a lowly 170th place in the reliability category of the poll.

The interior makes a decent impression, using good-quality materials. The upmarket feel is enhanced on higher-spec cars, which come with leather upholstery and plusher trim than on entry-level and mid-range versions. However, owners who have lived with the car for some time score it down for build quality (the Insignia ranked 159th in this category in Driver Power 2015).

Advertisement - Article continues below

A year later, a score of 136th in the 2016 Driver Power satisfaction survey was no surprise for an ageing car. However, just one top 100 score was disappointing (67th for practicality). Next came 112th for seat comfort, while the lowest rating was 142nd for ease of driving. Reliability was rated at 141st.

Reliability

Vauxhall is showing no sign of improvement. A finish of 24th out of 29 brands in our 2021 Driver Power survey of the best manufacturers suggests that visiting a Vauxhall dealer won’t be a pleasurable experience. Finding a cheaper and reliable independent specialist might be the answer.

On the plus side, Insignia parts tend to be inexpensive and the proven engines are reliable if well maintained. It’s also worth remembering that an ex-company car probably led an easy life pounding the motorways of Britain. As regular maintenance is part of a lease agreement, these cars can be excellent used buys.

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Omoda 5

Omoda 5

RRP £23,990Avg. savings £1,535 off RRP*
Vauxhall Corsa

Vauxhall Corsa

RRP £19,690Avg. savings £6,138 off RRP*Used from £10,549
Nissan Qashqai

Nissan Qashqai

RRP £27,415Avg. savings £6,037 off RRP*Used from £9,970
Dacia Spring

Dacia Spring

RRP £14,995Avg. savings £4,588 off RRP*
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Diesel cars aren’t dead, in fact they’re even starting to make a comeback
Opinion - Vauxhall Grandland

Diesel cars aren’t dead, in fact they’re even starting to make a comeback

If you're looking for the most cost-effective cars to run, Mike Rutherford thinks you shouldn't discount diesel
Opinion
1 Mar 2026
Used Range Rover (Mk5, 2021-date) buyer’s guide: top of the luxury SUV list
Used Range Rover Mk5 - front static

Used Range Rover (Mk5, 2021-date) buyer’s guide: top of the luxury SUV list

A full used buyer's guide on the Range Rover Mk5 that's been on sale in the UK since 2021
Used car tests
1 Mar 2026
Most efficient electric cars 2026
Most efficient electric cars - header image

Most efficient electric cars 2026

These are the top electric cars if efficiency rather than range is key to you...
Best cars & vans
1 Mar 2026