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

Volkswagen Golf

Volkswagen Golf

RRP £12,494Avg. savings £2,429 off RRP*Used from £10,895
MG MG4

MG MG4

RRP £17,990Avg. savings £2,756 off RRP*Used from £10,815
Volkswagen Tiguan

Volkswagen Tiguan

RRP £37,020Avg. savings £3,308 off RRP*Used from £22,000
Toyota Yaris Cross
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Volkswagen’s culling of 75 models by 2035 was inevitable, says CEO
Volkswagen Polo - front cornering

Volkswagen’s culling of 75 models by 2035 was inevitable, says CEO

Brand boss Thomas Schäfer says halving the number of models made by the VW Group is part of a “natural transition”
News
14 Oct 2026
Car Deal of the Day: Hyundai Ioniq 3 at £206 per month will get the neighbours talking
Hyundai Ioniq 3 - front action

Car Deal of the Day: Hyundai Ioniq 3 at £206 per month will get the neighbours talking

The Ioniq 3 is one of a new crop of affordable EVs. It’s our Deal of the Day for 15 October.
News
15 Oct 2026
Mazda CX-30 updated in bid to push back the Ford Puma
2027 Mazda CX-30 - grey front 3/4

Mazda CX-30 updated in bid to push back the Ford Puma

Sporty new trim level and fresh colours mark out 2027 update for popular Mazda crossover
News
14 Oct 2026