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

Nissan Juke

Nissan Juke

RRP £19,785Avg. savings £4,644 off RRP*Used from £8,995
Volkswagen Tiguan

Volkswagen Tiguan

RRP £38,030Avg. savings £3,560 off RRP*Used from £25,400
Volkswagen Golf

Volkswagen Golf

RRP £24,625Avg. savings £2,502 off RRP*Used from £10,295
Audi A3

Audi A3

RRP £26,295Avg. savings £4,581 off RRP*Used from £11,936
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New AUDI E5 Sportback 2026 review: the best car Audi has built in decades
AUDI E5 Sportback - front tracking

New AUDI E5 Sportback 2026 review: the best car Audi has built in decades

This is the first car from Audi's China-focused sub-brand, and it's a real shame that we won't be getting it
Road tests
16 Jan 2026
Dacia’s jam-packed 2026 diary revealed: A hybrid Sandero, new Spring and much more
Dacia Spring facelift - full front

Dacia’s jam-packed 2026 diary revealed: A hybrid Sandero, new Spring and much more

Dacia posted big sales last year. We reveal six new products to make the budget brand blow up in ‘26
News
17 Jan 2026
Volkswagen ID. Tiguan spied with brand new body and interior
Volkswagen ID. Tiguan - front 3/4

Volkswagen ID. Tiguan spied with brand new body and interior

The transformation from ID.4 to ID. Tiguan will be big, as VW preps one its most important new cars of 2026
News
15 Jan 2026