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

Vauxhall Corsa

Vauxhall Corsa

RRP £18,505Avg. savings £4,317 off RRP*Used from £19,564
Kia Sportage

Kia Sportage

RRP £27,795Avg. savings £2,400 off RRP*Used from £18,203
Omoda 5

Omoda 5

RRP £25,235Avg. savings £1,824 off RRP*Used from £24,000
Nissan Qashqai

Nissan Qashqai

RRP £27,135Avg. savings £5,771 off RRP*Used from £13,571
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New Renault Clio to shun electric power and stick with petrol and hybrid options
Renault Clio design render - front

New Renault Clio to shun electric power and stick with petrol and hybrid options

Renault’s sixth-generation Clio hatchback will get a clean look and hi-tech kit, and our exclusive images show what it could look like
News
12 Feb 2025
Car Deal of the Day: retro Renault 5 for £232 per month, plus four years to enjoy it
Renault 5 - front cornering

Car Deal of the Day: retro Renault 5 for £232 per month, plus four years to enjoy it

The reborn Renault 5 is one of the most feverishly anticipated cars in a long time, and at such a low price, our Deal of the Day for 8 February is a p…
News
8 Feb 2025
Should you buy a Chinese electric car? Prices, quality, reliability and ethics explored
BYD Seal - front cornering

Should you buy a Chinese electric car? Prices, quality, reliability and ethics explored

There’s a lot of misinformation out there about Chinese electric cars. We’re here to separate the fact from the fiction
Features
7 Feb 2025