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 Tiguan

Volkswagen Tiguan

RRP £38,050Avg. savings £3,063 off RRP*Used from £25,149
Skoda Kodiaq

Skoda Kodiaq

RRP £39,045Avg. savings £4,963 off RRP*Used from £10,490
Renault Clio

Renault Clio

RRP £16,275Avg. savings £2,564 off RRP*Used from £6,795
MG MG4

MG MG4

RRP £27,005Avg. savings £5,225 off RRP*Used from £8,695
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Dacia Duster and Bigster hybrids get a hefty price cut
Dacia Duster - cornering

Dacia Duster and Bigster hybrids get a hefty price cut

The Dacia Duster and Bigster hybrid models now start from £23,345 and £26,715 respectively
News
4 Aug 2026
New Volkswagen ID.3 Neo 2026 review: EV puts VW back where it belongs
New Volkswagen ID.3 Neo - front tracking

New Volkswagen ID.3 Neo 2026 review: EV puts VW back where it belongs

Has VW’s all-electric hatchback finally grown up? We get behind the wheel to find out
Road tests
4 Aug 2026
Long-term test: Renault 4 E-Tech Iconic+
Renault 4 - charging fleetwatch

Long-term test: Renault 4 E-Tech Iconic+

Second fleetwatch report: living without a home charger means regular public charging, but the R4 is proving it isn’t as inconvenient as expected
Long-term tests
5 Aug 2026