Should you buy an old Vauxhall (Opel) Insignia? A cheap German Saloon

Designed in Germany, built in Germany and a car that even comes with a German name. So why then is the Vauxhall Insignia still seen as beneath its German saloon counterparts? That's what I wanted to find out, so I bought one.

Specifically a 2009 2.0 Diesel G09 Insignia with 78,000 miles on the clock. This was my personal daily for the last 3.5 months and this is my extended test drive and review.

Having grown up with VW's, I was without doubt one of the people who disregarded Vauxhalls as beneath the other known German brands. Of course they are aimed at different price points an so the Insignia is obviously going to be less refined than an Audi A6 for example. But what are they like to own?

Well, solid. If I was only permitted to use one word it would be solid. Big, heavy and while the cornering may be questionable, you don't buy a diesel Insignia for track days.

I think it's best suited to long commutes and motorway driving. It's relatively comfortable, lots of space in the cabin, massive boot and very good on fuel.

This is the 2nd car in the series where I am buying, fixing up and selling and I've once again made profit. It you would prefer to watch a video to that regard, the link is below.

I hope at least one of you found this useful and I will see you next time. I'm back on the hunt for another affordable car!

00:00 Intro
00:50 Interior
02:48 Dimensions
03:27 Performance
04:41 OPC Insignia
04:53 MPG
05:37 Exterior
06:02 Strange Features
07:27 Should you Buy One?
08:05 Outro

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WHO AM I:
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I should also add that some of the links to my gear are affiliate links and if you buy through them, you'll be helping me out!

[Z_EOS]

I own 2011 2.0Dci sri ecoflex estate . Have it since 2017, done 100K miles with it. I can't be happier. We even sleep in the back with my wife on some trips as when you fold the back seats, me being 185cm tall and I can sleep with legs sttatched straight ( camping mattress and sleeping bag)... Can't be happier with the car!

[Jimbo]

The hatchback Insignia is a much better looking car. Also, even more practical.

If you're looking at the pre-facelift model (like this car), don't go for a bog standard trim so avoid ES and Exclusiv. Look for an SRI Nav (CD500 Navi as a minimum) or above. Go for a car with 18 inch alloys and some decent name tyres on it. Handles surprisingly well with not a great deal lost in comfort.

The one to go for is probably an Insignia CDTI with 158 bhp. Get an auto. It's more suited to the Diesel. They're eminently tuneable. A stage 1 remap for £300 ish will get you to just over 200 bhp and 320 lb ft. They're decently quick remapped. Under 8 seconds from 0-60 mph and top speed of 145 mph approx. You can go the Hybrid Turbo route (+ remap) and get a very easy 235 bhp for 2k or spend a bit more and get 270bhp. The Hybrid Turbos are fairly quick cars and not far off a standard VXR/OPC. The 270 Hybrid cars will do 0-60 mph in under 7 seconds and top out near 155 mph.

VXR/OPC's generally need a remap especially if they're autos. The remap to get is the Courtenay Motorsport one. Transforms the mid-range. Makes a genuinely quick car with 360bhp ish and 410 lb ft.

Avoid, avoid and avoid the 1.8 VVT Petrol. They're slow and prone to head gasket issues.

Things to watch out for. Insignias are really prone to headlight condensation. Eventually the problem will get so bad that they'll fail an MOT. Getting some new lights isn't that cheap especially if they're Xenons. Avoid any Insignia with xenons and headlight condensation. It'll cost £2k just to replace with new headlights.

Check the MOT history, Vehicle Score and that it's been properly serviced. Pre-facelift cars are 10 years+ now and there's a big difference between cars that have been looked after and ones that haven't. Some absolute dogs on the road. Niggling things can go wrong with them so be prepared for that.

[anonymousvip]

The insignia are really good cars, the problem is that people don't appreciate the fact that just because it's a big tough car, doesn't mean they should skip on maintenance and services, it still needs care, and attention to any noises and creaky sounds, get any leaks of oil and water checked out as soon as you notice them, and you should be good. I bought an insignia 1.8 petrol 2013 coming from an Astra J 2010, and believe me, I was impressed with the difference, smoother drive, way more power, quieter, better clutch system without the jerkiness of Astra gear changes, and better responsiveness. I've had it for years now, and it's on 76, 000miles and have had only two issues, an oil leak from the oil can and a cracked water reservoir, both of which you can repair yourself in less than 30 mins. On the Astra, I had to keep changing coil packs and spark plugs, none of that with this vehicle.

[willsmith]

I just bought the nav version of this car 2011 126k miles £800 honestly best car I’ve owned it love it

[markwaring]

I have an SRI estate. Ive had it for 7 years and its the best car i've ever had. Not a single thing has gone wrong with it and its a real workhorse. Passed MOT every time without issues. I do all the service myself, very easy to do and cheap,

[paulwilson]

Had my 2.0 diesel for over six years now, had 58000 on it when bought, now got 142000, never had a problem, just the normal bits like exhaust, brakes etc

[eelco]

I have a 2009 2.0 turbo petrol hatchback. I have it for almost 5 years now and despite it not being very economical on fuel it holds on very excellent. No quirky issues and at 220hp it is really nippy for such a big heavy car. I live near Germany so I drive it in the Autobahn occasionally and thats were it thrives. Cruises happily and stable at speeds up to 125 mph, and easily keeps up or even pull away from bigger premium cars. It should be able to reach around 145 mph and that I believe it is capable to reach that.

[kevinhaigh]

I love my insignia i bought it when it was 3 year old and only had 6000miles on it, it only has 45000 miles on it now and still looks new

[paulillingworth]

I’m always a Vauxhall fan, my current car is a 3rd gen Mondeo, had several cars over the years, including a vectra, I find the A pillar on the insignia quite intrusive as I’m tall 6f 3ins and broad, I found the Mondeo much more comfortable and less intrusive roofline, I changed from 14 years of a large comfy Rover saloon prior to Mondeo, I do still like the look of Vauxhall and Fords of this generation, they now seem almost forgotten and seen as under dogs, when they’re not actually under dogs.

[CarlMorrison-su]

I have an SRI 160 BHP DIesal CDTi and ive had it for 7 years. If you want a stiffer ride, better handling all you have to do is change the wheels. I had the same wheels as your car and found the ride smooth but spongy and as it's the SRI model I thought it should handle better so I bought a set of atomic alloys (Vauxhall Insignia sports alloys) and the ride improved immensely!

[Thomas-yhds]

Another thing with these insignias you need to watch out for is the rear brake callipers, they seize up and you end up with burnt brake disks.

[JessicaTorres-pv]

I have a 2011 1.8, and it consumes too much, I feel like it's weak and isn't responding! any tips?

[manojdesai]

Have fun to ride insignia 2.0 CDT engine. Eco flex.
On city town avergae 14Km/L and on highway its giving 22-25 km/L . So amazing in 2.0 L engine.other cars never touch this milege..
👍👍

[Kiinell]

I really want a C Class, but this is going to do me fine.

[omega]

like the look of the insignia, but notice no end for sale with engine problems!

[grimliver]

My version of this car 11 plate just set me back 5k in repair bills it's an auto sports tourer nave elite, the rear dif failed and the rear prop got damaged as a result so my awd is now a fwd only lol

[monsterp]

I've had my 2011 2.0L SE Ecotec since 2016 and still have it, unexpectedly much longer than I thought I would. Why? I still can't really decide what to replace it with, and it's been the MOST reliable car I've had. The CHEAPEST car to maintain, each year, and pretty quick with 158 bhp. A bit boring and family practical car, but loads of positives.
Excellent brakes and I've got 72 mpg out of it driving at 65mph all the way from Birmingham to Devon. I hope my next car does so well.

[Djc]

Recently bought a insingnia and if your looking at the comments thinking maybe not for me because of the other tossers on YouTube or any social media ignore them the sig a is the main one to stay away from but if it’s the 2.0cdti a your grand

[jovialgent]

I've been running mine on HVO for the last 6 months, doing mixed driving & I'm down from 6.3l/100kms to 5.7l & 5.3l on a long run. You won't get more car with the same space, practicality & comfort for the money!

[brianiswrong]

The boot test(and carrying your father) has got my subscription 👍