Vauxhall Insignia Sports Tourer - Numerous problems

Honest John Back Room » Motoring discussion
View Threaded
Thu 9 Jun 2016 16:10
Vauxhall Insignia Sports Tourer - Numerous problems - IanLB

My step-son bought this car from a well known car supermarket one year ago.

He had only gone about 500 yards from the dealer and the turbo blew. At that point I would have handed the car back and walked away but he wanted the car so they reluctantly replaced the turbo for him. He didn't buy their warranty as he couldn't afford the £400 they wanted for one year.

Since then the rear brakes have locked on (2 new calipers) a road spring has snapped clean in half (2 new rear springs) a speed sensor has stopped working and it is now having a front wheel bearing replaced.

He thinks he might have some comeback with the dealer due to all the problems but I don't think he will get anywhere with them.

We need some advice about where he stands and how to approach the dealer. I am totally out of the loop with car buying as I've had the same Toyota for the past 22 years and I don't intend getting rid of it anytime soon!

Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Thu 9 Jun 2016 16:57
Vauxhall Insignia Sports Tourer - Numerous problems - RobJP

A year on, used car, worn parts wearing out ... sorry to say this, but the selling garage has no legal liability at all.

The law actually changed last October, giving a lot more rights to buyers (but only for purchases made after that date, not retrospectively). Even under the new legislation (the Consumer Rights Act), he'd have virtually no chance of any comeback after 12 months on a used car.

Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Thu 9 Jun 2016 19:53
Vauxhall Insignia Sports Tourer - Numerous problems - IanLB

A year on, used car, worn parts wearing out ... sorry to say this, but the selling garage has no legal liability at all.

The law actually changed last October, giving a lot more rights to buyers (but only for purchases made after that date, not retrospectively). Even under the new legislation (the Consumer Rights Act), he'd have virtually no chance of any comeback after 12 months on a used car.

Thank you for your reply, you've confirmed what I thought.

Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Thu 9 Jun 2016 21:38
Vauxhall Insignia Sports Tourer - Numerous problems - Wackyracer

I am totally out of the loop with car buying as I've had the same Toyota for the past 22 years and I don't intend getting rid of it anytime soon!

Good call, Those old toyota's had great build quality.

As for the Vauxhall, it's just part of modern mediocre cars. plenty of modern cars suffer from broken springs due to thinner wire being used. I'm glad your step son didn't waste his money on the warranty, most of those car (or other appliance etc.) warranties are not worth the paper they are written on.

Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Thu 9 Jun 2016 21:45
Vauxhall Insignia Sports Tourer - Numerous problems - Wolfan

.

As for the Vauxhall, it's just part of modern mediocre cars.

What a load of sphereoids.

Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Thu 9 Jun 2016 23:53
Vauxhall Insignia Sports Tourer - Numerous problems - daveyK_UK
Like the Vectra C it replaced, the Insignia is riddled with faults.

Just be pleased your gearbox didn't pack in like my friends did in his 1.8 petrol at only 3 years, 7 months old. One of many known faults.
Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Fri 10 Jun 2016 08:49
Vauxhall Insignia Sports Tourer - Numerous problems - RT

We've had a Vectra-C for 10 years - apart from all the usual issues with the Fiat diesel, the only thing that's been an issue are the repeated broken springs, which seem to be common on many Vauxhall models and made a lot worse the way my son drives ove speed humps.

Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Fri 10 Jun 2016 09:18
Vauxhall Insignia Sports Tourer - Numerous problems - bazza

The poor springs problem is common right across European cars, according to an indie I used, his garage was full of them and he does them almost every day. Notably he thought the Japanese manufacturers used thicker gauge wire but that was only his opinion.

Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Fri 10 Jun 2016 10:00
Vauxhall Insignia Sports Tourer - Numerous problems - Wackyracer

The poor springs problem is common right across European cars, according to an indie I used, his garage was full of them and he does them almost every day. Notably he thought the Japanese manufacturers used thicker gauge wire but that was only his opinion.

That is why I said 'modern cars' and not specific to Vauxhall, my sisters husbands Mondeo had a front spring break while going down the motorway and her Fusion had a front spring break just on their driveway while it was standing still. Like you say common across many manufacturers.

Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Fri 10 Jun 2016 12:39
Vauxhall Insignia Sports Tourer - Numerous problems - corax

Maybe these will be more reliable

ae-plus.com/technology/sogefi-makes-composite-coil...s

Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Fri 10 Jun 2016 21:42
Vauxhall Insignia Sports Tourer - Numerous problems - Wolfan
Like the Vectra C it replaced, the Insignia is riddled with faults.

Absolute t***, I bought my high mileage 2.2 ltr Vectra C an ex repmobile at two years old twelve years ago to replace a MK111Cavalier with similar history. It has been a fast comforable and reliable car better built than a Mondeo or anything Japanese that I have ridden in over the years. I chose to keep it for general use when I got an X350 V8 Jaguar three years ago rather than replace it with something smaller and newer. It has proved to be the right decision. Let's hear more from people who have owned Vauxhalls rather than those who whose information is gleaned from their second or third cousins twice removed best friend or worse still the opinion of that arch Ford enthusiast the buffoon that is Jeremy Clarkson.

Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Fri 10 Jun 2016 21:54
Vauxhall Insignia Sports Tourer - Numerous problems - Wackyracer
Let's hear more from people who have owned Vauxhalls rather than those who whose information is gleaned from their second or third cousins twice removed best friend or worse still the opinion of that arch Ford enthusiast the buffoon that is Jeremy Clarkson.

I have owned many Vauxhalls over the years and still do own 2 of them now. I'm quite entitled to express my experience of them and they are well known issues with these models, not isolated unknown ones.

Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Sat 11 Jun 2016 20:00
Vauxhall Insignia Sports Tourer - Numerous problems - Wolfan

I have owned many Vauxhalls over the years and still do own 2 of them now. I'm quite entitled to express my experience of them and they are well known issues with these models, not isolated unknown ones.

If I have posted a comment that when a more cogent point of view is made has shown mine to be palpable nonsense then I am willing to hold my hands up and admit that I am wrong. Unhapply those who make illinformed sweeping generalisations as in this case about the Vectra C choose to try and justify their opinions rather than do the same. There are plenty of these still around providing stirling service, try one and then comment on experience rather than hearsay claptrap.

Edited by Wolfan on 11/06/2016 at 20:10

Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Fri 11 Jan 2019 16:02
Vauxhall Insignia Sports Tourer - Numerous problems - barney100

My daughter has one with well over 100,000 miles on it and it's been a great car. She does not drive sympathetically either, apart from routine servicing nothing to report, it's a diesel manual 2 litre I think

Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Sun 12 Jun 2016 02:03
Vauxhall Insignia Sports Tourer - Numerous problems - Avant

Ian - welcome to the forum. As moderator I apologise for the unnecessary argument that has started over the merits of Vauxhalls, which is nothing to do with your question.

You might say you're out of the loop but I agree with the others that you've got it right: your stepson was clearly entitled to a free replacement turbo but - depending on the age of the car - some if not all of the other repairs are wear and tear items, especially since he's had the car for a year.

No doubt you'll be advising him to cut his losses, flog the Insignia and get a Toyota! Nothing soldiers on like an old Toyota as you know well!

I'm trying to think what a 1994 Toyota would be - a Carina perhaps. I'd imagine that you've looked after it well and it's done the same for you.

Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Sun 12 Jun 2016 11:34
Vauxhall Insignia Sports Tourer - Numerous problems - Wackyracer

I'm trying to think what a 1994 Toyota would be - a Carina perhaps. I'd imagine that you've looked after it well and it's done the same for you.

I wonder if the OP's Toyota was new when he bought it?

Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Sun 12 Jun 2016 16:40
Vauxhall Insignia Sports Tourer - Numerous problems - daveyK_UK

Having previously owned a low mileage 53 plate Vectra C and known other people who owned the same car, I am correct to say the vehicle has a multitude of potential problems.

This is based on my own exeprioences, my friends experiences and the experience of the local garage who I used for MOT's.

I will never recommend anyone buys a vectra C.

Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Thu 10 Jan 2019 12:03
Vauxhall Insignia Sports Tourer - Numerous problems - Layla321

The car as a whole has been extremely reliable with the only negatives being some of the internal electrics, which I am pleased to say has not affected the cars ability to get me to my destination safely. I dis spec the 19 inch wheels and also buy top spec tyres so at l250 per tyre (michelin pilot 3) this does inflate the running costs some what. I bought these as a further way to save fuel as they are green x branded but have not really seen any difference.

(Link deleted.)

Edited by Avant on 10/01/2019 at 13:23

Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Fri 11 Jan 2019 11:33
Vauxhall Insignia Sports Tourer - Numerous problems - Layla321

The car as a whole has been extremely reliable with the only negatives being some of the internal electrics, which I am pleased to say has not affected the cars ability to get me to my destination safely. I dis spec the 19 inch wheels and also buy top spec tyres so at l250 per tyre (michelin pilot 3) this does inflate the running costs some what. I bought these as a further way to save fuel as they are green x branded but have not really seen any difference.

Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Fri 11 Jan 2019 12:06
Vauxhall Insignia Sports Tourer - Numerous problems - Meteiro

I have a 1.4 petrol Insignia (albeit a hatchback) and I've had issues since buying it a few months back. Worst sorted under warranty. Seems to be some known faults amongst owners (m32 gearbox, mainly pre 2013 facelift) known to go bang due to weak bearings I believe. Pedal assembly is another (plastic part expands in heat and leads to squeeking and clicking). Coolant system issues (I had radiator box, coolant housing and water pump leaks). Electrical gremlins (battery disconnected resolves usually, though never had an issue myself).

Basically for me, I think the last owner ragged it and I'm picking up the pieces. As I got things fixed though the car has transformed. I've had the coolant system repairs, manual gearbox oil change, and a few other bits, and it drives beautifully. You'd never think it had 20k on it, much less nearly 60k.

Have a bit of mechanical sympathy, get maintenance done correctly and pre-emptively (don't follow 20k oil change!) and it should be a good car for a long time, but of course it means you need to put right all the crap the last owner has likely caused by poor treatment first...

Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Fri 11 Jan 2019 14:19
Vauxhall Insignia Sports Tourer - Numerous problems - Trilogy.

Would be interested to know how old this Vauxhall was when it was purchased.

Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Fri 11 Jan 2019 15:05
Vauxhall Insignia Sports Tourer - Numerous problems - Meteiro

Mine's a 2015 (June)

Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Fri 11 Jan 2019 16:40
Vauxhall Insignia Sports Tourer - Numerous problems - Trilogy.

Mine's a 2015 (June)

Sorry, should have said, really meant IanLB's step son's.

Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Fri 11 Jan 2019 15:11
Vauxhall Insignia Sports Tourer - Numerous problems - Senexdriver
I’m really disappointed to read about the problems with the Insignia. I’ve owned Vauxhalls in the past and have grown a soft spot for the brand. I’ve read some very positive reviews of the Insignia Sports Tourer and seen some equally encouraging YouTube reviews and, being an estate car fan, I’m very impressed. It’s a spacious, stylish wagon and compares favourably to my A4 Avant, but if modern Vauxhalls are as bad as the grapevine suggests, I’m put off. I’d love to read some glowing reports from owners of Sports Tourers rather than initial impressions of motoring journalists.
Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Fri 11 Jan 2019 17:47
Vauxhall Insignia Sports Tourer - Numerous problems - sammy1

It surprises me how the suspension of any car copes with the state of the roads in the UK as well as all the road furniture we all have to put up with. Anyone buying a second hand car out of warranty needs to bargain hard to offset the potential problems they may face. It is not as though there was a shortage of cars to buy.

Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Fri 11 Jan 2019 19:54
Vauxhall Insignia Sports Tourer - Numerous problems - Miniman777

My first car was a 64 plate Viva HA, basic mechanics, easy to repair.

Then in 80s had a Cavalier Mk 2, excellent car, did 180k miles, replaced starter motor, battery and other consumables. So, bought a Vectra 1, CDX estate, which was nice to drive, but had niggly electrical faults, so chopped in for a CD hatchback which proved another good reliable buy. Traded in for a Mondeo 53 plate diesel which was even better.

Finally for a month while company car was on order in 2015, had an Astra SX or whatever, which went well, but too many design flaws - front skirt scraped speed humps and low kerbs, handbrake with hand on during release trapped finger on gearlever trim, eco button was misleading, and it was just dull.

Looked at a Mokka at Available Car for Mrs, thought it cramped with an awful centre stack, and an Insignia for a mate at a dealer which wallowed on a test drive.

Some may love 'em, but Vauxhall passed its prime years ago.

Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Sat 12 Jan 2019 17:23
Vauxhall Insignia Sports Tourer - Numerous problems - Senexdriver
My first Vauxhall was a 1975 Chevette hatch, bought used in 1977. It had 15,000 on the clock and it was such a great car (for its time) my father in law bought it off me when I needed something bigger. From almost the day he took it over, things started going wrong and it became a money pit. Awkward! But, surprisingly, he replaced it with a Chevette saloon.

My next was a 1983 Carlton estate, bought used in 1986 with 42,000 on the clock. It had been well maintained and looked very smart. It did us well until about 93,000 miles when we needed something with 7 seats. It had needed a new coil during its time with us and at the time we parted company, the automatic choke was playing up and it was using a pint of oil every three hundred miles. It was nevertheless one of the best cars I have owned in 50 years of driving.

In 2005 we inherited my Dad’s 53 plate Corsa when he went to the great car park in the sky. It had 11,000 miles on the clock and I thought it would be just right for our sons to use rather than borrow our cars. It is still running with close on 140,000 on the clock and the particular son who has taken it on refuses to part with it. It is a bit like Trigger’s broom in Only Fools and Horses in that most things on it have been replaced (including the rear road springs twice) but it is still on the original clutch, gearbox and transmission and my son has absolute faith in it. He has driven it from London to Scotland a couple of times without incident and he regularly drives it to Norwich. It is parked in a street in London where he lives and it gets regular swipes from passing vehicles, but I’m sure my Dad would be proud to know that his pride and joy is still running.

So mixed experience with Vauxhalls, but, as mentioned above, I have a soft spot for the brand. How they will fare under PSA ownership remains to be seen.
Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Sat 12 Jan 2019 20:17
Vauxhall Insignia Sports Tourer - Numerous problems - Deryck

I have three Vauxhalls since 1992 - I buy reasonably new and keep them for a good while!

1991 Mk 3 Cavalier 1.6L was fairly basic but never any trouble really. I think the rear drums had to be changed and the handbrake would stick in damp weather but nothing major. Fuel economy was impressive with the best achieved at 632 miles on a 50 litre tank.

2001 Vectra B 1.8 CDX was actually a very good car with no major problems until I got rid. The shocks should have been changed before I got rid but I wasn't spending money on the old girl towards the end. 115k it is probably not unexpected. Original rear pads and original discs all round - just had the front pads changed at about 110k. Overall I enjoyed the car.

2010 Insignia 1.8 SRi Sport Tourer bought in 2013. Mmmm .. where do you start. Gearbox at 60k went for recon. Covered by warranty. water pump, 2x thermostats, discs and pads all round (twice on the front) rocker cover changed due to PCV fault (hideous price!), CV boots, rear spring, rear shocks, front down pipe a couple of times due the flexible coupler. I suspect the gearbox may be playing up again but do not feel the desire to spend more money on it.

The Insignia is OK-ish but I have been put off Vauxhall by the issues and the design of the new Insignia. My favourite has the be the Mk3 Cavalier and would like to have one again if I had the space for a second car

Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Sat 12 Jan 2019 20:43
Vauxhall Insignia Sports Tourer - Numerous problems - SLO76
“My favourite has the be the Mk3 Cavalier and would like to have one again if I had the space for a second car”

I loved selling these in the 90’s. Well made and mechanically simple. No fears if a timing belt failed as the 8v petrols were all non-interference so slap on a new one, reset the timing and off you went. The 2.0 injection was a great all-rounder but even the basic 1.4 could nip along.
Reply | Report as offensive | Link