Vauxhall Insignia SE 160 Cdti (2009)
2009 Vauxhall Insignia SE 160 Cdti
CarHunch analysed 114 real MOT records for the 2009 Vauxhall Insignia SE 160 Cdti. This breakdown of actual test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — isn't published anywhere else.
This 2009 Insignia diesel is significantly less reliable than the typical UK car, with a first-time MOT pass rate of just 57.7% against the national average of 80%—nearly one in two fails on their first attempt. The good news is that dangerous defects are absent from this cohort, so while these cars need work, they're not unsafe hazards.
At 125,867 miles average, these Insignias have covered typical mileage for their age, yet they're averaging 0.56 failures per test, suggesting wear-related issues are catching up with the model. If you're considering one, budget for pre-purchase inspection and factor in likely repair costs within the first year of ownership.
What to check before buying a 2009 Vauxhall Insignia SE 160 Cdti
Practical pre-purchase checks for this age and model.
- 📋 Check the full MOT history. Look for recurring advisories — slow-building issues like corrosion or brake wear patterns show up years before they become failures. Enter the reg below for a full AI analysis.
- 🔍 Inspect for corrosion in person. Brake pipes, sills, subframes, and chassis legs. Surface rust is normal at this age; structural rust is a serious problem that's expensive to fix and can fail an MOT.
- 🛞 Check tyres and brakes. The most common advisory items at this age. Budget for replacement if they're near the limit — factor this into your offer price.
- 📄 Run an HPI check. The MOT history won't show outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen status — an HPI check will.
Before you buy a Vauxhall Insignia SE 160 Cdti
MOT history is one piece of the puzzle. These checks can reveal what CarHunch can't.
CarHunch may earn a small commission if you buy via these links — at no extra cost to you.
Pass Rate by Fuel Type
| Fuel type | Vehicles | Pass rate | Avg failures |
|---|---|---|---|
| Diesel (99%) | 113 | 57.6% | 0.53 |
| Gas Bi-Fuel (1%) | 1 | 63.6% | 4 |
Mileage Distribution
Most 2009 Vauxhall Insignia SE 160 Cdti vehicles sit in the blue band. If the car you're looking at is outside it, it's either unusually low or high mileage for its age.
Half of all 2009 Vauxhall Insignia SE 160 Cdti vehicles fall between 108,719 and 138,163 miles.
2009 Vauxhall Insignia SE 160 Cdti — Still on the Road
Numbers are declining — 11 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2024 (17% of peak).
Based on vehicles from this manufacture year that had at least one MOT test in each calendar year. Data from 2017–2024.
MOT History Averages
Found a specific Vauxhall Insignia SE 160 Cdti?
Enter the reg to see its individual MOT history, AI Hunches, and how it compares to this cohort.