Vauxhall Insignia - Car Lease engine blown

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Fri 13 Apr 2018 10:31
Vauxhall Insignia - Car Lease engine blown - Ljscott

Hi, I'm after some advice. I have a Vauxhall insignia on a 4 year lease contract. The 3 year vauxhall warranty expired last July. We have always serviced the car in accordance with the manufactures guidelines. Last week the engine started really badly smoking, and over heating so we took it into the garage, and have been told that the head gasket has completely blown and it will need a new engine, costing approx £5K!!! I have nearly 2 years left on the lease (with moto novo)... I've no idea what I should do... before I call them, does anyone have any advice please?

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Fri 13 Apr 2018 11:59
Vauxhall Insignia - Car Lease engine blown - daveyK_UK

So did you lease a used car?

If the car was leased new over 4 years, surely the warranty period is 3 years?

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Fri 13 Apr 2018 12:13
Vauxhall Insignia - Car Lease engine blown - gordonbennet

I have no idea if Vauxhall will pick any of the tab up, but if some non VX garage has already dismantled the engine (whoever has the car now must have done so to examine enough to pronounce it scrap) then its very unlikely VX will entertain any goodwill.

If the engine really is US then your best bet is a good used unit from an accident damaged write off.

Hindsight a wonderful thing, but this is the downside of any sort of long term lease where the car's warranty will expire during the term.

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Fri 13 Apr 2018 16:03
Vauxhall Insignia - Car Lease engine blown - SteVee

>>We have always serviced the car in accordance with the manufactures guidelines<<

Does that mean it has not been serviced by a Vauxhall agent ? If so, it's down to you to get it put right, Vauxhall are unlikely to offer any goodwill.

I would talk to the lease company, if you hand it back with anything they consider substandard then they'll just change you a very hefty premium to put it right.

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Fri 13 Apr 2018 17:01
Vauxhall Insignia - Car Lease engine blown - Lrac

Last few copies of Car Mechanics Mag have had an Insignia project car that has been a nightmare regarding the engine. It hi-lighted a common problem with the oil pick up pipe.

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Fri 13 Apr 2018 17:11
Vauxhall Insignia - Car Lease engine blown - daveyK_UK

Last few copies of Car Mechanics Mag have had an Insignia project car that has been a nightmare regarding the engine. It hi-lighted a common problem with the oil pick up pipe.

It has been an interesting read. I only wish car mechanic magazine was more honest about cars to avoid.
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Fri 13 Apr 2018 17:18
Vauxhall Insignia - Car Lease engine blown - SLO76
“It has been an interesting read. I only wish car mechanic magazine was more honest about cars to avoid.”

A great magazine that I buy every month. They’re always clear that their project cars are bought with a view that they want to have issues to sort. There wouldn’t be much to write about if they bought a low mileage petrol Honda Accord but the BMW, Renault and Vauxhall (Fiat) diesels they typically buy always give them plenty to do.
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Fri 13 Apr 2018 23:42
Vauxhall Insignia - Car Lease engine blown - daveyK_UK
“It has been an interesting read. I only wish car mechanic magazine was more honest about cars to avoid.” A great magazine that I buy every month. They’re always clear that their project cars are bought with a view that they want to have issues to sort. There wouldn’t be much to write about if they bought a low mileage petrol Honda Accord but the BMW, Renault and Vauxhall (Fiat) diesels they typically buy always give them plenty to do.

Fair point.

My only gripe is they have a policy to never call any car out as a mechanical pig for the reason you stated; although its easy enough to work out which cars/engines are best avoided.

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Fri 13 Apr 2018 17:14
Vauxhall Insignia - Car Lease engine blown - SLO76

Last few copies of Car Mechanics Mag have had an Insignia project car that has been a nightmare regarding the engine. It hi-lighted a common problem with the oil pick up pipe.

This is sadly just another example of why it’s so important to do your homework before buying a car. The Fiat designed motor in these is well known for failures but few owners or potential buyers know anything about it. Just anyone who’s tried to run one as a taxi.
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Fri 13 Apr 2018 18:09
Vauxhall Insignia - Car Lease engine blown - concrete

You really need to talk to the lease company. It is their car after all. However they would expect it back in reasonable condition after the lease period. They may have more sway with Vauxhall or dealers if they purchase lots of cars annually. good luck.

Concrete

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