1.8i VVT 140 SRi Nav 5dr

Nice to drive

A really stunning looking car, the Insignia on a 2012 model one of the last of the older shape, best looking I think, especially in darker colors with 18 inch upgraded alloy wheels.

SRi Nav model is mid range and has plenty of electrics. Very comfortable seats, well worth the extra over the lesser Exclusiv models.

Car drives fantastic, handles very sharp with SRi lowered sports suspension. Gear change is slick and involving. Car has good visibility and real presence on the road. As common as the Insignia is, most people quite like them. Ride is smooth, outside noise is suppressed well.

Now onto the downsides - the car is as cheap to buy used as used cars get, but it is only average in reliability. The diesels are powerful and economical, but have their issues. Petrol's on the other hand although they are simpler to maintain, this model still suffers from the coolant leaks and gearbox issues that were very common and expensive faults on this model. And as for the 1.8 petrol engine itself, it is pretty gutless. Average performance would be acceptable if economy was better, but economy isn't great either, it seems to want to do 33 mpg and no more no matter how you drive it. I have only ever managed 38 mpg at best with a lot of motorway cruising and that is with the car pretty empty driving alone. It is a heavy car to begin with. Tax is also too high on this model at around £300 per year!! I've heard the later 1.4 turbo petrol engine improved upon this old 1.8 with slightly better economy and power, so well worth going for over this engine.

Despite all this, if you find a nice Insignia in just about any engine and spec that is looked after with lower mileage and at a good price, go for it, it is still a great used buy.

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