Models · Vauxhall / Opel
Vauxhall Insignia VXR A buying guide
The Insignia VXR, sold from 2009 to early 2017 as a hatch, saloon and Sports Tourer, with a 2.8 turbo V6, Haldex four-wheel drive and an electronic rear limited-slip differential. The VXR SuperSport of 2013 removed the speed limiter. Its main checks are drivetrain parts that give clear symptoms at a viewing.
The versions
- 2.8 turbo V6 petrol, 325PS (321bhp)
- Six-speed manual; six-speed torque converter automatic from spring 2011
- Haldex four-wheel drive with an electronic limited-slip differential on the rear axle; HiPerStrut front suspension, FlexRide dampers and Brembo brakes
- Hatchback, saloon and Sports Tourer estate; VXR SuperSport from the 2013 model year
What to check on a Insignia VXR
3 model-specific things to look at when you view one. They're a starting point, not the full inspection.
Timing chain stretch on early cars
What to look for: On a car built before 2011, watch for an engine management light and feel for poor running on the drive. Ask for paperwork showing the timing chains have been replaced, ideally with the water pump.
Why it matters: Pre-2011 cars can suffer from timing chain stretch, and an engine management light with poor running is the early warning; it's more likely to be stretch than a solenoid. The water pump should be replaced at the same time as the chains.
Haldex four-wheel drive
What to look for: In a car park on a grippy surface, drive slowly on full lock in each direction and feel for the rear skipping, juddering or grinding. Watch for a four-wheel-drive warning light, and look for Haldex servicing at least every two years.
Why it matters: Skipping, judder or grinding on full lock at low speed are the signs of a worn Haldex unit. By then an oil, filter or pump change usually won't fix it, because the internals have worn, and a specialist rebuild is needed. Two years is the suggested maximum service interval.
Clutch and flywheel
What to look for: On a manual, accelerate firmly in a higher gear and watch for the revs rising without the car speeding up to match. Look in the history for a clutch or flywheel replacement.
Why it matters: The clutch slips as its plates wear, and if it's left too long, hot spots form on the flywheel, so both then need replacing. Aftermarket parts are often recommended over the originals.
Also in the full guide
- Coolant leaks, stalling and stop-start
- The cold start, test drive and paperwork checks for the exact version you're viewing
The full guide to the Insignia VXR
The CrankSight guide walks you round the car on your phone at the viewing, with every check for the exact version you're looking at: what to look for, where to find it, and what anything you find is likely to cost. As you go it builds an assessment of that car, and if you view more than one, it lines them up side by side.
£29 for the model, used on as many cars as you like, delivered within 72 hours or your money back.
General points for the model, last checked October 2026. Every car is different, so treat this as a guide to what to look at, not a verdict on any car. CrankSight is independent and has no connection with Vauxhall / Opel.