What's your opinion of the Opel Insignia?
Hi there.
What your opinion of the Opel Insignia? What kind of common weaknesses does it have? And what parts need to be changed regularly? For example I have B5 Volkswagen Passat. From my experience I can say that suspension (independent) is not good for Irish roads therefore it's a weakness of this car. But engine is good - never had troubles (200,000 miles).
Thanks in advance
Roman R (Dublin)Jan 2015 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Roman,
The Insignia is a thoroughly good car, and one that feels especially slick and pleasant to drive. The only common problems seem to be small electrical glitches (alarm systems especially) and leaky boot seals that let rain in.
We've never experienced any suspension problems with any Insignia we've driven, nor does it seem to be an issue amongst owners. Could you elaborate on your Passat problems? Could be a useful bit of info for our database...
Can you do a review on the Opel Insignia?
Can you do a review on the Opel Insignia?
Liam Mccarthy (Macroom)Dec 2014 Filed under: choosing new car
What's the 2013 Opel Astra 1.4 like?
I am looking at purchasing a 2013 Opel Astra 1.4 S. I have heard there have been lots of niggling problems with this car. What have you heard or what is your opinion on its reliability
Thank you,
Andrew Murphy
Andrew Murphy (Dublin)Dec 2014 Filed under: reliability
Expert answer
Hi Andrew,
It seems there are some niggly little issues with the current shape Astra, but none of them seem to be utterly disastrous. There have been some reports of electronic issues, particularly around the cruise control and the (optional) electronic parking brake. Those problems can also cause the brake lights to flicker annoyingly. There have been two recalls issued for the car, one for the anti-trap sensor in the electric windows and one for faulty bolts on the front passenger seat. Make sure both of those have been carried out. Finally, as with the Insignia, there seems to be an occasional issue with the rubber seals on the boot so check the boot carpet for any signs of damp or water getting in.
Swapping my Passat for an Insignia - thoughts?
Hi what would I get for a Volkswagen Passat 2.0-litre FSI Comfortline with 109,000 kilometres on the clock in excellent condition and with a full service history - against an Opel insignia 2011/12 (is it a good car?). Any advice greatly appreciated.
Eddie
Eddie Conroy (Dublin)Aug 2014 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Eddie,
The Insignia is a fine car but you'll find it's not as spacious as your old Passat. Still, it's arguably more handsome and sharper to drive, but you have to make sure all the electrical bits are working properly.
As for the value of your Passat, you haven't given me a specific year but I'm going to guess it's around 2006-2007 in which case you're looking at around €5,000 as a trade in, but don't be surprised if you get offered less - cars with big petrol engines (even efficient ones) are forecourt poison right now.
Let us know how you get on
Ford Mondeo, Mazda6, Toyota Avensis or Opel Insignia?
Which car is best on fuel between 2007-08 Mazda6 1.9, Ford Mondeo 1.8, Toyota Avensis or Opel Insignia please?
John Donohue (Dublin)Expert answer
Hi John,
All are pretty good and I have to admit to having thrown some covetous glances myself at second-gen Ford Mondeos lately - that's a shape that has aged really, really well. That said, from the ones you've selected there, I'd go for the Mazda. It has terrific handling (best in the class for that time, actually) and should be very reliable so it's definitely the one to pick.
Can you give me a little info on the Opel Insignia?
What problems does the Opel Insignia give? What mileage should I expect from a 2.0-litre CDTi diesel Insigna - Im a moderate driver.
Sandra Buckley (Wexford)Aug 2014 Filed under: reliability
Expert answer
Hi Sandra,
The only persistent issues with the Insignia are electrical problems that can effect everything from the door locks to the alarm system. Usually these are just minor problems that can be fixed, but occasionally the problem is in the wiring loom itself and that's a much bigger deal. Check and make sure all the buttons work and also check the boot area for any dampness - the boot seals can leak and allow in water. For a 2.0-litre diesel Insignia, I'd be disappointed if you couldn't get it to do 50mpg in everyday driving.
Can I fit Bluetooth to my 2012 Opel Insignia?
Hi guys,
Does anybody know if I can get Bluetooth retro-fitted to a 2012 Opel Insignia SRI, and if so where and a rough price guide?
Thanks,
Colm
Colm Perrott (Cork)Jun 2014 Filed under: Bluetooth
Expert answer
Hi Colm,
We asked Opel about this and this is what was said:
"It technically could be done, but it would be cost prohibitive to have the unit retrofitted on the Insignia. We used to provide an aftermarket system, but the likes of Parrots are better and is what we would recommend. As always we would advise that the customer takes the car to an Opel garage and they will recommend the best type of Bluetooth set to get and some garages can arrange that for the customer. If the customer needs to find his nearest dealer tell him to check out www.opeldealersireland.ie"
Hope that's of some use to you
Are French cars my only option for real comfort on Irish roads?
What medium size car can best soak up the endless bumps on Irish roads, without loosening the passengers' false teeth? I know French cars have a good name for poor surfaces but reliability might be a problem...
Sean O Donovan (Cork)Jun 2014 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Sean,
It's a tough question to answer, this one, simply because different wheels and tyres can make an enormous difference to ride quality. As you say, French cars tend to fare very well in this regard and I think the most comfortable car I have driven in recent years was a top-spec Citroen C5 with the traditional Citroen hydra gas suspension, which just felt as if the road surface wasn't there. As you say, French cars can have their reliability issues, but the C5 was always pretty well screwed together.
Of the other options, both the Ford Mondeo and Opel Insignia are good bets, especially if you can avoid any cars that have been specced-up with big wheels and low profile tyres. Go for nothing bigger than a 17-inch wheel with at least a 55-profile tyre - wheel and tyre combos make a huge difference to ride comfort,
Of course if you want the ultimate in ride comfort, then track yourself down a Jaguar XJ6 saloon from the mid-eighties. Best ride quality of any car ever. I can't vouch for the reliability though...
Can I retrofit factory Bluetooth to my Insignia?
Hi guys,
I am buying a 2010 Opel Insignia SRI and want to know if you can retrofit the Bluetooth as it's currently not installed. Does anyone provide this service?
Tim O (Dublin)Jun 2014 Filed under: Bluetooth
Expert answer
Hi Tim,
We asked Opel about this and this is what was said:
"It technically could be done, but it would be cost prohibitive to have the unit retrofitted on the Insignia. We used to provide an aftermarket system, but the likes of Parrots are better and is what we would recommend. As always we would advise that the customer takes the car to an Opel garage and they will recommend the best type of Bluetooth set to get and some garages can arrange that for the customer. If the customer needs to find his nearest dealer tell him to check out www.opeldealersireland.ie"
Hope that's of some use to you
I'm thinking of buying a 2011 Saab 9-5
I have been thinking about buying a 2011 Saab 9-5, which seem to have some great specs - any thoughts/reviews/comments ? I am wondering how easy is it to get parts in the future.
Aidan from Cork
Aidan Mackey (Blarney)May 2014 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Aidan,
Parts probably won't be a problem for the immediate and medium term, especially because so much of the car was mechanically shared with the Opel Insignia, but otherwise it depends on how the long-term reliability pans out and that's something of a mystery. There were so few sold that it's hard to get a handle on whether or not things actually go wrong on them.
On the upside, all of the Insignia bits underneath are decent quality and shouldn't give any major bother; on the downside Saab's reliability record with the preceding 9-5 was patchy to say the very least. It's a bit of a gamble to be honest, but as old-school Saab fans, we'd say it's worth a punt and let us know how you get on.
Here's our latest review of the Saab 9-5 as a new car by the way.