Choosing a used Opel Insignia

Opel Insignia can only be compared with a long-distance runner who has a second wind at the finish line. Today this car is bought precisely because of its crazy endurance. True, at first not everything was so cloudless. Its sales level in our country was very low. The growth in sales of Opel Insignia has been outlined since 2011, when it was possible to arrange assembly in Kaliningrad. Since then, the model has been one of the 10 most bought in its class.

The purpose of our article is to acquaint the reader with the advantages and disadvantages of the Opel Insignia. We will find out whether this car really deserves such popularity, whether it is worth buying a used version and which parts and components of the car are most susceptible to negative effects of time.

Opel Insignia - came out to win

The debut of Opel Insignia, as it was written above, began with a complete failure. At least in our Russian market. Many experts undertook to explain such a combination of circumstances, in the end they decided that the reason for the failure was, as always, the economic crisis that broke out at that time. The car was not cheap, and the manufacturers wanted to compete by knocking out the affordable Opel Vectra and Omega, which belonged to the business class, from the standpoint. Although in the business segment both then and now the "big German three" rules the ball, but this is not about that.

However, Opel Insignia made its debut in Europe, even nothing. The car was greeted warmly, appreciated its technical data and even then realized how good it is. In Russia, it took three years to realize that he was a “leader”.

The price of Opel Insignia has gradually increased. At the same time, the buyer was attracted not only by the stylish appearance, but by powerful and economical engines, all-wheel drive and other technical delicacies, so beloved by today's consumer. In addition, the car received a higher status.

Body and engines

The wide range of body versions also speaks in favor of the Opel Insignia. The car is produced not only in the form of a sedan, but also in body modifications of a hatchback and a station wagon. It is possible to distinguish separately the so-called "charged" versions, available in any body. As for the engines, for this car they are presented in five versions. Below is a list.

With 1.6 and 1.8 liter units, the 6 manual transmission interacts well, which has become a kind of base for all powerful engines. The rest of the engines were equipped with a 6-speed automatic transmission, however, already for a surcharge. As for the all-wheel drive, it was only available with petrol versions of the car with 2.0 and 2.8 engines.

Version equipment

If Opel Insignia is considered as a purely business class model, which is clearly indicated by the dimensions of our vehicle, the affordable price of the car is a plus. This makes it possible to compete well with opponents.

In addition, the car is well equipped, which is also an advantage. So, the basic version of the sedan Insignia Essentia is already equipped with 6 airbags, ABS, air conditioning and much more. Here is the equipment of the Elegance version, which is an order of magnitude higher, already includes climate control, the multifunction steering wheel looks much more attractive than the basic version, which, as we see, is also nothing. If there is an opportunity to choose the Cosmo version, then in general it is lovely - there is cruise control, and light-alloy wheels, and much more. As mentioned, 6 automatic transmissions are offered for an extra charge.

In addition to the above versions, there is also a Business Edition - a modification equipped with an additional chassis and a Sport version - with a lowered suspension, a sports steering wheel and nice comfortable seats.

Opel Insignia in the secondary market

As always, you can find more dealer versions of Opel Insignia in the Russian aftermarket. On the other hand, recently there has been a sharp increase in the supply of these cars to the market from Europe - used and over 3 years old.

When it comes to the predominance of engine versions in the aftermarket, turbocharged engines are in the lead. As for the gasoline modifications for 1.6 and 2.0 liters, they, in fact, imply a more modest motor resource.

Turbo engines eventually require replacement of the turbine, at a cost of 24 thousand rubles. The injection system and the entire motor electrical system "shuns" our fuel and soon fails. Also, the cooling system can be included in the risk group, which must be monitored a priori carefully and with all care.

Note that the 2.8 liter "six" is distinguished by its capricious "character". This motor often overheats, which carries with it a lot of very negative consequences. Problems with the timing are also guaranteed if you use low quality oil during operation. If you became the owner of Opel Insignia with just such an engine, then remember that you should not save on maintenance and timely diagnostics of this unit.

Atmospheric motors for 1.6 and 1.8 have proven themselves only from the best side. Almost nothing happens to them, unless they are too economical.

As for turbodiesels, they are very noisy, but problem-free. The issue of the quality of fuel and oil for them, however, is much more acute than for gasoline units, so you need to pay attention to this. But, if you take good care of the "diesels", they will overcome the barrier of 300 thousand km without repair.

Video review of the car Opel Insignia:

Mechanical boxes also do not stand out in anything special. There are practically no problems with them, but experts recommend changing the oil every 90 thousand km, despite the fact that such manual transmissions are considered maintenance-free. Regarding the automatic transmission from Aisin, here it is necessary to replace the "transmission" over time or reflash the electronic software so that nothing serious happens.

Suspension Opel Insignia has its own characteristic "sores". In particular, electronically controlled shock absorbers can even be called defective. There are no problems in the rest of the suspension components. True, the stabilizer struts can become consumables after 50 thousand km of a car's run. Also, the brake mechanisms can be worn out ahead of time, which can be brought back to life by treatment with solid oil.

Outcome

A pre-owned Opel Insignia can be an excellent choice if you prioritize decent driving performance. This car is equipped with powerful engines with good fuel consumption. The advantage of Opel Insignia can be called the high quality of materials from which this car is assembled.

On the other hand, this car is rapidly losing value and has problems with versions equipped with gasoline turbo engines. In addition, Opel Insignia cannot boast of cheap service.

In any case, the purchase of this car in the secondary market should be carried out deliberately and with a clear understanding that you become the owner of a car that may not be able to sell profitably, but it will never fail on the road, no matter how long it may be.