Vauxhall insignia vxr - worth the risk?
Discussion
These keep on coming to mind as I like the look of them and they've got decent amounts of kit. I'm looking at a late model facelift (2016 66 plate) in white with 25k on the clock. The car itself is £14999 so pretty affordable. I know tuning wise a map will give it more midrange umph but guessing the weight actually makes it not as nippy as the power suggests?
I know you get either a good one or one thats riddled with problems like the rear diff failing, chains and everything else documented but surely these would appear to be the earlier, leggier models? Or can a newish one pile in too? I think the car could be worth the risk but I don't think I could be bothered with the potential anxiety of something going wrong and it being a big bill itself...
I'm not a badge snob so yes I know a 335i is quicker, more economical and probably better image but I couldn't live with a Beemer.
Any previous or current owners on here that are able to point me in the right direction? Cheers.
I know you get either a good one or one thats riddled with problems like the rear diff failing, chains and everything else documented but surely these would appear to be the earlier, leggier models? Or can a newish one pile in too? I think the car could be worth the risk but I don't think I could be bothered with the potential anxiety of something going wrong and it being a big bill itself...
I'm not a badge snob so yes I know a 335i is quicker, more economical and probably better image but I couldn't live with a Beemer.
Any previous or current owners on here that are able to point me in the right direction? Cheers.
The chain was an issue on the early cars but not anything post 2011 from what I understand (& Vauxhall aren't on their own with timing chain issue ask VAG/BMW etc owners) the diff is an issue if it's not serviced, it's the same issue on a lot of cars with Haldex diffs if they're not looked after they go wrong.
Yea the 335i is quicker & overall a better steer but it's less practical & just as likely to give you bigger bills, the VXR feels slow for two reasons:
1) Long gearing means it feels slow but the speedo will tell you otherwise
2) Vauxhall stiffled the mid range to make it feel more N/A but as you've already identified a map sorts this out & add an extra bit up the top end too.
The one your looking at is nice one (I've got it earmarked as I have a client interested in one of these) if you want peace of mind there's this AUC 2015 facelift model which means you'll get a years warranty that you can extend should you wish.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202011025...
Check the front discs on both this & the 2016 car as they look like they have a bit of a lip.
They're actually a decent steer if you think S4 then that's where they're at dynamically & at 15k when you try to match age/mileage/spec & performance they're hard to beat.
Personally I'd go for the white 66 plate because it's the newer car.
Yea the 335i is quicker & overall a better steer but it's less practical & just as likely to give you bigger bills, the VXR feels slow for two reasons:
1) Long gearing means it feels slow but the speedo will tell you otherwise
2) Vauxhall stiffled the mid range to make it feel more N/A but as you've already identified a map sorts this out & add an extra bit up the top end too.
The one your looking at is nice one (I've got it earmarked as I have a client interested in one of these) if you want peace of mind there's this AUC 2015 facelift model which means you'll get a years warranty that you can extend should you wish.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202011025...
Check the front discs on both this & the 2016 car as they look like they have a bit of a lip.
They're actually a decent steer if you think S4 then that's where they're at dynamically & at 15k when you try to match age/mileage/spec & performance they're hard to beat.
Personally I'd go for the white 66 plate because it's the newer car.
Thanks for the info mate! Forgot about the chains but have heard less and less on them for the later cars so must have been sorted along the line somewhere.
The white looks like it'd polish up well, along with looking like an unmarked copper too haha.
Have heard that they're slow due to their weight but if you're saying its the gearing too then that'll mean its just as quick just less frantic at getting there.. map should sort out any issues regarding that I guess. Just future power mods will be limited to a hybrid/bigger turbo i think.
The contending car is a V60 polestar in white too but is a fair few grand more expensive. They've got alot of safety bits, same sized engine with a little more umph and less known problems.. almost bulletproof. Just more expensive shocks and brakes so I guess similar to the brembos on the VXR. Again big bills if they go wrong. I think I'm veering towards the volvo but have always like the insignias, just the problems put me off, yet I never hear the good things.
Volvo v60 polestar in white vs Insignia vxr in white.. decisions decisions 🤔
The white looks like it'd polish up well, along with looking like an unmarked copper too haha.
Have heard that they're slow due to their weight but if you're saying its the gearing too then that'll mean its just as quick just less frantic at getting there.. map should sort out any issues regarding that I guess. Just future power mods will be limited to a hybrid/bigger turbo i think.
The contending car is a V60 polestar in white too but is a fair few grand more expensive. They've got alot of safety bits, same sized engine with a little more umph and less known problems.. almost bulletproof. Just more expensive shocks and brakes so I guess similar to the brembos on the VXR. Again big bills if they go wrong. I think I'm veering towards the volvo but have always like the insignias, just the problems put me off, yet I never hear the good things.
Volvo v60 polestar in white vs Insignia vxr in white.. decisions decisions 🤔
You'd only need a map on the Insignia & you'll be at around 360bhp but with an extra 110-130lbft of torque, now in comparison the Polestar V60 can suffer the same rear diff issues as the Insignia.
Now not only will it cost more to buy It'll cost more to run
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202011306...
With the Polestar being nigh on 7k more with 15k more on the clock:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202010245...
I like the blue one below more:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202011286...
I really think I'd be buying the Insignia but a true last of the VXR (I know this one isn't white but it's only done 14k)
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202011045...
Now if I was spending Polestar money I think I'd be going for an:
RS3
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202010144...
Or the S4 if you need more boot space
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202011186...
Now not only will it cost more to buy It'll cost more to run
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202011306...
With the Polestar being nigh on 7k more with 15k more on the clock:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202010245...
I like the blue one below more:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202011286...
I really think I'd be buying the Insignia but a true last of the VXR (I know this one isn't white but it's only done 14k)
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202011045...
Now if I was spending Polestar money I think I'd be going for an:
RS3
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202010144...
Or the S4 if you need more boot space
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202011186...
360bhp isn't to be sniffed at, thats some torque increase too! The fact it could use it all in crap weather too makes it all a little easier to drive, if it does get called boring due to it.
Guessing rear diff oil should get changed every 2 year or so/mileage dependant. Again another thing to factor in but better than it going pop due to poor maintenance.
The blue polestar is a dream but the white i saw in person today and looked lovely in the sun, albeit in need of a good clean. Would you think its worth the extra outlay though? I havent heard of a bad thing other than mpg from owners of the V60 P* yet loads from those with the sig...
These will be my future proof car persay, minimum 3/5 years as it'll have to deal with upcoming dogs and potential kids at the later end of the spectrum.. I love a sleeper and something different from the usual German brigade, thats why I'm torn between these two.. but also don't want to be stuck with an unreliable mess and have more of a headache than fun.
I'm sure both in good nick, lowish miles and a few years old would actually be a pretty safe bet to lay my money on?
Guessing rear diff oil should get changed every 2 year or so/mileage dependant. Again another thing to factor in but better than it going pop due to poor maintenance.
The blue polestar is a dream but the white i saw in person today and looked lovely in the sun, albeit in need of a good clean. Would you think its worth the extra outlay though? I havent heard of a bad thing other than mpg from owners of the V60 P* yet loads from those with the sig...
These will be my future proof car persay, minimum 3/5 years as it'll have to deal with upcoming dogs and potential kids at the later end of the spectrum.. I love a sleeper and something different from the usual German brigade, thats why I'm torn between these two.. but also don't want to be stuck with an unreliable mess and have more of a headache than fun.
I'm sure both in good nick, lowish miles and a few years old would actually be a pretty safe bet to lay my money on?
It'll come down to how much you want to spend both will see you right, as I said you'll have to service the diffs on both so there's no difference there.
Both are a rare sight & both will get you down any given road at a fair lick the VXR is the more stealthy out of the two.
I like both but I think I'd save the 7k & go for the Insignia, test drive one & that'll tell which you want.
The more sensible maintenance costs & lower purchase price would edge it for me especially when it's going to be a daily/family wagon the extra space means the Insignia to me.
BUT there are no wrong options when it comes to these two.
Both are a rare sight & both will get you down any given road at a fair lick the VXR is the more stealthy out of the two.
I like both but I think I'd save the 7k & go for the Insignia, test drive one & that'll tell which you want.
The more sensible maintenance costs & lower purchase price would edge it for me especially when it's going to be a daily/family wagon the extra space means the Insignia to me.
BUT there are no wrong options when it comes to these two.
I get you, thanks for your help mate!
They both seem like good cars to choose from, now its just what do I prefer an estate or saloon haha. They're both low mileage and young enough where I can still get a decent warranty for the boring bits but I guess thats also the sensible option.
The 7k is the decider though. Comes down to my finances or what I could borrow but I think I wouldn't mind borrowing/spending the extra for the guarantee of something special, just will be hard to let go of the 5 pot focus 😂
They both seem like good cars to choose from, now its just what do I prefer an estate or saloon haha. They're both low mileage and young enough where I can still get a decent warranty for the boring bits but I guess thats also the sensible option.
The 7k is the decider though. Comes down to my finances or what I could borrow but I think I wouldn't mind borrowing/spending the extra for the guarantee of something special, just will be hard to let go of the 5 pot focus 😂
People on here don’t like Vauxhalls but I think there’s an element of working class hero about these and Fords. I love ‘em. Better looking than your average BMW or Audi and less common. Certainly with a remap I recon it would be fun. The old Saab 9-3 Aeros shared an earlier version of the same engine I think.
Looked at the remap Fred, gains of 20bhp and up to 140ftIbs in the midrange. That must pull like a train after!
Yes I agree that people don't tend the like vauxhall or fords on here, I like the select few but they do depend on model. Neither have the cleanest record in reliability but the fact they're actually affordable and like you say get bought by the working class heros it makes them even better.
Some borks do buy them though, one of the reasons why I want rid of my MK2 ST..
Yes I agree that people don't tend the like vauxhall or fords on here, I like the select few but they do depend on model. Neither have the cleanest record in reliability but the fact they're actually affordable and like you say get bought by the working class heros it makes them even better.
Some borks do buy them though, one of the reasons why I want rid of my MK2 ST..
Toddtherod said:
I get you, thanks for your help mate!
They both seem like good cars to choose from, now its just what do I prefer an estate or saloon haha. They're both low mileage and young enough where I can still get a decent warranty for the boring bits but I guess thats also the sensible option.
The 7k is the decider though. Comes down to my finances or what I could borrow but I think I wouldn't mind borrowing/spending the extra for the guarantee of something special, just will be hard to let go of the 5 pot focus ??
Oh that sweet 5 pot will make it hard to let go but once you have one of these two you won't regret it, if you prefer estates the VXR did come as one but in very small numbers.They both seem like good cars to choose from, now its just what do I prefer an estate or saloon haha. They're both low mileage and young enough where I can still get a decent warranty for the boring bits but I guess thats also the sensible option.
The 7k is the decider though. Comes down to my finances or what I could borrow but I think I wouldn't mind borrowing/spending the extra for the guarantee of something special, just will be hard to let go of the 5 pot focus ??
The 5 pot makes me want to keep it but for me to get more power out of it I'm at that stage now where its big money. Either hybrid of rs turbo along with the sensors and forging etc.
Car hasn't done me wrong in the 4 years I've had it, but its now on 70 ish K so if im to get rid its got to be soon whilst its still worth something. Shame really but life goes on.
Polestar for me ticks all the boxes albeit more expensive than the sig. Love a quick estate and I think they just look great!
Car hasn't done me wrong in the 4 years I've had it, but its now on 70 ish K so if im to get rid its got to be soon whilst its still worth something. Shame really but life goes on.
Polestar for me ticks all the boxes albeit more expensive than the sig. Love a quick estate and I think they just look great!
I like Vauxhall and would certainly have one nowadays.
For me they offer great value for money on the used market. Often overlooked because they are never class leading but they can be very good cars for a lot less money than those more desirable options.
I like the insignia vxr as well as the Astra gtc vxr. Even the Corsa vxr is a good looking machine but dynamics and reputation for poor reliability spoil it. I'd try an old one if cheap enough though. It's a shame the vxr brand is gone and I think in a few years something like that insignia will be considered pretty cool.
For me they offer great value for money on the used market. Often overlooked because they are never class leading but they can be very good cars for a lot less money than those more desirable options.
I like the insignia vxr as well as the Astra gtc vxr. Even the Corsa vxr is a good looking machine but dynamics and reputation for poor reliability spoil it. I'd try an old one if cheap enough though. It's a shame the vxr brand is gone and I think in a few years something like that insignia will be considered pretty cool.
Yeah the vxr seems to be really good value for money. I know it'll have plastic in the interior and not be head to toe in leather but all the bits you get with it seem good.
They may not be a cult classic in my opinion but I do agree with you in thinking that us like minded people will one day look at them and go "yeah, thats a nice car"
They may not be a cult classic in my opinion but I do agree with you in thinking that us like minded people will one day look at them and go "yeah, thats a nice car"
"Captain Slow" likes it, even though it's pretty quick...!
Was a huge step forward after the Vectra, and worth seeking out a nice one and going to take a look.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6QypmXbwD1k
Was a huge step forward after the Vectra, and worth seeking out a nice one and going to take a look.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6QypmXbwD1k
Edited by rjfp1962 on Monday 7th December 23:20
ZX10R NIN said:
The VXR interior is actually pretty nice not to many shiny plastics & the sound quality is very good as is the infotainment system I'd say if you can find one close to you go & take a look in person.
Oh great then. I know the white one I'm watching seems nice inside, its got bored speakers too which must be good. Are they spec sensitive like German cars, or do you get most things standard but its only stuff like different wheels and colours that are options? Yes definitely should go and have a look! rjfp1962 said:
"Captain Slow" likes it, even though it's pretty quick...!
Was a huge step forward after the Vectra, and worth seeking out a nice one and going to take a look.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6QypmXbwD1k
He did, well from what it seemed. Also looked like it was pretty nippy in the video too when the lady was getting thrown around in the corners Was a huge step forward after the Vectra, and worth seeking out a nice one and going to take a look.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6QypmXbwD1k
Edited by rjfp1962 on Monday 7th December 23:20
I had a Siggy VXR a few years back now, it may have been a bad one but never again.
The diff went on it, 3 vauxhall dealers couldn't fix it, 1 couldn't even get it on the ramps due to the front valance. I got it back eventually and it started crabbing on the A55 at Mway speed and nearly killed us....back it went, master tech scratched his head and in the end Vauxhall UK had to help them fix it.
Then......the timing chain stretched, same as a 1.0 Corsa apparently.....and the tech told me I'd been driving it too hard until I found a tech bulleting and they had to sort it.
When it was running it was great but no way, ever, ever again and I chancing a 'performance' Vauxhall.
The diff went on it, 3 vauxhall dealers couldn't fix it, 1 couldn't even get it on the ramps due to the front valance. I got it back eventually and it started crabbing on the A55 at Mway speed and nearly killed us....back it went, master tech scratched his head and in the end Vauxhall UK had to help them fix it.
Then......the timing chain stretched, same as a 1.0 Corsa apparently.....and the tech told me I'd been driving it too hard until I found a tech bulleting and they had to sort it.
When it was running it was great but no way, ever, ever again and I chancing a 'performance' Vauxhall.
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