Opel Insignia B (2017 – 2022)
Reliability score : 7.8/10
The second-generation Opel Insignia (Insignia B), also known as Vauxhall Insignia (United Kingdom), Buick Regal (North America/China), and Holden Commodore ZB (Australia/New Zealand), is Opel's last large sedan designed under the General Motors era (E2XX platform). Lightened by nearly 175 kg compared to the heavy previous generation, it offers transformed road handling, generous interior space, and a sleek design (Grand Sport for the sedan, Sports Tourer for the station wagon). The facelift carried out in 2020 modernized the front end, improved IntelliLux LED lighting, and introduced a new range of engines (new-generation GM 3 and 4-cylinder blocks) to meet Euro 6d standards. Overall rating: It's an excellent road car, often underestimated on the used market, offering a formidable price/pe
✅ Strengths
- Superb road handling and dynamic chassis (especially with FlexRide adaptive damping).
- Gigantic interior space, especially in the rear seats and trunk (Sports Tourer).
- Unbeatable price/equipment ratio on the used market (AGR massaging/ventilated seats, head-up display, etc.).
- Formidable efficiency of the Twinster all-wheel drive (on 2.0T 260 hp and GSi versions).
- Very refined sound insulation on gasoline engines.
⚠️ Weaknesses
- Very imposing size (nearly 4.90 m for the sedan, 4.99 m for the station wagon), difficult to park in the city.
- Poor rear visibility (reversing camera essential).
- Multimedia system (Navi 900 / Multimedia Navi Pro) sometimes slow and prone to black screen bugs.
- Exorbitant replacement cost for IntelliLux LED matrix headlights in case of segment failure.
- Rapid depreciation (advantage for the used car buyer, disadvantage for the seller).
🎯 Verdict
The Opel Insignia B is a fantastic road car that suffers from an undeserved image deficit. With gasoline engines, it shines with its quietness and driving pleasure. The most rational choice is the 1.5 Turbo 165 hp (provided maintenance has been meticulous with the correct oil) or the very robust 1.6 Turbo 200 hp. The 2.0 Turbo versions (260 hp or GSi) are becoming collector's items thanks to their exceptional chassis, but require a significant fuel and maintenance budget (AWD differential oil change). Buy with confidence if the history is clear; it's one of the best deals on the used market for high-mileage drivers.
Common issues
Problèmes électroniques et d'infodivertissement (écran tactile, connectivité)
Low
🔧 Dès 20 000 km
💶 0 – 300 € (mise à jour logicielle, réinitialisation)
Vérifier le bon fonctionnement de l'écran et des systèmes connectés.
Usure prématurée de la chaîne de distribution (moteurs 1.5T/2.0T)
High
🔧 100 000 – 180 000 km (si mauvaise maintenance/huile)
💶 1 200 – 2 000 €
Suivre scrupuleusement les intervalles de vidange et vérifier le niveau d'huile.
Dysfonctionnements de la boîte automatique (8/9 rapports) : à-coups, hésitations
Medium
🔧 Dès 80 000 km
💶 300 – 800 € (vidange boîte, reprogrammation)
Tester la fluidité des passages de rapports lors de l'essai routier.
Fuites d'huile moteur (joints, carter, autour du turbo)
Medium
🔧 Dès 120 000 km
💶 200 – 700 €
Inspecter visuellement le moteur et le dessous du véhicule pour toute trace d'huile.
Estimated maintenance costs
| Oil change |
£70 – 130 |
| Timing chain |
£1 000 – 1 700 |
| Clutch |
£750 – 1 400 (pour boîte manuelle) |
| Complete brakes |
£220 – 480 |
| Estimated annual budget |
£550 – 1 100 |
Indicative estimates (independent garage, UK market). Prices vary by region and year.