If you go for the V6 model check for misfires As I have seen various examples (including mine) throughout the years.
The misfire should be most noticeable on acceleration, so if it feels less than spritely then check it out. I ended up with new plugs, new HT leads, vacuum tests, new DIS module and new ECU before curing the problem!
I would recommend the auto over the manual, although I changed to a manual box to assist with my quest for more rapid acceleration, I would definately go back to the auto on my next change. Vauxhalls manual boxes leave a lot to be desired in my opinion, rather notchy.
If you go for a newer model check the climate control works perfectly, and if its an older model, check for oil leaks around the cam rocker cover gaskets.
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I'm going through the same process at the moment regarding the Omega 2.5TD estate.
I need a serious load-lugging long-haul device that's going to give me some kudos if I turn up at a client's car park in it. Plus long-haul cruising efficiency.
Views on the Omega seem polarised.
I notice loads of 2.5TD estates as taxis, which could be a good sign as these need to operate 24/7 and not cost the owners lots.
Two intersting sources are
1/Great Trade Centre Willesden. HJ seems to rate them. They seem to have a decent supply of ex-fleet Omegas at decent prices but high mileages. We are back to the old miles/age/servicing/type of use debate in terms of wear and likely problems for high-milers. See this site for contact details. i would always go for a well-maintained high-miler over short-trip cars with signs of a tartan blanket on the back seat.
2/ A company in Thatchham which specialises in them. Search the archive or web using keywords "Vauxhall Omega Thatcham", perhaps.
3/Nidd Motors. Not far from me in Eaglescliffe, but "main dealer syndrome" may apply. ("Let the reader understand.")A very swanky website, but probably swanky prices, too, and possibly heart-stopping workshop costs. I would go for an independent specialist (thoroughly "sounded out" first) who has gone up the painful learning curve above a main dealer any day. These days a lot of "technicians" at some main dealers seem not to have started shaving, need a cushion to reach the pedals, and get collected from work by their mum...
Snags? Search the archive here. Key issues seem to be electrical problems,duff sensors and instruments, and the dash seems massiveily complex and cramped. Big labour charges. There also seem to have been unresolveable wheel balance problems down to power steering faults.
Gone are the days of fixing things with a hammer and screwdriver. Big and luxury means big and complex, and possibly costly. I did see a Morris Traveller for around £1500 the other day.
Hope this helps
Me? Swinging towards a Citroen XM estate at the moment. Moth to a flame, lemming looking for Beachy Head. Maybe David W. is practicing Citroen voodoo on me down in The Fens.
Rob Govier
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I'm going through the same process at the moment regarding the Omega 2.5TD estate.
I need a serious load-lugging long-haul device that's going to give me some kudos if I turn up at a client's car park in it. Plus long-haul cruising efficiency.
Views on the Omega seem polarised.
I notice loads of 2.5TD estates as taxis, which could be a good sign as these need to operate 24/7 and not cost the owners lots.
Two intersting sources are
1/Great Trade Centre Willesden. HJ seems to rate them. They seem to have a decent supply of ex-fleet Omegas at decent prices but high mileages. We are back to the old miles/age/servicing/type of use debate in terms of wear and likely problems for high-milers. See this site for contact details. i would always go for a well-maintained high-miler over short-trip cars with signs of a tartan blanket on the back seat.
2/ A company in Thatchham which specialises in them. Search the archive or web using keywords "Vauxhall Omega Thatcham", perhaps.
3/Nidd Motors. Not far from me in Eaglescliffe, but "main dealer syndrome" may apply. ("Let the reader understand.")A very swanky website, but probably swanky prices, too, and possibly heart-stopping workshop costs. I would go for an independent specialist (thoroughly "sounded out" first) who has gone up the painful learning curve above a main dealer any day. These days a lot of "technicians" at some main dealers seem not to have started shaving, need a cushion to reach the pedals, and get collected from work by their mum...
Snags? Search the archive here. Key issues seem to be electrical problems,duff sensors and instruments, and the dash seems massiveily complex and cramped. Big labour charges. There also seem to have been unresolveable wheel balance problems down to power steering faults.
Gone are the days of fixing things with a hammer and screwdriver. Big and luxury means big and complex, and possibly costly. I did see a Morris Traveller for around £1500 the other day.
Hope this helps
Me? Swinging towards a Citroen XM estate at the moment. Moth to a flame, lemming looking for Beachy Head. Maybe David W. is practicing Citroen voodoo on me down in The Fens.
Rob Govier
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Thanks for all the feedback folks - the more the merrier !! NiddVale do have a website and advertise in the Daily Telegraph I think. niddvale.co.uk is the website address so checkit out if you like. I don't think the prices seem too high but living in London may account for that as most thing seems to be much more expensive here !! Interesting point about using the air-con frequently to keep it working properly and prevent deterioration - I wouldn't have thought of that. My budget is £10-12k what sort of car am I likely to get for thaat. I suppose the truth is that you get lots for your money with an Omega and must expect to give some of it back in the form of maintenane costs. I'd welcome any more views or even alternatives so far as large estates are concerned Mec Eseries possibly ??? Thanks again gang.
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Apologies for the typing mistakes folks - can't see whaT i'M WRITING TILL ITS POSTED !! i DID OF COURSE MEAN THE mERC. e sERIES AS A POSSIBLE ALTERNATIVE - ANY VIEWS ANYONE ?? tHANKS AGAIN TO ALL WHO HAVE REPLIED SO FAR. i'M STARTING TO FEEL LIKE i HAVE AN EXTENDED FAMILY ! tA.
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PS now I'm typing in upper case- sorry I didn't mean to 'shout'
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Volvoman,
I bought mine through Julian Trim (auction buyer, number elsewhere on this site). Last January, a 23K mile 2.5CDX saloon auto, 1999T reg (it was 18 months old) cost me £10K including Julian's commission.
Problems to date? Camshaft sensor gave up - £140 or £160, can't remember. Erm, that's it between 23K miles and 62K miles, but I have it serviced every 10K with an oil change every 5K. Services £70 - £90 at a garage recommended in the 'good garages' section on this site. The power steering is on its way after a few 23 point turns in an alley recently.
As a drive, the car's fantastic. Eats up the miles with no effort, returns around 31mpg (34 if it's on long runs, 28 short stuff).
Provided you can live without the right badge on your car, I think you'll find there's no better value on the market. I love my car. There, I've said it; I don't care who knows; I want to shout it off the rooftops - I LOVE MY OMEGA!!!
V (aka Omegaman)
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Totally agree, I love my omega too! (and I have a lowly 2.0 16V GLS!). Regarding air con, most people don't realise that you have to use it on a regular basis as the coolant is also a lubricant for the compressor etc. Given that British weather is only warm for a few weeks a year, many switch off the air con for the rest of the year to save on fuel consumption. It is advisable to run the air con for at least 15 minutes a month, actually for those of you who dont realise the air con is excellent for demisting the windows as it dehumidifies the air as it cools, hence a good reason to use it all year round (especially in this country!). Those with climate control (electronically controlled air con) might not have such a prob as I think the air con is on almost all the time unless you hit the ECO button. Its also a good idea to regularly change your "vent" settings so as to exercise the vacuum flaps and valves in the heating/cooling system , including the recirc.
For around 10K you will get a very nice omega, with low miles and probably less than 2 years old. Seems that some people have lots of problems with them and others have very few, so could be luck of the draw! V6's obviously will cost more to look after, but having driven a 2.5 auto elite to germany and back, they certainly do fly! The 2.0 auto isnt bad once it gets going, but the auto box pushes the engine too hard if you kick down to overtake or use sports mode (will hit 6000 rpm before changing gear!). It sounds wonderful, but that's about it! Saying that having rear wheel drive helps pull away from roundabouts and side roads much quicker and you dont need traction control in the 2.0 auto as its pretty much impossible to spin the back wheels. Lower profile tyres and big alloys look stunning but at the expense I think of a harder and noisier ride.
I also find the saloon is a tad awkward to reverse, as its impossible to see the rear of the vehicle. I fitted reversing sensors to mine which helps if you aren't use to reversing big cars like me. Also the rear headrests are a pain and the centre one usually ends up being removed at the earliest opportunity!
Havent driven a manual omega so I cant comment on how they are, but there are many taxi omegas hear in Cardiff with starship mileages. A lot of them have the gas conversion, costs around 1200 quid but providing you have local access to gas, it can pay for itself in a short time on high mileages. Diesel omegas have up until recently used the BMW TD engine 2.5, so are very popular in terms of respected reliability. TD omegas are very sought after though, especially estates given they make superb touring cars and towers. I've also noticed that the acceleration and top speed of the 3.0 petrol isnt much different to the 2.5, perhaps someone can correct me if I am wrong but actually I believe the 2.5 is slightly quicker (less weight?). ON the other hand I suppose the 3.0 gives more torque.
I'll be driving to Newcastle and Scotland in mine next week (from Cardiff), first stretch since I purchased it (about a month ago) so it will be interesting to see how the fuel consumption goes etc.
Regards
Simon
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SVPworld (incorporating PSRworld)
www.svpworld.com
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R Reg MV6 with genuine 45k miles here. Had it for nearly 18 months now (was on 23k at purchase) and I love it.
Manual is great, although took some getting used to after years of autos. I sometimes feel that there isn\'t as much torque as there could be - seem to \"get caught\" sometimes in too high a gear and no oomph just when I need it...
But I took it up to 145 abroad and it was quiet, stable and still accelerating...
Problems/costs have been:
Tramlining - V\'hall dealer replaced front wheel bearing (£180) to no avail. Fixed by new set of B F Goodrich tyres (@ 35k, and 10k later they still have plenty of life in them) - (£328)
Servicing - major service incl timing belt etc was just over £300 at local garage (non V\'hall). Just had the £34 Mobil 1 oil change at Kwikfit.
N\'side front door lock packed up - got one 2nd hand machanism for under £30 and did it meself. In fact with hindsight I think it was a tupenny ha\'penny gaiter that was split, but changed the whole thing anyway
And of course it\'s fairly high insurance wise, and thirsty especially when you work it hard. Oh, and if you tow - it is wonderful.
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Thanks for the great feedback Simon this is the sort of stuff the dealers never tell yu. Chers.
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Hi Volvoman,
IF you are even slightly interested - read on! I'm looking to sell my '98 MV6 saloon. Its star silver and has done 77k. The only reason I'm looking to sell is that I want to buy an auto Omega.
FSH etc and many extras - located in south Bucks for £5500.
In anticipation.
Robert
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Thanks for the offer but I\'m really looking for an estate to replace my old Volvo which is huge. Silly of me but I didn\'t mention that in my previous messages. Are you happy with your car ? Guess you must have enjoyed ownership cos you\'re buying another. Any problems so far ?? I\'d appreciate any feedback. Thanks Robert.
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Hi,
Never mind. A fair few things have had to be done - most of which have been covered by other peoples replies. I've actually had six Omegas - this is the 1st one I've owned though.
Although they may appear to have problems - think of the numbers out there. Parts are reasonably priced - certainly against most German and French stuff - and you can do a lot of work yourself - if you are that way inclined.
If you want a really cheap estate get an ex-Police one!
Good luck ......
Robert
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Hi Robert - thanks for the feedback. Interested to hear that you\'re thinking about getting an auto - I test drove an auto (2.2l estate) a while ago and liked the box despite the fact that I\'ve always had manuals. I was very impressed by the load space which is even bigger than the 940 and this was the reason for my considering Omega\'s since Volvo no longer make a car of the size of the 940 (the V70 is appreciably smaller). I did feel the interior trim/plastics seemed a bit flimsy in places though. Have you had any problems with these items in your Omega\'s ? I read that things like the air vent flaps break easily and are hideous to replace. I\'d appreciate hearing about your experiences.
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I can safely say I have never had any trouble with the trim in the car, no rattles no squeaks no breakages. I have heard of many problems in my three years of Omega ownership and club membership, but the interior was never an issue.
I do rate the autobox much higher than the manual though, silky smooth gear shifts as opposed to the notchy offerings of the manual. The manual box cannot compete with competition from other manufacturers.
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Crombster, do I detect a concensus of opinion hidden amongst the conflicting experiences of Omega ownership i.e. that if you look after your Omega it will look after you but if you mistreat it be prepared for it to bite back in a big way. \'Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned\' - Omega\'s are female aren\'t they ?
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Mines a temperamental cow, but she is frequently punished along the country roads for this reason! A bit of a love hate relationship you see :)
My girlfriend doesn\'t agree however and thinks the Omega is a man car, her Mk4 Golf is a snobby girl she thinks, But if my Omega is male then that offers no reason for the temperamental behaviour...
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M
\"Mines a temperamental cow.....\" I\'m assuming you\'re referring to the car not the girlfriend ! I\'ve recently got a new one (wife that is !) and it\'s a bit like getting a fancy new car - the clutch and brakes are a bit fierce, the controls are in the wrong place and there\'s a few gadgets you\'ve never had before !!
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Totally agree on the automatic Omega, they are very smooth and this only adds to the pleasure of driving one. I treat mine gently and hopefully it should look after me, i.e. try and keep the rev's down (not easy in an automatic!), gradual acceleration and braking, rarely use sports mode and always slip into neutral if waiting stationary for more than a minute or so (I think this helps to keep the tranny cooler). I had the auto fluid checked yesterday after 90K and its still clean and red, with no signs of dark brown/black. By the way, does anyone know if the transmission on the omegas lock's up in 3rd and 4th as it did on the cavalier to reduce loss from the torque convertor? I assume it does.
S.
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SVPworld (incorporating PSRworld)
www.svpworld.com
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S. Wrote:
rarely use sports mode
I use it all the time on the Vectra. BUT, not for acceleration purposes, I tend to use mine for engine braking. Saves on petrol and excessive brake wear as Auto's offer little in the way of engine braking. On steep hills I have dropped "her" into 2nd so I don't have to keep dabbing the brakes all the time. That's the trouble with autos, they do have a habit of running away with themselves.
and always slip into neutral if waiting stationary for more than a minute or so
I was advised not to engage "Park" until you actually want to!! Dropping it into park mode while stationary in a queue of traffic helps to overheat the gearbox.
Mind you, plenty do it though. Amount of cars I see where their reverse lights come on momentarily while they select "Drive" to move forward 6 inches in traffic, then brake, quick flash of reverse lights again - back into "Park"
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I never use the engine or gearbox for braking unless absolutely necessary. I believe its much cheaper to replace a set of brake pads than replace an automatic gearbox or engine! I agree that autos don't offer much in the way of engine braking, although the omega appears to know when its running away downhill and accordingly changes down.
I would also agree that it is bad practice to engage the Park mode in traffic, since even a small rear end "tap" could damage the transmission parking lock pegs (forgot the name of them!). I would have thought dropping into Neutral would help not to overheat the box, assuming it disengages everything? I never use Park until full stopped and handbrake applied (which incidentally is hopeless in the omega unless you pull it onto the back seat!).
Also when moving from reverse into drive, or vice versa, I often hesitate for a second or so in neutral rather than just slam it across. I think it would help also to reduce wear and tear on the box.
I have tried the sports mode a few times in the anticipation that it would assist in overtaking. However when the revs hit 6000 rpm I get very nervous at that poor 16V 2 litre engine screaming its heart out and decided to just stay where I am, in the traffic! In order to overtake, its often necessary to get the revs to around 3000-3500 first, in an auto this isn't so easy though pressing the sports button without using kickdown sometimes works. Even so, must remember this is not a sports car!
S.
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SVPworld (incorporating PSRworld)
www.svpworld.com
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I never use the engine or gearbox for braking unless absolutely necessary. I believe its much cheaper to replace a set of brake pads than replace an automatic gearbox or engine!
My previous Auto - Cavalier Diplomat - I owned for 4 years. Was 3 yrs old when I bought it. Sold on with 95,000 on the clock. Never changed the gearbox oil, was as clean as the day I bought it. Used sport mode then as do I now in the Vectra.
I would have thought dropping into Neutral would help not to overheat the box, assuming it disengages everything?
That's how I understand it. While in the gears or in neutral the oil can circulate the full gearbox. In Park is doesn't - that's why it can overheat if left idling for long periods. That's what I was told by the dealer anyway.
when the revs hit 6000 rpm I get very nervous at that poor 16V 2 litre engine screaming its heart out and decided to just stay where I am, in the traffic!
I have always found Vauxhall engines very durable and forgiving. The cobwebs never have time to settle in any of the Vauxhalls I have owned. All previous ones sold had done near on 100,000 miles, and never needed any oil top ups between routine services. Maybe I've just been lucky & I ought to shut up before Vicky Vectra goes pop :~\
In order to overtake, its often necessary to get the revs to around 3000-3500 first, in an auto this isn't so easy though pressing the sports button without using kickdown sometimes works.
Yes, overtaking. I always find that it's best to plan ahead and get ready a couple of seconds before you actually want to overtake to compensate for the Autobox lag.
Even so, must remember this is not a sports car!
You're way too paranoid. Sit back and enjoy your Omega without worrying about what's going or not going to happen under the bonnet :o)
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Hi,
No problems with trim - except self induced ones. There is a nack to taking the door trims off - I found out the hard way. Trim is ok - probably not up to BM or Audi quality - but heaps better then French stuff!
Beware door locks that don't fully open and ensure that cam belts on 16/24v models are changed @ 40k.
Its a heavy car so will need suspension bushes from time time to time - not silly money either.
There is a good Yahoo group and www.autobahnstormers.co.uk offer a good email support service (to members) for 6 cyl GM cars.
Not as flash as some marques - but excellent VFM & I am horrified by some of the support offered by some other marque dealerships.
Have you made you mind up yet?
Regards
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Thanks Robert - I'm getting a clear message that there are a few lemons out there but regular servicing and TLC go a long way with an Omega. Have I made up my mind yet ? I suppose so, I need the size of the 940 but want something newer. What else is there ? Don't know anything about Mercs. but E class was a possibility due to their size although I'd have to go for an older one due to cost. On the whole I'm pleased with the Volvo but I fear it's about to give up the ghost big time (paranoia possibly) and don't want to get locked into a load of expense then have to get rid of the car for nothing. That happened to me when I got rid of my Rover 800 (F reg. 57k) 4 years ago - only got £600 for it due to costly engine problems needing rectifying, other than that it was spotless inside and out !! Bit of a bummer really but that's cars ain't it. Can't live with 'em, can't live without 'em. Just like women aren't they !
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"Totally agree on the automatic Omega, they are very smooth and this only adds to the pleasure of driving one. I treat mine gently and hopefully it should look after me, i.e. try and keep the rev's down (not easy in an automatic!), gradual acceleration and braking"
In all honesty I didnt treat mine so well, I bought the sports suspension, 3.0 cams & other modifications in order to make her get from a to b as quickly as possible with little respect for the autobox and never once did she complain. (apart from when the auto died! but I'm sure a fluid change would have helped after 100k!)
If you are so inclined, the Omega will provide plenty of thrills even with the autobox. :)
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