Vauxhall omega - any good?

squarehead94

squarehead94

squarehead94

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Cumbria, United Kingdom
Friends asking me about good cheap motors, specifically the omega. He's looking at 2 models, the 2.5 TDS (BMW e36 2.5 diesel engine) and the 2.2 dti. He's got a grand to spend and wants 4 doors, diesel and reliability with comfort in mind.

I know the 2.2s weren't great for oil pumps but otherwise good, and the 2.5s seemed to be fairly reliable being a BMW design.

Has anyone owned one or can give pros/cons? Hes not a fan of a BMW itself as they hold money better and have generally had a hammered life at that budget, whereas omegas were usually more a grown up car, i only know of 3 around my way all owned by elderly people.

Thanks in advance.
 
If he wants reliability why does he want a 15 year old car?

The engine out of the 525TDS really isn't that efficient, so if his love for diesel is because of DEM MPGZ then he'll be somewhat disappointing - it isn't a fuel efficient car.

They were good cars back in their time but they are all 15-20 years old now so whether they've all fallen to bits or not now who knows? It hardly sounds like a good budget option. I'd be surprised if there are many left. Can't remember the last time I saw one.
 
Trying to find a 2.5 one of these with no rust and reasonable miles will be near to impossible.

Not as sure on the 2.2, there is only one or two on autotrader.

IMO they don't age well and are a bit long in the tooth even for a grand, hence not too many about.
 
One of his previous cars was a Mondeo tdci and it was the worst car he had owned. To be honest I think he is more into the fact it's RWD and a bit different from his previous cars. Astra's a good shout, I'd recommend one. Focus tend to be decent if there not rotten.

Are there many alternatives at that price point though? Not sure that RWD is essential but he's driven RWD in a BMW before and he liked the handling and feel of the drive, but they are just out of his price range.
 
Oh btw the one or two he had looked at (£599 and £999) are on an 03. Decent mot history (checked online via reg) and look clean, one has omega elite alloys which he liked.
 
I have owned 4 Omega MV6's. They are, were a very very good car. They would eat the miles up and cruise along at 120 without batting an eye lid.

They have one major problem with rust on the back arches and inside the doors.

The engine can be a tricky lump to work on, getting to he thermostat for instance all the top end has to be stripped down nearly. Simple jobs which can end up being common, like the heater bypass valve will leave you with no knuckles .

The lower arms often need replacing and can be a right pain.

I have loved these cars for years but fell out of love about 18 months ago. My last one just needed too many jobs done to it to warrant keeping it on the road.

Arms, windscreen, discs all round plus pads, rust, head gasket went. All theses added up to loads of money, even with me wielding the spanners.

If you do buy one there are some great club sites out there to help out with tips,hints and how to's. Along with meets and the like.

Wish I was on my PC then I could have put a pick or two up to show how nice they can look.

What's not to like about a V6 3l four door saloon.

But they are old.
 
I had one of these 2.5TDS Elite back in the late 1990s and it was superb, but the BMW engine was terribly fragile and unreliable. It was the first high performance diesel and had problems with waterpump, porous head and suchlike. Can't remember. Was lovely when it worked and was chipped. The auto was only 4 speed GM 4L30 but was OK.
 
What about an e39 5 series? Plenty around for under a grand, not the most reliable car in the world but can't be worse than an omega surely? Load's of part's available, solid build, comfortable and still a decent looking car for it's age.
 
My dad had several as company cars over the years. The two I remember most were the 2.5v6 'tourer' which was rare then and you won't find another now - great car, massive boot and looked great (estate). Then he got a 3.o v6 elite in champagne gold with all the bells and whistles, self levelling suspension, climate control, that lovely engine and a wonderful boot. It looked classy (the elite grill and larger 17" alloys), was exceptionally comfy for family drives to France and I absolutely loved it.

You can still find them to his day that were bought from new with plenty of older people still driving them. Finding something sub 100k is tough but parts are easy, maintenance also and provides you get a decent estate with a good petrol engine and big enough wheels, they are rare and actually blend in with he crowd nicely.
 
I'd be looking at something like an accord,ovlov or a saab. At the low end of the market they would more reliable than a old BMW or the ancient but comfy Omega.

But in reality, a more common car like the Mondeo wold be a better bet, as at that age they will all break, and its better to get a decent car that has plentiful and cheap spares.
 
Got a 3.0 mv6 love it to bits but it's a complete basket case

As said much better cars for the money out there unless your an omega
Fan


Mines looking rather sorry for herself this morning


Body shop bound though
 
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