Omega Owners Forum

Chat Area => General Car Chat => Topic started by: Kate on 08 April 2018, 20:37:01

Title: Would a Saab 9-5 be a good Omega alternative?
Post by: Kate on 08 April 2018, 20:37:01
I've seen a Saab 9-5 estate for sale near me. Would it be a good Omega alternative?

Can you think of a better alternative?

TIA. :y
Title: Re: Would a Saab 9-5 be a good Omega alternative?
Post by: Doctor Gollum on 08 April 2018, 20:47:19
E Class if you are after a proper estate car...

Anything within budget will be rustier or more work than the Omega... That said this is true of anything much below a grand ::)
Title: Re: Would a Saab 9-5 be a good Omega alternative?
Post by: Nick W on 08 April 2018, 20:47:24
You'd be better off buying the Vectra it's based on.
Far more choice, cheaper to buy and run.



If you must have a big estate car for practical use, you're looking at an E-class or Volvo.
Title: Re: Would a Saab 9-5 be a good Omega alternative?
Post by: Bigron on 08 April 2018, 20:50:15
Will this review help you, Kate?

https://www.rac.co.uk/drive/car-reviews/saab/9-5/207842/

Ron.
Title: Re: Would a Saab 9-5 be a good Omega alternative?
Post by: Kate on 08 April 2018, 20:54:34
Thanks :y
Title: Re: Would a Saab 9-5 be a good Omega alternative?
Post by: Nick W on 08 April 2018, 20:56:11
Also bear in mind that although these cars are now dirt cheap to buy just like Omegas, none of them were ever cheap to own. And they still aren't. Buying cheap examples means you'll be looking at a never ending list of expensive jobs that the previous owners wouldn't pay for. Just like cheap Omegas.
Title: Re: Would a Saab 9-5 be a good Omega alternative?
Post by: Kate on 08 April 2018, 21:01:07
Do you mean cam belts and other service items?
Title: Re: Would a Saab 9-5 be a good Omega alternative?
Post by: Viral_Jim on 08 April 2018, 21:04:05
What year is it, also manual or auto, and what engine?

Specific years and engines had particular issues.

As a marque specific forum, uksaabs.com is good. More tightly moderates than the OOF, but it’s the only forum that I’ve ever found to be as good for technical assistance.

In terms of size, it’s smaller than the omega, but more than big enough for most domestic applications.
Title: Re: Would a Saab 9-5 be a good Omega alternative?
Post by: Nick W on 08 April 2018, 21:14:06
Do you mean cam belts and other service items?


No, those are the jobs that get done.
For example, any Omega that you buy will need the front suspension replaced for it to drive properly. That's £200 per side in parts if you source them cost effectively, at least 3 hours work, an alignment session plus a pair of tyres. To have that done will cost more than the car.
So Saabs and petrol BMWs frequently have serious engine issues, A6 Audis front suspension will make your wallet bleed(as will the electrics), E-class, Volvo and 5-series auto boxes(and you'll struggle to find any with a manual box) are weak and all the diesels are likely to be at the end of their life.


There are good ones of each out there, but it's a real gamble as to whether you find them.
Title: Re: Would a Saab 9-5 be a good Omega alternative?
Post by: Kate on 08 April 2018, 23:40:51
Thanks for the advice :y

I remember years ago when cars were more simple. They were much easier to repair. It's a shame classic cars are so expensive now. I bought a Morris Minor off a oof member once. I wish I still had it.
Title: Re: Would a Saab 9-5 be a good Omega alternative?
Post by: Bigron on 09 April 2018, 01:43:51
Funnily enough, your quest for an alternative to an Omega prompted me to look up the Morris Minor (Traveller, actually) - phew, the prices!
Around £7,000 for a basket case, to nearly £30,000 for a shiny example!!!  :o :o :o

Ron.
Title: Re: Would a Saab 9-5 be a good Omega alternative?
Post by: ians on 09 April 2018, 10:33:33
I have one Kate. Diesel estate.  Goes pretty well really.
Not as big as a mig estate if you need it for load lugging.
Title: Re: Would a Saab 9-5 be a good Omega alternative?
Post by: Field Marshal Dr. Opti on 09 April 2018, 10:45:49
Vauxhall Signum. :-* :-* :-* :-* :-*

Title: Re: Would a Saab 9-5 be a good Omega alternative?
Post by: Kieran on 09 April 2018, 10:51:48
I have spent plenty of time looking for a motor to replace my Omega estate. As well as the occasional trip to the tip I also tow a caravan. Thought about a E class but found some problems with them and expensive to get repaired. After much deliberation I think the Subaru Forester might tick all the boxes. Not the best looking estate but seems tough and durable which can tow a caravan.
Title: Re: Would a Saab 9-5 be a good Omega alternative?
Post by: tunnie on 09 April 2018, 11:56:01
Question: Would a Saab 9-5 be a good Omega alternative.

Answer: No, it's FWD.

I've tried FWD as a replacement, I missed RWD far more than I thought I would.


 :)
Title: Re: Would a Saab 9-5 be a good Omega alternative?
Post by: Shackeng on 09 April 2018, 12:21:41
Question: Would a Saab 9-5 be a good Omega alternative.

Answer: No, it's FWD.

I've tried FWD as a replacement, I missed RWD far more than I thought I would.


 :)

So do I with the Mondeo. :'(
Title: Re: Would a Saab 9-5 be a good Omega alternative?
Post by: Field Marshal Dr. Opti on 09 April 2018, 13:14:16
Question: Would a Saab 9-5 be a good Omega alternative.

Answer: No, it's FWD.

I've tried FWD as a replacement, I missed RWD far more than I thought I would.


 :)

But would this make any difference to a girlie?

 Most women don't know one end of a car from the other. :)
Title: Re: Would a Saab 9-5 be a good Omega alternative?
Post by: ronnyd on 09 April 2018, 14:32:12
Question: Would a Saab 9-5 be a good Omega alternative.

Answer: No, it's FWD.

I've tried FWD as a replacement, I missed RWD far more than I thought I would.


 :)

But would this make any difference to a girlie?

 Most women don't know one end of a car from the other. :)
Classy as usual your Highness. ;D ;D
Title: Re: Would a Saab 9-5 be a good Omega alternative?
Post by: Doctor Gollum on 09 April 2018, 17:03:27
Question: Would a Saab 9-5 be a good Omega alternative.

Answer: No, it's FWD.

I've tried FWD as a replacement, I missed RWD far more than I thought I would.


 :)

So do I with the Mondeo. :'(
Anyone else and an "I told you so..." might be appropriate...
Title: Re: Would a Saab 9-5 be a good Omega alternative?
Post by: TheBoy on 09 April 2018, 17:28:26
Question: Would a Saab 9-5 be a good Omega alternative.

Answer: No, it's FWD.

I've tried FWD as a replacement, I missed RWD far more than I thought I would.


 :)

So do I with the Mondeo. :'(
Trouble is, as I found, your choices are limited. And non existent if you don't want a beemer or a PoS sub 20yr old Merc made from the parts bin as its cheaper than designing.
Title: Re: Would a Saab 9-5 be a good Omega alternative?
Post by: Shackeng on 09 April 2018, 19:16:38
Question: Would a Saab 9-5 be a good Omega alternative.

Answer: No, it's FWD.

I've tried FWD as a replacement, I missed RWD far more than I thought I would.


 :)

So do I with the Mondeo. :'(
Trouble is, as I found, your choices are limited. And non existent if you don't want a beemer or a PoS sub 20yr old Merc made from the parts bin as its cheaper than designing.

Exactly, getting either a good sized petrol hybrid or petrol only Estate with RWD was impossible. All the 1 year old Mercs available were diesel. However I'm sure more will be avlbl in a year or so. :y
Title: Re: Would a Saab 9-5 be a good Omega alternative?
Post by: STEMO on 09 April 2018, 19:41:27
Question: Would a Saab 9-5 be a good Omega alternative.

Answer: No, it's FWD.

I've tried FWD as a replacement, I missed RWD far more than I thought I would.


 :)

So do I with the Mondeo. :'(
Trouble is, as I found, your choices are limited. And non existent if you don't want a beemer or a PoS sub 20yr old Merc made from the parts bin as its cheaper than designing.

Exactly, getting either a good sized petrol hybrid or petrol only Estate with RWD was impossible. All the 1 year old Mercs available were diesel. However I'm sure more will be avlbl in a year or so. :y
Diesel is good  :)
Title: Re: Would a Saab 9-5 be a good Omega alternative?
Post by: tunnie on 09 April 2018, 21:00:39
Question: Would a Saab 9-5 be a good Omega alternative.

Answer: No, it's FWD.

I've tried FWD as a replacement, I missed RWD far more than I thought I would.


 :)

So do I with the Mondeo. :'(
Trouble is, as I found, your choices are limited. And non existent if you don't want a beemer or a PoS sub 20yr old Merc made from the parts bin as its cheaper than designing.

With the FWD & my VW I had few issues with it:

1) The ride, it was soft, yet hard at the same time. Can't find better way to describe it, fine over speed bumps, yet rough roads riddled with potholes or broken tarmac surfaces it really crashed about. Yet then again, on a smooth motorway it rode very, very well. I compare this with BMW 235i M which I'm in almost daily, that makes makes a smooth motorway (which I've driven in the Omega and VW at same speeds) feel like we are driving over a down a cobbled street instead.

2) Road Noise, I found it was very sensitive to tarmac surfaces, I would notice change far, far more to the point of it really annoying me. But wind noise it was silent, compared to Omega which has considerable wind noise. Same roads in 3.2 vs VW, the VW was considerably louder.

3) The 'Red Mist' mode - If you boot it in the Omega, you can really enjoy the experience, the 'push' sensation as such,  handling is better, it's also enjoyable if it brakes traction. The VW however, just spins up front wheels and you don't make progress, it also transmitted horrible vibrations into the cabin. (as to be expected I guess) - But the Omega, light the rears up, you hear it, but it does not shake the steering wheel.

Hence I will probably go XF for future, if my commute stays the same. If not I may have to suck up FWD and go Insignia  :(

The Zafira however is far more enjoyable to drive than the VW ever was, I've found the Zaf much more chuckable, less sensitive to road surface and rides far better than VW did. (yet runs 18's same size as VW did) I think because it's setup for British roads..... ie crap surface!
 
Title: Re: Would a Saab 9-5 be a good Omega alternative?
Post by: Viral_Jim on 09 April 2018, 21:27:37
Hence I will probably go XF for future, if my commute stays the same. If not I may have to suck up FWD and go Insignia  :(

Kia stinger. Rwd, petrol and diesel guise Coming soon to a pound land near you ;)
Title: Re: Would a Saab 9-5 be a good Omega alternative?
Post by: tunnie on 09 April 2018, 21:34:03
Hence I will probably go XF for future, if my commute stays the same. If not I may have to suck up FWD and go Insignia  :(

Kia stinger. Rwd, petrol and diesel guise Coming soon to a pound land near you ;)

Yeah, that has potential, if they actually sell any in the first place. Good thing with Omega's is that even big V6's sold in decent numbers. Well, should say, leased in good numbers.  :)

But given Co2 is focus of company car rules now, I cannot see many being sold.  :-\

Also would have been nice if Top Gear actually showed some of it when they did review it, I do find Rory utterly useless at a decent car review.
Title: Re: Would a Saab 9-5 be a good Omega alternative?
Post by: STEMO on 09 April 2018, 22:15:34
Hence I will probably go XF for future, if my commute stays the same. If not I may have to suck up FWD and go Insignia  :(

Kia stinger. Rwd, petrol and diesel guise Coming soon to a pound land near you ;)

Yeah, that has potential, if they actually sell any in the first place. Good thing with Omega's is that even big V6's sold in decent numbers. Well, should say, leased in good numbers.  :)

But given Co2 is focus of company car rules now, I cannot see many being sold.  :-\

Also would have been nice if Top Gear actually showed some of it when they did review it, I do find Rory utterly useless at a decent car review.
So test drive one. Then turn your nose up at it. There'll be a lot of that going on.  ;D
Title: Re: Would a Saab 9-5 be a good Omega alternative?
Post by: tunnie on 09 April 2018, 22:25:43
Hence I will probably go XF for future, if my commute stays the same. If not I may have to suck up FWD and go Insignia  :(

Kia stinger. Rwd, petrol and diesel guise Coming soon to a pound land near you ;)

Yeah, that has potential, if they actually sell any in the first place. Good thing with Omega's is that even big V6's sold in decent numbers. Well, should say, leased in good numbers.  :)

But given Co2 is focus of company car rules now, I cannot see many being sold.  :-\

Also would have been nice if Top Gear actually showed some of it when they did review it, I do find Rory utterly useless at a decent car review.
So test drive one. Then turn your nose up at it. There'll be a lot of that going on.  ;D

Turning up in a £3.70 Omega might get their suspicions about my ability to buy one, if however we turned up in a BMW 235i M, might be able to blag it.  :D
Title: Re: Would a Saab 9-5 be a good Omega alternative?
Post by: henryd on 09 April 2018, 22:55:23
I bought a MG ZTT turbo diesel today in good Nick and still with 2 months ticket for 100 quid,taxed it and drove it home,bargain I reckon :y
Title: Re: Would a Saab 9-5 be a good Omega alternative?
Post by: Sir Tigger KC on 09 April 2018, 23:07:21
I bought a MG ZTT turbo diesel today in good Nick and still with 2 months ticket for 100 quid,taxed it and drove it home,bargain I reckon :y

You were had Henry!  ;D
Title: Re: Would a Saab 9-5 be a good Omega alternative?
Post by: Nick W on 09 April 2018, 23:38:10
Hence I will probably go XF for future, if my commute stays the same. If not I may have to suck up FWD and go Insignia  :(

Kia stinger. Rwd, petrol and diesel guise Coming soon to a pound land near you ;)


yes. A Poundland. One, as that's the number of the V6 version that they're likely to sell. It will be on a shelf parked between the two Infiniti Whatevers that they managed to sell. And near a non running Forester.
Title: Re: Would a Saab 9-5 be a good Omega alternative?
Post by: BazaJT on 10 April 2018, 07:58:04
Must say I can't really fault my P1 V70.Okay it's FWD,but day to day ordinary driving that's not really noticeable[pressing on of course shows the differences]A T5 or T5R would be nice but at for cheap prices a risky proposition-if you could find one for cheap that is-petrol from 140bhp upwards,diesel also available and auto boxes can be a bit flaky so I'd go for manual on one.
Title: Re: Would a Saab 9-5 be a good Omega alternative?
Post by: TheBoy on 10 April 2018, 20:43:28
I compare this with BMW 235i M

2) Road Noise

3) The 'Red Mist' mode - If you boot it in the Omega, you can really enjoy the experience
All modern sub 5 series beemers are rock hard to appeal to whatever todays equiv of a yuppy is

Road noise is far more likely to be tyres.  The FL Omega has more wind noise than the PFL

The Omega chassis is a very encouraging car to drive, giving huge dollops of feedback, and rewarding the driver who responds to that.
Title: Re: Would a Saab 9-5 be a good Omega alternative?
Post by: Kate on 11 April 2018, 13:05:00
Would a 2005 VW Passat 2.0 manual petrol estate be any good? 148000 miles, price is £500.

Thanks for the advice. :y
Title: Re: Would a Saab 9-5 be a good Omega alternative?
Post by: STEMO on 11 April 2018, 13:07:20
Would a 2005 VW Passat 2.0 manual petrol estate be any good? 148000 miles, price is £500.

Thanks for the advice. :y
Not trying to put you off, or encourage you, Kate. But how can anyone possibly know without knowing the actual car? I'm sure there are good examples of that car around but probably a lot of complete dogs too.
Title: Re: Would a Saab 9-5 be a good Omega alternative?
Post by: tigers_gonads on 11 April 2018, 13:08:09
Would a 2005 VW Passat 2.0 manual petrol estate be any good? 148000 miles, price is £500.

Thanks for the advice. :y


No point debating which car to get .........
Just pick a budget and get the largest estate car you can with a full mot  :y
Title: Re: Would a Saab 9-5 be a good Omega alternative?
Post by: Nick W on 11 April 2018, 13:15:01
Would a 2005 VW Passat 2.0 manual petrol estate be any good? 148000 miles, price is £500.

Thanks for the advice. :y


If it's got a long MOT and looks like it will last for that long then, then probably. A £500 large estate is a throwaway tool.
Title: Re: Would a Saab 9-5 be a good Omega alternative?
Post by: Kate on 11 April 2018, 13:23:02
Oofers are usually very picky about which cars they would buy and which to avoid.

For example, french cars seem to be frowned upon.
Title: Re: Would a Saab 9-5 be a good Omega alternative?
Post by: STEMO on 11 April 2018, 13:31:30
Oofers are usually very picky about which cars they would buy and which to avoid.

For example, french cars seem to be frowned upon.
If you find a 15 year old French car that's still running, buy it.
Title: Re: Would a Saab 9-5 be a good Omega alternative?
Post by: tigers_gonads on 11 April 2018, 13:39:53
Oofers are usually very picky about which cars they would buy and which to avoid.

For example, french cars seem to be frowned upon.
If you find a 15 year old French car that's still running, buy it.


Hang on, ain't Vauxhall now French ? ;D
Title: Re: Would a Saab 9-5 be a good Omega alternative?
Post by: Field Marshal Dr. Opti on 11 April 2018, 13:44:59
Oofers are usually very picky about which cars they would buy and which to avoid.

For example, french cars seem to be frowned upon.
If you find a 15 year old French car that's still running, buy it.

Perhaps Kate should consider an early Bugatti Veyron. A nice French car. :)
Title: Re: Would a Saab 9-5 be a good Omega alternative?
Post by: Kate on 11 April 2018, 13:55:54
Oofers are usually very picky about which cars they would buy and which to avoid.

For example, french cars seem to be frowned upon.
If you find a 15 year old French car that's still running, buy it.

Perhaps Kate should consider an early Bugatti Veyron. A nice French car. :)

I prefer fast cars but thanks for your recommendation. ;D
Title: Re: Would a Saab 9-5 be a good Omega alternative?
Post by: Field Marshal Dr. Opti on 11 April 2018, 13:58:42
Hence I will probably go XF for future, if my commute stays the same. If not I may have to suck up FWD and go Insignia  :(

Kia stinger. Rwd, petrol and diesel guise Coming soon to a pound land near you ;)


yes. A Poundland. One, as that's the number of the V6 version that they're likely to sell. It will be on a shelf parked between the two Infiniti Whatevers that they managed to sell. And near a non running Forester.

The Stinger may become a 'stinker' when depreciation takes hold making it a good used buy.

Nice looking performance saloon with every 'optional extra' as standard.

I'd certainly consider buying one. :y
Title: Re: Would a Saab 9-5 be a good Omega alternative?
Post by: Field Marshal Dr. Opti on 11 April 2018, 14:01:39
Oofers are usually very picky about which cars they would buy and which to avoid.

For example, french cars seem to be frowned upon.
If you find a 15 year old French car that's still running, buy it.

Perhaps Kate should consider an early Bugatti Veyron. A nice French car. :)

I prefer fast cars but thanks for your recommendation. ;D

You may struggle to find even an early Veyron for £500, Kate. :-* :-* :-* :-* :-*
Title: Re: Would a Saab 9-5 be a good Omega alternative?
Post by: Doctor Gollum on 11 April 2018, 15:54:42
Might get one for an afternoon  ;D
Title: Re: Would a Saab 9-5 be a good Omega alternative?
Post by: STEMO on 11 April 2018, 15:57:23
Might get one for an afternoon  ;D
She's fickin mad enough to do that, too. ;D
Title: Re: Would a Saab 9-5 be a good Omega alternative?
Post by: Field Marshal Dr. Opti on 11 April 2018, 16:26:41
Might get one for an afternoon  ;D
She's fickin mad enough to do that, too. ;D

A quick Google shows a daily rate of £12500. :)
Title: Re: Would a Saab 9-5 be a good Omega alternative?
Post by: STEMO on 11 April 2018, 17:40:28
Might get one for an afternoon  ;D
She's fickin mad enough to do that, too. ;D

A quick Google shows a daily rate of £12500. :)
Kate would just pay for an hour and get 'caught in traffic'.  :)
Title: Re: Would a Saab 9-5 be a good Omega alternative?
Post by: Sir Tigger KC on 11 April 2018, 18:31:21
Oofers are usually very picky about which cars they would buy and which to avoid.

For example, french cars seem to be frowned upon.

I think that for your budget and needs Kate, a car that has been looked after is more important than the make.  :)  And they are out there, you just have to be patient and keep your eye out.  ;)

As to French cars, if you see a Peugeot 406 estate with the 2.0 ltr HDI engine, that's been looked after, has a long MOT and is in budget, grab it!  :y

Inevitably though with bangernomics you either throw them away or end up spending time and money.  ::)
Title: Re: Would a Saab 9-5 be a good Omega alternative?
Post by: henryd on 11 April 2018, 18:52:40
Oofers are usually very picky about which cars they would buy and which to avoid.

For example, french cars seem to be frowned upon.

I think that for your budget and needs Kate, a car that has been looked after is more important than the make.  :)  And they are out there, you just have to be patient and keep your eye out.  ;)

As to French cars, if you see a Peugeot 406 estate with the 2.0 ltr HDI engine, that's been looked after, has a long MOT and is in budget, grab it!  :y

Inevitably though with bangernomics you either throw them away or end up spending time and money.  ::)

Yep,good shout as 406 Hdi is bombproof,sold mine at 235k and its still going as far as I know :y
Title: Re: Would a Saab 9-5 be a good Omega alternative?
Post by: Kate on 11 April 2018, 19:53:42
Would a Ford Galaxy be any good?
Title: Re: Would a Saab 9-5 be a good Omega alternative?
Post by: Nick W on 11 April 2018, 19:57:05
Would a Ford Galaxy be any good?


They're usually like cheap vans: barely hanging on.
Title: Re: Would a Saab 9-5 be a good Omega alternative?
Post by: Field Marshal Dr. Opti on 11 April 2018, 19:57:47
Would a Ford Galaxy be any good?

So many questions, woman. ;) :-* :-*
Title: Re: Would a Saab 9-5 be a good Omega alternative?
Post by: Kate on 11 April 2018, 20:17:41
I need answers please. ;D
Title: Re: Would a Saab 9-5 be a good Omega alternative?
Post by: BazaJT on 11 April 2018, 20:50:51
For any given price range you might get a better Seat Alhambra than Galaxy[they're the same vehicle along with the VW Sharan]if that's the sort of thing you're looking at.Don't forget to get the full carrying capacity in the early ones you have to take the seats out completely-and they're heavy!]Basically set your budget and explore all options for the size/carrying capacity you're wanting with as long an M.o.T. as possible[check M.o.T. history on line] and hopefully you'll drop on one that doesn't need too much spending on it too soon.
Title: Re: Would a Saab 9-5 be a good Omega alternative?
Post by: Kate on 11 April 2018, 21:02:23
Thanks very much for that :y
Title: Re: Would a Saab 9-5 be a good Omega alternative?
Post by: Sir Tigger KC on 12 April 2018, 21:30:30
Here you go Kate these might be worth a lookysee.  :y

https://www.gumtree.com/p/volkswagen/volkswagen-passat-2.0-petrol-manual/1294449419

https://www.gumtree.com/p/toyota/toyota-avensis-2.0-gls-12-months-mot-service-history-great-drive-cond/1294441925

This one needs a bit of TLC, but the guys off travelling on the 18th so needs to get rid, if he still has it then offer him £100.   ;D

https://www.gumtree.com/p/subaru/subaru-forester-awd-2001-/1294127175

Everyone who has had a Forester raves about them, so it might be worth a bit of effort if you can get it cheap! :y