Hi!
Having owned various omegas (and carlton) for many years now, this is how I see it:
- Omega is no more complex, complicated to work on or more expensive to run than most of it's contemporaries (not to mention newer cars)
- corrosion is a very common enemy (especialy in hummid climate like UK), and usualy is what it gets it killed (mechanical things usually outlive the bodywork). If it has good bodywork, and not wrecked on a mechanical side, its allways worth keeping.
- usual weak spots (as others said): front WB bushes, ARB bushings anddroplinks, rear donut bushes (not very often), crapy handbrake, propshaft rubber discs, headlights fade to yellow and adjustment pins break, cabin heater breaks (nasty job to replace), HBV valve leaks, crankshaft ventilation blocks and causes oil leaks, camcover seals, dispacks break (usually after HBV failed, and leaked on it), crankshaft sensor fail (new needs cable re-routed), oilcooler breaks and oilcooler plate corredes (but can be avoided if antifreez is always in cooling system), Multiram vacuum stuff needs to be handled with care (not to brake it), some 2.6 have faulty valve seams, some 3.0 have faulty head gasket (leaks water outwards), exhaust manifold gaskets fail sometimes (and it is a hell to replace)
- biggest problem is, IMO, that many garages are not familiar with above -> usually generates wrong diagnosis, expensive repairs and unsolved problems - YOU NEED A GARAGE THAT KNOW ITS WAY AROUND THIS CAR
- also, V6 is a bit complex (compared to 4 pot engines, and some other V6 engines), if nothing else, then due to the amount of components installed on it. But, it's not a rocket science -> IMO, when working on it, there is no place for hastiness and hurry. Just take your time while working on the engine.
- IMO, when performing some work on the engine, it's best to do everything that is in that area and might need replacement in some near future (i.e. when you do something in the V-valley, best to do the thermostat,cooler,bridge,camcover seals,clean crankshaft vent -> kill many birds with one stone)
- timing belt - make sure it's done by somebody who is experienced with this.
- 4-speed auto gearbox is a dinosaur
- as it is a quite old car, parts are getting really cheap -> running costs are usually very low
- V6 is not easy on fuel, but, hey, if you want high MPG, dont buy V6 petrol -> I'm sure that when they designed the engine, consumption wasn't high on list of demands -> also, other similar engines are as thirsty as GM V6 (at least)
- generally, this cars are capable of high mileage, if taken good (and wise) care of
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So, buy it, have it checked by someone from this forum that services this cars, repair/replace what needs to be done, and enjoy many fast and comfortable miles.
15k a year is not much if its most on open road. You'll probably use it for years.
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Topic: Encourage me to buy an Mv6 (Read 15462 times)