Omega Owners Forum

Chat Area => General Car Chat => Topic started by: acope on 02 November 2012, 18:30:22

Title: Looking for an Omega
Post by: acope on 02 November 2012, 18:30:22
As the label says.....looking for a 97 to 2000 model, preferably a tourer but must be an auto thats the general plan
Must admit  i`m abit confused with all the different engine sizes, which is the best ?, I believe there is even one with a BMW diesel engine, can you guys put me right on what to look for, I dont do a great deal of mileage now, so economy is not TO important, and at 70 i`m certainly no boy racer ;)
I would appreciate your comments guys.

ps..sorry if this is in the wrong section...put down to my age... :D
Title: Re: Looking for an Omega
Post by: albitz on 02 November 2012, 19:01:28
At that age the engine choice is - 2.0 4 pot petrol. 2.5 or 3.0 V6 petrol,or BMW 2.5 TD.  :y
Title: Re: Looking for an Omega
Post by: RobG on 02 November 2012, 19:04:14
2.2 came in Sept. `99 ;)
Title: Re: Looking for an Omega
Post by: albitz on 02 November 2012, 19:25:48
What day and date ?  :P ;D
Title: Re: Looking for an Omega
Post by: omega3000 on 02 November 2012, 19:26:55
Aye if i was buying another omego it would be a diesel  :y
Title: Re: Looking for an Omega
Post by: RobG on 02 November 2012, 19:28:10
What day and date ?  :P ;D
Autumn :P
Title: Re: Looking for an Omega
Post by: OmegaAnglesey on 02 November 2012, 19:32:03
Aye if i was buying another omega it would be a diesel  :y

That got me thinking that there never was a "Sport" / "MV6" type of Diesel Omega for those who wanted the economy of a Diesel but the Sporty Looks/Feel of the Sport/MV6 trim.  ::)
Title: Re: Looking for an Omega
Post by: Brikhead on 02 November 2012, 20:48:23
Aye if i was buying another omega it would be a diesel  :y

That got me thinking that there never was a "Sport" / "MV6" type of Diesel Omega for those who wanted the economy of a Diesel but the Sporty Looks/Feel of the Sport/MV6 trim.  ::)

I think thats called an oxy-moron, sporty diesel...
Title: Re: Looking for an Omega
Post by: Brikhead on 02 November 2012, 20:49:49
ps..sorry if this is in the wrong section...... :D
Perfect choice, I'd say.
And welcome to the Forum, by the way!
 :y
Title: Re: Looking for an Omega
Post by: acope on 02 November 2012, 21:45:06
OK thank you guys...but which is the best ?, I guess you`ll all have your own particular favourite, i`ve been doing abit of reading up on customers / owners comments, you read half a dozen say that such and such engine is great then perhaps 2 or 3 saying they are rubbish, very confusing for an old git like me.. :)...but the BMW diesel owners are all agreed that its a cracker of an engine that can do mega miles, but trying to find one is a different matter, they are as scarce as the ole rockin` horse droppings..
Driving a big old Musso 4x4 with the merc 2.9 5 cylinder diesel at the mo, it does its job towing the caravan ok, but its abit of an old agricultural machine, want something that will pull and is nice and comfortable, and looks good,
Mind you I do run it on neat vegetable oil at only 97p per litre which does help save a few pennies.. :y

Alan
Title: Re: Looking for an Omega
Post by: Webby the Bear on 02 November 2012, 22:18:30
i genuinely love the car. fuel consumption and price is definitely a killer at the moment though and i think that goes for any of the engines  :'(
Title: Re: Looking for an Omega
Post by: Webby the Bear on 02 November 2012, 22:19:39
edit:

any of the v6's that is... not sure what economy is like on the 2.0 or 2.2..... but that doesnt matter as of course youll want a v6  :-X
Title: Re: Looking for an Omega
Post by: acope on 02 November 2012, 22:47:30
Thanks Mr Webby  :), cant go to fast though incase my zimmer frame falls over onto my mobility scooter :y

Have just gone thro` the autotrader online and out of 91 omega`s for sale there is only one 2.5 diesel, with about 124k on the clock its about a 100 miles away and is going for only £575, and I cant get any reply from the private seller...grrr

ah well try again later... :)
Title: Re: Looking for an Omega
Post by: Webby the Bear on 02 November 2012, 22:54:13
if i had to buy another one i certainly wouldnt be worried about buying one with high miles. theres loads around with whacking great mileage on them.  :y

Title: Re: Looking for an Omega
Post by: acope on 02 November 2012, 22:59:24
ok..i`ll remember that.  :-\
Title: Re: Looking for an Omega
Post by: GaryC2.5td on 02 November 2012, 23:52:32
i personally think the 2.5td BMW engine one is the best, so comfortable and run for ever i have two of them one has 250,000 (1/4 of a million) miles and hadn't had to change any parts other than the regular wear and tare parts bushings etc...  engine wise 100%even doa its been driven the absolute crap out of!! and the other is used for the business that has 200,000 miles on it. and  i know you said your not a boy racer but just putting it into perspective for you how reliable engine they are and all the 2.5td pre face lift models had the BMW engine mine are 95 and 96 both have them. and i don't know much about the face lift models
hope this helps  :)
Title: Re: Looking for an Omega
Post by: GaryC2.5td on 02 November 2012, 23:55:57
and also the 2.5td engine is a work horse!! would have no prob towing a caravan!!!
Title: Re: Looking for an Omega
Post by: acope on 03 November 2012, 00:12:33
Thanks Gary, I dont really mind what age they are..I wasn`t aware they were about that early, its finding one thats the problem...
Title: Re: Looking for an Omega
Post by: GaryC2.5td on 03 November 2012, 00:29:51
there are actually a few in ireland for sale if your interested in exporting one or there are a few with N.I reg the main action site in ireland is http://www.donedeal.ie/donedeal/ (http://www.donedeal.ie/donedeal/) keep a look out there are a few posted every week :y
Title: Re: Looking for an Omega
Post by: GaryC2.5td on 03 November 2012, 01:15:02
found a few for you on ebay just click on the links
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1999-VAUXHALL-OMEGA-ESTATE-CD-2-5TD-AUTO-SILVER-FSH-/221147312931?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item337d683323&_uhb=1 (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1999-VAUXHALL-OMEGA-ESTATE-CD-2-5TD-AUTO-SILVER-FSH-/221147312931?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item337d683323&_uhb=1)
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/vauxhall-omega-2-5-td-auto-estate-83k-/251173730306?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item3a7b1ef802&_uhb=1 (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/vauxhall-omega-2-5-td-auto-estate-83k-/251173730306?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item3a7b1ef802&_uhb=1)
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/vauxhall-omega-2-5-td-auto-estate-83k-/251173730306?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item3a7b1ef802&_uhb=1 (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/vauxhall-omega-2-5-td-auto-estate-83k-/251173730306?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item3a7b1ef802&_uhb=1)
i dono about the automatic gear box i heard they weren't as good as the manual maybe someone else could let u know if its any good or not
Title: Re: Looking for an Omega
Post by: GaryC2.5td on 03 November 2012, 01:26:48
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1997-VAUXHALL-OMEGA-2-5-TD-GLS-AUTO-GREY-/160912818903?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item257726c2d7&_uhb=1 (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1997-VAUXHALL-OMEGA-2-5-TD-GLS-AUTO-GREY-/160912818903?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item257726c2d7&_uhb=1)
Title: Re: Looking for an Omega
Post by: plym ian on 03 November 2012, 07:19:01
edit:

any of the v6's that is... not sure what economy is like on the 2.0 or 2.2..... but that doesnt matter as of course youll want a v6  :-X

mines about 20 round town and about 34 on a run but can be a lot worse if you drive like you stole it ;D
Title: Re: Looking for an Omega
Post by: omega3000 on 03 November 2012, 09:39:59
I think TB needs to confirm this but im sure the diesel with auto box is dreadful , maybe just on the early ones  :-\ Ive had a few estate cars but none omega ones but would definitely replace my saloon for a manual diesel next time around  :)  Even just using my 3.0 once or twice a week now is becoming worryingly expensive  ::)
Title: Re: Looking for an Omega
Post by: GaryC2.5td on 03 November 2012, 11:58:12
see acope ^^^^ if you can go for the manual they arent that bad in manual your not changing gears every few second like usually in a 4x4 as you prob know!
Title: Re: Looking for an Omega
Post by: acope on 03 November 2012, 13:55:18
Hi Gary, unfortunately due to back and hips problem I can`t do manuals, just cant move my left leg enough for gear changes, if I got caught in a traffic jam I would be in dead trouble, so its auto`s only i`m afraid :(

ps..thanks for all those links  :y
Title: Re: Looking for an Omega
Post by: GaryC2.5td on 03 November 2012, 16:52:55
no problem  :)
Title: Re: Looking for an Omega
Post by: Shackeng on 03 November 2012, 17:23:58
I've had my '99 2.5TD Estate Auto for 13 years. It has not got the best auto box in the world, in particular it likes to change down at least 2 gears and sometimes 3 when one would do. They are fitted with an AR25 box as standard, and the ratios could be better chosen, and if you chip the engine ecu back to BMW spec. which transforms the car, the AR25 will not last long if driven hard. However, the stronger AR35 can be fitted, which will take the uprated chip performance.
I love my TD, it has been utterly reliable, the only real issues I recall having were changing the Gloplugs, thermostat, and wishbones. On a run I get about 33mpg, and on country roads about 27. I have only done 114k, but well looked after with regular oil changes, they should, as Gary indicates, go on for ever, well almost. ;D
Title: Re: Looking for an Omega
Post by: acope on 03 November 2012, 18:21:18
Thats a bit disappointing about the BMW auto box, thought it would be the dogs dangler,
The main use will be ordinary running around, with some caravan towing, dont really want the box changing like a fiddlers elbow all the time when i`m towing, thats when problems happen.
So perhaps I need to look at a petrol then....2.5 V6 or the 3L do they have different /better auto boxes

One run I do with the c/van is down into Mid France, the old musso can do it, given the time, and later next year I hope to do a run (without the `van) down to Southern Spain ( hate all the hassle that goes with flying), so something with a little bit of get up and go for that would be handy.

Having said all that, running around would be the main use
Not askin` alot am I ... :D
Title: Re: Looking for an Omega
Post by: Shackeng on 03 November 2012, 19:35:58
Maybe I made it sound too bad, not true, its a wonderful car to drive, I would have just preferred a slightly less active box, Its the the dogs dangleberries for long range cruising, and towing as well I shouldn't wonder.  :y
Title: Re: Looking for an Omega
Post by: acope on 03 November 2012, 19:55:37
thats ok,no problem, we all have our own preferences...appreciate your feed back.... throws the market wide open again though......, decisions decisions... :y

Nice J reg Carlton on autotrader online...ONLY £2495.00....HOW MUCH ?...I dont believe it. :o :)
Title: Re: Looking for an Omega
Post by: GaryC2.5td on 03 November 2012, 23:47:36
they look cool what are they like to drive do you know .. what size engine?
Title: Re: Looking for an Omega
Post by: acope on 04 November 2012, 19:18:24
Heres some for you..http://www.autotrader.co.uk/search/used/cars/vauxhall/carlton/postcode/b772rd/radius/1500/onesearchad/used%2Cnearlynew%2Cnew/sort/default#advert201224475205591 (http://www.autotrader.co.uk/search/used/cars/vauxhall/carlton/postcode/b772rd/radius/1500/onesearchad/used%2Cnearlynew%2Cnew/sort/default#advert201224475205591)
Title: Re: Looking for an Omega
Post by: TheBoy on 04 November 2012, 19:33:12
If going for the BMW based 2.5TD, seriously consider a manual. The TD + Auto box is a poor combination, and not particularly economical. TBH, I found my 3.0l V6 petrol cheaper to run than my 2.5TD auto, by the time servicing costs were taken into account.

The manual is better suited.

People get it in their head that because it says "BMW" on it, it must be the best thing since sliced bread. Its not. I quite like the engine, but they are fragile, especially if they have been abused in a former life (they all have, as nobody obeyed the 4500 mile service interval). The pumps are tempremental as well, as are most similar Bosch pumps, and expensive to replace.

But don't let me put you off - its not a bad engine. Just get the BMW thing out of your head. And get a manual.


The 2.2DTi is a GM lump, and produces similar power, and slightly better economy, and is only available with a manual.
Title: Re: Looking for an Omega
Post by: henryd on 04 November 2012, 19:39:17
If going for the BMW based 2.5TD, seriously consider a manual. The TD + Auto box is a poor combination, and not particularly economical. TBH, I found my 3.0l V6 petrol cheaper to run than my 2.5TD auto, by the time servicing costs were taken into account.

The manual is better suited.

People get it in their head that because it says "BMW" on it, it must be the best thing since sliced bread. Its not. I quite like the engine, but they are fragile, especially if they have been abused in a former life (they all have, as nobody obeyed the 4500 mile service interval). The pumps are tempremental as well, as are most similar Bosch pumps, and expensive to replace.

But don't let me put you off - its not a bad engine. Just get the BMW thing out of your head. And get a manual.


The 2.2DTi is a GM lump, and produces similar power, and slightly better economy, and is only available with a manual.

Op has already ruled out manual due to health issues.
Title: Re: Looking for an Omega
Post by: TheBoy on 04 November 2012, 19:41:52
Op has already ruled out manual due to health issues.
Opps, missed that.

The auto tractor is a dog for performance and economy. And unchippable without swapping the autobox.  For a TD, the chip is essential.
Title: Re: Looking for an Omega
Post by: acope on 04 November 2012, 20:53:15
Thanks guys, must admit the "BMW" sign did sway me abit, a perhaps a re-think.. :)

The 2.0L I dont think will be a very good caravan tower, so looking at ..the 2.2 / 2.5 or the old 3 litre...

hmm ok, back to the drawing board...cheers :)


really appreciate every ones input on this, thank you.
Title: Re: Looking for an Omega
Post by: tunnie on 04 November 2012, 21:52:44
Doing DIY work? 4 pots dead easy to work on, V6s can be very expensive to run if using a garage to do basic work.
Title: Re: Looking for an Omega
Post by: Shackeng on 04 November 2012, 23:02:03
So there you go, two somewhat differing views on driving the auto TD. However I suspect that, at 75, my driving style is likely to be nearer to yours than TB's, and our divergent views are clearly subjectively influenced by that. I repeat, I have had only the issues listed  in my earlier post in 13 years, and admittedly, it has a good service history from new. :y :y :y
Title: Re: Looking for an Omega
Post by: twiglet on 04 November 2012, 23:16:26
Personally, in your situation, I'd be looking for a 3.0 V6 auto elite estate.  Plenty around, for not alot of money, and plenty of support on this forum is you have any issues.  :y
Title: Re: Looking for an Omega
Post by: Shackeng on 05 November 2012, 10:12:15
Personally, in your situation, I'd be looking for a 3.0 V6 auto elite estate.  Plenty around, for not alot of money, and plenty of support on this forum is you have any issues.  :y

I agree with that sentiment, and having also got a 3.2 Elite to compare with the TD, I know which I prefer driving, (just in case, it is the 3.2!) The highlighted phrase is the clue, and I agree with TB about consumption, there is little difference in consumption between my TD and the 3.2, and given diesel is much dearer than petrol, I would not buy another diesel car while doing only 8 or 9k per year. From all the experts on here, the 3.0s go better than the 3.2s, possibly due to all the emissions crap equipment fitted to the latter.:y
Title: Re: Looking for an Omega
Post by: TheBoy on 05 November 2012, 18:27:21
So there you go, two somewhat differing views on driving the auto TD. However I suspect that, at 75, my driving style is likely to be nearer to yours than TB's, and our divergent views are clearly subjectively influenced by that. I repeat, I have had only the issues listed  in my earlier post in 13 years, and admittedly, it has a good service history from new. :y :y :y
Nah, I think we actually agree. Its quite a good engine, but not made of gold, like some people believe anything BMW is. Prone to spectacular failures if abused in an earlier life.

Yeah, I ragged mine everywhere, admittedly, and actually really did love that car, despite the love-hate relationship we had. Was sorry to see it go  :'(

But the economy was poor, and servicing costs double that of the MV6.

But I still miss it.
Title: Re: Looking for an Omega
Post by: Keith ABS on 07 November 2012, 19:37:56
  The gearbox isnt a BMW item, but GM My F/L 2.5 TD has been problem free mechanicly, just unrelated issues to running it. I get 34.1 as my average with standard chip. The price of diesel is the only down side now days but not bad for an auto. Its just so comfortable and relaxing to drive. Did a four hour drive a couple of weeks back, got out and could have jumped straight back n and done it again.
Keith.B
Title: Re: Looking for an Omega
Post by: Shackeng on 07 November 2012, 22:30:23
  The gearbox isnt a BMW item, but GM My F/L 2.5 TD has been problem free mechanicly, just unrelated issues to running it. I get 34.1 as my average with standard chip. The price of diesel is the only down side now days but not bad for an auto. Its just so comfortable and relaxing to drive. Did a four hour drive a couple of weeks back, got out and could have jumped straight back n and done it again.
Keith.B

Yes, its strange, I do feel more relaxed after a long drive in the TD than in the 3.2, I think its because the 3.2 wants me to 'rag it', as TB so succinctly describes it, which of course I love doing. :y :y :y