Omega Owners Forum

Chat Area => General Car Chat => Topic started by: Rog on 21 April 2013, 20:01:40

Title: Vectra 3.2 Elite ? Yes or No
Post by: Rog on 21 April 2013, 20:01:40

I'm getting a bit p'd off with constant problems with my 2000 2.5 Elite Estate Omega.

Decent Miggys are getting hard to find. I do around 15k-20k PA. I've seen a Vectra 3.2 Elite Estate, 2003, 60ish k miles. I know about the huge MPG. But does anyone out there know anything else about these cars ? Anything in particular that goes wrong ? Common problems. Can I expect another 40k out of it ? Reliability ? All of course assuming that mileage etc is correct.

I'm a bit inclined to get this and run it for a year or two, rather than keep my Omega going in and out of the garage. I don't do my own work.

Any comments or advice appreciated  :)
Title: Re: Vectra 3.2 Elite ? Yes or No
Post by: henryd on 21 April 2013, 20:08:00
The 3.2 Vectra uses the same v6 as the Omega so no change there,not sure which gearbox they have,my 3.0 v6 diesel Signum uses a 5 speed Aisin warner autobox which works well,mines on 126k miles now and is running well so the one you are looking at should have plenty of life left in it so long as it's been looked after  :y
Title: Re: Vectra 3.2 Elite ? Yes or No
Post by: OmegaAnglesey on 21 April 2013, 20:17:11
The 2.8 V6 Turbo Vectra models are becoming cheaper now also  :)


Elite Replacement...
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2006-Vauxhall-Vectra-2-8T-V6-Elite-Auto-Estate-REDUCED-Fantastic-Example-B-/290856046765?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item43b85f10ad (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2006-Vauxhall-Vectra-2-8T-V6-Elite-Auto-Estate-REDUCED-Fantastic-Example-B-/290856046765?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item43b85f10ad)

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201303135755088



MV6 Replacement...
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Vauxhall-Opel-Vectra-2-8i-V6-24v-255ps-2006MY-VXR-/271188259485?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item3f2414729d (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Vauxhall-Opel-Vectra-2-8i-V6-24v-255ps-2006MY-VXR-/271188259485?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item3f2414729d)
Title: Re: Vectra 3.2 Elite ? Yes or No
Post by: dazzerM on 21 April 2013, 20:36:51
It really depends what you want it for  ???

If its just to rack up the miles a new/newer car will always be the better option, I replaced my last MV6 for a vectra c Sri, but as it was only for a toy it just didn't have the grin factor  :)

Hence I am now in Omega number 4 in 3 years  ;)
Title: Re: Vectra 3.2 Elite ? Yes or No
Post by: OmegaAnglesey on 21 April 2013, 20:44:53
It really depends what you want it for  ???

If its just to rack up the miles a new/newer car will always be the better option, I replaced my last MV6 for a vectra c Sri, but as it was only for a toy it just didn't have the grin factor :)

Hence I am now in Omega number 4 in 3 years  ;)
I'm sure the VXR Vectra would do that  ;D 
Title: Re: Vectra 3.2 Elite ? Yes or No
Post by: dazzerM on 21 April 2013, 20:48:04
It really depends what you want it for  ???

If its just to rack up the miles a new/newer car will always be the better option, I replaced my last MV6 for a vectra c Sri, but as it was only for a toy it just didn't have the grin factor :)

Hence I am now in Omega number 4 in 3 years  ;)
I'm sure the VXR Vectra would do that  ;D

 ;D ;D until you que at the post office and cough up the 470 a year car tax  ;D ;D
Title: Re: Vectra 3.2 Elite ? Yes or No
Post by: tunnie on 21 April 2013, 20:51:14
Vectra has a shit ride compared to Omega though  :(
Title: Re: Vectra 3.2 Elite ? Yes or No
Post by: OmegaAnglesey on 21 April 2013, 20:53:52
It really depends what you want it for  ???

If its just to rack up the miles a new/newer car will always be the better option, I replaced my last MV6 for a vectra c Sri, but as it was only for a toy it just didn't have the grin factor :)

Hence I am now in Omega number 4 in 3 years  ;)
I'm sure the VXR Vectra would do that  ;D

 ;D ;D until you que at the post office and cough up the 470 a year car tax  ;D ;D
Ah yes forgot about that bit  :D ;D
Title: Re: Vectra 3.2 Elite ? Yes or No
Post by: dazzerM on 21 April 2013, 20:57:14
Vectra has a shit ride compared to Omega though  :(

I would agree with that just didn't feel like a drivers car, the only thing I looked forward to in mine on a Long drive was getting out  :D
Title: Re: Vectra 3.2 Elite ? Yes or No
Post by: 0795omega on 21 April 2013, 21:03:14
i ilike them a lot,only thing at the mo id consider replacing the miggy with,but not yet though want more out of her first! see what jeremy clarkson thinks of veccy on top gear,one of the worst chassis ever he reckons,the vxr beat all its competitors though in a straight line thanks to its mad engine!
Title: Re: Vectra 3.2 Elite ? Yes or No
Post by: Broomies Mate on 21 April 2013, 21:11:36
No point in having loads of grunt on the straights if you fall off the first corner.

Vectra C v's Omega handling??????  Vectra C wins all day long.  The Omega is one of the worst handling barge cars in the world.

(no point in arguing, we have been here a million times.  This is an Omega Forum and we all love them.  I'm on my fourth..... yes, they handle like cack).
Title: Re: Vectra 3.2 Elite ? Yes or No
Post by: OmegaAnglesey on 21 April 2013, 21:14:29
i ilike them a lot,only thing at the mo id consider replacing the miggy with,but not yet though want more out of her first! see what jeremy clarkson thinks of veccy on top gear,one of the worst chassis ever he reckons,the vxr beat all its competitors though in a straight line thanks to its mad engine!
Don't know if this is true or not.


http://www.vxronline.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?175253-Vectra-general-question-answer-thread/page5 (http://www.vxronline.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?175253-Vectra-general-question-answer-thread/page5)


1) Clarkson always seems to have difficulty turning a corner and keeping to a line (could it be a weight problem?) When testing the Vectra VXR, he pulled the fuses to disable the traction control and other steering/suspension electronics. Why, I don't know - allegedly to make the test fairer. I think the test was quite valid in proving what I've always thought - Clarkson's a plonker!
Title: Re: Vectra 3.2 Elite ? Yes or No
Post by: biggriffin on 21 April 2013, 21:22:18
Thought about a 3.2 vectra then i rembered
 1st wwd
 2nd rear bank head gasket probs.
.  Answer i bought another omega estate,more room and rwd.
Title: Re: Vectra 3.2 Elite ? Yes or No
Post by: Rog on 21 April 2013, 22:22:30
It really depends what you want it for ???

If its just to rack up the miles a new/newer car will always be the better option, I replaced my last MV6 for a vectra c Sri, but as it was only for a toy it just didn't have the grin factor  :)

Hence I am now in Omega number 4 in 3 years  ;)

Really not bothered about the "Grin Factor". Just something that will do long motorway treks and carry a fair load in the back, AND not need to go into the garage every few weeks. I do like a few horses under the bonnet though, not for boy racing, just to able to get where I want on the motorway.
Title: Re: Vectra 3.2 Elite ? Yes or No
Post by: henryd on 21 April 2013, 22:23:49
Vectra has a shit ride compared to Omega though  :(

Signum Elite rides better than a Vectra but still not Omega Elite smooth,handles well though,certainly better than my Omega estate did :y
Title: Re: Vectra 3.2 Elite ? Yes or No
Post by: 05omegav6 on 22 April 2013, 01:29:57
Vectra has a shit ride compared to Omega though  :(

Signum Elite rides better than a Vectra but still not Omega Elite smooth,handles well though,certainly better than my Omega estate did :y
Vectra estate has the same (longer than saloon/hatch) wheelbase as the Signum, so good rear space, decent ride plus a good sized boot. If it's just a car and nothing too special, try and find a 1.8 Design facelift estate :y easy to work on and a bit less thirsty than the V6 :y
Title: Re: Vectra 3.2 Elite ? Yes or No
Post by: omega3000 on 22 April 2013, 11:55:41
Vectra has a shit ride compared to Omega though  :(

Signum Elite rides better than a Vectra but still not Omega Elite smooth,handles well though,certainly better than my Omega estate did :y
Vectra estate has the same (longer than saloon/hatch) wheelbase as the Signum, so good rear space, decent ride plus a good sized boot. If it's just a car and nothing too special, try and find a 1.8 Design facelift estate :y easy to work on and a bit less thirsty than the V6 :y

I too have been looking at the vectra 3.2 ... would the 1.8 not be a bit gutless  :( :-\ :-\ :-\
Title: Re: Vectra 3.2 Elite ? Yes or No
Post by: btc on 22 April 2013, 13:18:22
Vectra has a shit ride compared to Omega though  :(

Signum Elite rides better than a Vectra but still not Omega Elite smooth,handles well though,certainly better than my Omega estate did :y
Vectra estate has the same (longer than saloon/hatch) wheelbase as the Signum, so good rear space, decent ride plus a good sized boot. If it's just a car and nothing too special, try and find a 1.8 Design facelift estate :y easy to work on and a bit less thirsty than the V6 :y

I too have been looking at the vectra 3.2 ... would the 1.8 not be a bit gutless  :( :-\ :-\ :-\
My 2004 1.8 design averages 40mpg nice drive but it is no racer serves its purpose well as my daily
Title: Re: Vectra 3.2 Elite ? Yes or No
Post by: Marks DTM Calib on 22 April 2013, 13:23:31
I know for a fact that I can stick an Omega Elite through a corner much more controlled and faster than a Vectra C Elite.

Title: Re: Vectra 3.2 Elite ? Yes or No
Post by: henryd on 22 April 2013, 13:26:15
I know for a fact that I can stick an Omega Elite through a corner much more controlled and faster than a Vectra C Elite.

You probably can Mark :D,but in general driving my Signum just feels more "planted" than my Omega did :y
Title: Re: Vectra 3.2 Elite ? Yes or No
Post by: omega3000 on 22 April 2013, 13:30:12
I know for a fact that I can stick an Omega Elite through a corner much more controlled and faster than a Vectra C Elite.

Always felt a bit too soft and wallow'y in the corners .. vectra c must be cr@p then  ;D  :-X
Title: Re: Vectra 3.2 Elite ? Yes or No
Post by: Marks DTM Calib on 22 April 2013, 13:31:29
I know for a fact that I can stick an Omega Elite through a corner much more controlled and faster than a Vectra C Elite.

You probably can Mark :D,but in general driving my Signum just feels more "planted" than my Omega did :y

Thats what you get when you have to harden the suspension to compensate for front wheel drive.

Ask Loo Knee and others how surprised they have been by the handling of an Omega  :y
Title: Re: Vectra 3.2 Elite ? Yes or No
Post by: Marks DTM Calib on 22 April 2013, 13:31:51
I know for a fact that I can stick an Omega Elite through a corner much more controlled and faster than a Vectra C Elite.

Always felt a bit too soft and wallow'y in the corners .. vectra c must be cr@p then  ;D  :-X

You need to learn to drive properly  ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: Vectra 3.2 Elite ? Yes or No
Post by: adey2 on 22 April 2013, 14:31:14
i fiind the omega goes round corners very well, the mv6 a lot quicker then the elite but thats down to stiffer susspension, scrapped the 2 vectras i had as were pile off poo
Title: Re: Vectra 3.2 Elite ? Yes or No
Post by: 05omegav6 on 22 April 2013, 14:51:04
I know for a fact that I can stick an Omega Elite through a corner much more controlled and faster than a Vectra C Elite.

Always felt a bit too soft and wallow'y in the corners .. vectra c must be cr@p then  ;D  :-X

You need to learn to drive properly  ;D ;D ;D

Amen to that :y
Title: Re: Vectra 3.2 Elite ? Yes or No
Post by: 05omegav6 on 22 April 2013, 15:03:39
Vectra has a shit ride compared to Omega though  :(

Signum Elite rides better than a Vectra but still not Omega Elite smooth,handles well though,certainly better than my Omega estate did :y
Vectra estate has the same (longer than saloon/hatch) wheelbase as the Signum, so good rear space, decent ride plus a good sized boot. If it's just a car and nothing too special, try and find a 1.8 Design facelift estate :y easy to work on and a bit less thirsty than the V6 :y

I too have been looking at the vectra 3.2 ... would the 1.8 not be a bit gutless  :( :-\ :-\ :-\
My 2004 1.8 design averages 40mpg nice drive but it is no racer serves its purpose well as my daily
The gearing is a little short compared to an Omega, but even the estate picks up nicely :y even if it won't set the world on fire ::)

Design and Elite 5 speed manuals have a slightly longer top gear than the base ones :y
Title: Re: Vectra 3.2 Elite ? Yes or No
Post by: Rog on 22 April 2013, 16:53:10
I didn't envisage that this would turn into a discussion about handling and performance  ;D. I was a bit more interested in reliability and practicality.

Anyway, taking the Miggy to garage on Wednesday, see what my bloke says, then make a decision. It's leaking coolant water AGAIN ! The Vectra is a bit over £2k. I'll be happy if I get 20k miles out of it.
Title: Re: Vectra 3.2 Elite ? Yes or No
Post by: omega3000 on 22 April 2013, 16:54:04
Ive always found the Estate versions handle better than any saloon  ::) must be the longer wheel base  ::) ::)
Title: Re: Vectra 3.2 Elite ? Yes or No
Post by: I_want_an_Omega on 22 April 2013, 22:51:54
Pal of mine has one. Electronics seem rather "fragile" - but that's just Vec C for you.

The 3.2 is also a bit thirsty and can eat front tyres if driven hard .........

Watch the temp - they can run a bit cool - which signifies a new stat needed ......
Title: Re: Vectra 3.2 Elite ? Yes or No
Post by: Nick W on 22 April 2013, 23:06:55
No point in having loads of grunt on the straights if you fall off the first corner.

Vectra C v's Omega handling??????  Vectra C wins all day long.  The Omega is one of the worst handling barge cars in the world.

(no point in arguing, we have been here a million times.  This is an Omega Forum and we all love them.  I'm on my fourth..... yes, they handle like cack).

In the world? Have you driven any ordinary American saloon? The Mercury Grand Marquis(yes I know, a truly truly stupid name)handled about as well as a cheap office chair with a broken wheel. The car was the posh(which meant even more chrome plated plastic than the cheaper ones) version of Ford's Crown Victoria, used as taxis and police cars.
Title: Re: Vectra 3.2 Elite ? Yes or No
Post by: Kevin Wood on 22 April 2013, 23:34:05
No point in having loads of grunt on the straights if you fall off the first corner.

Vectra C v's Omega handling??????  Vectra C wins all day long.  The Omega is one of the worst handling barge cars in the world.

(no point in arguing, we have been here a million times.  This is an Omega Forum and we all love them.  I'm on my fourth..... yes, they handle like cack).

In the world? Have you driven any ordinary American saloon? The Mercury Grand Marquis(yes I know, a truly truly stupid name)handled about as well as a cheap office chair with a broken wheel. The car was the posh(which meant even more chrome plated plastic than the cheaper ones) version of Ford's Crown Victoria, used as taxis and police cars.

 ;D

Sounds much better than the Vectra-derived Chavrolet thing I had when I was last in the US. ::)

IMHO, the Omega (MV6, at any rate) handles a lot better than most modern cars, regardless of weight. It's not just about grip or how rock hard the suspension is, though. ;)
Title: Re: Vectra 3.2 Elite ? Yes or No
Post by: 05omegav6 on 22 April 2013, 23:45:59
What's that saying again :-\ Summat about poor workmen and tools ::)
Title: Re: Vectra 3.2 Elite ? Yes or No
Post by: tunnie on 23 April 2013, 08:55:21
Few years ago the tunnies drove in the US we had a Lincoln Aviator, I've driven boats which handled better.

Came off a motorway slip road, at a very gentle 40mph. We needed a toilet break shorly after, nearly rolled the damn thing  :o
Title: Re: Vectra 3.2 Elite ? Yes or No
Post by: Rog on 23 April 2013, 16:10:52
All irrelevant now. Thought I'd go and take a look at it and called first. Sold  :(.

Probably just as well, not really a very "sensible" vehicle.  :-\

Thinking about an MPV maybe a Galaxy or Voyager. I really need rear space.