Omega Owners Forum
Chat Area => General Car Chat => Topic started by: TheBoy on 16 September 2013, 18:02:08
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With TC slowly disappearing (or certainly for enthusiasts), and now the lack of full diagnostics equipment, I'm not sure I would.
Which brings us to the age old dilema, what?
Brands like Merc, BMW, Audi and possibly VW are out on principle, and Ford are out on safety grounds.
I'm not yet old enough for a Jag
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With TC slowly disappearing (or certainly for enthusiasts), and now the lack of full diagnostics equipment, I'm not sure I would.
Which brings us to the age old dilema, what?
Brands like Merc, BMW, Audi and possibly VW are out on principle, and Ford are out on safety grounds.
I'm not yet old enough for a Jag
Yes you are Jaime ;) Had a 3.8 S type and a 3.8 E type in my ealy 20s :y
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Lada riva 1200 and rwd too :D :D ;D
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I'd be happy with any one of these, Lexus LS430/LS460, BMW 5 Series either 530i/530d or ideally 535d M Sport an M5 wouldn't be doable i think unfortunately, Mercedes E class, Would like a AMG E55 same as M5 not possible, Audi A6/A8 or the S8 V10 same situation as M5/E55, VW Phaeton.
All too expensive so old Vauxhall's it is then ;D
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With TC slowly disappearing (or certainly for enthusiasts), and now the lack of full diagnostics equipment, I'm not sure I would.
Which brings us to the age old dilema, what?
Brands like Merc, BMW, Audi and possibly VW are out on principle, and Ford are out on safety grounds.
I'm not yet old enough for a Jag
Bugger. The two things that were keeping me as a VX owner were TC and access to Tech2 diagnostics >:(
Can you expand please on what the issues are with diagnostics?
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With TC slowly disappearing (or certainly for enthusiasts), and now the lack of full diagnostics equipment, I'm not sure I would.
Which brings us to the age old dilema, what?
Brands like Merc, BMW, Audi and possibly VW are out on principle, and Ford are out on safety grounds.
I'm not yet old enough for a Jag
Pray expand on that one please :o
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Aye? Diags issue?
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VXR8 with LPG an option?
Keith B
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You can't blame vx for your pyro antics btw ;D
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VXR8 with LPG an option?
Keith B
Defo...
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You can't blame vx for your pyro antics btw ;D
I wasn't, accidents happen. *BUT* its one of the important things that kept me with Vauxhall longer than I would have done.
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LS400 for a runaround in comfort ::)
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VXR8 with LPG an option?
Keith B
Was a possibility. Not sure if I'd go down the LPG route again :-\. Whats the latest on goverment promises to keep duty low on LPG?
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With TC slowly disappearing (or certainly for enthusiasts), and now the lack of full diagnostics equipment, I'm not sure I would.
Which brings us to the age old dilema, what?
Brands like Merc, BMW, Audi and possibly VW are out on principle, and Ford are out on safety grounds.
I'm not yet old enough for a Jag
Pray expand on that one please :o
I crash them. Self preservation instincts means a Ford will not be on my list of replacement cars.
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With TC slowly disappearing (or certainly for enthusiasts), and now the lack of full diagnostics equipment, I'm not sure I would.
Which brings us to the age old dilema, what?
Brands like Merc, BMW, Audi and possibly VW are out on principle, and Ford are out on safety grounds.
I'm not yet old enough for a Jag
I could be tempted by the Maserati Quattroporte. Dare to be different, Mr Admin man. :y
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You can't blame vx for your pyro antics btw ;D
I wasn't, accidents happen. *BUT* its one of the important things that kept me with Vauxhall longer than I would have done.
Ahh, now I understand.
Tech2 is still a useful tool (if you don't let the smoke out)........
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With TC slowly disappearing (or certainly for enthusiasts), and now the lack of full diagnostics equipment, I'm not sure I would.
Which brings us to the age old dilema, what?
Brands like Merc, BMW, Audi and possibly VW are out on principle, and Ford are out on safety grounds.
I'm not yet old enough for a Jag
I could be tempted by the Maserati Quattroporte. Dare to be different, Mr Admin man. :y
I think I'd prefer non-descript eurotrash that something that pig ugly ;D.
Currently, reliability is very important to me.
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Now't wrong with the modern Ford dude. :-[
I'm on my 3rd Mondeo since getting rid of the barge.
Presently got a Mk4 2.2TDCi Titanium X-Sport. Loads of toys. Quick when you want it to be, £170 a year to tax, and between 40 & 50 mpg. :y
Best of all worlds if you ask me! ::)
I still stick around here for the craik though! ;D
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Now't wrong with the modern Ford dude. :-[
Yeah, there is, I'm incompatible with them. I tell the car to do something, it hits the nearest immovable object instead. So I try to avoid driving them.
No different to my Mum, who has issues with blue cars ;D
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With TC slowly disappearing (or certainly for enthusiasts), and now the lack of full diagnostics equipment, I'm not sure I would.
Which brings us to the age old dilema, what?
Brands like Merc, BMW, Audi and possibly VW are out on principle, and Ford are out on safety grounds.
I'm not yet old enough for a Jag
Pray expand on that one please :o
I crash them. Self preservation instincts means a Ford will not be on my list of replacement cars.
er, ok. Not sure I see the logic there ......... Mk4 Mondeo for me
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With TC slowly disappearing (or certainly for enthusiasts), and now the lack of full diagnostics equipment, I'm not sure I would.
Which brings us to the age old dilema, what?
Brands like Merc, BMW, Audi and possibly VW are out on principle, and Ford are out on safety grounds.
I'm not yet old enough for a Jag
Pray expand on that one please :o
I crash them. Self preservation instincts means a Ford will not be on my list of replacement cars.
er, ok. Not sure I see the logic there ......... Mk4 Mondeo for me
I've found, as I get older, recovery takes longer :-[. I'm still not fit (or at least as fit as I was before ;D) following that serious smash I had 18 months ago. Thus, I actively try to avoid Fords, as I know I crash them. Whether or not that worry of crashing them causes me to crash them, who knows. But it happens.
Take my last foreign holiday, hire car was a Focus. I was ever so pleased I nearly got through the entire holiday with no jousting marks, then, bugger me, the morning we had to drive back to the airport, a bloody great mark on rear quarter ;D. The year before was another Focus, that was a clean sheet, but the year before that, another friggin Focus, and oppsie daisy ;D
Shame, as I quite like the Mk4 Mundano. But I'm sure I couldn't live with one.
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Hatch back?
Saloon?
Estate?
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Hatch back?
Saloon?
Estate?
Given a choice, I'd prefer a 4 door saloon.
That said, since the demise of the Rover, we have suffered not having a load carrier.
Don't think I could live with an estate though.
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With TC slowly disappearing (or certainly for enthusiasts), and now the lack of full diagnostics equipment, I'm not sure I would.
Which brings us to the age old dilema, what?
Brands like Merc, BMW, Audi and possibly VW are out on principle, and Ford are out on safety grounds.
I'm not yet old enough for a Jag
I could be tempted by the Maserati Quattroporte. Dare to be different, Mr Admin man. :y
I think I'd prefer non-descript eurotrash that something that pig ugly ;D.
Currently, reliability is very important to me.
The new one is gorgeous. :-* :-* :-*
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With TC slowly disappearing (or certainly for enthusiasts), and now the lack of full diagnostics equipment, I'm not sure I would.
Which brings us to the age old dilema, what?
Brands like Merc, BMW, Audi and possibly VW are out on principle, and Ford are out on safety grounds.
I'm not yet old enough for a Jag
Pray expand on that one please :o
I crash them. Self preservation instincts means a Ford will not be on my list of replacement cars.
er, ok. Not sure I see the logic there ......... Mk4 Mondeo for me
I've found, as I get older, recovery takes longer :-[. I'm still not fit (or at least as fit as I was before ;D) following that serious smash I had 18 months ago. Thus, I actively try to avoid Fords, as I know I crash them. Whether or not that worry of crashing them causes me to crash them, who knows. But it happens.
Take my last foreign holiday, hire car was a Focus. I was ever so pleased I nearly got through the entire holiday with no jousting marks, then, bugger me, the morning we had to drive back to the airport, a bloody great mark on rear quarter ;D. The year before was another Focus, that was a clean sheet, but the year before that, another friggin Focus, and oppsie daisy ;D
Shame, as I quite like the Mk4 Mundano. But I'm sure I couldn't live with one.
I know that you don't like the Focus, but the Mk4 Mondy is excellent to drive. The seats are superb (well, the sports one are) and very supportive - with many having variable cooling as well as heating. I thought this was a bit of a gimmick until this summer. A whole range of engines - my fave being the 2.5T Volvo unit - although it was phased out in 2010. If you come over to the dark side then you will see 50+ mpg without even trying and get masses of torque. I'd certainly get another - but probably an auto this time. All IMHO .....
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Hatch back?
Saloon?
Estate?
Given a choice, I'd prefer a 4 door saloon.
That said, since the demise of the Rover, we have suffered not having a load carrier.
Don't think I could live with an estate though.
Some of the newer estates are pretty awesome IMO.
Sticking with rwd?
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I know that you don't like the Focus, but the Mk4 Mondy is excellent to drive. The seats are superb (well, the sports one are) and very supportive - with many having variable cooling as well as heating. I thought this was a bit of a gimmick until this summer. A whole range of engines - my fave being the 2.5T Volvo unit - although it was phased out in 2010. If you come over to the dark side then you will see 50+ mpg without even trying and get masses of torque. I'd certainly get another - but probably an auto this time. All IMHO .....
I quite enjoyed blatting my mate's Mk4 TDCi around the lanes a couple of years ago, demostrating that a diesel can embarrass other drivers. But I don't think I could live with one day to day, the handling isn't predictable enough for me.
Another very good friend of mine has one of the new ones (another diesel, what is it with people ;D), but he rightly won't let me have a go, as he knows my Ford experiences only too well ;D
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Some of the newer estates are pretty awesome IMO.
Sticking with rwd?
Really not sure I could live with any estate. I think, ultimately, I'd always shy away from any estate (but then I said that about hatchbacks, and have lived with plenty of them).
RWD isn't the be-al and end-all for me. FWD is fine, as loong as it handles, and isn't so rock hard that my spine breaks. RWD, based on a less compromised ride, is the preference, but limits choice too much, given that I don't want a German idiot marque, or a Toyota.
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..or a Lexus ? You listen to the Dtm too much ;D
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The only other Vauxhall thats not a Holden, that interests me, is the new Astra vxr since they fixed the torque steer.
But guessing too new?
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..or a Lexus ? You listen to the Dtm too much ;D
If I listened to him, and I should as he is top notch technical, I'd have another bloody Vauxhall ;D
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Or maybe vxr insignia. But again too new?
But Christ its ugly. Dear oh dear. :)
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The only other Vauxhall thats not a Holden, that interests me, is the new Astra vxr since they fixed the torque steer.
But guessing too new?
Nah, not interested in an Astra. esp not a VXR (only one worth having anyway), as my back can't take it :-[
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Vectra VXR/Elite 2.8T V6 :-\
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Vectra VXR/Elite 2.8T V6 :-\
You're having a giraffe? Not driven the 2.8, but the 3.2 is way, way, waaaaayyyy too powerful for the chassis's capability. I'd argue that the 1.8 is too powerful.
Again, not driven a VXR one, but the GSi is a spine breaker. I can't do more than about 20 mins in one. Admittedly, its a fun 20mins (in a 3.2), but I couldn't even commute without being in total agony.
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Or maybe vxr insignia. But again too new?
But Christ its ugly. Dear oh dear. :)
That is an understatement if ever I heard one. The Insignia looked like an 'outdated dollop' when It was first introduced, and time has done it no favours whatsoever.
The 'ugly stick' was invented for the sole purpose of beating the crap out of the dog ugly Insignia.
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The only other Vauxhall thats not a Holden, that interests me, is the new Astra vxr since they fixed the torque steer.
But guessing too new?
Nah, not interested in an Astra. esp not a VXR (only one worth having anyway), as my back can't take it :-[
Gay!
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Or maybe vxr insignia. But again too new?
But Christ its ugly. Dear oh dear. :)
So indescript, I'm gonna have to google an image, as I can't think what they look like.
VXRs are all likely to be out for me, due to concrete beams for suspension.
That said, I was impressed with how little pain and tiredness I had when driving an Insignia down to SW France over 3 days. Or indeed driving back over a few days, despite a chronic ear infection leading to no sleep and 72hrs of agony. That was a base model though.
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Or maybe vxr insignia. But again too new?
But Christ its ugly. Dear oh dear. :)
That is an understatement if ever I heard one. The Insignia looked like an 'outdated dollop' when It was first introduced, and time has done it no favours whatsoever.
The 'ugly stick' was invented for the sole purpose of beating the crap out of the dog ugly Insignia.
Indeed Lord Opti. ;D what amazes me though, is that they managed to make the vxr option uglier still :o ;D
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Vectra VXR/Elite 2.8T V6 :-\
You're having a giraffe? Not driven the 2.8, but the 3.2 is way, way, waaaaayyyy too powerful for the chassis's capability. I'd argue that the 1.8 is too powerful.
Again, not driven a VXR one, but the GSi is a spine breaker. I can't do more than about 20 mins in one. Admittedly, its a fun 20mins (in a 3.2), but I couldn't even commute without being in total agony.
I Like the look of the FL C Vectra especially VXR, Haven't driven one, But was in a Taxi Vectra C few years back it was uncomfortable (in the back) and full of nasty plastic although i think it was the "Club" spec...
There isn't much else left in the VX line up then apart from another Omega. or Monaro, VXR8, Both big V8 though not for everyone these days.
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Or maybe vxr insignia. But again too new?
But Christ its ugly. Dear oh dear. :)
Oh jeez, yes, errr, I see what you mean. What is that all about?
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There isn't much else left in the VX line up then
Hence my conclusion on the first post
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I Like the look of the FL C Vectra especially VXR, Haven't driven one,
Based on my experiences driving GSi's, if you get a chance, do so. I can only imagine that the 2.8 is even more of a hoot than the 3.2. But, boy, does the front end not respond well.
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While Mr Clarkson is so totally Ford biased that its pointless mentioning his pov on Vauxhall, it has to be said that the footage of the Vectras catastrophic under steer on top gear has to be seen to be believed.
Somewhat renowned you might say.
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I Like the look of the FL C Vectra especially VXR, Haven't driven one,
Based on my experiences driving GSi's, if you get a chance, do so. I can only imagine that the 2.8 is even more of a hoot than the 3.2. But, boy, does the front end not respond well.
Came close around 18 months ago saw a 2003 "53" 3.2 GSi around £1200 sold before i got the chance sure it was a manual as well :-\
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Even the 1.8 Vectra C estate is capable of lift off over steer that would make drivers of the original Mini wet themselves ;D
There's bound to be at least one 530d on Copart shortly ::)
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While Mr Clarkson is so totally Ford biased that its pointless mentioning his pov on Vauxhall, it has to be said that the footage of the Vectras catastrophic under steer on top gear has to be seen to be believed.
Somewhat renowned you might say.
Nobody takes notice of whats said on TG. Or at least I hope not.
But that level of understeer is easily possible from a GSi even in the dry, so imagine VXR would be worse if you can get the turbo to spool. Its a frakkin laugh though, but I can see wearing thin ;D
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L322 Range Rover, preferably the 06my facelift onwards. 4.4 n/a V8 or the 4.2 sc.
2006+ Volvo S80 D5 or 2.5T, maybe even V8.
2005+ Lexus GS
Subaru Legacy
X350 Jaguar XJ
Do any of those appeal? Or would you want something more compact?
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Post 07 vxr8
Phaeton. Hmmm, Phaeton and TB. Can't see it somehow. ;D
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No plans to give up the Omegas as they are all ''work in progress'' for the foreseeable future....but it's got to be the 5.7 litre Chrysler 300c for me,had one in the states and loved it :-* :-*
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No plans to give up the Omegas as they are all ''work in progress'' for the foreseeable future....but it's got to be the 5.7 litre Chrysler 300c for me,had one in the states and loved it :-* :-*
That's one car i wouldn't get in black ;D
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L322 Range Rover, preferably the 06my facelift onwards. 4.4 n/a V8 or the 4.2 sc.
2006+ Volvo S80 D5 or 2.5T, maybe even V8.
2005+ Lexus GS
Subaru Legacy
X350 Jaguar XJ
Do any of those appeal? Or would you want something more compact?
He won't fit. :P :P ::) ;)
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Post 07 vxr8
Phaeton. Hmmm, Phaeton and TB. Can't see it somehow. ;D
Huge.....Makes an Omega look like a supermini. :)
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0--60 under six seconds ....but a big old barge none the less ::)
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Post 07 vxr8
Phaeton. Hmmm, Phaeton and TB. Can't see it somehow. ;D
I wonder if I can buy pipe an slippers? I can make it smell of wee myself...
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;D easy ;D
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Post 07 vxr8
Phaeton. Hmmm, Phaeton and TB. Can't see it somehow. ;D
I wonder if I can buy pipe an slippers? I can make it smell of wee myself...
Well that's the Christmas list sorted ;D
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While Mr Clarkson is so totally Ford biased that its pointless mentioning his pov on Vauxhall, it has to be said that the footage of the Vectras catastrophic under steer on top gear has to be seen to be believed.
Somewhat renowned you might say.
Yep they are so shit that the police didn't use them,or did they ::)
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While Mr Clarkson is so totally Ford biased that its pointless mentioning his pov on Vauxhall, it has to be said that the footage of the Vectras catastrophic under steer on top gear has to be seen to be believed.
Somewhat renowned you might say.
Yep they are so shit that the police didn't use them,or did they ::)
Police use any old shit that goes and is cheap. Whatever deal the fleet manager can get at the time.
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While Mr Clarkson is so totally Ford biased that its pointless mentioning his pov on Vauxhall, it has to be said that the footage of the Vectras catastrophic under steer on top gear has to be seen to be believed.
Somewhat renowned you might say.
Yep they are so shit that the police didn't use them,or did they ::)
They got the even more mental twin turbo ones, not available retail.
I think only the trained traffic got them, though, not plod in a panda.
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Oh they did ::) 2.8 full monty and 3.0 diseasel, 2.8 makes a plod Omega feel slow, nearly bought one, but my insurers wouldn't touch it :'(
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Oh they did ::) 2.8 full monty and 3.0 diseasel, 2.8 makes a plod Omega feel slow, nearly bought one, but my insurers wouldn't touch it :'(
Plus expensive TAX on them :-\
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While Mr Clarkson is so totally Ford biased that its pointless mentioning his pov on Vauxhall, it has to be said that the footage of the Vectras catastrophic under steer on top gear has to be seen to be believed.
Somewhat renowned you might say.
Yep they are so shit that the police didn't use them,or did they ::)
henryd - Am I right in thinking that the Signum is basically a Vectra C with a higher centre of gravity? How does it handle? :-\
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Oh they did ::) 2.8 full monty and 3.0 diseasel, 2.8 makes a plod Omega feel slow, nearly bought one, but my insurers wouldn't touch it :'(
Presuming its the same diseasel that my Signum has,bet it's quick in manual format,my auto doesn't hang about :y
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Signum is EXACTLY a four seat Vectra C estate with a small(ish) boot :y
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While Mr Clarkson is so totally Ford biased that its pointless mentioning his pov on Vauxhall, it has to be said that the footage of the Vectras catastrophic under steer on top gear has to be seen to be believed.
Somewhat renowned you might say.
Yep they are so shit that the police didn't use them,or did they ::)
henryd - Am I right in thinking that the Signum is basically a Vectra C with a higher centre of gravity? How does it handle? :-\
Surprisingly well,it rides lower than a standard Veccy, and the v6 oiler up front keeps that on the road,seriously though it will out handle my old mig estate but that was the Elite so weren't great anyway.
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I wouldn't get another vx only liked migs/carltons and now their newer stuff is not my cup of tea and dont even mention monaro cos thats Holden not VX There is nothing inVX range I actually like
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Signum is EXACTLY a four seat Vectra C estate with a small(ish) boot :y
That does about sum it up Al, it's certainly not a thing of beauty,however I've had it nearly a year and 10k miles and the only reason the bonnet has been lifted has been to top up the washer fluid so I can live with its flaws :y
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For all its handling quirks, I have found the early facelift 1.8s to be pretty bombproof :y
Dropping the diseasel V6 into an Omega is on my 'That would be nice' list. The four pot diseasel is best avoided imhe :-\ had a crap one and would never buy another...
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For all its handling quirks, I have found the early facelift 1.8s to be pretty bombproof :y
Dropping the diseasel V6 into an Omega is on my 'That would be nice' list. The four pot diseasel is best avoided imhe :-\ had a crap one and would never buy another...
An omega with that Isuzu v6 under t'bonnet would make lovely car imho :y
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Having owned an Insignia for nearly twelve months now, and still loving it, I couldn't possibly comment ::)
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Fords are most definitely the way forward. Reliable and very easy to work on.
However if you can't get on with them may I suggest something from the Kia range..... that Sportage looks fantastic.
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Here is your challenge.
You like some go, ALL front wheel drive cars with 'go' have stiff chassis's, its the only way the torque can be put on the road (the rules of physics are difficult to beat) be it Audi, Gm, Ford the lot.
So your either looking at AWD or RWD or having to compromise on a stiffer setup in FWD format.
Thinking similar sizes, the A4 you will hate, the handling is naff and there dead small inside, the Passat is the same car. The Mondeo is a good car but, they dont age well, the Insignia is an aquired taste, good all round and nicely screwed together but the looks for some are questionable (although there are MUCH worse cars out there!). French stuff as we know is hit and miss.
The Chrysler you will wrap round a tree within a month, they really dont do corners and are akin to a whale with an outboard motor.
On Mr Clarksons understeer in the Vec C, if you drive and steer like they did in that clip, you could make anything understeer, the Vec C is actualy not nearly as bad a chassis as many make out, if they had done the sama in an Alfa (one of the best FWD setups out there) the result would have been the same (they applied fast excessive steering input to unstick the front wheel before straightening the steering up)
Then you get into your favourites such as Merc and BMW.
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Here is your challenge.
You like some go, ALL front wheel drive cars with 'go' have stiff chassis's, its the only way the torque can be put on the road (the rules of physics are difficult to beat) be it Audi, Gm, Ford the lot.
So your either looking at AWD or RWD or having to compromise on a stiffer setup in FWD format.
Thinking similar sizes, the A4 you will hate, the handling is naff and there dead small inside, the Passat is the same car. The Mondeo is a good car but, they dont age well, the Insignia is an aquired taste, good all round and nicely screwed together but the looks for some are questionable (although there are MUCH worse cars out there!). French stuff as we know is hit and miss.
The Chrysler you will wrap round a tree within a month, they really dont do corners and are akin to a whale with an outboard motor.
On Mr Clarksons understeer in the Vec C,u if you drive and steer like they did in that clip, you could make anything ndersteer, the Vec C is actualy not nearly as bad a chassis as many make out, if they had done the sama in an Alfa (one of the best FWD setups out there) the result would have been the same (they applied fast excessive steering input to unstick the front wheel before straightening the steering up)
Then you get into your favourites such as Merc and BMW.
I agree,they set out to knock that car from the start
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I do warm to Mercedes with their tyre testing and numerous Mo approved tyres.
But their front steering geometry is woefull on some models, so another nine field there. None adjustable camber and huge castor angles. Although I gather there are aftermarket solutions for camber.
Oh, and I find the seat bases very unsupportive on the Mercs I've been in. Nothing to hold your legs up at seems.
If it had to be German, its the least irritating badge too. ;D
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Here is your challenge.
You like some go, ALL front wheel drive cars with 'go' have stiff chassis's, its the only way the torque can be put on the road (the rules of physics are difficult to beat) be it Audi, Gm, Ford the lot.
So your either looking at AWD or RWD or having to compromise on a stiffer setup in FWD format.
Thinking similar sizes, the A4 you will hate, the handling is naff and there dead small inside, the Passat is the same car. The Mondeo is a good car but, they dont age well, the Insignia is an aquired taste, good all round and nicely screwed together but the looks for some are questionable (although there are MUCH worse cars out there!). French stuff as we know is hit and miss.
The Chrysler you will wrap round a tree within a month, they really dont do corners and are akin to a whale with an outboard motor.
On Mr Clarksons understeer in the Vec C,u if you drive and steer like they did in that clip, you could make anything ndersteer, the Vec C is actualy not nearly as bad a chassis as many make out, if they had done the sama in an Alfa (one of the best FWD setups out there) the result would have been the same (they applied fast excessive steering input to unstick the front wheel before straightening the steering up)
Then you get into your favourites such as Merc and BMW.
I agree,they set out to knock that car from the start
Hence my comments on Mr Ford.
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What does Mrs TB think?
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I do warm to Mercedes with their tyre testing and numerous Mo approved tyres.
But their front steering geometry is woefull on some models, so another nine field there. None adjustable camber and huge castor angles. Although I gather there are aftermarket solutions for camber.
Oh, and I find the seat bases very unsupportive on the Mercs I've been in. Nothing to hold your legs up at seems.
If it had to be German, its the least irritating badge too. ;D
The major issue with Mercs in the last 10-15 years is build quality and reliability, the have been truely woeful and although the last few years of manufacture appear to be an improvement, the cost of those will be prohibitive.
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I do warm to Mercedes with their tyre testing and numerous Mo approved tyres.
But their front steering geometry is woefull on some models, so another nine field there. None adjustable camber and huge castor angles. Although I gather there are aftermarket solutions for camber.
Oh, and I find the seat bases very unsupportive on the Mercs I've been in. Nothing to hold your legs up at seems.
If it had to be German, its the least irritating badge too. ;D
The major issue with Mercs in the last 10-15 years is build quality and reliability, the have been truely woeful and although the last few years of manufacture appear to be an improvement, the cost of those will be prohibitive.
Yes that's what I was afraid of, esp re c63 and the like ;)
Wonder what Mr B thinks, being a Merc owner...?
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The fact that Mr B still has his Omega inspite of owning 1.5 Mercs speaks volumes...
If you don't need four dours the LPG Monaro or Camaro, if you do need four dours, then obviously the VXR8 is the only choice left :y
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Yes that's what I was afraid of, esp re c63 and the like ;)
Wonder what Mr B thinks, being a Merc owner...?
While I've had my Merc, the only thing that's failed was the pump for the Airmatic suspension (airbag 'springs' all round) but MB replaced that under warranty.
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The fact that Mr B still has his Omega inspite of owning 1.5 Mercs speaks volumes...
......
I had to think about 1.5 Mercs for a minute ;D ;D ;D ;D
I just couldn't bear the thought of giving away a good car for a pittance ..... so I've kept it :y :y :y
It's the half Merc that can be trying! I spent a shed load on it a couple of years back when the timing chain tried to escape through its cover and trying to keep water out of it has been a tale & a half ..... it seems to be dry now though. :-X
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Here is your challenge.
You like some go, ALL front wheel drive cars with 'go' have stiff chassis's, its the only way the torque can be put on the road (the rules of physics are difficult to beat) be it Audi, Gm, Ford the lot.
So your either looking at AWD or RWD or having to compromise on a stiffer setup in FWD format.
Thinking similar sizes, the A4 you will hate, the handling is naff and there dead small inside, the Passat is the same car. The Mondeo is a good car but, they dont age well, the Insignia is an aquired taste, good all round and nicely screwed together but the looks for some are questionable (although there are MUCH worse cars out there!). French stuff as we know is hit and miss.
The Chrysler you will wrap round a tree within a month, they really dont do corners and are akin to a whale with an outboard motor.
<snip>
Then you get into your favourites such as Merc and BMW.
Bloody hell Mr Fuse18, I think you've known me too long :-[
That non-back-breaking suspension v FWD has to have a compromise found somewhere, as RWD choices are a bit desperate. I guess thats why I have a pair of Omegas ;D
On Mr Clarksons understeer in the Vec C, if you drive and steer like they did in that clip, you could make anything understeer, the Vec C is actualy not nearly as bad a chassis as many make out, if they had done the sama in an Alfa (one of the best FWD setups out there) the result would have been the same (they applied fast excessive steering input to unstick the front wheel before straightening the steering up)
Nobody takes notice of TG (I hope), we know its for effect and entertainment. However, I'd still have to say, having driven a reasonable selection of Vectra-Cs (they were what our hire company used to supply my grade from days out), from small petrols, to 3.2 GSi's (not from Enterprise, they're not that mad ;D), and diesels, that chassis is abysmal. I found the Vectra-B a much better handling car, though cramped. But for outright hooliganism, the big petrol Vectra-Cs are great fun. Until your spine snaps.
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What does Mrs TB think?
Rover 25.
No matter how much I try to convince her that she won't get one as good as her old one. I looked around a few after I smashed hers up, they were all shagged.
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What does Mrs TB think?
Rover 25.
No matter how much I try to convince her that she won't get one as good as her old one. I looked around a few after I smashed hers up, they were all shagged.
I keep seeing them, same colour, all mint. :o
But not for sale. ;D
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Rover 25.
No matter how much I try to convince her that she won't get one as good as her old one. I looked around a few after I smashed hers up, they were all shagged.
With the number of accidents you've maybe you should get...................a bus pass FFS! ;D
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What does Mrs TB think?
Rover 25.
No matter how much I try to convince her that she won't get one as good as her old one. I looked around a few after I smashed hers up, they were all shagged.
I keep seeing them, same colour, all mint. :o
But not for sale. ;D
We're used to Vauxhalls, so assume all cars rust ;D
The Rovers have decent bodywork, so look generally look good, even when piled up in the scrapyard. But you can tell a car thats been ragged everywhere, poorly serviced, and pissed around with. Look at the Rover forums for the mentality of the majority of 25 owners. Big stereos with flashing LEDs, and small fans in the inlet as 10,000BHP guaranteed superchargers...
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Rover 25.
No matter how much I try to convince her that she won't get one as good as her old one. I looked around a few after I smashed hers up, they were all shagged.
With the number of accidents you've maybe you should get...................a bus pass FFS! ;D
Oi! In the last 15yrs, I've only smashed on car, and that wasn't my fault :)
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How about this? http://expolicecar.co.uk/stockdetail.asp?id=279 :-X ;D
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How about this? http://expolicecar.co.uk/stockdetail.asp?id=279 :-X ;D
My foreskin will have to stretch an awful lot before I own a Vectra-C
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How about this? http://expolicecar.co.uk/stockdetail.asp?id=279 :-X ;D
My foreskin will have to stretch an awful lot before I own a Vectra-C
So you do click links then :-X :D
Would be great fun around your test route though :y
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So you do click links then :-X :D
As long as not utube or egay
Would be great fun around your test route though :y
Too many ditch and tree lined corners.
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Post 07 vxr8
Phaeton. Hmmm, Phaeton and TB. Can't see it somehow. ;D
I wonder if I can buy pipe an slippers? I can make it smell of wee myself...
Would an air freshener be helpful - they have a wee scented tree - maybe dog smell though
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Ah yes, that speciality scent...Eau de soggy retriever ;D
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It is the big dilemma, very reluctant to let any of mine go, as if i do, I think I can kiss good bye to DIY service work.
X350 Jag's are great, get lot of metal for your money, like they. As I do the A8, great cabin. But no forum will match this to a technical level, if you did switch guess you would find the same.
Hence for me Insignia is a consideration, but I don't like the looks, the cabin, or the seats. Lot of compromise for DIY work :(
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It is the big dilemma, very reluctant to let any of mine go, as if i do, I think I can kiss good bye to DIY service work.
X350 Jag's are great, get lot of metal for your money, like they. As I do the A8, great cabin. But no forum will match this to a technical level, if you did switch guess you would find the same.
Hence for me Insignia is a consideration, but I don't like the looks, the cabin, or the seats. Lot of compromise for DIY work :(
Who does? Mr Tunnie. It's a minger. Even Stevie Wonder would find that 'dog hunched ready to take a dump shape' offensive.
However, I could be tempted to buy an Insignia should it be (a).......extremely cheap, and (b)...should I use the power of sight.
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It is the big dilemma, very reluctant to let any of mine go, as if i do, I think I can kiss good bye to DIY service work.
X350 Jag's are great, get lot of metal for your money, like they. As I do the A8, great cabin. But no forum will match this to a technical level, if you did switch guess you would find the same.
Hence for me Insignia is a consideration, but I don't like the looks, the cabin, or the seats. Lot of compromise for DIY work :(
Who does? Mr Tunnie. It's a minger. Even Stevie Wonder would find that 'dog hunched ready to take a dump shape' offensive.
However, I could be tempted to buy an Insignia should it be (a).......extremely cheap, and (b)...should I use the power of sight.
That's what will tempt me, already seen ones sitting around £5k for some.
But I enjoy the drive in the Omega, drove from Wales to London today, cruise on, comfy, smooth effortless.
Sat in an Insignia for about 5 mins, never managed to get comfy in those rock hard seats.
I hear they don't give ache, for long blasts, but soon as i get in Omega it's comfy.
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I hear they don't give ache, for long blasts, but soon as i get in Omega it's comfy.
Everybody is different, so don't take anyone's word for it. Also, comfort does not necessarily mean lack of aches/tiredness/discomfort, particularly on long runs.
Whilst I never found the seats in that (low spec) Insignia I took to France "comfortable", they were supportive enough, and at no point did I feel I wanted/needed to stop.
My old Rover was the same, never felt aches/discomfort, dispite the seats not being classed as "comfortable)
Our old Focus had really comfortable seats, but trips to my Mum's (90 mins, on a bad day) and I felt drained.
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I hear they don't give ache, for long blasts, but soon as i get in Omega it's comfy.
Everybody is different, so don't take anyone's word for it. Also, comfort does not necessarily mean lack of aches/tiredness/discomfort, particularly on long runs.
Whilst I never found the seats in that (low spec) Insignia I took to France "comfortable", they were supportive enough, and at no point did I feel I wanted/needed to stop.
My old Rover was the same, never felt aches/discomfort, dispite the seats not being classed as "comfortable)
Our old Focus had really comfortable seats, but trips to my Mum's (90 mins, on a bad day) and I felt drained.
I think I need to try Elite seats, as they look very different. Only seen them in leather though .
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I hear they don't give ache, for long blasts, but soon as i get in Omega it's comfy.
Everybody is different, so don't take anyone's word for it. Also, comfort does not necessarily mean lack of aches/tiredness/discomfort, particularly on long runs.
Whilst I never found the seats in that (low spec) Insignia I took to France "comfortable", they were supportive enough, and at no point did I feel I wanted/needed to stop.
My old Rover was the same, never felt aches/discomfort, dispite the seats not being classed as "comfortable)
Our old Focus had really comfortable seats, but trips to my Mum's (90 mins, on a bad day) and I felt drained.
I think I need to try Elite seats, as they look very different. Only seen them in leather though .
Only available in leather. Only choice on Elite is sport or standard electric :y
They do still do a £2.5k special order leather in a lovely tan colour :y
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Never had a problem with the seats, Mrs AA had a back problem, finds the seats in the Insignia more supportive that the Omega.
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"Would I buy another Vauxhall ?" I think the question could be "is there anything better for the cost of a Vauxhall ?" We all know vehicle choice is very personal and badge conscious. So for the money you would pay for a Vauxhall would you get anything any better ?
We see various threads by people who bought other cars but are still here on this forum. That says quite a bit I think. I know you don't like the Astra's but that is what I drive at the moment and it does the job well. At the end of the day the car cost me nothing to buy as it was bought for me, if I wanted to go and buy a car for myself, I could choose from 90% of the cars on the market. The only limiting factor would be I would have to buy an older model from a so called top marque.
Would I buy another a Vauxhall ? at the moment I probably would.
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time to get myself shot..... My vote is actually a VXR8 with LPG,
BUT
just as an alternative
a late model 3.0 X type jag estate.... pref with a manual box.
it WILL require frequent servicing, keeping a close eye on the transfer box (usual cause of failure seems to be being allowed to leak, as they only hold 0.5l of fluid, it doesn't take long to run dry, which kills it quick... as you'd expect ) , and coolant system... and rust on the sills, , but at least it's a fairly std diagnostics port.... (checked mine out the other day with a mate's cheapo USB reader and lappie)
but..... bloody hell they're fun to drive..... seriously, I actually prefer "the drive" in my 2.5 Jag to the 3.2 Mv6 , although the mv6 is markedly quicker (thus my suggestion of the 3.0)
there are a number of issues to be aware of.... but seriously, the chassis is a rather beaut of a drive.... i'd let you have a go in mine but i know you'd kill my third gear ,
as for comfort..... some say they're cramped, but i'm bigger than you and i don't find it so..... there's no excess space, granted, but there is sufficient even for a 6ft+ 20 stone grizzly bear... what's more, long distances no problems, i did arbroath to berinsfield in 6 hours 25 minutes, a couple of weeks ago, after a three day scottish wedding do...... and felt fine when i got home.... and as you well know, my spine is at least as knackered as yours, possibly worse.....
the estate is wayyy prettier than the saloon, and has excellent boot space for the class, not as cavernous as the omega, but enough to be very useful
there's a rather good educational article here
http://www.aronline.co.uk/blogs/cars/jaguar/x-type-jaguar/the-cars-jaguar-x-type/ (http://www.aronline.co.uk/blogs/cars/jaguar/x-type-jaguar/the-cars-jaguar-x-type/)
a late (post 2005) model with all the trimmings will have all the toys you want, and some..... the AWD system drive feels like a really good RWD , with infinite grip.... it's lovely to chuck around tight B/unlisted roads..... really precise, and goes where you tell it, when you tell it, i LOVE it.... it's made me enjoy "DRIVING" again,
i've been driving V6 Omegas for 12 years , with 3 years of a v6 sintra before that, which itself followed more than 13 years of straight 6 senators ..
and i LOVE this Jag.
nuff said.
(Oh and the user forum is so far quite friendly and helpful, although perhaps not as technically rigorous as OOF can be.... )
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and as i recall, i'm only a teeny tiny bit older than you, and no, i don't have a flat cap nor do i wear slippers and cardigans! ;D,