Omega Owners Forum

Chat Area => General Car Chat => Topic started by: JoeRadosavljevich on 28 November 2015, 20:25:28

Title: Omega popularity
Post by: JoeRadosavljevich on 28 November 2015, 20:25:28
Is it just my impression or is an omega a popular car in United Kingdom?
Title: Re: Omega popularity
Post by: Andy B on 28 November 2015, 20:26:57
Is it just my impression or is an omega a popular car in United Kingdom?

It was ....... but you don't see many on the road these days
Title: Re: Omega popularity
Post by: STEMO on 28 November 2015, 20:36:19
It's an old car driven by old men.  ;D
Title: Re: Omega popularity
Post by: JoeRadosavljevich on 28 November 2015, 20:37:15
You're right, I should've used past tense.
Most likely the only country that popularised that car. For instance, in my country omega's are quite expensive yet underrated.
Title: Re: Omega popularity
Post by: tunnie on 28 November 2015, 20:37:28
Not any more, don't see many on the roads anymore.  :(
Title: Re: Omega popularity
Post by: JoeRadosavljevich on 28 November 2015, 20:50:24
It's an old car driven by old men.  ;D

sour said the fox who couldnt reach for the berries
Title: Re: Omega popularity
Post by: Varche on 28 November 2015, 20:54:12
 ;D ;D

Last of big saloon cars that were affordable and rear wheel drive. Everything became front wheel drive.

In your country how do they rate pricewise against say a BMW
Title: Re: Omega popularity
Post by: JoeRadosavljevich on 28 November 2015, 20:57:06
you can buy two omega's in decent shape for one bmw 5 series same age

by decent shape I mean it runs, certainly not a beauty but it takes you everywhere.
Title: Re: Omega popularity
Post by: Nick W on 28 November 2015, 21:00:14
Not any more, don't see many on the roads anymore.  :(


Really? Loads of them around here.
Title: Re: Omega popularity
Post by: JoeRadosavljevich on 28 November 2015, 21:03:08
Finally! a shed of light!
Title: Re: Omega popularity
Post by: serek on 28 November 2015, 21:04:02
still few round here  :)
Title: Re: Omega popularity
Post by: 05omegav6 on 28 November 2015, 21:04:33
At least two here ::)
Title: Re: Omega popularity
Post by: JoeRadosavljevich on 28 November 2015, 21:04:56
now I am smiling
Title: Re: Omega popularity
Post by: tunnie on 28 November 2015, 21:09:52
Not any more, don't see many on the roads anymore.  :(


Really? Loads of them around here.

Cover around 1,000 miles a month to and from work. Will see one a month if I'm lucky!
Title: Re: Omega popularity
Post by: JoeRadosavljevich on 28 November 2015, 21:17:18
They never reached the norm like ford for example, yet managed to be attractive
Title: Re: Omega popularity
Post by: Mr.OmegaMan on 28 November 2015, 21:42:19
Do some 400 - 600 miles a month and last I saw an Omega was October 1st, Actually saw a Senator in May ex-plod 3.0 24v manual in white, Seem to see this senator at least once a year.
Title: Re: Omega popularity
Post by: VXL V6 on 28 November 2015, 22:07:19
Do 3 - 4K a month and see two or three a week.

Sadly I can't find a 3.2 Elite Saloon on a 52 or later that ticks all the boxes though.....
Title: Re: Omega popularity
Post by: Nick W on 28 November 2015, 22:15:17
Not any more, don't see many on the roads anymore.  :(


Really? Loads of them around here.

Cover around 1,000 miles a month to and from work. Will see one a month if I'm lucky!


Until recently, I was doing 1000miles a week, and was always spotting Omegas locally that I hadn't seen before
Title: Re: Omega popularity
Post by: jimbo125 on 28 November 2015, 23:39:27
Obviously I drive one but see quit a few around my area and some are in excellent nick :y
Title: Re: Omega popularity
Post by: BazaJT on 29 November 2015, 10:19:33
Other than mine I see half a dozen round here on a more or less daily basis,and a couple more over greater intervals.
Title: Re: Omega popularity
Post by: STEMO on 29 November 2015, 11:13:09
Rather makes a mockery of the "how many left?" site.
Title: Re: Omega popularity
Post by: Sir Tigger KC on 29 November 2015, 11:25:34
At the beginning of the month I did a 5 day/ 850 mile round trip (Dorset - South Wales - Norfolk  - North London - Dorset) and I saw 1 Omega near Fakenham.  :)
Title: Re: Omega popularity
Post by: EMD on 29 November 2015, 11:25:56
At least 5 in my town and quite a few p/f knocking around. Seen a
ropy looking p/f saloon yesterday with hardly any rear wheel arches left , all taped
over with gaffa tape  ::)
Title: Re: Omega popularity
Post by: henryd on 29 November 2015, 11:33:01
A few around locally down here :y
Title: Re: Omega popularity
Post by: ronnyd on 29 November 2015, 13:42:51
A few around locally down here :y
Same here :y
Title: Re: Omega popularity
Post by: powerslinky on 29 November 2015, 14:43:02
Without my 2   there are  another 5 that I know of in my local area (3 mile radius). Only one of those is an oofer as far as I

am aware .

Another (A black 2.6 CDX ) is owned by a lovely looking, early 40's  example of the female gender . . . have spoken to her a

few times in the local BP garage . Offered to have a look at hers anytime she needs a service  ::) ::)   but it seems she

takes it to the localish main dealer  :'( :'(
Title: Re: Omega popularity
Post by: JoeRadosavljevich on 29 November 2015, 17:12:06
well you guys just summed up the total number of omegas left in my country
Title: Re: Omega popularity
Post by: jimbo125 on 29 November 2015, 22:53:24
Without my 2   there are  another 5 that I know of in my local area (3 mile radius). Only one of those is an oofer as far as I

am aware .

Another (A black 2.6 CDX ) is owned by a lovely looking, early 40's  example of the female gender . . . have spoken to her a

few times in the local BP garage . Offered to have a look at hers anytime she needs a service  ::) ::)   but it seems she

takes it to the localish main dealer  :'( :'(
You need to educate her on the folly of having her big ends fiddled with by any other than an OOFer and as for her timing, with the CD you could keep her running sweet :y
Title: Re: Omega popularity
Post by: 05omegav6 on 30 November 2015, 04:44:07
Without my 2   there are  another 5 that I know of in my local area (3 mile radius). Only one of those is an oofer as far as I

am aware .

Another (A black 2.6 CDX ) is owned by a lovely looking, early 40's  example of the female gender . . . have spoken to her a

few times in the local BP garage . Offered to have a look at hers anytime she needs a service  ::) ::)   but it seems she

takes it to the localish main dealer  :'( :'(
That doesn't sound like Albs :o
Title: Re: Omega popularity
Post by: Terbs on 30 November 2015, 10:10:45
I am at the tin tent, and although there are only a dozen units on site....three have Omega's.
W....2.6, 03....2.6, 02...3.2...........and I have to say, all in tip top condition. Unfortunately, only one OOF member...me :y
Title: Re: Omega popularity
Post by: Diamond Black Geezer on 30 November 2015, 15:45:04
Just realised, I own 50% of all the Omegas in my town! (2  :D)

there's a star silver FL taxi, and a MFL in red that sometimes is seen.  :y
Title: Re: Omega popularity
Post by: JoeRadosavljevich on 30 November 2015, 19:33:57
Just realised, I own 50% of all the Omegas in my town! (2  :D)

  :y

that one deserves a beer  ;D ;D
Title: Re: Omega popularity
Post by: Diamond Black Geezer on 01 December 2015, 09:30:08
 :y

<<< Just updated my profile to include the spares Omega, now hehe.
Title: Re: Omega popularity
Post by: dazza88 on 05 December 2015, 20:42:56
It's an old car driven by old men.  ;D

Less of the old hehe  :y
Title: Re: Omega popularity
Post by: MonzaGSE on 06 December 2015, 20:25:13
In norway they were very popular from start of production and then sold less and less towards end of production. Most norwegian omegas seems to be 94-95 but now AS theyre getting older i think its like 50/50 of pfl vs fl here.
Title: Re: Omega popularity
Post by: Diamond Black Geezer on 07 December 2015, 09:05:55
Far as I'm aware, then were the best-selling car in the class for a fair number of years? And with the competition from Rover and Ford axed in its lifetime if you wanted a nice executive car without the badge and price tag, the Omega was the only real choice.  :) Sums bought by the Police, Government, and the Royal Household helped maintain a 'status' too  :y
Title: Re: Omega popularity
Post by: JoeRadosavljevich on 07 December 2015, 18:18:15
Far as I'm aware, then were the best-selling car in the class for a fair number of years? And with the competition from Rover and Ford axed in its lifetime if you wanted a nice executive car without the badge and price tag, the Omega was the only real choice.  :) Sums bought by the Police, Government, and the Royal Household helped maintain a 'status' too  :y

this is priceless info. my impression was spot on. Omega indeed was a popular car in UK
Title: Re: Omega popularity
Post by: Diamond Black Geezer on 08 December 2015, 09:24:42
You're welcome  :)
Title: Re: Omega popularity
Post by: ronnyd on 08 December 2015, 16:02:05
Also, very difficult to replace. :y
Title: Re: Omega popularity
Post by: JoeRadosavljevich on 08 December 2015, 16:41:00
 ;D ;D  8)
Title: Re: Omega popularity
Post by: Tick Tock on 08 December 2015, 17:08:33
Far as I'm aware, then were the best-selling car in the class for a fair number of years? And with the competition from Rover and Ford axed in its lifetime if you wanted a nice executive car without the badge and price tag, the Omega was the only real choice.  :) Sums bought by the Police, Government, and the Royal Household helped maintain a 'status' too  :y

I was never into Vauxhall until I started looking for a large(ish) vehicle to transport my large(ish) physique a few years ago. For choice and price the Omega fitted every criteria, and after 100,000 miles in my first example, I am truly smitten. I now have 2 on the driveway...... one is my 'twice a week' transport, whilst the other is stored serviceable and started up every month and moved a few yards to stop it from seizing up, awaiting the day when it will be my main mode of transport. Her indoors doesn't object to the 2 omegas and a 2.5 Veccy, but draws the line on me looking at anything else that comes on the market.... no matter how tempting.

At the end of the day this 20 year old technology is still self-maintainable, sizeable in proportions, and I guess what makes it attractive for old geezers like myself! Did I mention comfy to drive and predictable too?
Title: Re: Omega popularity
Post by: JoeRadosavljevich on 08 December 2015, 18:23:01
Far as I'm aware, then were the best-selling car in the class for a fair number of years? And with the competition from Rover and Ford axed in its lifetime if you wanted a nice executive car without the badge and price tag, the Omega was the only real choice.  :) Sums bought by the Police, Government, and the Royal Household helped maintain a 'status' too  :y

I was never into Vauxhall until I started looking for a large(ish) vehicle to transport my large(ish) physique a few years ago. For choice and price the Omega fitted every criteria, and after 100,000 miles in my first example, I am truly smitten. I now have 2 on the driveway...... one is my 'twice a week' transport, whilst the other is stored serviceable and started up every month and moved a few yards to stop it from seizing up, awaiting the day when it will be my main mode of transport. Her indoors doesn't object to the 2 omegas and a 2.5 Veccy, but draws the line on me looking at anything else that comes on the market.... no matter how tempting.

At the end of the day this 20 year old technology is still self-maintainable, sizeable in proportions, and I guess what makes it attractive for old geezers like myself! Did I mention comfy to drive and predictable too?

you talk wisely
Title: Re: Omega popularity
Post by: Diamond Black Geezer on 09 December 2015, 09:16:17
Far as I'm aware, then were the best-selling car in the class for a fair number of years? And with the competition from Rover and Ford axed in its lifetime if you wanted a nice executive car without the badge and price tag, the Omega was the only real choice.  :) Sums bought by the Police, Government, and the Royal Household helped maintain a 'status' too  :y

I was never into Vauxhall until I started looking for a large(ish) vehicle to transport my large(ish) physique a few years ago. For choice and price the Omega fitted every criteria, and after 100,000 miles in my first example, I am truly smitten. I now have 2 on the driveway...... one is my 'twice a week' transport, whilst the other is stored serviceable and started up every month and moved a few yards to stop it from seizing up, awaiting the day when it will be my main mode of transport. Her indoors doesn't object to the 2 omegas and a 2.5 Veccy, but draws the line on me looking at anything else that comes on the market.... no matter how tempting.

At the end of the day this 20 year old technology is still self-maintainable, sizeable in proportions, and I guess what makes it attractive for old geezers like myself! Did I mention comfy to drive and predictable too?

Damn right  :y It does, bizarrely make a good family car. Large bootspace, lots of cubbies for sweet wrappers, comfort, space inside, easy to drive, safe in a crash for all the family. Fine cars  :)
Title: Re: Omega popularity
Post by: JoeRadosavljevich on 09 December 2015, 10:24:03
I can not NOT think of those who (briefly, no doubt about that) owned omega's and got rid of them thinking the worst of them.
So, the rational thought comes on. Is their experience with omega's a real measurement of general quality of our cars? Or are we, the owners, in charge of that? It would help to include Catera's and omega's for the australian market owners'.

The bottom line is that I am trying to arm myself with experiences that contradict the general impression of low quality of our cars that is being held across my peninsula.
Title: Re: Omega popularity
Post by: Diamond Black Geezer on 09 December 2015, 10:47:36
My observation has been for years that the only people that have a downer / negative attitude toward vauxhalls - have never owned a Vauxhall
Title: Re: Omega popularity
Post by: aaronjb on 09 December 2015, 10:52:13
Generally the same for just about anything - people who dislike BMWs probably never owned one, people who dislike smoking probably never smoked, etc etc
Title: Re: Omega popularity
Post by: Diamond Black Geezer on 09 December 2015, 11:31:19
Oh, no - I know plenty of people who don't like Fords and own them  :y  :D  ;D
Title: Re: Omega popularity
Post by: 05omegav6 on 09 December 2015, 12:09:29
The thing is, the Omega has only a handful of common issues...

Crank sensor on the V6
Cam sensor on the 2.2
Wishbone bushes
Fussy geometry
Coilpack water/Oil ingress
Relatively short cambelt interval
2.2/2.5/3.0 headgaskets
2.2 dti fuel pumps if neglected
Abs ecu failure

Of that list the only terminal one is the dti fuel pump... Everthing else is perfectly doable at sensible costs.
Otherwise they do everything you might ever require of a car, and they do it all competently or better. Sure they could be more economical, but you need to be looking at 15+ year old S Class/BMW 7 series to get anything like the same value for money...

 :y
Title: Re: Omega popularity
Post by: Nick W on 09 December 2015, 12:36:36
The thing is, the Omega has only a handful of common issues...

Crank sensor on the V6
Cam sensor on the 2.2
Wishbone bushes
Fussy geometry
Coilpack water/Oil ingress
Relatively short cambelt interval
2.2/2.5/3.0 headgaskets
2.2 dti fuel pumps if neglected
Abs ecu failure

Of that list the only terminal one is the dti fuel pump... Everything else is perfectly doable at sensible costs.
Otherwise they do everything you might ever require of a car, and they do it all competently or better. Sure they could be more economical, but you need to be looking at 15+ year old S Class/BMW 7 series to get anything like the same value for money...

 :y


LS400 does that without the list of expensive(if you have to pay someone else to do them) built-in faults. Some of those, like the fussy geometry and the cam cover gaskets are design issues that should have been avoided. 40k cambelt interval is normal, and the procedure could have been simplified for no cost at the design stage. It could have been worse; Renault list their V6 cambelts as an engine out job and will quote around £1200, even though  the parts prices are comparable and the job is doable in place! Crank sensors are a common failure for a lot of cars not just Omegas, and the cure is always the same; only ever fit a genuine one. As for the ABS problem, it's common and readily fixed(A6 has the same part and faults). It's just a horrible job on the Omega due to access. Most of these 'problems' are, in my opinion, common to a lot of German design; fussy and over complicated for  no gain.


So why don't I have a Lexus? Simple, they don't do an estate and if I was going to have a big saloon as a fun car it would be a Jag.