Omega Owners Forum
Chat Area => General Car Chat => Topic started by: VXL V6 on 13 December 2015, 11:04:34
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As you can no longer obtain a '52 or later 2.6 or 3.2 Elite in acceptable condition what do you buy instead?
By acceptable I mean, little or no rust on the rear arches, at least four months MOT, no major faults (ie. enough to stop you driving the car home, minor work such as crank sensor or tyres is ok) and generally looked after.
So, what is there for less than £2.5K? Vehicle needs to be comfy and as capable as an Omega as it will do around 40K a year. Home maintenance is a must to keep costs down as well.
Oh and I'm not the greatest fan of FWD or Manual gearboxes.
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bmw e39 530i , lots DIY jobs can be done , plenty spares
many spec versions
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This is the problem... I suspect my next car will be a Range Rover again... :-\
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As you can no longer obtain a '52 or later 2.6 or 3.2 Elite in acceptable condition what do you buy instead?
By acceptable I mean, little or no rust on the rear arches, at least four months MOT, no major faults (ie. enough to stop you driving the car home, minor work such as crank sensor or tyres is ok) and generally looked after.
So, what is there for less than £2.5K? Vehicle needs to be comfy and as capable as an Omega as it will do around 40K a year. Home maintenance is a must to keep costs down as well.
Oh and I'm not the greatest fan of FWD or Manual gearboxes.
I would have said Signum. :-\
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bmw e39 530i , lots DIY jobs can be done , plenty spares
many spec versions
I believe the E39 is the 'good looking' model and not the the Bangle abortion that looks like a shed load of parts thrown together.
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By choosing RWD you are limiting your choice to very few cars.
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bmw e39 530i , lots DIY jobs can be done , plenty spares
many spec versions
I believe the E39 is the 'good looking' model and not the the Bangle abortion that looks like a shed load of parts thrown together.
one of them
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2002-52-BMW-5-SERIES-530i-Sport-/272067735640?hash=item3f58803058:g:kPkAAOSwcBhWY3xl
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By choosing RWD you are limiting your choice to very few cars.
RWD and PETROL ONLY would be my choice but I imagine that gives Mr VXL even less choice.
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bmw e39 530i , lots DIY jobs can be done , plenty spares
many spec versions
I believe the E39 is the 'good looking' model and not the the Bangle abortion that looks like a shed load of parts thrown together.
one of them
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2002-52-BMW-5-SERIES-530i-Sport-/272067735640?hash=item3f58803058:g:kPkAAOSwcBhWY3xl
Looks good. :y
£2000-£2500 should secure.
The 5 litre 400 BHP M5 in the same body would be preferable though. Nice V8 lump. :y
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Driver`s seat seems to have taken a hammering :-\
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Quite like the BMW E39, prefer the E60 but budget doesn't permit.
Given the smoothness and power output of a 6 cylinder diesel I'm not counting them out. If only we'd had the 2.5DTi Omega over here....
Maybe in the new year there'll be more chance of a late Elite Omega - I have two sheds of parts and a complete(ish) car in a barn so I really can't dismiss them just yet.
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I have two sheds of parts and a complete(ish) car in a barn so I really can't dismiss them just yet.
Indeed. Plus all the knowledge to go with it. Starting from scratch, where every fault is a trip into the unknown, would be a serious setback.
With RWD being an (understandable) requirement, the alternatives are only really BMW and Mercrustes Benz, Possibly Lexus, IMHO. Not an inspiring choice. :-\
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bmw e39 530i , lots DIY jobs can be done , plenty spares
many spec versions
I believe the E39 is the 'good looking' model and not the the Bangle abortion that looks like a shed load of parts thrown together.
one of them
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2002-52-BMW-5-SERIES-530i-Sport-/272067735640?hash=item3f58803058:g:kPkAAOSwcBhWY3xl
Jeez....he's got a 1992 G Wagon on sale for almost £18K!
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I'm thinking about a Subaru Forester which seems to me to be a very functional and capable vehicle, and there are plenty around at reasonable prices. :y Ugly as sin though! ::)
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I'm thinking about a Subaru Forester which seems to me to be a very functional and capable vehicle, and there are plenty around at reasonable prices. :y Ugly as sin though! ::)
Good choice :y And the ugliness will match your face. Double win. ;D
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If I wasn't doin stupid miles I'd get another Jaaaaaaaaag, supercharged one. However there ain't many about for the £2.5k mark. Bloke at work has got a lovely 3.0L on a '54 plate, low miles and only paid £4500 for it.
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Strictly no more Omegas for me,will still be keeping them only because of the amount of money invested over the past years,
but also no more ''project cars'' either....that's a lesson learned from having the Omegas. I'm looking around for a later model VXR8....and hopefully ownership of that might persuade me to 'get rid' of the Omegas,although it's going to be difficult to break from what has been a PITA keeping them properly maintained and without the guys on here it would never have been possible :y Only time will tell on that one, but for me my driving hours are for pleasure as opposed to work/business etc,but if I did have to make a decision for an everyday plodder, then it would probably a Chrysler 300 diesel .....big old barge etc :y .....bit like me really ::)
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bmw e39 530i , lots DIY jobs can be done , plenty spares
many spec versions
Nice shape those :) Bodywork seems to last better than most of cars of its era and better quality interior than a vauxhall .
Although this one is pleasing to the eye :)
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BMW-728I-SPORT-AUTO-BLUE-M-PARALLEL-ALLOYS-FACELIFT-/172024253455?hash=item280d71cc0f:g:kX4AAOSwcBhWaDiB
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Had a Hemi powered one on a U.S holiday,nice and comfy and it could shred the tyres when called on :o :y Can't see a deceasel being up for that, but still a usable motor.
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bmw e39 530i, lots DIY jobs can be done , plenty spares
many spec versions
I believe the E39 is the 'good looking' model and not the the Bangle abortion that looks like a shed load of parts thrown together.
one of them
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2002-52-BMW-5-SERIES-530i-Sport-/272067735640?hash=item3f58803058:g:kPkAAOSwcBhWY3xl
Looks good. :y
£2000-£2500 should secure.
The 5 litre 400 BHP M5 in the same body would be preferable though. Nice V8 lump. :y
I can vouch for that ;)
Very heavy on fuel though - even compared to the 3L V6 - so 40k a year won't be cheap and unlikely to find a reasonable one under £5k
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I'm thinking about a Subaru Forester which seems to me to be a very functional and capable vehicle, and there are plenty around at reasonable prices. :y Ugly as sin though! ::)
Good forum support for Subaru too, so many of the benefits of this place.
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Been thinking about the same thing having had lease car's for the past 9/10 years due to the miles I was doing and now being semi retired not doing the mile's anymore quite like the look of the jaguar s'type lot's of choice around the 2k 2.5k mark
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Been thinking about the same thing having had lease car's for the past 9/10 years due to the miles I was doing and now being semi retired not doing the mile's anymore quite like the look of the jaguar s'type lot's of choice around the 2k 2.5k mark
Need to be aware of expensive chocolate gearboxes on those, esp the bigger engine ones
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Been looking for a manual but most seem to be 2.5 and low spec from what I have read the prop with the gearboxes was on the earlier models the 6 speed zf box seems to be okay
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Been thinking about the same thing having had lease car's for the past 9/10 years due to the miles I was doing and now being semi retired not doing the mile's anymore quite like the look of the jaguar s'type lot's of choice around the 2k 2.5k mark
Need to be aware of expensive chocolate gearboxes on those, esp the bigger engine ones
I could be wrong TB, but I thought it was the X-type that had box problems especially the 4X4 ones??? :-\ :-\ :-\
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Been thinking about the same thing having had lease car's for the past 9/10 years due to the miles I was doing and now being semi retired not doing the mile's anymore quite like the look of the jaguar s'type lot's of choice around the 2k 2.5k mark
Need to be aware of expensive chocolate gearboxes on those, esp the bigger engine ones
I could be wrong TB, but I thought it was the X-type that had box problems especially the 4X4 ones??? :-\ :-\ :-\
I had the misfortune to own a Jaguar Mondeo with 4 wheel drive and a 3 litre V6. It was probably the worst car I have ever owned.
Total crap. :)
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Chap at work has a diseasal 300C, absolutely loves it... 3.0 v6, 220 brake, shed load of torque, reasonable load capacity as an estate... ok, not the prettiest of cars, but worth a look over...
Probably over budget though :-\
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Chap at work has a diseasal 300C, absolutely loves it... 3.0 v6, 220 brake, shed load of torque, reasonable load capacity as an estate... ok, not the prettiest of cars, but worth a look over...
Probably over budget though :-\
:-\ :-X :'( :)
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I know the Mondeo based x type has some gearbox/transferbox proplems from what I have read the s'type can throw up some electrical faults if the battery is not in top condition
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I know the Mondeo based x type has some gearbox/transferbox proplems from what I have read the s'type can throw up some electrical faults if the battery is not in top condition
.....yes, this as well. :(
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Chap at work has a diseasal 300C, absolutely loves it... 3.0 v6, 220 brake, shed load of torque, reasonable load capacity as an estate... ok, not the prettiest of cars, but worth a look over...
Probably over budget though :-\
:-\ :-X :'( :)
They did a 3.5v6 petrol too, but these are almost as rare as the Hemi :'(
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Just done an ins quote on an s'type 3.0 and an omega 2.2 because I have had lease cars for so long I only have 2 yr ncb and the jag was £120 cheaper :-\
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Just done an ins quote on an s'type 3.0 and an omega 2.2 because I have had lease cars for so long I only have 2 yr ncb and the jag was £120 cheaper :-\
Insurance companies are aware that bits dropping off omegas can damage following vehicles.
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That e39 serek posted looks nice, it is the big question of what's next. As I have two, if I loose one for what ever reason, I'll keep the other one and get a mum bus for MrsT.
She is not keen on Zafrias either, she is hinting an XC90. ::)
I could get one within a future budget, but on starship enterprise miles ;D
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Just done an ins quote on an s'type 3.0 and an omega 2.2 because I have had lease cars for so long I only have 2 yr ncb and the jag was £120 cheaper :-\
Insurance companies are aware that bits dropping off omegas can damage following vehicles.
;D >:(
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Had a e39 few years ago the jag's I am looking at are 2 to 3 years younger lower miles and history tried a c class merc wasn't too keen on that
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Lexus LS400 / 430 would be a strong contender for me, probably the last 430 with the mini face lift. Known for their reliability, prices are coming down slowly especially the early 430s, Whether or not you can do DIY on them easily or if Lexus parts are cheap I couldn't say.
Do agree though the E39 530i is a solid choice, if you don't mind the drug dealer look if you go for a black one. Would be tempted by a 7 series also of the same era..
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Big Lexus. Available from a few hundred quid to walk into a dealer and buy a new one.
Bigger and more comfortable than an Omega, quicker but economy is similar. RWD if you feel that is necessary. Only available as automatics.
DIY is simple, cambelt is easy.
Biggest fault with the earlier ones is that the factory CD changer stops working! You might find one where the instrument panel plays up. The only reason to break one is to sell the engine and gearbox for engine swaps, you won't sell anything else.
I wish they had made estates.
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Something like this never really thought about the lexus
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Lexus-GS-430-4-3-auto-SE-/172026385129?hash=item280d9252e9:g:wS0AAOSwxN5WbAQa
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I know the Mondeo based x type has some gearbox/transferbox proplems from what I have read the s'type can throw up some electrical faults if the battery is not in top condition
.....yes, this as well. :(
The Modaguars are also a much worse prospect than the Omega from a point of view of going rotten too. Not with a barge pole!
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I'm thinking about a Subaru Forester which seems to me to be a very functional and capable vehicle, and there are plenty around at reasonable prices. :y Ugly as sin though! ::)
Good choice :y And the ugliness will match your face. Double win. ;D
Those in glass houses Matoke brains! :P ;D
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Been thinking about the same thing having had lease car's for the past 9/10 years due to the miles I was doing and now being semi retired not doing the mile's anymore quite like the look of the jaguar s'type lot's of choice around the 2k 2.5k mark
Need to be aware of expensive chocolate gearboxes on those, esp the bigger engine ones
I could be wrong TB, but I thought it was the X-type that had box problems especially the 4X4 ones??? :-\ :-\ :-\
S type suffers as well. Ford shite.
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I'm thinking about a Subaru Forester which seems to me to be a very functional and capable vehicle, and there are plenty around at reasonable prices. :y Ugly as sin though! ::)
Good forum support for Subaru too, so many of the benefits of this place.
According to the LPG guy I was talking to the other day Subaru's are very easy to convert as well which is an addition plus point. :y
The other one is the Legacy/Outback 3.0 ltr R H6 which apparently go like poop off a shovel! :y but one of those would have to be LPG'd. ::)
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I'm thinking about a Subaru Forester which seems to me to be a very functional and capable vehicle, and there are plenty around at reasonable prices. :y Ugly as sin though! ::)
Good forum support for Subaru too, so many of the benefits of this place.
According to the LPG guy I was talking to the other day Subaru's are very easy to convert as well which is an addition plus point. :y
The other one is the Legacy/Outback 3.0 ltr R H6 which apparently go like poop off a shovel! :y but one of those would have to be LPG'd. ::)
Before they acquired a diesel lump, they were selling lpg converted Legacys new :y
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I'm thinking about a Subaru Forester which seems to me to be a very functional and capable vehicle, and there are plenty around at reasonable prices. :y Ugly as sin though! ::)
Good forum support for Subaru too, so many of the benefits of this place.
According to the LPG guy I was talking to the other day Subaru's are very easy to convert as well which is an addition plus point. :y
The other one is the Legacy/Outback 3.0 ltr R H6 which apparently go like poop off a shovel! :y but one of those would have to be LPG'd. ::)
Yep, I've heard that the 3.0s are a bit thirsty.
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bmw e39 530i , lots DIY jobs can be done , plenty spares
many spec versions
I believe the E39 is the 'good looking' model and not the the Bangle abortion that looks like a shed load of parts thrown together.
It is the looker,I've just bought a manual 520i 2.2 E39 tourer and its a cracking car for pencemine drives like a new car with 140 k on the clock.
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What's it like on fuel and performance? There does appear to be a good selection of these on the market, compared to Omegas now.
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Chap at work has a diseasal 300C, absolutely loves it... 3.0 v6, 220 brake, shed load of torque, reasonable load capacity as an estate... ok, not the prettiest of cars, but worth a look over...
Probably over budget though :-\
Mate of mine has one,pretty quick but not as well screwed together as the Merc that gave it its running gear.
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Well......
Just as I was giving up on ever finding a 3.2 Elite it looks like my luck has changed.
It's a project really as there are a few bits that need doing before I can MOT it but nothing too involved. Probably not going to pick it up this side of Christmas now but that will give me time to remove the required parts from my recently written off 2.6.
:)
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What's it like on fuel and performance? There does appear to be a good selection of these on the market, compared to Omegas now.
Mines manual and averages 28.5 mpg in the 1k miles I've done with it,goes well too with the 170 bhp that it's got,tourer is standard air suspension on the back too which is handy, mines came with a full history for 500 quid and bodywork is excellent (unwanted trade in and me in right place at the time !!)
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What's it like on fuel and performance? There does appear to be a good selection of these on the market, compared to Omegas now.
Mines manual and averages 28.5 mpg in the 1k miles I've done with it,goes well too with the 170 bhp that it's got,tourer is standard air suspension on the back too which is handy, mines came with a full history for 500 quid and bodywork is excellent (unwanted trade in and me in right place at the time !!)
Guess cause it's a 6 pot. As that's not great, the 3.2 averages 25mpg.
28mpg is what book says, the 3.0s are not far off at least on paper.
My 2.2 averages 28, but on LPG :D - when on petrol it would do 34.
But they are cheap and bet it's comfy :)
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What's it like on fuel and performance? There does appear to be a good selection of these on the market, compared to Omegas now.
Mines manual and averages 28.5 mpg in the 1k miles I've done with it,goes well too with the 170 bhp that it's got,tourer is standard air suspension on the back too which is handy, mines came with a full history for 500 quid and bodywork is excellent (unwanted trade in and me in right place at the time !!)
Guess cause it's a 6 pot. As that's not great, the 3.2 averages 25mpg.
28mpg is what book says, the 3.0s are not far off at least on paper.
My 2.2 averages 28, but on LPG :D - when on petrol it would do 34.
But they are cheap and bet it's comfy :)
It is comfy,for comparison my diesel Touareg averages 24mpg down here around the houses, my 2.5 omega never bettered 24mpg locally
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I really liked my e39, although it was the baby V8 (535i).
Different car altogether to the Omega. Omega is more comfortable, and noticeably more roomy inside. Not 'too' much difference in performance between the 3.0/3.2 and 535i. The e39 is much better in the twisties, but that's with the M-sport suspension. The standard suspension is much like the (non Elite) Omega setup IMO.
Economy. Nothing much between them. I got 34mpg on a sedate trip to Torquay and back one weekend. Similarly, I could get it down to 12MPG when in a hurry in town.
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Having had two and broken both big style I wouldn't have another BMW.I might consider an Audi A8,basically on the grounds that I've never had an Audi and like to try something different.But more than likely I'd go for another XJ.X-type not bad looking but too many issues,S-type ugliest car Jaguar have ever made and built on modded Lincoln chassis,so XJ it'd have to be.
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Been thinking about the same thing having had lease car's for the past 9/10 years due to the miles I was doing and now being semi retired not doing the mile's anymore quite like the look of the jaguar s'type lot's of choice around the 2k 2.5k mark
Need to be aware of expensive chocolate gearboxes on those, esp the bigger engine ones
S-type needs gearbox oil and filter changes at 80,000 miles, just like the Omega. I've got a 4.0 V8 and love it :y
I could be wrong TB, but I thought it was the X-type that had box problems especially the 4X4 ones??? :-\ :-\ :-\
S type suffers as well. Ford shite.
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Elite Pete how long have you had your s'type had any issues
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Elite Pete how long have you had your s'type had any issues
I've had it just over a year now. First thing I did was service it, i've done the cam cover gaskets (plastic cam covers like the Omega) replaced the plugs, gearbox oil and filter and battery and that's it but saying that I've got 2 Range Rovers, the Jag a Rover coupe and 2 Vespas so it doesn't get used that much ;D