Omega Owners Forum
Chat Area => General Discussion Area => Topic started by: megaOmega on 02 December 2009, 22:51:20
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hi, i will be turning 17 within the next few months and my mind has turned to looking for a car. Insurance is my primary concern at the moment and this forces me to look at cars that are not generally driven by my demographic.
the insurance for an omega is very reasonable for such a large car (only in the 2.0 form)
i have seen many phase 1 omegas on ebay for under £800 so i am very tempted to buy one, but first some questions.
1. is the 2.0 a good engine (reliability)?
2. how easy is an omega to drive, park?
thanks.
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Ok I suppose.
I got mine as my first car when I was 17 two years ago.
Insurance isn't too bad provided that you have a full license.
Im paying €120 per month.
Driving is just like any other car, I've only driven omega sized cars so cant comment on parking etc.
The 2.0 is a great engine, never mind the comments from v6 owners :P
Brilliant to have as a first car, especially when all my mates were still are driving little 1.0 sh1tboxes ;)
Although as with omegas in general, its good to be handy with a set of spanners :D
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hi, i will be turning 17 within the next few months and my mind has turned to looking for a car. Insurance is my primary concern at the moment and this forces me to look at cars that are not generally driven by my demographic.
the insurance for an omega is very reasonable for such a large car (only in the 2.0 form)
i have seen many phase 1 omegas on ebay for under £800 so i am very tempted to buy one, but first some questions.
1. is the 2.0 a good engine (reliability)?
2. how easy is an omega to drive, park?
thanks.
I would be interested in what your insurance quotes were for a 2.0L Mig, and remember when you pass your test your insurance goes up ::) ::)
My interest is regarding Master Vamps as we have fallen for the cheap insurance on a Saxo trick >:(
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I assume you are going for a manual over an auto.
The car itself is fairly easy to drive and park but that comes with experience in any case. I saw someone trying to park a smart car for 5 minutes in a space I could fit my estate into :o
as for maintenance there are guides on here as to what you can repair yourself. The engine is only as good as the previous owners
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hi, i will be turning 17 within the next few months and my mind has turned to looking for a car. Insurance is my primary concern at the moment and this forces me to look at cars that are not generally driven by my demographic.
the insurance for an omega is very reasonable for such a large car (only in the 2.0 form)
i have seen many phase 1 omegas on ebay for under £800 so i am very tempted to buy one, but first some questions.
1. is the 2.0 a good engine (reliability)?
2. how easy is an omega to drive, park?
thanks.
I would be interested in what your insurance quotes were for a 2.0L Mig, and remember when you pass your test your insurance goes up ::) ::)
My interest is regarding Master Vamps as we have fallen for the cheap insurance on a Saxo trick >:(
WTF :-?
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hi, i will be turning 17 within the next few months and my mind has turned to looking for a car. Insurance is my primary concern at the moment and this forces me to look at cars that are not generally driven by my demographic.
the insurance for an omega is very reasonable for such a large car (only in the 2.0 form)
i have seen many phase 1 omegas on ebay for under £800 so i am very tempted to buy one, but first some questions.
1. is the 2.0 a good engine (reliability)?
2. how easy is an omega to drive, park?
thanks.
I would be interested in what your insurance quotes were for a 2.0L Mig, and remember when you pass your test your insurance goes up ::) ::)
My interest is regarding Master Vamps as we have fallen for the cheap insurance on a Saxo trick >:(
WTF :-?
I said a lot more than that when I found out..... >:( >:( >:(
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Most "learners" do not actually hold their "own" insurance, but are an "additional driver" on someone else's policy, who may, or may not, have some form of "no claims bonus".
The premium is worked out on how often the company think the learner will drive, ie the risk and the fact that even though inexperienced, there is always an experienced driver in the car.
As soon as the test is passed that person will/can drive unsupervised, and if they get their own vehicle, have no "no claims bonus" to reduce the premium.
It is also a well proven fact that most accidents happen to young inexperienced drivers.. :(
So, yes, the premiums will be higher once the test is passed... :( all down to the massive amount of data the insurers have on driving history and probability.
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My insurance went down €200 after passing the test.
Could it be down to omegas not being well known cars for young drivers that have accidents? :-/
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hi, i will be turning 17 within the next few months and my mind has turned to looking for a car. Insurance is my primary concern at the moment and this forces me to look at cars that are not generally driven by my demographic.
the insurance for an omega is very reasonable for such a large car (only in the 2.0 form)
i have seen many phase 1 omegas on ebay for under £800 so i am very tempted to buy one, but first some questions.
1. is the 2.0 a good engine (reliability)?
2. how easy is an omega to drive, park?
thanks.
I would be interested in what your insurance quotes were for a 2.0L Mig, and remember when you pass your test your insurance goes up ::) ::)
My interest is regarding Master Vamps as we have fallen for the cheap insurance on a Saxo trick >:(
WTF :-?
As a learner, you must have a test passed supervisor in the front left seat, keeping you right. When you pass your test, you are effectively driving 'solo' without a clever person to your left, hence the increase in premium...
Undertsandable, I suppose....
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Most "learners" do not actually hold their "own" insurance, but are an "additional driver" on someone else's policy, who may, or may not, have some form of "no claims bonus".
The premium is worked out on how often the company think the learner will drive, ie the risk and the fact that even though inexperienced, there is always an experienced driver in the car.
As soon as the test is passed that person will/can drive unsupervised, and if they get their own vehicle, have no "no claims bonus" to reduce the premium.
It is also a well proven fact that most accidents happen to young inexperienced drivers.. :(
So, yes, the premiums will be higher once the test is passed... :( all down to the massive amount of data the insurers have on driving history and probability.
That's about it, though the insurance is in Master Vamps name, I never thought about it going up once he can drive on his own. :-[ ::) ::) This being the case, I am interested in the cost on the Mig as it would be a better / safer car than his Saxo, only problem the Mig is auto, OK once test passed.. :D
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hi, i will be turning 17 within the next few months and my mind has turned to looking for a car. Insurance is my primary concern at the moment and this forces me to look at cars that are not generally driven by my demographic.
the insurance for an omega is very reasonable for such a large car (only in the 2.0 form)
i have seen many phase 1 omegas on ebay for under £800 so i am very tempted to buy one, but first some questions.
1. is the 2.0 a good engine (reliability)?
2. how easy is an omega to drive, park?
thanks.
I would be interested in what your insurance quotes were for a 2.0L Mig, and remember when you pass your test your insurance goes up ::) ::)
My interest is regarding Master Vamps as we have fallen for the cheap insurance on a Saxo trick >:(
WTF :-?
As a learner, you must have a test passed supervisor in the front left seat, keeping you right. When you pass your test, you are effectively driving 'solo' without a clever person to your left, hence the increase in premium...
Undertsandable, I suppose....
Yes it is, just did not think of that....... :'(
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Generally speaking I would say that the Meega is an easy car to drive the vis in front is good but IMO it's not the easiest car to drive vis wise in reverse It's just a matter of getting used to it
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If the insurance works out ok and your handy enough under a bonnet or willing to learn then an omega is an excellent choice of car IMO :)
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Unless thing have changed a lot, I remember as a 17 year old having to be quite handy with the spanners... ::) ::) ::)
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Maybe i was fortunate and just handed back the broken car to work, but i know what you mean vamps ;D :y
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It all depends on what your used to.
Biggest questions I would be asking is:
1) What will you be using the car for?
2) What’s parking like there? How wide / long are the spaces.
3) Running costs – Parts and Fuel etc (these will be a lot higher on a bigger / heavy car)
4) Why do you want an Omega / whatever.
When I was at college, at times it was a bit of a squeeze fitting the Omega into some spaces, and also when there are idiots flying about I didn’t want it sticking out (when there’s something like a corsa either side its hard to ‘tuck it in’!) :(
In terms of ease of driving, it depends on what your used to driving. If you've only driven a 6 month old 1.0 corsa, and jump into a 10 year old 2.0 Omega, its going to feel completely different.
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It's always encouraging to see a younger driver show an interest in a Mig which even in it's earliest most basic form is a proper RWD saloon/estate car. No FWD hatch people carrier 4x4 bollix. I think as a forum member you could benefit with help/advice on the dirty bits from other members. Ins & fuel are going to cost you more than a Corsa etc. but it can be done. Ian_D's still sh*tting green & he runs a 3.0 Elite.
Let us know how things pan out. 8-) :y
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I think you get used to whatever you learn in, TBH.
The only issue you might have is that if you have lessons the driving school will provide some sit-up-and-beg little shopping trolley and you'll have to learn to adjust between the two cars.
Not a bad thing but it might frustrate progress a little at first. Having said that you'll emerge from it a driver who can adapt between cars instead of being great at driving a Corsa and FA use in anything bigger!
I swapped between my driving instructor's Mazda 323 and a Volvo 340 when I was learning and found that in the Mazda I was relying on feeling the suspension shift as the front wheels start to take up drive during a hill start before releasing the handbrake. A tactic that's not that successful on a RWD car. Soon learnt to do it properly.
Kevin
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I was told a couple of years ago that test examiners can now refuse to take the test if the car isn't fitted with dual controls.
Is this true?
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Not sure on that Andy but i know it is frowned upon :( examiners don't feel as if they have as much control, which in turn makes them more twitchy and resulting in a harder test.
I learnt to drive in a bedford van and it wasn't till i had my first official driving lesson with instructor that i found out what a rear view mirror was ;D ;D ;D
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be warned, once you drive an Omega and then jump in a FWD hatch, you will think that wheel in front of you is not working.
Turning circle's of FWD hatches are crap compared to the more nimble Omega.
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be warned, once you drive an Omega and then jump in a FWD hatch, you will think that wheel in front of you is not working.
Turning circle's of FWD hatches are crap compared to the more nimble Omega.
Front wheel drive is at a disadvantage because the constant velocity joints have a limited angle over which they can operate.
The Omega has a very nice speed sensitive power assisted steering system. Try steering one without the engine running to see just how much assistance it gives at low speed. Try sneezing in a vehicle with ordinary PAS at motorway speed and see how many lanes you can cross :o :o
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be warned, once you drive an Omega and then jump in a FWD hatch, you will think that wheel in front of you is not working.
Turning circle's of FWD hatches are crap compared to the more nimble Omega.
Front wheel drive is at a disadvantage because the constant velocity joints have a limited angle over which they can operate.
The Omega has a very nice speed sensitive power assisted steering system. Try steering one without the engine running to see just how much assistance it gives at low speed. Try sneezing in a vehicle with ordinary PAS at motorway speed and see how many lanes you can cross :o :o
Yeah i know that from mother tunnies other ride a Nissan Almera, its smaller, but its harder to move around on the drive, cause if its crap steering lock compared to mine
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I was told a couple of years ago that test examiners can now refuse to take the test if the car isn't fitted with dual controls.
Is this true?
Many moons ago when I took my test I was told that they are not permitted to touch the dual controls. I guess if it was a matter of self-preservation they might be glad of them, though. :-/
AFAIK you can turn up in your own car for a test so I'd be surprised if dual controls are a requirement. A second rear view mirror perhaps.
Kevin
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I was told a couple of years ago that test examiners can now refuse to take the test if the car isn't fitted with dual controls.
Is this true?
Many moons ago when I took my test I was told that they are not permitted to touch the dual controls. I guess if it was a matter of self-preservation they might be glad of them, though. :-/
AFAIK you can turn up in your own car for a test so I'd be surprised if dual controls are a requirement. A second rear view mirror perhaps.
Kevin
I taught my wife to drive along with an instructor using our second car, a Perodua Kelisa, she passed first time in it (after trying to learn in a C3, Focus and Micra).
This is by far and away the best possible car to learn in as it is very small, light, confidence boosting, intuitive and forgiving-the instructor was amazed by it-especially the thrummy 3-cyl engine which vibrates under too much load to warn you it will stall.
No issue with it not being dual control, but must be roadworthy, safe, have front headrests and suitable visibility-eg Mini convertibles not allowed.
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i hav to say my second car is the miggy im driving now and mines the 2.0i 16v.... I LOVE IT! im probs what called a lucky one as im still on my old mans insurance until my 21st when i will be going on my own and hopefully upgrade to 1 of the v6 models.
i hav my own reason for for having an omega (i hav to hav big cars cuz im 6'9" so i cant exactly be the typical boy racer... ) and yes it is at first a bit tricky getting used to the reversing but still a great car. i would say go for it mate! :y :y :y
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be warned, once you drive an Omega and then jump in a FWD hatch, you will think that wheel in front of you is not working.
Turning circle's of FWD hatches are crap compared to the more nimble Omega.
Front wheel drive is at a disadvantage because the constant velocity joints have a limited angle over which they can operate.
The Omega has a very nice speed sensitive power assisted steering system. Try steering one without the engine running to see just how much assistance it gives at low speed. Try sneezing in a vehicle with ordinary PAS at motorway speed and see how many lanes you can cross :o :o
Only on 2.2DTi and V6 models :y
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I passed my test in a split screen VW campervan.......second time around though.
First time I fouled up on a junction approach and not using my rear view mirror enough.
The emergency stop was good though, the brakes on the van were really sharp, the examiner ended up with his nose up against the screen.
Mick
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be warned, once you drive an Omega and then jump in a FWD hatch, you will think that wheel in front of you is not working.
Turning circle's of FWD hatches are crap compared to the more nimble Omega.
Huh :-? :-? :-?
The Omega turning circle is 10.6m and is like piloting the Queen Mary.
My hatchback is 8.6m and turns instantly and parks far more easily-no contest.
The Omega has good points, but is a big crusier and seriously can't be rated for turning circle, manouevrablility or as a tuition vehicle for a novice.
Huh :-?
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be warned, once you drive an Omega and then jump in a FWD hatch, you will think that wheel in front of you is not working.
Turning circle's of FWD hatches are crap compared to the more nimble Omega.
Huh :-? :-? :-?
The Omega turning circle is 10.6m and is like piloting the Queen Mary.
My hatchback is 8.6m and turns instantly and parks far more easily-no contest.
The Omega has good points, but is a big crusier and seriously can't be rated for turning circle, manouevrablility or as a tuition vehicle for a novice.
Huh :-?
I owned an Astra h/back for a short while, it took the same space to u turn that as the Omega estate :y
And the Primera I owned before was bad on the steering lock.
Mick
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ive always liked big cars,in my opinion if you buy a little car then wish you had bought the omega and then do so the money you lose in p/x and admin costs for changing the vehicle on yer insurance policy and possibly some tyres or whatever you would be better putting the money into what you want first time round,ive had an omega v6 saloon and wanted bigger so i got a discovery then a people carrier and have now got an omega estate and very happy with it :)
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Hi again, thanks for all of your encouraging comments, i now feel reassured abit in my decision.
I live on a farm so am used to different vehicles, i think i will be actually taking my test and lessons in a 306 1.9TD saloon i already have (i have been driving it around the fields for some time!) it but when i pass i will be looking at omegas.
someone asked why i want an omega: it is because i really dont like hatchbacks for some reason! also the omega has nice equiptment such as air conditioning, etc.
On a more specific issue, how reliable is the 2.0 engine and is there much difference between the 16v and the 8v verson of this engine, i say this as the 8v would be preferable due to the insurance issue.
also even though i cannot legally drive i have halped my dad with changing the injection pump and cambelt on the 306.
;)
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I was 18 when I got my first Omega (19 now), it was 2002 2.2 CDX, initially I was paying £340 per month, then found another copany and was only paying £192 per month. The 2.2 CDX is in insurance group 13, so that's why it cost a fair old amount to insure. I have driven other cars and I wouldn't say the Omega is any harder to drive than a Ford Focus. If you start with an Omega it will become second nature from the beginning. But I would make sure you hace checked inurance quotes in great detail, a 17 year old with full licence and no ncb on a group 13 car will be expensive. But in my opinion, it was worth it for me.
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The 16V is a lot more common and has alot more toys.
Look for a decent 2.0 CD
As to insurance - I have no idea but it isn't the standard first car so may not be too much
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The Omega has good points, but is a big crusier and seriously can't be rated for turning circle, manouevrablility or as a tuition vehicle for a novice.
On the contrary....if you start your driving career in something like a MIG, then anything else is a piece of piss to master.
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The Omega has good points, but is a big crusier and seriously can't be rated for turning circle, manouevrablility or as a tuition vehicle for a novice.
On the contrary....if you start your driving career in something like a MIG, then anything else is a piece of piss to master.
I disagree. Yes, if you master the size, a smaller car will be easy, but the Omega lacks "feel" and has quite a few electronic aids which a novice driver would be better learning without.
That being said, so does the current crop of learner fodder-the lastest Corsa, Micra etc-but they are still more suitable.
I'm not putting the Omega down-I've got one, but sensibly, it is not an ideal tuition car.