Omega Owners Forum
Chat Area => General Car Chat => Topic started by: JamesV6CDX on 15 February 2010, 21:56:45
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First impressions
My first impression of the car, was that of an exceptionally clean and tidy, 2003 facelift late 3.2 Elite.
All panels entirely straight, and paintwork immaculate. The Wheels are also in pristine condition, and the car looks a treat all over.
Internally, I sat in the drivers seat and the black leather, and interior, is supurb.
Basically appeared, at a first level look, to be a cracker.
Body:
I had a good scout around under the car, cannot see a spec of rust up in the arches, boot floor area, or anywhere else. No signs of any prangs, all nice and straight.
Tyres
Front Offside: Dunlop SP, 4mm of tread, and even wear across the entire tyre.
Front Nearside: Goodyear Excellence, 3mm tread, and again even wear.
Rear Offside - Goodyear Excellence, 3mm tread - even wear
Rear Nearside - Dunlop SP - 3.5mm tread - and if I was picky, it looked like there was SLIGHT wear on the inner shoulder.
Tyres all in good condition - all easily road legal and MOT worthy, not down to the wear markers, with no bulges, damage, or sidewall cracking etc.
Suspension and brakes:
Raised the front end while Di was in Asda getting a torch (!) -
Wheels - no play noticable in any direction, vertical or horizontal. Span freely, no indication of brakes binding
Wishbones - appeared to be very new. Couldn't ascertain brand, but there was no play in them. No play in steering idler apparent either.
Bounce test - passed on all corners. Visibly the shocks and springs seemed to be in excellent condition, and the ride height was fine.
Disks all had minimal wear and looked OK from what I could see.
Electrical:
Everything electrical was tested, and is fine, all bar a small dash bulb blown.
Test drive:
Di took me for a spin up the bypass. Engine started on first turn of the key - no undue noises and sounded like any other healthy 3.2. All warning lights came on and then disappeared as they should.
The car appeared to pull efforlessly and change through the gears no problem, without any fuss.
The steering wheel was centrally aligned as it should be - and there was no apparent pulling, pitching etc. The brakes were effective and the car was stable under braking with no wobble under braking either.
Sport mode works fine, and by the way it pulls with the pedal nailed down, the multirams are most defiantely working!
There is a very slight - only just noticable wheel wobble, between 60-80mph. I'm sure given the good condition of the tyres and suspension, a simple balance at a decent outfit will sort this.
Mechanically
The exhaust is a gneuine GM one, in good condition bar a tiny amount of surface corrosion where it meets the rear box. The exhaust did not seem restrictive.
Stood outside the car with the engine running, it sounded fine. a VERY slight occasional squeak from aux tensioner - probably needs a trained ear to identify it!
Revs up to the read line, falls back down, and idles consistently.
The oil was quite black, and requires changing soon. This was confirmed by some mayo on the filler neck, which as we all no is no cause for concern. The oil on the dipstick had no cross contamination.
The coolant is old and could do with a change - but there is a reasonable antifreeze mixture in there.
Having had a good listen in the cambelt area, there are no undue noises.
The temperature is steady at 85deg on the gauge when stood still idling - but does drop lower when cruising. My believe is that the stat is stuck open - confirmed by the holding the hose test.
There were no fault codes present.
Had a good look around the engine bay and under it - all dry, and not recently cleaned or anything - so there seems to be genuinely no leaks or such.
There were a couple of small signs of sloppy workmanship, Eg couple of plenum caps missing, bracket for aircon pipe missing - but all in all, no causes for concern.
Way forwards
My proposed course of action is as follows. Please note part costs are an ESTIMATE depending on source etc, but will give a ball park:
1) Renew timing belt kit (£90) kit aux belt (15) and water pump, (£30) for peace of mind factor.
2) Renew thermostat, incl O rings and transfer pipe to cure slight overcooling - say £50 worst case for stat pipe and rings.
3) Renew spark plugs (£15)
4) Renew oil and filter (£20)
3) renew air and pollen filter (£15)
5) Renew coolant and flush existing stuff out (£13)
So it needs around-about £200, maybe very slightly more, spending on all the bits to do a proper good job - that will see it good for a long, long time to come.
Aside of a bit of normal servicing that any car needs - there is no cause for concern with this car and I've advised Di not to loose any sleep about driving it to France - based on the fact that I would personally drive that car there. End of the day, it's only down to Dover, sit on a ferry, and a short commute at the other end.
In terms of how it's been running - taking the stats from the CID (which is lovely by the way!)
over the last 2914 miles, it has averaged 23mpg. It's done mainly local runs around reading, so for a 3.2 is aroundabout right really, over that many miles. This will improve when the stat is done, and it will be a smooth, reasonably efficient car on a run.
Di - as before - if you can get the bits, my offer to fit them as a favour still stands, as long as I can do it leisurely, EG over one weekend.
Stop worrying about the car - because it's cracking example that any of us will be proud to own - and you will not get better support than what you do here ;) :y
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So... As a few of us thought, a couple of Hundred quid on a car that looks mint... Good buy Di, even if it wasn't the correct way of doing it :y :y :y
Welcome to the wonderful life of Omega ownership... Best get saving for the next time it throws a wobbler :o ::) :D :D
Oh... And well done James for putting things to bed once and for all :y :y :y
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Nice one James .. :y :y :y
There you go Di .... peace of mind and a nice car .. :y :y :y
Relax and Enjoy... ;) ;) ;) ;)
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Sounds like a good example to me, deffo a keeper, and once the works done good for a few years, and nice one James, can't beat this forum for top people :y
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;) You are a star, James.....`well done that man! :y
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Tyres
Front Offside: Dunlop SP, 4mm of tread, and even wear across the entire tyre.
Front Nearside: Goodyear Excellence, 3mm tread, and again even wear.
Rear Offside - Goodyear Excellence, 3mm tread - even wear
Rear Nearside - Dunlop SP - 3.5mm tread - and if I was picky, it looked like there was SLIGHT wear on the inner shoulder. ......
I think I'd be putting matching tyre on the one axle ;)
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Sounds like a peachy Mig to me. Hope the trip goes well. Once again a BIG love & thanks to James & all the others (no need to name you all) who go beyond the call of duty to help those of us who aren't as clever on the spanners keep our Migs running sweetly for a fraction of garage costs & a better job as your hearts are in it.
Certainly from my point of view you are ALL very much appreciated. :y 8-)
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sounds good :y
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For a couple of hundred quid and James' generous offer, you've got a very, very good Omega by the sound of it.
Now compare that to a similar year BMW 5 series (anyone done the 4 rear drop links on one of those?) and you're laffing! :y
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I'm really pleased for you Diane :) :) :) :) :) :)
I have kept out of the previous threads all but one post, but i feel i should say in this one just how much of a relief it must be for you.
A BIG UP for James, you are a gentleman :y :y :y :y
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Tyres
Front Offside: Dunlop SP, 4mm of tread, and even wear across the entire tyre.
Front Nearside: Goodyear Excellence, 3mm tread, and again even wear.
Rear Offside - Goodyear Excellence, 3mm tread - even wear
Rear Nearside - Dunlop SP - 3.5mm tread - and if I was picky, it looked like there was SLIGHT wear on the inner shoulder. ......
I think I'd be putting matching tyre on the one axle ;)
I thought that too...... :y
Sounds a decent enough car........ :y
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I suspect the wheels were stored in a garage - and while they were fitted in correct rotational order, attention wasn't given to brand...
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I suspect the wheels were stored in a garage - and while they were fitted in correct rotational order, attention wasn't given to brand...
That might explain it, it did seem strange....easy sorted though, and well done James, an excellent report... :y
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I suspect the wheels were stored in a garage - and while they were fitted in correct rotational order, attention wasn't given to brand...
That would make sense from the original advert ....
Elite 17" alloys and tyres (photo's show 19" alloys not available)
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The alloys fitted are actually late MV6 alloys... but look good all the same..
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The alloys fitted are actually late MV6 alloys... but look good all the same..
Same as mine?
Chrisgixer's Elite has them on too, so not unusual to find on an Elite of that vintage perhaps?
Kevin
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The alloys fitted are actually late MV6 alloys... but look good all the same..
Same as mine?
Chrisgixer's Elite has them on too, so not unusual to find on an Elite of that vintage perhaps?
Kevin
Ahh... yes they do resemble yours :y
Either way - the car is a corker :y
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the guy at DK motors refered the my wheels as 03 wheels (2003) and sound like the originals so thats fine i guess.
But the figures for the temp. gauge dont sound unusual to me? same as mine infact in the curent weather. The temp gauge scale is differant to the pre face lift, would that account for it? Mine will drop to 80 or just above on the motorway and rise again to 85 for the 30 and 40mph limits...sounds peechy to me, i wonder if rotating the wheels might stop the slight judder too?
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..... i wonder if rotating the wheels might stop the slight judder too?
It does suggest that this wheel ..... Rear Nearside - Dunlop SP - 3.5mm tread - and if I was picky, it looked like there was SLIGHT wear on the inner shoulder has been on the front at some time.
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Sounds like a peachy Mig to me. Hope the trip goes well. Once again a BIG love & thanks to James & all the others (no need to name you all) who go beyond the call of duty to help those of us who aren't as clever on the spanners keep our Migs running sweetly for a fraction of garage costs & a better job as your hearts are in it.
Certainly from my point of view you are ALL very much appreciated. :y 8-)
Thanks for the nice comments, I liked the comments so much that I have decided to call her PEACHY. How sweet is that?
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But the figures for the temp. gauge dont sound unusual to me? same as mine infact in the curent weather. The temp gauge scale is differant to the pre face lift, would that account for it? Mine will drop to 80 or just above on the motorway and rise again to 85 for the 30 and 40mph limits...
Mine's the same too. Runs at just above the 80 mark in this weather when cruising.
Kevin
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But the figures for the temp. gauge dont sound unusual to me? same as mine infact in the curent weather. The temp gauge scale is differant to the pre face lift, would that account for it? Mine will drop to 80 or just above on the motorway and rise again to 85 for the 30 and 40mph limits...
Mine's the same too. Runs at just above the 80 mark in this weather when cruising.
Kevin
Interesting, my 3.2 is doing this too in recent times, and taking a fair age to lift off the minimum. I thought it was the stat starting to stick (still maybe). ::)
My 3.0 is running as normal.
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Interesting, my 3.2 is doing this too in recent times, and taking a fair age to lift off the minimum. I thought it was the stat starting to stick (still maybe). ::)
My 3.0 is running as normal.
Could always check the top hose for premature heat as it's warming up? I have wondered if my stat is getting a bit tired but it warms up quick enough and holds a steady temperature. :-/
Kevin
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The stat is definately faulty on this one.
When cruising, the gauge drops wayyy too low.
From cold - the hose warms gradually - the stat is stuck open.
Good idea re. the wheel rotation - will give that a go after the main bits are done :y
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But the figures for the temp. gauge dont sound unusual to me? same as mine infact in the curent weather. The temp gauge scale is differant to the pre face lift, would that account for it? Mine will drop to 80 or just above on the motorway and rise again to 85 for the 30 and 40mph limits...
Mine's the same too. Runs at just above the 80 mark in this weather when cruising.
Kevin
Di's runs about 40 :)
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Di's runs about 40 :)
No doubt there, then. ;D
Kevin
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..... i wonder if rotating the wheels might stop the slight judder too?
It does suggest that this wheel ..... Rear Nearside - Dunlop SP - 3.5mm tread - and if I was picky, it looked like there was SLIGHT wear on the inner shoulder has been on the front at some time.
Yep that crossed my mind Andy as soon as I saw it.
My guess would be the wheels were put on in a hurry.
Speaking of which - I'll check the torques on the studs!
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Has it been ascertained what was changed at the last cambelt interval? Seem to recall a post stating a value that wouldn't cover the complete kit?
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Has it been ascertained what was changed at the last cambelt interval? Seem to recall a post stating a value that wouldn't cover the complete kit?
We cannot be certain - hence the plan to change the entire kit, water pump and aux belt, at the first reasonable opportunity :y
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Well done James! you've put Di's car worries to rest. Looks like she has herself a 'Cracker' (& the car's not bad either!! ;) ;D :y
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James.......well done for your determination and effort to help Di with the car, you are a star mate and a credit to the forum.
Di......Congrats on what has turned out to be hopefully a good buy......Hope this excellent report has put your mind at rest a little about the car, and best wishes for a safe trip to France and look forward to hearing updates on the car when you get back......Buy James a pint from us all will you.........?!!
:y :y :y
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Buy James a pint from us all will you.........?!!
Mmmm beeer....... :D
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But the figures for the temp. gauge dont sound unusual to me? same as mine infact in the curent weather. The temp gauge scale is differant to the pre face lift, would that account for it? Mine will drop to 80 or just above on the motorway and rise again to 85 for the 30 and 40mph limits...
Mine's the same too. Runs at just above the 80 mark in this weather when cruising.
Kevin
Same here too. ;)
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Sounds like a peachy Mig to me. Hope the trip goes well. Once again a BIG love & thanks to James & all the others (no need to name you all) who go beyond the call of duty to help those of us who aren't as clever on the spanners keep our Migs running sweetly for a fraction of garage costs & a better job as your hearts are in it.
Certainly from my point of view you are ALL very much appreciated. :y 8-)
Thanks for the nice comments, I liked the comments so much that I have decided to call her PEACHY. How sweet is that?
Look on the bright side; you spent less than me and your car is newer and better spec; mine owes me over 3k and is only a humble 2.2 CD-known as Triggers Broom, not Peachy ::)
I wish I had taken an OOFer to see it before I bought mine; see sig link below :o
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Slightly off topic .. but not THAT far .... :)
Should James "Check list" from the opening post be put into the "stickies" as a guide of what to check ???
We get lots of posts saying "I'm going to buy an Omega, what should I look for" sort of thing ... methinks that James list is a pretty good starting point ??
Any thoughts/ideas/amendments ???
Jimbob's views perhaps ??
:)
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Slightly off topic .. but not THAT far .... :)
Should James "Check list" from the opening post be put into the "stickies" as a guide of what to check ???
We get lots of posts saying "I'm going to buy an Omega, what should I look for" sort of thing ... methinks that James list is a pretty good starting point ??
Any thoughts/ideas/amendments ???
Jimbob's views perhaps ??
:)
I would prefer it wasn't at this stage - purely on the basis that I improving it, and working towards a proper maintenance guide.
Jimbob, I will send you the final version for publishing in due course :y
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Slightly off topic .. but not THAT far .... :)
Should James "Check list" from the opening post be put into the "stickies" as a guide of what to check ???
We get lots of posts saying "I'm going to buy an Omega, what should I look for" sort of thing ... methinks that James list is a pretty good starting point ??
Any thoughts/ideas/amendments ???
Jimbob's views perhaps ??
:)
I would prefer it wasn't at this stage - purely on the basis that I improving it, and working towards a proper maintenance guide.
Jimbob, I will send you the final version for publishing in due course :y
Not a problem .. was just an idea .. :y :y :y :y
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Slightly off topic .. but not THAT far .... :)
Should James "Check list" from the opening post be put into the "stickies" as a guide of what to check ???
We get lots of posts saying "I'm going to buy an Omega, what should I look for" sort of thing ... methinks that James list is a pretty good starting point ??
Any thoughts/ideas/amendments ???
Jimbob's views perhaps ??
:)
I would prefer it wasn't at this stage - purely on the basis that I improving it, and working towards a proper maintenance guide.
Jimbob, I will send you the final version for publishing in due course :y
Not a problem .. was just an idea .. :y :y :y :y
And a good one at that - I thought the same - it will be useful
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The alloys fitted are actually late MV6 alloys... but look good all the same..
Same as mine?
Chrisgixer's Elite has them on too, so not unusual to find on an Elite of that vintage perhaps?
Kevin
Later Elites 2003+ had a change in alloy design, and look very similar to facelift MV6, but still slightly different. :y
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early F/L Elite:
(http://www.autoweb.co.uk/dealer_sites/car_pix/omega_001_19112911414.jpg)
Later Elite:
(http://dl.dropbox.com/u/803897/Omega/Wheels/media.jpg)
MV6 stayed the same...
(http://memimage.cardomain.com/ride_images/1/1102/1001/2753000398_large.jpg)
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MV6 and Elite alloys both changed to the same in 2002, Sport was also the same :y
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I like the earlier ones best :y
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I really do think 17's are too small for the Omega, not sure which I prefer, both look great I think :y
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MV6 and Elite alloys both changed to the same in 2002, Sport was also the same :y
Yep, my MY03 MV6 has the ones in the middle picture. The one in Roger Budden's front garden. :-X
Kevin
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I really do think 17's are too small for the Omega, not sure which I prefer, both look great I think :y
I really like the later ones :)
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MV6 and Elite alloys both changed to the same in 2002, Sport was also the same :y
Yep, my MY03 MV6 has the ones in the middle picture. The one in Roger Budden's front garden. :-X
Kevin
Thats actually the path outside his house !!! He has no garden to speak of .. all block paved and full of cars for sale when I went there !!!
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I really do think 17's are too small for the Omega, not sure which I prefer, both look great I think :y
I really like the later ones :)
I do prefer them too, but I think the other one's look great :y