Omega Owners Forum
Chat Area => General Discussion Area => Topic started by: Golfbuddy on 28 January 2008, 14:16:07
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Now then, one of these days there will not be any Omegas left that are worth having. The newest ones left are already 5 years old this year so I was wondering what would be a natural replacment?
It would have to be big, reasonably cheap to buy, automatic, rear wheel drive and loaded with lots and lots of toys.
How about this for starters: CLICK (http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/1999-JAGUAR-XJ-V8-4-0-AUTO-JAGUAR-SERVCE-HISTORY-XJ8_W0QQitemZ170188541224QQihZ007QQcategoryZ18185QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem)
:y
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Yeahhhh baby...
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Do it! :y
They are well cheap and lovely if you can afford to run it. I still love the design and they look great with a nice set of wheels. Really classy.
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I would change me Omega for a Jag tomorrow.. :y
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To me they are hugely un-impressive cars......and very over rated.
Trouble is I dont know what I will have, the Lexuses just have 0 headroom and BMW and Mercs arnt my cup of tea....
Most Audi's are wrong wheel drive with naff handling thanks to teh high nose weigh.
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Your choice is nice..
But I'll personally recommend one of these..Dont know cheap or not..
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/2001-BMW-530i-530-SE-AUTO-TIPTRONIC-Full-MOT-LEATHER_W0QQitemZ250209186967QQihZ015QQcategoryZ9837QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
or
stronger V8
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/2000-BMW-540I-AUTO-M-SPEC_W0QQitemZ300194140634QQihZ020QQcategoryZ9837QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
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To me they are hugely un-impressive cars......and very over rated.
Trouble is I dont know what I will have, the Lexuses just have 0 headroom and BMW and Mercs arnt my cup of tea....
Most Audi's are wrong wheel drive with naff handling thanks to teh high nose weigh.
As ever Mark, I agree with you on BMW, Merc and Audi although, as I was reminded the other night, the good Audi's are AWD. I've never been in a Lexus so can't really comment. I drove my old boss's Jag in XJ8 clothing and it is a lovely car and is extremely comfortable. Very smooth at both low and high speed and is easily capable of 150mph+ if that's what takes your fancy.
These go for good facelift Elite money now so seems like a sensible alternative. I'm not sure about the fuel bill though? Maybe able to get 20 - 22 mpg?? :-[
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To me they are hugely un-impressive cars......and very over rated.
Trouble is I dont know what I will have, the Lexuses just have 0 headroom and BMW and Mercs arnt my cup of tea....
Most Audi's are wrong wheel drive with naff handling thanks to teh high nose weigh.
As ever Mark, I agree with you on BMW, Merc and Audi although, as I was reminded the other night, the good Audi's are AWD. I've never been in a Lexus so can't really comment. I drove my old boss's Jag in XJ8 clothing and it is a lovely car and is extremely comfortable. Very smooth at both low and high speed and is easily capable of 150mph+ if that's what takes your fancy.
These go for good facelift Elite money now so seems like a sensible alternative. I'm not sure about the fuel bill though? Maybe able to get 20 - 22 mpg?? :-[
Get it converted to LPG...problem solved.
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To me they are hugely un-impressive cars......and very over rated.
Trouble is I dont know what I will have, the Lexuses just have 0 headroom and BMW and Mercs arnt my cup of tea....
Most Audi's are wrong wheel drive with naff handling thanks to teh high nose weigh.
As ever Mark, I agree with you on BMW, Merc and Audi although, as I was reminded the other night, the good Audi's are AWD. I've never been in a Lexus so can't really comment. I drove my old boss's Jag in XJ8 clothing and it is a lovely car and is extremely comfortable. Very smooth at both low and high speed and is easily capable of 150mph+ if that's what takes your fancy.
These go for good facelift Elite money now so seems like a sensible alternative. I'm not sure about the fuel bill though? Maybe able to get 20 - 22 mpg?? :-[
If your lucky, then you have to live with the naff electrics, tin worm issues and iffy mechanicals.
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wouldn't touch one with a 10 foot barge pole, IMO the Omega was always a better car than the Jag, better built and far more reliable.
for all the reasons that Mark has listed plus the dodgy image that they have never shaken from the 80's.
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wouldn't touch one with a 10 foot barge pole, IMO the Omega was always a better car than the Jag, better built and far more reliable.
for all the reasons that Mark has listed plus the dodgy image that they have never shaken from the 80's.
;D ;D ;D
I still haven't managed to shake my dodgy image from the 80's either. :y
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interesting, here jaguars are known with their quality and strength
even 10 years old models are in very good condition and twice price
compared to beemers (specially XJ series)
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i like the look of the XJ's, i would have to have the supercharged version.
Replacements for me would be...
BMW 530d
Vauxhall Monaro
Jaguar XJR Supercharged V8
However all of these are outside my budget! - I will be staying with Omega's for some time i think.
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Now then, one of these days there will not be any Omegas left that are worth having. The newest ones left are already 5 years old this year so I was wondering what would be a natural replacment?
It would have to be big, reasonably cheap to buy, automatic, rear wheel drive and loaded with lots and lots of toys.
How about this for starters: CLICK (http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/1999-JAGUAR-XJ-V8-4-0-AUTO-JAGUAR-SERVCE-HISTORY-XJ8_W0QQitemZ170188541224QQihZ007QQcategoryZ18185QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem)
:y
I've been pondering this for some time too. Trouble is, the running costs of a big car are becoming more and more prohibitive, especially with the current cost of fuel. I'm kinda warming to the idea of the Honda Accord, particularly the tourer which is similar in size to the Omega estate. Comes with plenty of toys, good engines and bullet proof reliability etc. On the downside, they have good residuals and are so not so cheap to buy and I'm pretty sure they aren't RWD :-/
Take a look here http://www.honda.co.uk/car/
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I struggle with a replacement for the Omega too.
I'm thinking along the lines of Audi A6 3.2 (The current version) but it won't be for a few years yet. Only had the Omega for 8 Months so need to keep it for a few years yet!
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I must admit very few modern cars appeal to me. Not sure what I'd get if I had to have something new. All the FWD repmoboxes are characterless and dull, and, increasingly, built down to a price which means they are getting really plasticky.
BMW have gone off the rails in the syling department, have started chasing the bottom end of the market and thus lost their quality, not to mention "that image".
Merc and Jag have always seemed like "old men's cars" and, unlike most, haven't started looking any less so as I've aged towards old man status myself ;D
I guess I'm keeping the Omega for the foreseeable... :y
Kevin
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I plan to keep omega for minimum 4 years ..
After I'll go either for 330 or E39 series 530-540 depending on the
cars condition..I drive them before and really good cars..
But new beemers are really ugly..
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I've been pondering this for some time too. Trouble is, the running costs of a big car are becoming more and more prohibitive, especially with the current cost of fuel. I'm kinda warming to the idea of the Honda Accord, particularly the tourer which is similar in size to the Omega estate. Comes with plenty of toys, good engines and bullet proof reliability etc. On the downside, they have good residuals and are so not so cheap to buy and I'm pretty sure they aren't RWD :-/
Take a look here http://www.honda.co.uk/car/
My last company car was an Accord 2.0l Executive Sat Nav. Full leather and plastic effect metal dash trim. ;)
Front wheel drive with auto box. Very comfortable car and never gave me a day's trouble. Also, instantly forgetable and in no way engaging to drive or own. Perfect if you want to remain anonymous. :-/ Having said that, I couldn't give one proper reason for not buying one.
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With the loose change jangling in pocket i am juggline a few ideas...
Like the 3 litre Diesel 3 & 5 series
Toying with 02 onwards 4.4 Range Rover - BMW Engine.
and after watching one accelerate at the weekend...
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=290201001217&ru=http%3A%2F%2Fsearch.ebay.co.uk%3A80%2Fsearch%2Fsearch.dll%3Ffrom%3DR40%26_trksid%3Dm37%26satitle%3D290201001217%26fvi%3D1
Correct wheel drive, non rover engine and V8 Power...
Trouble is i`ll probably go sensible, run the omega another year and whack a huge chunk off the mortgage :-/ :( ..then go Monaro ;D
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With the loose change jangling in pocket i am juggline a few ideas...
Like the 3 litre Diesel 3 & 5 series
Toying with 02 onwards 4.4 Range Rover - BMW Engine.
and after watching one accelerate at the weekend...
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=290201001217&ru=http%3A%2F%2Fsearch.ebay.co.uk%3A80%2Fsearch%2Fsearch.dll%3Ffrom%3DR40%26_trksid%3Dm37%26satitle%3D290201001217%26fvi%3D1
Correct wheel drive, non rover engine and V8 Power...
Trouble is i`ll probably go sensible, run the omega another year and whack a huge chunk off the mortgage :-/ :( ..then go Monaro ;D
Ooh, don't let TheBoy see that :o
Kevin
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I may be biased as I worked on-site at the Castle Brom and Halewood plants for 7 years, but I think they are fantastic cars and I would buy any of them in a heartbeat.
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The replacement for mine will most likely be another Omega, but that replacment could be the issue.
I have narrowed it down to a couple of Cars; Chrysler 300C still fares strongly, as does the Cadillac CTS, both of them are big cars capable of long distance at a moderate level of comfort and still returning half decent economy for the engine size.
however i will not buy one brand new, either will come to me used, maybe with one prev owner, the depreciation they suffer is horrendous and i want someone else to bear the brunt of that
BMW doesn't float my boat, the same applies to Rover as well.
Merc build quality and reliability still seems to be questionable.
Audi seem a little bland and 4WD spells twice as much trouble to me
Father in law is a BMW technician and the horror stories he tells me have put me off buying a BM for ever
i really want a car with personality, something that isn't run of the mill and doesn't look like everything else on the road, Badge snobbery means nothing to me, vaule for money is a greater motivator.
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I have no plans to replace the old girl yet but the only car that has even remotely taken my fancy is the audi A8 last model or the current one. :)
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wait 5 years (when good omegas will be like rocking horse s**t) then buy a monaro (which will be cheap as chips by then) this just leaves the problem of how many times you can re-sell your granny to pay for the petrol
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I've been pondering this for some time too. Trouble is, the running costs of a big car are becoming more and more prohibitive, especially with the current cost of fuel. I'm kinda warming to the idea of the Honda Accord, particularly the tourer which is similar in size to the Omega estate. Comes with plenty of toys, good engines and bullet proof reliability etc. On the downside, they have good residuals and are so not so cheap to buy and I'm pretty sure they aren't RWD :-/
Take a look here http://www.honda.co.uk/car/
My last company car was an Accord 2.0l Executive Sat Nav. Full leather and plastic effect metal dash trim. ;)
Front wheel drive with auto box. Very comfortable car and never gave me a day's trouble. Also, instantly forgetable and in no way engaging to drive or own. Perfect if you want to remain anonymous. :-/ Having said that, I couldn't give one proper reason for not buying one.
Can't give a proper reason for not buying one? That highlighted sentence is a perfectly good reason why I wouldn't take one if it were free!
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I dont know to much about them but i do like the Chrysler 300C, especially the estate version and i can imagine the depriciation on these things are going to be huge and you will get a lot of bang for your buck. I'm sure i will now get very dissapointed as everyone rushes to tell me they are a bag of s**t :-/
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I may be biased as I worked on-site at the Castle Brom and Halewood plants for 7 years, but I think they are fantastic cars and I would buy any of them in a heartbeat.
Its coz of where they were made.............that I wouldn't!
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Now then, one of these days there will not be any Omegas left that are worth having. The newest ones left are already 5 years old this year so I was wondering what would be a natural replacment?
It would have to be big, reasonably cheap to buy, automatic, rear wheel drive and loaded with lots and lots of toys.
How about this for starters: CLICK (http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/1999-JAGUAR-XJ-V8-4-0-AUTO-JAGUAR-SERVCE-HISTORY-XJ8_W0QQitemZ170188541224QQihZ007QQcategoryZ18185QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem)
:y
i'm not old enough to own one....
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BMW 530d
Gay
Vauxhall Monaro
Impractical, and doesn't float my boat
Jaguar XJR Supercharged V8
Gay
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I guess I should be careful what I say, seeing as Mrs TheBoy has a vested interest :-X
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I dont know to much about them but i do like the Chrysler 300C, especially the estate version and i can imagine the depriciation on these things are going to be huge and you will get a lot of bang for your buck. I'm sure i will now get very dissapointed as everyone rushes to tell me they are a bag of s**t :-/
No, they are not bad actually.
Depreciation is horrible, we are already starting to see some of the early petrol ones going through the auctions and struggling to fetch 10k, these are cars that are 3/4 years old and have average mileage on them.
the diesels are still holding their money better, i don't know if that is because it is a diesel or because the engine is an E class merc lump, or possibly both.
I borrowed a diesel estate for a weekend some time back, very roomy, physically no bigger than a saloon but opening up the back does make a lot of difference, plenty of space under the false floor for a donut LPG tank and still a lot of space.
Handling they are not quite as surefooted as an Omega, but they have huge presence on the road, the small windows and high waistline take a little getting used to, looking through the windscreen is like looking at the world thought a letterbox.
The diesel engine will give mid 30's MPG and a LOT of poke, is certainly shifted it along nicely, especially when it came on boost
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BMW 530d
Gay
Vauxhall Monaro
Impractical, and doesn't float my boat
Jaguar XJR Supercharged V8
Gay
:o 530i , 330i is in the same class ? ;D
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BMW 530d
Gay
Vauxhall Monaro
Impractical, and doesn't float my boat
Jaguar XJR Supercharged V8
Gay
:o 530i , 330i is in the same class ? ;D
And your point is???
At least i don't want a Chelsea Tractor :-X
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I have no plans to replace the old girl yet but the only car that has even remotely taken my fancy is the audi A8 last model or the current one. :)
Now I was just thinking the same... the old one in particular I thought was a classy looking motor.
Trouble is - and this goes for Monaro as well - the sales volume is so much lower that there will not be the supply of breakers parts available for them that we rely on to keep the Omegas going economically.
Dreaming is very cheap though..!
No one mentioned the Signum - I assume because of wrong wheel drive.. Still I think its a contender as an estate replacement..
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Personally I would like to hear Marks DTMs preference.. ::)
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BMW 530d
Gay
Vauxhall Monaro
Impractical, and doesn't float my boat
Jaguar XJR Supercharged V8
Gay
:o 530i , 330i is in the same class ? ;D
Yup.
Not sure about your country, but so common over here, and frequently driven by people who think they are something (reps), they have a reputation for saying the owner is a idiot.
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At least i don't want a Chelsea Tractor :-X
Nought wrong with a Chelsea Tractor - I wouldn't mind one to ram all the stupid drivers who get in my way off the road.
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BMW 530d
Gay
Vauxhall Monaro
Impractical, and doesn't float my boat
Jaguar XJR Supercharged V8
Gay
:o 530i , 330i is in the same class ? ;D
Yup.
Not sure about your country, but so common over here, and frequently driven by people who think they are something (reps), they have a reputation for saying the owner is a idiot.
Same here... ;D
But possibly this will not stop me :-[
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At least i don't want a Chelsea Tractor :-X
Nought wrong with a Chelsea Tractor - I wouldn't mind one to ram all the stupid drivers who get in my way off the road.
And to quote a certain Mr Clarkson, I'd enjoy that warm feeling that I am pissing Bill Oddie off.
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Now then, one of these days there will not be any Omegas left that are worth having. The newest ones left are already 5 years old this year so I was wondering what would be a natural replacment?
It would have to be big, reasonably cheap to buy, automatic, rear wheel drive and loaded with lots and lots of toys.
How about this for starters: CLICK (http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/1999-JAGUAR-XJ-V8-4-0-AUTO-JAGUAR-SERVCE-HISTORY-XJ8_W0QQitemZ170188541224QQihZ007QQcategoryZ18185QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem)
:y
One of my all time favorite cars, these cars can now be picked up at reasonable prices.I am waiting to see how the chrysler 300c performs on deprieation prices.
:y
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ive thought long and hard as to what id replace my Omega with, and nothing appeals to me ( i think iam still in the honeymoon period stage of ownership) ;D
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I have no plans to replace the old girl yet but the only car that has even remotely taken my fancy is the audi A8 last model or the current one. :)
Now I was just thinking the same... the old one in particular I thought was a classy looking motor.
Trouble is - and this goes for Monaro as well - the sales volume is so much lower that there will not be the supply of breakers parts available for them that we rely on to keep the Omegas going economically.
Dreaming is very cheap though..!
No one mentioned the Signum - I assume because of wrong wheel drive.. Still I think its a contender as an estate replacement..
took one of them out, got halfway down the road and turned back....hated the thing.
No real room in the boot, not the prettiest thing in the world, i would rather have a Vectra estate (on which the signum is based)
the drive is not nice either, doesn't have he refinement of the Omega, salesman thought i was joking when i said that, he was only 20 and had never driven an Omega, chucked him the keys, 10 mins later he was back and admitted that the Omega was a far better car
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ive thought long and hard as to what id replace my Omega with, and nothing appeals to me ( i think iam still in the honeymoon period stage of ownership) ;D
Yep your right about them, my first Omega was a 1995 2.0 Select auto, had it brand new, still remember the day i picked it up, still had the plastic covers on the rear seats and we had to wait till the Vx dealer removed the wax that was coated on the body work.
:y :y :y
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S Type Jaguar 4.0 Sport
BMW 5 40i Sport
............. ;)
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What about importing a secondhand Holden Commodore from Australia.Just like the omega and depending on the model, you should be able to get parts and it is also rear wheel drive.Vauxhall are missing out by not importing cars from Australia although they do import the Monaro
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What about importing a secondhand Holden Commodore from Australia.Just like the omega and depending on the model, you should be able to get parts and it is also rear wheel drive.Vauxhall are missing out by not importing cars from Australia although they do import the Monaro
Interiors are horrid on the Holdens, get a Monaro or the 5 door Vauhxall VXR8
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5 door Vauxhall VXR8 now that sounds interesting.Never seen or heard of one but would like to. ::)
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5 door Vauxhall VXR8 now that sounds interesting.Never seen or heard of one but would like to. ::)
:o :o :o :o
http://www.topgear.com/blogs/drives/060-vauxhall-vxr8/
(http://www.evo.co.uk/images/front_picture_library_UK/dir_439/car_photo_219519_7.jpg)
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I hope Jaguar dealers are better at services than Vauxhall ::)
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5 door Vauxhall VXR8 now that sounds interesting.Never seen or heard of one but would like to. ::)
:o :o :o :o
http://www.topgear.com/blogs/drives/060-vauxhall-vxr8/
(http://www.evo.co.uk/images/front_picture_library_UK/dir_439/car_photo_219519_7.jpg)
I saw one just over two years ago when i had my Trans-Am, we got some looks as we drove along the high st with two dirty great 5.7 V8s throbbin away, UUUUhm Baby 8-) 8-) 8-) 8-)
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Now then, one of these days there will not be any Omegas left that are worth having. The newest ones left are already 5 years old this year so I was wondering what would be a natural replacment?
It would have to be big, reasonably cheap to buy, automatic, rear wheel drive and loaded with lots and lots of toys.
How about this for starters: CLICK (http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/1999-JAGUAR-XJ-V8-4-0-AUTO-JAGUAR-SERVCE-HISTORY-XJ8_W0QQitemZ170188541224QQihZ007QQcategoryZ18185QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem)
:y
Lexus LS430 gets my vote, superb car, no cam sensor problems, no breather cleaning, parts not bad on specialist sites, bulletproof engineering. You may have seen that Mike Brewer ( lairy cockney type ) on Wheeler dealers resurrecting one, very good cars. They do have their faults as all cars do but fewer than most.
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I drove an auto C180 Kompressor estate last week. I was quite impressed with it. The driving was virtually all motorway with 4 or 5 of us in it (one being my Mum :-?) so I couldn't really play that much. It was a bit short of toys though (and an engine dip stick :-?) but I did like the 'tiptronic' type auto box,it was very handy for knocking it down a gear when decending some of Devons hills. No silly handbrake in the middle of the front seats. For an estate though it was sadly lacking in space, I reckon an Omega saloon could carry as much.
PS what engine size are they? I've looked on eBay, some are descibed as 1800 & some 2000 :-/
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I drove an auto C180 Kompressor estate last week. I was quite impressed with it. The driving was virtually all motorway with 4 or 5 of us in it (one being my Mum :-?) so I couldn't really play that much. It was a bit short of toys though (and an engine dip stick :-?) but I did like the 'tiptronic' type auto box,it was very handy for knocking it down a gear when decending some of Devons hills. No silly handbrake in the middle of the front seats. For an estate though it was sadly lacking in space, I reckon an Omega saloon could carry as much.
PS what engine size are they? I've looked on eBay, some are descibed as 1800 & some 2000 :-/
C180 = 1800
C200 = 2000
C230 = 2300
Kompressor = supercharger
For me i would have to get a 6 pot car, 4 bangers just don't do it for me anymore.
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....
C180 = 1800
C200 = 2000
C230 = 2300
Kompressor = supercharger
For me i would have to get a 6 pot car, 4 bangers just don't do it for me anymore.
Thanks.
Couldn't agree more about more cylinders than doors! But for an 1800 car it didn't do too bad, just didn't have the same kick when you hit the loud pedal as my 3.0 does. :y
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C200 kompressor is faster than my 2.5 V6..Possibly same as 3.0 ..
trust me I've tested.. ;D
ps : read the test about VXR8 on comparison with 330, impreza
special model..Comments for VXR8 is :(
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I know you will laugh but a Tata Nano could be your next step then ANYTHING after would look attractive, FWD, 4cylinder, diesel, high waist, 3 door, estate, BMW. If you could manage a year or so then there may be some Monaros, VXR8's available at a reasonable price. Think of all the fuel money you would save as the Nano sat (hidden) in your garage!
Another business opportunity? Importer of V8 rear wheel drive motors for former Omega owners (FOOFER's?) There must be something out there suitable!
varche
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I actualy quite like the new Saab 93, it drives nice, is a nice place to be sat and has a good selection of engines (2.8 V6 Turbo!).
Wrong wheel drive but, I am resigned to having to live with at least one front wheel drive car on the drive.
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Several friends of mine have 400 series Lexus beasties...
I'm not keen.... huge great ungainly fat looking characterless blobs... and as they age, they break things just like Miggys do... only more expensively.
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Have been in a few is200s but they feel very cramped and plasticky compared to an Omega. Correct wheels driven perhaps but didn't really float my boat.
Certainly would need the 3 litre engine [smiley=evil.gif]
Kevin
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I drove an auto C180 Kompressor estate last week. I was quite impressed with it. The driving was virtually all motorway with 4 or 5 of us in it (one being my Mum :-?) so I couldn't really play that much. It was a bit short of toys though (and an engine dip stick :-?) but I did like the 'tiptronic' type auto box,it was very handy for knocking it down a gear when decending some of Devons hills. No silly handbrake in the middle of the front seats. For an estate though it was sadly lacking in space, I reckon an Omega saloon could carry as much.
PS what engine size are they? I've looked on eBay, some are descibed as 1800 & some 2000 :-/
You consider that a good thing?!? The car I hired in the US last summer had the "hand" brake on the floor, what a complete PITA that thing was. I certainly would not buy a car with such a crappy design. Maybe I'm in the minority these days in that I actually use the handbrake at traffic lights etc rather than sitting with the footbrake pressed, cooking the pads onto the discs after a spirited run? Same goes for that crappy electric handbrake fitted to the new Passat.... the old design has worked perfectly for far longer than I've been alive, why break something that "just works"?
Can't see myself considering a Mercedes any time soon anyway, most of them are very old man. They may be RWD but few of them are much fun to drive IMO. I've not yet tried the new A4 but I bet that would be more enjoyable (with quattro of course) than a C class. Still much rather have a 330 than either of them, properly enjoyable to drive. Screw the image, the Omega isn't exactly a desirable car, and TBH round here the image of your average Mercedes repmobile driver is just as bad as BMW, only older.
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You all want to buy astras, I know you do. :P
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You all want to buy astras, I know you do. :P
careful or someone will; hunt you down and stick a Ford badge on your motor.... ;D
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You all want to buy astras, I know you do. :P
careful or someone will; hunt you down and stick a Ford badge on your motor.... ;D
Wouldn't mind a nice mondeo TDCi :y
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Son, you are one sick MoFo.... ;)
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Son, you are one sick MoFo.... ;)
Long time since I've been called son......sick MoFo, all the time.
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You all want to buy astras, I know you do. :P
careful or someone will; hunt you down and stick a Ford badge on your motor.... ;D
Wouldn't mind a nice mondeo TDCi :y
Is there such a thing?
Had one sitting behind me at a junction this morning (in the westfield, so his engine was about 4 feet behind my ear). Couldn't work out where the death rattle was coming from. Made me check my oil pressure damn quick and give the throttle a blip just in case. Then I realised it was the car behind. I hope they've got a lot of sound deadening material to stop it getting inside!
Kevin
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You all want to buy astras, I know you do. :P
careful or someone will; hunt you down and stick a Ford badge on your motor.... ;D
Wouldn't mind a nice mondeo TDCi :y
Is there such a thing?
Had one sitting behind me at a junction this morning (in the westfield, so his engine was about 4 feet behind my ear). Couldn't work out where the death rattle was coming from. Made me check my oil pressure damn quick and give the throttle a blip just in case. Then I realised it was the car behind. I hope they've got a lot of sound deadening material to stop it getting inside!
Kevin
Never driven one, just going on what I've heard. Mata of mine has got one, doesn't sound too noisy at all :-/
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Son, you are one sick MoFo.... ;)
Long time since I've been called son......sick MoFo, all the time.
t'was a misquote from film history..... No Son of mine would have a Ford anything !
(including Fords disguised as Jags) :y
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Never driven one, just going on what I've heard. Mata of mine has got one, doesn't sound too noisy at all
Maybe this one was cold - or knackered.
Kevin
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Maybe this one was cold - or knackered.
Kevin
Or a Ford :D
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You all want to buy astras, I know you do. :P
careful or someone will; hunt you down and stick a Ford badge on your motor.... ;D
Wouldn't mind a nice mondeo TDCi :y
Is there such a thing?
Had one sitting behind me at a junction this morning (in the westfield, so his engine was about 4 feet behind my ear). Couldn't work out where the death rattle was coming from. Made me check my oil pressure damn quick and give the throttle a blip just in case. Then I realised it was the car behind. I hope they've got a lot of sound deadening material to stop it getting inside!
Kevin
Never driven one, just going on what I've heard. Mata of mine has got one, doesn't sound too noisy at all :-/
I've driven one, and much as it's not the kind of car I'd buy (not keen on FWD nor diseasel), it's a very good car relative to its peers in the lower repmobile market. Far, far better car than the Vectra.
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You consider that a good thing?!? The car I hired in the US last summer had the "hand" brake on the floor, what a complete PITA that thing was. I certainly would not buy a car with such a crappy design. Maybe I'm in the minority these days in that I actually use the handbrake at traffic lights etc rather than sitting with the footbrake pressed, cooking the pads onto the discs after a spirited run? Same goes for that crappy electric handbrake fitted to the new Passat.... the old design has worked perfectly for far longer than I've been alive, why break something that "just works"?
Can't see myself considering a Mercedes any time soon anyway, most of them are very old man. They may be RWD but few of them are much fun to drive IMO. I've not yet tried the new A4 but I bet that would be more enjoyable (with quattro of course) than a C class. Still much rather have a 330 than either of them, properly enjoyable to drive. Screw the image, the Omega isn't exactly a desirable car, and TBH round here the image of your average Mercedes repmobile driver is just as bad as BMW, only older.
You will struggle when you insist on using 3 pedals. ;) The rest of us have evolved to be able to use just the 2 in which case the parking brake can be used just for that. :y :y
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....... the old design has worked perfectly for far longer than I've been alive, why break something that "just works"?
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You're right!! I'm off to buy a horse! That was aound for a very very very long time before even I was born!
When you fitting the carb to your car? That was around for a very long time before you or I were born too. Things progress, and when you're designing a car that will predominantly have an auto box in, why bother with a hand operated hand brake? A lot of cars used to have column gear change & umberella hand brakes so that they could fit a front bench seat, but because manufacturers all want to be the same and not be different, so we now have the situation where they all fit the same kind of extras or gimmicks.
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....... the old design has worked perfectly for far longer than I've been alive, why break something that "just works"?
.....
You're right!! I'm off to buy a horse! That was aound for a very very very long time before even I was born!
When you fitting the carb to your car? That was around for a very long time before you or I were born too. Things progress, and when you're designing a car that will predominantly have an auto box in, why bother with a hand operated hand brake? A lot of cars used to have column gear change & umberella hand brakes so that they could fit a front bench seat, but because manufacturers all want to be the same and not be different, so we now have the situation where they all fit the same kind of extras or gimmicks.
Ahh the memories ... Ford Consul Mk1 ... best passion wagon I ever had, bench seat, little catch in the middle it slid right back, very comfortable and loads of room ... shame the heater was c**p .. used to get very cold in the winter.... just had to find another way of warming up .... :)
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Ahh the memories ... Ford Consul Mk1 ... best passion wagon I ever had, bench seat, little catch in the middle it slid right back, very comfortable and loads of room ... shame the heater was c**p .. used to get very cold in the winter.... just had to find another way of warming up .... :)
There's always one that will lower the tone of a conversation!
;D ;D ;D ;D :y
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You consider that a good thing?!? The car I hired in the US last summer had the "hand" brake on the floor, what a complete PITA that thing was. I certainly would not buy a car with such a crappy design. Maybe I'm in the minority these days in that I actually use the handbrake at traffic lights etc rather than sitting with the footbrake pressed, cooking the pads onto the discs after a spirited run? Same goes for that crappy electric handbrake fitted to the new Passat.... the old design has worked perfectly for far longer than I've been alive, why break something that "just works"?
Can't see myself considering a Mercedes any time soon anyway, most of them are very old man. They may be RWD but few of them are much fun to drive IMO. I've not yet tried the new A4 but I bet that would be more enjoyable (with quattro of course) than a C class. Still much rather have a 330 than either of them, properly enjoyable to drive. Screw the image, the Omega isn't exactly a desirable car, and TBH round here the image of your average Mercedes repmobile driver is just as bad as BMW, only older.
You will struggle when you insist on using 3 pedals. ;) The rest of us have evolved to be able to use just the 2 in which case the parking brake can be used just for that. :y :y
So you only ever use the "handbrake" for parking? I'm glad I never evolved such a simplistic trait, the more sophisticated drivers amongst us use the handbrake when we come to a stop that is likely to last more than a few seconds. Aside from reducing the glare that drivers behind you have to endure, it also gives the discs a chance to cool without the pads being clamped onto them, resulting in material transfer and ultimately ruining the discs. So either you always drive like a grandad and never get the discs hot enough for this to happen, or you get through discs rather quickly. ;)
Next you'll be telling us it shouldn't even be used for parking, only in emergencies, like most people in the US seem to believe ::). (Yes, they do actually call it the emergency brake over there!)
Frankly, I'm more than glad I haven't evolved the inability to use more than two foot controls or one hand control in the process of driving :y
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....... the old design has worked perfectly for far longer than I've been alive, why break something that "just works"?
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You're right!! I'm off to buy a horse! That was aound for a very very very long time before even I was born!
When you fitting the carb to your car? That was around for a very long time before you or I were born too. Things progress, and when you're designing a car that will predominantly have an auto box in, why bother with a hand operated hand brake? A lot of cars used to have column gear change & umberella hand brakes so that they could fit a front bench seat, but because manufacturers all want to be the same and not be different, so we now have the situation where they all fit the same kind of extras or gimmicks.
I can see why you believe a horse is an evolution of the car, going by your other thoughts of evolution. :P
What exactly does putting the hand brake onto the floor achieve, other than saving a little space in the centre console? Personally I'd rather have the space in the footwell for a footrest in case I have to do a boring M-way run. I can't really see how it improves the driving experience or performance in any way. Similarly, the only thing the electronic handbrake in the Passat seems to have achieved is turning a previously reliable device into an unreliable one... brilliant evolution that ::).
Oh and things like fuel injection initially came about because they could offer higher performance without sacrificing drivability throughout the rev range, hence why they were only fitted to high spec cars. Eventually it became standard due to emissions requirements that simply couldn't be met using carbs. So the advantage here is less pollution, particularly the nasty stuff caused by incomplete combustion. I hardly see a foot operated handbrake being on anywhere near the same scale.
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Have been in a few is200s but they feel very cramped and plasticky compared to an Omega. Correct wheels driven perhaps but didn't really float my boat.
Certainly would need the 3 litre engine [smiley=evil.gif]
Kevin
IS200s are slow, I know - I flew past when one was accelerating hard
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So you only ever use the "handbrake" for parking? I'm glad I never evolved such a simplistic trait, the more sophisticated drivers amongst us use the handbrake when we come to a stop that is likely to last more than a few seconds. Aside from reducing the glare that drivers behind you have to endure, it also gives the discs a chance to cool without the pads being clamped onto them, resulting in material transfer and ultimately ruining the discs. So either you always drive like a grandad and never get the discs hot enough for this to happen, or you get through discs rather quickly.
Next you'll be telling us it shouldn't even be used for parking, only in emergencies, like most people in the US seem to believe . (Yes, they do actually call it the emergency brake over there!)
could i just point out that in fact the Handbrake is in fact an extension of the steering wheel, and not meant for such mundane things at all....
:D
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This thread has grown bigger than I expected it might.
Poll Added. :y
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What exactly does putting the hand brake onto the floor achieve, other than saving a little space in the centre console? Personally I'd rather have the space in the footwell for a footrest in case I have to do a boring M-way run. I can't really see how it improves the driving experience or performance in any way.......
You just put the parking brake above the foot rest ala Merc C180 and the release infront of your right knee. :-/
My centre mounted hand brake does nothing for my driving experience. :-? ;)
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Hi all, on the subject of moving on from the Omega, I find myself, at the age of 60, in the fortunate(or unfortunate, depending on your viewpoint) position of being able to, for the first time in my life, purchase a new car. The unfortunate part is that I can only do this because both my parents passed away last year. Anyway, on to the matter in hand, this will probably be the last car I will buy, so depreciation is not a consideration as I will be keeping it for a long time. I am considering either a Mondeo Ghia Diesel Auto, with extras to take it to my exact specification, or a Volkswagen Passat SEL Diesel Auto, the jury is out on both of these at the moment. I would appreciate any comments on the above if anyone has any experience of either, they both get a good write up.
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Hi all, on the subject of moving on from the Omega, I find myself, at the age of 60, in the fortunate(or unfortunate, depending on your viewpoint) position of being able to, for the first time in my life, purchase a new car. The unfortunate part is that I can only do this because both my parents passed away last year. Anyway, on to the matter in hand, this will probably be the last car I will buy, so depreciation is not a consideration as I will be keeping it for a long time. I am considering either a Mondeo Ghia Diesel Auto, with extras to take it to my exact specification, or a Volkswagen Passat SEL Diesel Auto, the jury is out on both of these at the moment. I would appreciate any comments on the above if anyone has any experience of either, they both get a good write up.
do not buy brand new!
Get one thats at least 18 months old.
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Hi all, on the subject of moving on from the Omega, I find myself, at the age of 60, in the fortunate(or unfortunate, depending on your viewpoint) position of being able to, for the first time in my life, purchase a new car. The unfortunate part is that I can only do this because both my parents passed away last year. Anyway, on to the matter in hand, this will probably be the last car I will buy, so depreciation is not a consideration as I will be keeping it for a long time. I am considering either a Mondeo Ghia Diesel Auto, with extras to take it to my exact specification, or a Volkswagen Passat SEL Diesel Auto, the jury is out on both of these at the moment. I would appreciate any comments on the above if anyone has any experience of either, they both get a good write up.
do not buy brand new!
Get one thats at least 18 months old.
Tunnie is, of course, spot on. And, unless you know something to the contrary, you have at least 20 - 25 years to go so it would have to be a great car to outlast you. ;D
My Dad did the same thing when he retired and got a nice lump sum from British Rail. He now has a 9 year old Audi A4 and he wants a replacement. I wonder if he fancies a nice Omega?? ;D ;D ;D
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Mondeo diesels i found quite nice.... ride is harder than the vectra. If you go for the TDCi make sure its the 130bhp, not the 115bhp version.
If i was after a smaller saloon with some punch i would be tempted by a Mondeo ST220 even though its fwd!
I have been in a VeccyC and its just a bit gloomy in there, and not a comfy place to be.
Although the VeccyC does have the bigger 3.0 diesel.....
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I like the Audi A4 Estate, or even the older Honda Civic Type R.
They would be my choice
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Mondeo diesels i found quite nice.... ride is harder than the vectra. If you go for the TDCi make sure its the 130bhp, not the 115bhp version.
If i was after a smaller saloon with some punch i would be tempted by a Mondeo ST220 even though its fwd!
I have been in a VeccyC and its just a bit gloomy in there, and not a comfy place to be.
Although the VeccyC does have the bigger 3.0 diesel.....
150bhp is the one to get.
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Hi all, on the subject of moving on from the Omega, I find myself, at the age of 60, in the fortunate(or unfortunate, depending on your viewpoint) position of being able to, for the first time in my life, purchase a new car. The unfortunate part is that I can only do this because both my parents passed away last year. Anyway, on to the matter in hand, this will probably be the last car I will buy, so depreciation is not a consideration as I will be keeping it for a long time. I am considering either a Mondeo Ghia Diesel Auto, with extras to take it to my exact specification, or a Volkswagen Passat SEL Diesel Auto, the jury is out on both of these at the moment. I would appreciate any comments on the above if anyone has any experience of either, they both get a good write up.
do not buy brand new!
Get one thats at least 18 months old.
Only problem buying second hand is that I will not be able to buy the exact spec I want, and boy have I waited a long time to get it. And I have no intention of driving into my eighties, I've seen the antics out of them! I must admit I am leaning towards the Mondeo, good MPG, comfy (as long as you don't go for the sports suspension) and only group 9 insurance, economical to run on a pension
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Mondeo diesels i found quite nice.... ride is harder than the vectra. If you go for the TDCi make sure its the 130bhp, not the 115bhp version.
If i was after a smaller saloon with some punch i would be tempted by a Mondeo ST220 even though its fwd!
I have been in a VeccyC and its just a bit gloomy in there, and not a comfy place to be.
Although the VeccyC does have the bigger 3.0 diesel.....
150bhp is the one to get.
Thats only in the ST-TDCI
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....... the old design has worked perfectly for far longer than I've been alive, why break something that "just works"?
.....
You're right!! I'm off to buy a horse! That was aound for a very very very long time before even I was born!
When you fitting the carb to your car? That was around for a very long time before you or I were born too. Things progress, and when you're designing a car that will predominantly have an auto box in, why bother with a hand operated hand brake? A lot of cars used to have column gear change & umberella hand brakes so that they could fit a front bench seat, but because manufacturers all want to be the same and not be different, so we now have the situation where they all fit the same kind of extras or gimmicks.
My daily car has a column change, only about 6 inches long, if that. It has paddles, for the gears if you want manual, no idea why anyone would,l but I don't use them.
The handbreak is a switch in the middle of the dash, it will even swich itself off as you drive away. :D :D :D
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I like the Audi A4 Estate, or even the older Honda Civic Type R.
They would be my choice
I thought your name was Loo-Knee not Spoo-Kee :o I no longer need the vast space of an Omega and if I changed it would be for a 1.9 CDTI A4 Estate (pre latest facelift) in silver of course (dark) :y
There's enough room for a canoe on the roof and kit in the back, plus decent performance and mpg ;)
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Hi all, on the subject of moving on from the Omega, I find myself, at the age of 60, in the fortunate(or unfortunate, depending on your viewpoint) position of being able to, for the first time in my life, purchase a new car. The unfortunate part is that I can only do this because both my parents passed away last year. Anyway, on to the matter in hand, this will probably be the last car I will buy, so depreciation is not a consideration as I will be keeping it for a long time. I am considering either a Mondeo Ghia Diesel Auto, with extras to take it to my exact specification, or a Volkswagen Passat SEL Diesel Auto, the jury is out on both of these at the moment. I would appreciate any comments on the above if anyone has any experience of either, they both get a good write up.
Well I agree with Tunnie in principle....
You can get some excellent deals on pre-registered cars though, especially in the run up to a new registration.
I really do not like the new Mondeo. I have driven the petrol and diesel variants and found the ride too firm and the interior to be poorly thought out. Also the seats are not great.
I drive a diesel Passat every day right now. It is the 1.9, and I have tried the 2.0 diesel also. While it is not a remotely exciting car, it rides better than the Mondeo and the intrior is better laid out.
However, the stand out car I have driven is the new Saab 9-3 diesel.
It is superb. It rides very well, the seats are typical Saab (nigh on perfect), it is quiet (for a diesel) and is a very nice place to be.
Oh and it averages 45mpg driving... swiftly over 800 miles in 5 days. :)
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So you only ever use the "handbrake" for parking? I'm glad I never evolved such a simplistic trait, the more sophisticated drivers amongst us use the handbrake when we come to a stop that is likely to last more than a few seconds. Aside from reducing the glare that drivers behind you have to endure, it also gives the discs a chance to cool without the pads being clamped onto them, resulting in material transfer and ultimately ruining the discs. So either you always drive like a grandad and never get the discs hot enough for this to happen, or you get through discs rather quickly.
Next you'll be telling us it shouldn't even be used for parking, only in emergencies, like most people in the US seem to believe . (Yes, they do actually call it the emergency brake over there!)
could i just point out that in fact the Handbrake is in fact an extension of the steering wheel, and not meant for such mundane things at all....
:D
I was going to mention that but decided against it as I'd get shot down for being a "boy racer" by the old guard ;D
But yes, it's a very good point... try that with an electronic push button hand brake ::)
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So you only ever use the "handbrake" for parking? I'm glad I never evolved such a simplistic trait, the more sophisticated drivers amongst us use the handbrake when we come to a stop that is likely to last more than a few seconds. Aside from reducing the glare that drivers behind you have to endure, it also gives the discs a chance to cool without the pads being clamped onto them, resulting in material transfer and ultimately ruining the discs. So either you always drive like a grandad and never get the discs hot enough for this to happen, or you get through discs rather quickly.
Next you'll be telling us it shouldn't even be used for parking, only in emergencies, like most people in the US seem to believe . (Yes, they do actually call it the emergency brake over there!)
could i just point out that in fact the Handbrake is in fact an extension of the steering wheel, and not meant for such mundane things at all....
:D
I was going to mention that but decided against it as I'd get shot down for being a "boy racer" by the old guard ;D
But yes, it's a very good point... try that with an electronic push button hand brake ::)
You are right of course, but may I point out a couple of points. Been there done that :D
My Omega is rear wheel drive, traditional handbreak.
I have a Galant V6, faster than any Omega. Unless TB is reading this, in which case of course it is not!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :exclamation
You can 'hand break turn. with an umbrella hanbreak; 1965 MK1 Cortina 1500 GT blue printed, 9000 RMM all day long, almost.
:) :) :)