It's no secret I've bought Tall Paul's Omega. It's a 2.2 16v CD on a late 53 plate and overall I'm really happy with my purchase, having been away from Omega Ownership for nearly a year.
It's a very comfy ride, I was worried about it being a 2.2 and being gutless but actually, it moves along quite nicely. Won't win any races but there is sufficient power and it's a great cruising car.
Having driven from Wolverhampton to Beaconsfield, and then Cheltenham and back, it's averaged 39mpg over 300+ miles and not skipped a beat!
A couple of small niggles which I'll easily fix
- Exhaust manifold blowing from cold. New gasket, downpipe gasket, and studs.
- Cam cover leaking at the back - oil down the back and NS of engine. Have Gen gasket ready to fit. Need to look in plug wells to determine urgency.
- Keys need a bit of Martin Imber treatment
The only thing that needs looking at, which isn't an issue given the price, is the handling. She's tramlining, which I suspect is the Michelins wearing low. She also feels vague and just sort of all over the place, like she's pitching about a bit at the front. I know the steering on these is never "tight" but it does feel very sloppy. There are advisories on the previous MOT for play on both front roadwheels, so tonight I'll have her up in the air for a full going-over, and report back on what I find
My instincts on the culprit will be steering idler/wishbones causing the movement, as opposed to two wheel bearings failing at 90k!
I will do the timing belt, as although there is an invoice with 'replace timing belt' ticked, there's no mention that it's a complete kit.
Once that's all sorted, I'm considering LPG. Very easy engine to gas, and realistically, not at all expensive. LPG is 64p at Wycombe, so I think I'm still very likely to save. Any views?
All round, am happy to be back in something which is a pleasure to drive, and think Paul has given me a fair deal, the car was essentially £500, with some heavily discounted genuine parts for a further £50
Will report back later on the suspension findings. As you know, suspension is not my strongest point, so I appreciate any further advice / comments
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Topic: Back to Omega Ownership - with Jobs to do! (Read 2542 times)