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[Andy A]

Looking to buy an estate. What should I look out for, rust wise etc?

2.5 or the 2.6 What is the better engine and why?

Is the cam belt the same DIY job on the 2.5 and the 2.6 or is one harder than the other and why?

Thanks

[JamesV6CDX]

Horses for courses

2.5 has secondary air pipes to remove for Cambelt whereas 2.6 doesn't, but the 2.6 requires plenum removal, 2.5 doesn't

Much of a muchness IMHO

[chrisgixer]

Newer models will have less rust by age so your probably best off looking for a 2.6 in that reguard.
2.5 stopped around 2000 iirc, 2.6 replaced it up to mid 03. Although there are some 2000 plate face lifts with a 2.5. Maybe someone has the exact cut off dates if needed.

Rear arches and doors are the main rust culprits on any omega, preface lift doors especially, with the rust spot on the esates tailgate below the wiper being very common.

[Marks DTM Calib]

2.5 is the better engine with slightly better mpg but, older. 

[tunnie]

Early 2.6's suffered from GM's penny pinching, so have cheaper valve stem seals meaning blue smoke on start up. Later 2.6's would be better bet.

Personally not a fan of the 3.2's and 2.6's, I think the 2.5/3.0's are the better engines in almost every regard. I guess the 2.6/3.2's engine bays look a little tidier, less crap in there.

The 3.2/2.6 V6's are feking shit on idle though, bloody lumpy and horrible.

I'd get a manual 2.5 V6 if buying again 

[Terbs]

I have both...2000W ( may ) 2.5 Estate and a 2001Y ( june ) 2.6 Estate.

Both had/have the rust under the rear wiper.
The 2.6 is more responsive. The 2.5 feels 'tighter'. Easier to work on the 2.6. Throttle pedals are very different on mine, the 2.6 being electronic. The 2.5 needs physical pressure .
I could not say which is best, as once I get behind the wheel of whichever, I prefer it.
To be honest, I am looking for a saloon, and I would 'prefer' the 2.6, but would not turn my nose up at a good 2.5.
Both mine are Elite's btw

Its a shame you are not nearer, or you could have seen and tried both

[Andy A]

As always, thank you all for your input.   

I am going to see an estate this weekend. Lets hope it's a good one. 

[Andy A]

I have found a 2001 estate and I am going to look at it this week. Unfortunately its a 2.2i but I have been told its in very good condition, so worth a look.

I've never driven an auto before. How do I test and how do I know if the auto gearbox is good?

[Terbs]

I can only respond as to mine....
Both gearboxes change smoothly and do not 'jolt' at all. I have been told on here , that in cold weather, the gears will hold longer before changing up. I had a Laguna a while back and a serious mechanic said my gear changing was one of the best he had been in. When I got the Omega, he said the changes we as good as the Renault.
There are no rattles, shakes, bangs etc. If you try kickdown, be prepared for a momentary delay...then hang on Again, should not be any other noises except the engine revving up.
I don't suppose the above will be any help...but if its quiet, does not jolt but glides through the gears, then you have a good one

[Andy A]

I can only respond as to mine....
Both gearboxes change smoothly and do not 'jolt' at all. I have been told on here , that in cold weather, the gears will hold longer before changing up. I had a Laguna a while back and a serious mechanic said my gear changing was one of the best he had been in. When I got the Omega, he said the changes we as good as the Renault.
There are no rattles, shakes, bangs etc. If you try kickdown, be prepared for a momentary delay...then hang on Again, should not be any other noises except the engine revving up.
I don't suppose the above will be any help...but if its quiet, does not jolt but glides through the gears, then you have a good one

Shame it's not a 2.5 or higher but if it's in good condition it will do me. Thanks for the info. 

[Andy A]

Using an auto box when stooped at traffic lights etc. do I leave it in drive with my foot on the brake or do I shift it into neutral each time?

Thanks

[05omegav6]

Using an auto box when stooped at traffic lights etc. do I leave it in drive with my foot on the brake or do I shift it into neutral each time?

Thanks

Neutral/handbrake is better for it...

At amber, into D, handbrake off then foot off brake. Allow the car to begin to move and gradually accelerate 

[Terbs]

Oops...I have been driving Auto's wrong for37 years.
Unless I have to stop on a steep hill, when I start up, I never touch the stick again, till I get where I am going.
Brake and throttle only for me.

[05omegav6]

Oops...I have been driving Auto's wrong for37 years.
Unless I have to stop on a steep hill, when I start up, I never touch the stick again, till I get where I am going.
Brake and throttle only for me.

Eventually kills the clutches, but shorter term it's one of the things that trashes the fluid iirc

[chrisgixer]

Yep, a prelonged stop, pop it in neutral. Esp if on an incline.

Might even be mentioned in the manual. (Book not gear box )