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Auto Express Car Reviews
Vauxhall Omega
June 2002
Compared to rivals such as the Ford Scorpio and Rover 800, the Vauxhall Omega is an impressive package. It has high build quality and a stylish bodyshell. The drive is cosseting, with excellent seats, a well trimmed cabin and a bulky feel.
Engines are generally strong, but the diesel 2.0 DTi is a weak link, offering 0-60mph in a dismal 15 seconds. The livelier 2.0 TDi and 2.5 TD are better oil-burning choices. Three four-cylinder petrol units are also available - 2.0s in eight and 16-valve formats, plus the much-admired 2.2. Flagship cars have 2.5 or 3.0-litre V6s. In 2000, a 3.2 was used in the sporting top-of-the-range MV6, but these are rare on the used scene.
Omega checklist
* Paint finish wasn't brilliant on some early cars, especially the non-metallics. Look for rust blisters on rear arches, bonnet edges and door corners.
* Autos are tough, but make sure they work right. Omegas are smooth, so jerky changes mean a problem.
* Estates are worked hard, so check the load bay for damaged trim. Avoid ex-police cars unless they're dirt cheap.
*As fleet cars, Omegas can run up high mileages, so a proper service history is a must. Cambelts need changing every 60,000 miles or two years.
Glass's view
The Omega is a cheap alternative to a BMW, but lacks kudos. Trade bible Glass's Consumer Values says that means steep depreciation. Used makes more sense, but selling on will be hard.
My Omega
Allan Graham bought his 2001 Omega in January after relocating from New Zealand to Britain.
"I bought it because I'm used to driving a Holden Commodore back home," said the 36-year-old BBC Archive Service Co-ordinator, who lives in New Southgate, London. "The Omega is virtually the same car, apart from the engines, so it seemed the obvious choice."
In the six months he's had his 2.2i GLS, it has been plagued by an annoying fault with the climate control, which two dealerships both failed to fix. A third garage finally repaired the problem by taking the dashboard apart. Other than that, the Vauxhall has been very reliable.
Engines are generally strong, but the diesel 2.0 DTi is a weak link, offering 0-60mph in a dismal 15 seconds. The livelier 2.0 TDi and 2.5 TD are better oil-burning choices. Three four-cylinder petrol units are also available - 2.0s in eight and 16-valve formats, plus the much-admired 2.2. Flagship cars have 2.5 or 3.0-litre V6s. In 2000, a 3.2 was used in the sporting top-of-the-range MV6, but these are rare on the used scene.
Omega checklist
* Paint finish wasn't brilliant on some early cars, especially the non-metallics. Look for rust blisters on rear arches, bonnet edges and door corners.
* Autos are tough, but make sure they work right. Omegas are smooth, so jerky changes mean a problem.
* Estates are worked hard, so check the load bay for damaged trim. Avoid ex-police cars unless they're dirt cheap.
*As fleet cars, Omegas can run up high mileages, so a proper service history is a must. Cambelts need changing every 60,000 miles or two years.
Glass's view
The Omega is a cheap alternative to a BMW, but lacks kudos. Trade bible Glass's Consumer Values says that means steep depreciation. Used makes more sense, but selling on will be hard.
My Omega
Allan Graham bought his 2001 Omega in January after relocating from New Zealand to Britain.
"I bought it because I'm used to driving a Holden Commodore back home," said the 36-year-old BBC Archive Service Co-ordinator, who lives in New Southgate, London. "The Omega is virtually the same car, apart from the engines, so it seemed the obvious choice."
In the six months he's had his 2.2i GLS, it has been plagued by an annoying fault with the climate control, which two dealerships both failed to fix. A third garage finally repaired the problem by taking the dashboard apart. Other than that, the Vauxhall has been very reliable.
Allan said: "I don't use it for commuting as I take the Tube. The motor is really for weekends, as I often go away. I've driven up to Yorkshire several times and also across to France. I like cars that are comfortable and relaxing to drive, and the Omega fits the bill - it's quiet, refined, roomy and is reasonably good on fuel."
More VAUXHALL OMEGA articles
- Car Reviews
- Driver Power 2007: Vauxhall Omega
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VERDICT
- Buy the nicest older car you can find. Ignore early diesels and 2.0 8v petrols. If you can afford to run one, the 3.0 V6 is a cracker, and can return 28mpg. Go for an M or N-reg with history, in CDX or Elite spec. Maintenance is more important than mileage.
OTHER EXPENSES
Depreciation:1
Running costs (ppm):69-91p
Insurance groups:13-16
HISTORY
- 1994: Omega replaces Carlton, with 2.0-litre diesels, plus 2.0, 2.5 and 3.0 V6 petrols. All have good spec and rear drive. Available as saloon or huge estate, auto option. 1997: Sat-nav option arrives and increases used value by around £700. Flagship 3.0-litre 210bhp MV6 arrives with firmer suspension and Recaro sports seats. 1998: Direct-injection 2.0 DTi. 1999: Facelift for 2000 model year includes fresh front end, bigger wheels and climate control. 2000: Petrol and diesel 2.0s replaced by 2.2s. V6s grow: 2.5 becomes 2.6 and 3.0 ups to 3.2 in Elite and MV6.
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