Vauxhall Omega Saloon 2.5i V6 Elite 4d Auto (1998/S) Owner Review
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Economy
Value
Bought a 4 year old ex-lease, 1 driver and 93k with fsh for less than a Vectra. Horrendous depreciation from 0 - 3 years, though.
Costs
Nothing serious yet. Companies like Auto Vaux best for OE parts at large discounts. I converted it to run on LPG which returns 23 mpg (27mpg on petrol) = cheap luxury motoring. Cost under £20 to fill up!
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On the road
Driving
Recirculating ball steering feels wooly around straight ahead position. Very fussy about tyre tread pattern - avoid directional 'arrow' patterns which seem to follow ruts badly. I find asymmetric type (P7) much better. Car is quite chuckable for a barge.
Performance
Pleasantly quick for a barge. Buy the 3.0 MV6 for speed. Auto is well matched to engine performance. V6 revs freely and smoothly to red line in sport mode. Runs well on LPG with extra torque in mid range.
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Living with it
Reliability
Intermittent hot starting problem traced to dodgy relay and cost a fiver to fix. Battery life expired at 100k miles, cost £35. Both front seat heaters u/s when bought.
Image
Should have had Opel badge on Elite and MV6 models. Vauxhall badge doesn't really do it justice, but keeps secondhand values low for shrewd buyers. Some trim items not very durable - logos have worn off some switches and door grabs mark too easily.
Comfort
Travelled Devon - Scotland in 1 day with 5 in car. Cruise control drove most of it. Motorway mile muncher at its best. Loads of room in rear seats even with 6 footers in front. Climate control is excellent. Huge boot space.
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Security and Service
Security
Factory alarm, door deadlocks, engine deadlock, face-off stereo with display in dash is a good idea. Everything works as it should. I know it'll probably still be where I left it.
Service
This car is a good DIY proposition if you are not afraid of its crowded underbonnet appearance, hence I have not needed main dealer service other than for odd parts. Pattern consumables (exhausts, filters etc) available at reasonable cost and quality.
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Problems and Ownership
Problems
Engine
Replaced timing belt and fitted later type tensioner as a precaution. Belt should be renewed at 40k miles or 4 years. Spark plugs had been neglected by main dealers due to awkward access (takes over an hour to do). Minor oil leak from crank sensor.
Other
Front wishbone bushes wear out rapidly causing vague steering and clonking noises. I'll use polyurethane bushes next time. Freeplay in steering was cured by carefully tightening adjuster on top of the steering box.
Ownership
Did you buy the car new?
Used
Would you buy the same model again?
Yes
Did you buy from the same manufacturer again?
Yes