Faults:

Nothing in my short ownership, but the car has had thousands spent over the years keeping it in good condition, according to history logs. Water pump was leaking so I changed it along with the cam-belt to be sure.

General Comments:

I love these old executive cruisers, and the Omega is among the best for the money. You can still get these dirt cheap on the used market at less than £2500 even for a good one. I suspect their value will only rise as they get rarer and rarer.

My car is dark green, very nice and better than the more common silver. Inside the CD model gets plenty of electrics. Seats are very comfy and have not collapsed even after all these years. Build quality is very good. Silent and smooth cruising. Plenty of space inside and in the boot. No signs of rust on the exterior either on this very well kept car. Original Vauxhall 5 spoke alloys are also in good condition.

Good to drive. The 2.2 petrol is a reliable engine if taken care of. Even with the auto box there is enough power. Not very economical however - I am getting 28 - 31 mpg at best. It also does not like the new "E10" petrol, better running it on the old super unleaded. Expensive, but workable as a second car, this wont be doing much mileage. It will stay polished on my driveway and in the garage through winter!

Hard to believe they stopped making these 20 + years ago. It seems not long ago they were everywhere and are now a rare sight on the roads. If you want one, go for a looked after car, do your research and use only as a second car for summer cruising.

Faults:

Cam sensor.

ABS sensor.

Climate controls erratic.

Small oil leak. Ditto for coolant.

Plus all the typical wear and tear of age and miles - brakes, suspension, exhaust, etc.

General Comments:

The Omega was a fine executive car, but just not good enough to rival the German giants.

With that said, I loved this car's looks and the fact you could get them for very cheap, which I did in 2009 acquiring this vehicle with low mileage; it would then go on to serve me well for many years.

It was average in reliability - electrics were the most common pain, but no major breakdowns or anything nasty. I had to find an independent mechanic as Vauxhall main dealers were terrible. Just got the impression whenever I went there with an Omega they wanted me to go somewhere else! Such a cold reception.

2.2 petrol engine had good power, easily more suited to this car than the under powered 2.0 engine. If buying again however I would recommend anyone goes for a V6, in 2.6 or 3.0 form, they are just much better. I averaged around 30 mpg from this 2.2 though, about right for this car's size.

Handles not bad for size and weight, but not sporty at all. Manual gearbox lacked feeling, not great to use, but this car is more suited to an automatic.

GLS was a lower range model, but the car still had alloy wheels and metallic paint and looked the part in black. Inside a bit dull and grey, but the seats were very comfortable and there was plenty of electric toys. Quiet and refined on the move. Good visibility, spacious car. Easy to drive and park, not as "big and clumsy" as some say.

I sold it in 2015. There are not many of these cars left now, most Omegas are in the hands of enthusiasts, much the same way the Carlton and Senator were when they were low in numbers. But they used to be such a common sight on the road and I miss cars like this.