1996 Vauxhall Omega GLS 2.5 V6 petrol from UK and Ireland
Summary:
Competent BMW basher
Faults:
I bought the car from a friend, didn't check it properly, and found oil in the water (but no water in the oil).
Panicked, spoke to dealer, who said it was a head and quoted me £800 to a grand to fix it (!!!).
Local garage said that they had never seen an Omega with a blown head, cleaned it out, and put in a bottle of rad-weld. They told me to see how it went. To date no more problems.
Another dealer told me later that he has seen one or two with porous oil-coolers (water cooled in these cars), so that may well be it. - I hope.
There is a clunk from the front suspension and sometimes a peculiar whine that stops when I dip the clutch. Haven't got around to investigating either.
Lots of bulbs need replaced.
There are a couple of small spots of rust - not what I expect on a modern car.
General Comments:
The car is fast and comfortable. Very good on motorways. There is a bit of a wander at high speeds though - may be something to do with clunk above!
Fuel consumption is mid to high twenties on average, not great, but OK.
Headlights are rubbish, particularly considering the car is quite rapid.
There are lots of buttons to push - I particularly like the "one touch" sunroof control.
Interior is quite nice - typical German look - at least as good as a BM or Merc.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know
Review Date: 31st August, 2001
9th Jan 2002, 04:20
Update - January 2002. Previous misfire was sorted by local Vauxhall garage replacing crank sensor for £158 after EGR valve was replaced for £205. Car now exhibiting similar fault at 4500RPM - could now be cam shaft sensor - here we go again...