1996 Vauxhall Omega Elite 3.0 from UK and Ireland
Summary:
Comfortable fast car for not much cash
Faults:
Air-conditioning compressor seized at 110000 miles. This was probably due to the independent garage not correctly putting oil back into the freon system when they topped it up, but I could not prove it. However I purchased a compressor from a breakers for 100 pounds another independent garage fitted it for 200 all in. The main dealer quoted 1075+VAT for the job.
Coil pack broke at 119000 miles, this resulted in the car not pulling above 3000rpm, however, I could still drive it gently and had to for a week, which resulted in cracking the ceramic of the 4th cylinders spark plug. Luckily no further damage was done to the engine, therefore remedied for 250 pounds all in.
121000 miles paint work was tidied up for 200 pounds. 2 weeks later a horrible person keyed it both sides.
125000 The air-con has developed a leak it is going next week to the garage. I probably wouldn't get it fixed especially in November, except the car steams up something terrible without the compressor on.
General Comments:
The engine is wonderful, creamy smooth and effortless. Very quick. I get 27 miles per gallon and I don't hang about.
The handling is very good for such a big heavy car. The suspension does a good job at keeping the ride very comfortable, yet still able to hustle the car through bends.
Comfort is very good, the seats in the Elite model are superb. Huge, heated, leather, electrically adjusted with memory facility and at 125000 miles still looking like new. The cabin has lots of toys all of which are still working (except climate control at the moment).
I would recommend one to anyone as long as you find a decent independent garage first.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 26th October, 2003
19th Oct 2003, 08:28
I couldn't agree more with you.