1997 Vauxhall Omega CD 2.5 V6 petrol from UK and Ireland
Summary:
Useless service lets down a good car, only for people who do not need their car all the time
Faults:
Ex-lease car, bought at a supermarket.
Needs front shock absorbers immediately - GBP 430.
Needs front suspension bushes immediately - GBP 520.
Needs rocker-cover gaskets immediately - GBP 460.
The car has just been serviced and the cam belts have been changed.
Someone has slightly loosened the coolant reservoir lid, with the consequence that 0.5 litres of coolant were lost before I realised what was going on. Lucky me I guess, but I think the garages intention was different.
After 150 miles (high-speed) driving today, a clunking noise is audible from the belt that drives the alternator. This has been renewed during the service, so either they got that wrong or damaged something so that I have to come back.
General Comments:
I decided to take the car to Germany over Christmas to have it fixed there, as the Germans are not charging such lunatic prices. Don't know now if I should still do that with the clunking noise. The dealers make a rather incompetent impression, but I have to admit that I have only been to one South-London dealership so far. A real shame, because the car seems to be well enough engineered. My Golf Convertible did not sound any better and was a real slouch compared to this.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No
Review Date: 15th December, 2001
1st Sep 2002, 15:53
The prices that you have been quoted are ridiculous to say the least. I have just replaced both front suspension wishbones, the bushes are part of these, at a cost of £140 (parts) and £60 labour. Front shock absorbers are available from good manufacturers such as Monroe and Bilstein and with fitting come to half of your quote. Shop around sir!!!