1997 Vauxhall Omega CD 2.5 V6 from UK and Ireland
Summary:
Excellent drive and reliability - if cared for
Faults:
Water pipe failure behind the engine.
General Comments:
Auto with everything! Thought long and hard before buying as it had high’ish miles, we are talking average motorway - not space shuttle.
The guy selling the car had all the service history neatly in a folder, all receipts in order with a note of the mileage on each one, even down to the bulb for the button of the hazard warning lights!
I could see the car had been looked after so I checked the history and bought the car. I have not looked back. I have had the car over a year and covered about 15K in it. I have only had one problem with the car and it was a large loss of water one morning.
I to the car to the local Vauxhall dealer and they advised me they thought it was the head gasket and wanted £500 to investigate. I have some knowledge of cars and was not convinced with their diagnosis.
I went to a small local garage, which looked OK and asked for an opinion only advising of the water loss. They called me about three hours later and said it was a pipe at the back of the engine and would cost about £4.50 and £20 to fit it – sorted!!
It is only my opinion and we are all entitled to one but I don’t think I have ever found a good Vauxhall dealership. You just don’t seem to get the kind of people who take pride in their work or cars in these establishments.
I also believe in replacing before failure. I have replaced many parts over the past year that you would put in the category of wearable parts. Everything wears, and it is much easier to replace in your own time and plan it rather than after a failure on the motorway or something. Failure can also lead damage of other parts.
I love the car and believe it will go on and on as long as it receives good quality oil and filter every 5K miles and you treat it to some new parts occasionally.
Good underneath cleaning is recommended after winter, I have found some hide-holes for crap under the car that could lead to corrosion in later years.
There are loads of really weary Omega’s out there and most of this is from poor servicing. If you can find one of the ‘cared for’ ones you are on to a winner.
Running costs have not been bad. Well.. lets face it we all know what we are getting into.
It is an absolute pleasure to drive and is well worth looking after.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 26th March, 2001
8th Apr 2001, 12:12
I'm currently doing my own research on 2.5 V6 (CD) auto, Omegas. Either I'm looking in the wrong place or there aren't many reviews out there, so it was a real pleasure to find this review and confirm some of the bits I've managed to get together. (A bit on the thirsty side, but really good overall performance and spec if you can get a good one). I'm currently chasing an M plate with 76000 on the clock for £4000.
Many thanks once again.
Ian.