1999 Vauxhall Omega CDX review from UK and Ireland

I bought the car of a dealer, and within 1 week the water pump failed. The dealer very kindly paid for a new pump, and I then got the garage to replace and service the car.

Rocker gaskets failed as they all do; really easy to do, don't be put off when looking at the engine as any DIY bloke can do it. You can get the special sockets in any Halfords store at around £8.00, so go ahead.

Changed the HT leads £25 a bank, changed the plugs for £1.25 each, gaskets (£30 the pair), o-rings that are on the manifold (£3.00), and did the job in around 3 hours of stop start work, with plenty of cups of tea.

Another fault with these are the DIS pack failing; again the part cost £75, and had the job done in 1.5 hours. These are luxury cars at really silly money, that glide you along, and as with any car they need to be looked after.

I have another 2.0 litre version 16v that never misses a beat, starts every time, and has been around the world 6 times!! 165.000 miles! On a P registration. Sure there is the odd patch of rust, but nothing that these cars aren't known for (top of door, and rear wheel arches etc).

Other common faults are stalling on the 2.0 litre; again a common fault on all Vauxhalls, and very easily fixed about £30.00!

Front wear on the tyre's will be uneven ie they toe in or out as the suspension wears on older cars, causing movement in the tracking. Source your parts on the Internet, ie Autovaux, and do not go to main dealers as they will rip you off!! and are not interested.

Parts in the scrap yard may be hard to find, as most Omegas are still running around! What does that say about them then?

V6's are smooth and fast.

2.0 litres are good all rounders.

Large boot for luggage, and inside the cabin will fit 4 adults with ease in comfort. Very comfortable; like driving around in your lounge. Quiet and faster than some.

Not the best handling car in the bends, but you don't get boy racers buying these.