1997 Vauxhall Omega Elite 3L 24v from UK and Ireland
Summary:
Good, but only just
Faults:
Bulbs blown in climate control, Leaking cam cover gaskets, Drivers heated seat not working, very small amounts of rust, annoying rattle from passenger seat when someone is sat in it,
General Comments:
This car is a nice big cruiser, but unfortunately compared to the likes of a ford Granada Scorpio or a ford Scorpio ultima I feel it is cheap. I know a lot of people will disagree, but that's what I think. My model on the R reg has no remote steering wheel controls or adjustable steering column not good enough for a very expensive car when new. Nothing to tell me if any of the doors are still open! The plastics inside feel cheap even compared to a granada! Passenger space in the back is good, but no more than you expect of a big car, same for the boot. It does go well, but the fuel consumption is rubbish, I know it's a big car yes, but it drinks as much fuel as my old 2.9 12v granada and that engine was 15yrs older in design! The climate control is excellent however and the moving interior mirror with the memory is a fantastic idea. I would have not bought this car if I was not so much in a rush to get one. Alternative to a BMW 5 series? Don't think so. Not even an alternative to a sierra which I am going back to. Many will think I'm mad, but I've been in a fair few omegas now and they are all nice cars just seem to be cheaply made. The Carlton was better I think. Nothing serious has gone wrong with it though. Service from main dealer was appalling bad, don't think they can be bothered with these old cars now.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No
Review Date: 10th November, 2006
12th Aug 2021, 16:01
I had 2 Omega's back in the day, a 1996 2.0 CD and a 1997 2.5 CDX. Friend had a '97 2.0 GLS. This is a fair review. And it's been said many times about this car. If only quality was better, it could have been a very nice car. Vauxhall were notoriously poor at customer service with this car back in the day as you mentioned. Most people I knew who liked them bought used (best to avoid the shocking depreciation) and found a nice local independent garage for servicing and repairs. Buy it cheap, run it, look after it as cheaply as possible, and that is the only way this car was worth it. Same can be said for similar executive cars from the time. Omega might not match BMW 5 series or Audi A6, but it was better than the Rover 800 or French stuff like the Peugeot 605.