1994 Vauxhall Omega CD review from UK and Ireland

Catalytic converter corroded so replaced 105000 miles.

Head gasket blown and exhaust manifold cracked at 140000 miles.

Water pump disintegrated and almost wrecked cam belt at 135000 miles.

Auto gearbox hydraulic pump blew a seal at 137000 miles.

Two new alternators and two new batteries fitted.

I consider myself well qualified to talk about this car as we have been together for 5 and a half years. I have never managed to keep a girlfriend or wife for that long yet!

Firstly I would say do not buy a new one. Depreciation is massive so go for 2 to 3 years old and let someone else suffer the pain.

A full service history is essential as these are very complex machines which will run poorly if not looked after.

Handling is good to the point of entertaining for a press on driver. Avoid cheap hard compound budget tires though. I had a pair on the rear for a while. They did a colossal amount of miles, but as soon as rain started to fall, the amount of tail-out action was decidedly unsafe. No need to go crazy though - £55 a corner should keep you on the straight and narrow.

As you can see above there have been faults. In the time and distance that I have had the car I am more than pleased with the overall cost of ownership. Parts are readily available and with the help of a Haynes manual, a friendly Vauxhall only breaker and my fellow members on a Yahoo Omega owners' group, I have been able to do lots of maintenance myself. It is a little known fact that the fault codes stored in the cars Engine Management System can be read with the help of a paper clip and a list of what the codes mean obtained from anyone of a multitude of Vauxhall owners sites.

As a demonstration of my faith the car is now sitting outside with my "New" 1999 2.5 V6 CDX Omega which I bought a few days ago for £5500. I will review the new one after I have had it for a little longer.

I cannot get sentimental about lumps of metal, or ex-wives, but it will feel strange I am sure to not see the 2.0 CD out there after it has been sold.

They depreciate fast from new as they have not got a fashionable German badge on the front. Get one and you will be able to laugh at those who have paid thousands more than you for a less well equipped no more competent motor.