1998 Vauxhall Omega Elite review from UK and Ireland
"A wolf in sheep's clothing"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Xenon Headlight blew 3 weeks into ownership. Dealer did not want anything to do with it. After a quiet work and the mention of a call to a solicitor, they agreed. It was found that the headlight had come free from its fittings. This was £90 for the bulb and £40 fitting. I did not have to pay, but at least you know how much.
Run-out on the brake disc's at front was excessive. £100 and fitted them myself. Easy to fit.
The car eats through tyres like Pavarotti in a spaghetti eating competition, if you select the wrong type of tyre. Get a hard wearing tyre like Pirelli. Do not get Bridgestone. They are way too soft. Pirelli do the best job. 10k miles and still only worn half way. And I do tend to be a bit lead footed.
Power steering pump replaced at 68K miles. £450 (inc labour)
Rear bulbs blow every 2K miles. May be a built in feature.
Do not use main dealers. Search for a local garage with someone who has experience with Vauxhalls. You will find the prices cheaper; they will not ask for the shirt from your back and give your car back with more faults than you started with. But do search.
General comments?
It is black so a pain to clean, but looks great when it's done.
The best thing, apart from performance and the built-in telephone system, is the rear blind. I noticed someone else also loved this feature. Thank God I am not the only one.
As for performance, it really is a great car. I recently had a bit of fun with a BMW 328i and an Audi TT. When they caught me up at the traffic lights they were a little surprised.
I am still smiling.
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| Overall this is one beautiful car and an absolute bargain |
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| A good-looking, fast, nimble and easy to maintain bargain |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| Year of manufacture | 1998 |
| First year of ownership | 2002 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2003 |
| Engine and transmission | 3.0 Automatic |
| Performance marks | 10 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 8 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 10 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 10 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 56330 miles |
| Most recent distance | 72987 miles |
| Previous car | Vauxhall Carlton |
| Date of Entry | 13th September, 2003 |