I have a bad back (surgery earlier this year etc.) and looking for a second car for the winter/commute etc.

Omega's seem the best value (looking around £2/3k) and ideally an Elite etc. (also keeping eye out for Volvo S80's but fewer about). Obv in my budget, looking at the facelifted Omega so models post 1999 I think.

I've had a normal omega before (and father has had 2) so know I fit in etc. so ok for my back. However, I have a couple of reservations:
1 - the MV6 has sports suspension, this appears very well regarded and results in a fine handling motor. However, is there much of a ride comfort sacrifice?
2 - Sports seats - are these still reasonably comfy and adjustable?

 

The MV6 is a lower spec than the Elite - so if it's toys you want, go for the Elite

All Omegas drive well for their size

'A lot' of MV6s are ex-Police

The 3.0/3.2 is considerably more thirsty than the 2.5/2.6 and I don't think th eextra oomph is worth it

I have never seen a manual Elite

I still have my 2.5 Elite estate

Happy to share knowledge if it helps

There are some killer checks to make before you buy..........

 

Thanks.

I've got my eye on a couple, FSH, cambelts done, non police models, good spec etc. 2.6 as well as auto which is defo what I want.

What are the killer checks? The Omega I had before was a pre-facelift so my knowledge ends there.

 

pre-facelife doesn't matter

check:

1. oil in the plug recesses - hard to access but you must look

it indicates the rocker cover seals have gone

this soaks the plug heads and insulation, cooks them and destroys the leads

leads are £140+ for a set of 6 and a nightmare to change

rocker cover gaskets are £25 each (x2) and a nightmare to change

that's why you should be looking for a car that has had leads, plugs and gaskets changed - they WILL fail

2. any water loss - the heater bypass valve behind the block fails (many people suspect failed head gasket but that's rare) . Cheap part but nightmarish to get at. Ang again, it WILL fail

3. Cambelt change - £400 job inc tensioners so a lot of cars are sold just before it's due

 

the omega is a small engined monaro.

so its ok with me.

 

I suspect that's what went wrong with mine, or the oil cooler got bunged.

Unfortunately it wasn't really economically viable to repair and a few other bits broke/fell off (driver's door wouldn't lock, cannot remember what else) so it went to the scrappers.

Wouldn't have objected to another one though.

 

Are these issues mileaged based?

I'm looking at cars with c70,000 miles with full history. MY02 ish.

 

I don't know general details, but I had my car from about 80k to 120k and it was blowing hot and losing water from about 115k. Still ran ok though.

I reckon it would have gone a lot further and if I had the time/inclination I fancied having a go at the jobs myself. I looked and the parts were easily and cheaply sourced, but the car sat on the drive SORN for ages and I realised I was never going to get round to it.

 

I think the belt change is 80k so if you're looking at 70k cars then it should be something you plan for.

 

that's EXACTLY danger mileage ime

leads, plugs, belts, rockert cover gaskets and heater bypass valves all go around then