This 1999 Vauxhall Omega is a Family Love Affair - and Not a Bad Car Either...

[@JayEmmOnCars]

CarVertical: The History Checking Service Use this link or code "JAYEMM" for a discount! www.carvertical.com/gb/landing/v3?b=1e4c9523&a=JayEmm&voucher=jayemm&chan=jayemm

[@Spenny909]

Big respect to how the owner loves this car and looks after it. At 150k miles, this has certainly been very well maintained.

[@pmacca2967]

Thank you, I couldn’t do it with out really good technical support and some really good mates 😊

[@williammorris1384]

Fabulous stuff . All the right nostalgia and memories, in all the right places. Big respect to you, the car and the family. Thanks Jay Em, for the video!👍

[@pmacca2967]

@@williammorris1384 thank you for your kind words, it’s amazing to me how many people stop to talk when they see the Omega

[@timleech]

Always had a soft spot for these underrated old barges. Glad to see one saved.

[@kevincook7495]

Your videos are so much more interesting than the other youtubers who do nothing but ££££ cars barely anyone can afford....

[@JayEmmOnCars]

Well, if I could afford the new Bugatti I would get it. Then I'd drive it to review an old Vauxhall :)

[@kevincook7495]

Yes..but in a world where numbers of subscriptions are important...appealing to the masses who can afford what you review is to me.....a good match. Videos every week of Ferrari exotics etc that a tiny minority can afford is a different market. Bought a 2nd hand LC500 very heavily influenced by your review....not a cheap car but I could afford it. If you reviewed a Bugatti I'd celebrate your success but not so interested to watch.

[@Low760]

​@@kevincook7495I agree. I don't even click on the Ferrari etc videos anymore. I don't need to see a rich man buying rich man cars.

[@WoodyAtWar]

Had 98 Elite 3.0 V6, pre face-lift. Loved it. Had heated seats in the back and a power rear blind. So much kit. And it sounded just gorgeous. These things were good enough for the motorway police!

[@grantp7975]

Had a 96 3.0 V6 Elite. It was decent enough drive and the cabin was a pleasant place to be. However, the engine was a regular source of expense and the taking it from about 4years old with 65k miles to 7 years old with 135k miles was an ultimately expensive and frustrating experience. The 93 Vauxhall Senator V6 3ltr 24v that preceded it was more memorable and had a better engine. That was bought at 4yrs old with 104k miles and sold about 3 1/2 years later with 175k miles. The Aircon needed frequent re-gassing and the LSD was changed at 155k miles but otherwise only typical wear and tear items and servicing were required. I changed mainly because it was starting to show rust and some parts, like wheel bearings, were rumoured to be almost unavailable. I spotted the Omega and the deal seemed like a good option at the time, replacing a flagship with its replacement. It didn't quite work out like that. The Senator was the better car. IMO.

[@robinhughes8822]

My mate had a taxi firm and would buy ex police cars ,and they where fast,comfortable and quiet and happily with the correct servicing do 25000 plus miles

[@grantp7975]

@richardharrold9736 very true. Not sure where the V6 appeared from. A terrific straight 6 that, on kickdown of the auto when in the right mode, seemed to go from low revs to the red line instantly. Plus it was quite capable of better than 30 mpg cruising on a motorway at legal speeds. Good for its time. Had I had somewhere to keep it I would have done so.

[@64bakes]

Yeah, Senators are great cars. I still have one - a 24v too. Taking it to Festival of the Unexceptional this year actually. Having said that the Omegas were also decent. Seen as very unmemorable in their day but they don't do anything wrong as such.

[@kristianspencer1978]

@richardharrold9736same engine that was in the monza gse. 12v not 24v.?

[@tonykerswell2674]

I bought an immaculate V6 2.5 from an auction ten or so years ago for £250 because, then the trade wouldn't touch them. Took it down and all round the South of France and it was fantastic. Smooth, comfortable, quick enough and a delight to drive. I part exchanged it for a Volvo and now wish I'd kept it.

[@Low760]

Funny, I retired my 740 to be a weekend car for a late model Commodore.

[@insitetoursirelandltd.5795]

I worked in local government in Northern Ireland promoting good relations between our two warring communities from 1993 to 1998. We had great days out with the English Viceroys sent to bring us Irish to order and on a few occasions we met with Sir Patrick Mayhew and his adorable wife Jean. She always took us out for lunch and she had a close security driver - always a big polite Northern Irishman - who always drove Vauxhall Omegas. A big car with loads of presence. Sir Patrick was supremely patrician, Jean was posh but engaging and dedicated to peace in Northern Ireland. Good times preparing for what became the Good Friday Agreement. Thanks for prompting the memories Jay.

[@madanto2394]

Remember the Gov't ford scorpios with the smoked rear lights.

[@borjejohansson6805]

James, you really have the nerve to take us back to some other, better times, to remind us of the good things we did then, but also the bad choices, which we regret today. You know, those are not just cars. It also has a wider meaning because of the emotions you can evoke in us. On a related note, you help us be wiser.

[@snbala]

Used to have a neighbour who loved his Omegas, he had an early 1997 one and then switched it to a late 03 plate. He talked highly of it each time. Seems these still have a great following. Lovely to see as saloons need to make a comeback away from these crossovers and SUVs

[@mattm6720]

Funny story. My dad had one, a 2.50CD estate with heated cloth seats. One day I was sitting in the passenger seat when I felt my ass on fire. I got up and found a 5mm hole where the heated seat has burnt through the fabric!

[@jamesrobert4106]

😂😂😂

[@1171karl]

Quite literally, 'Liar, liar'

[@joshwaterfield2483]

Shocked to hear of a vauxhall catching fire 😂

[@soundseeker63]

Mmmm sizzling GM electrics! 🤤

[@chrisclague5578]

I owned a MV6 in the early naughtiest. A 3ltr, it was a quiet and comfortable car that drove very nicely.

[@andymiller8877]

Nothing moved traffic out of the way on the motorway better than a fast moving Omega.

[@BrikMT]

@@andymiller8877 xenon headlights back in 1998, not many cars manufacturers had them.

@@andymiller8877 Lol. Only omega owners think that.

[@matthewgodwin3050]

The Vauxhall Omega 2.5 V6 remains one of the nicest cars I have ever driven. They're brilliant distance cars, and not bad around town. I'd love another.

[@neilturner6749]

In the “good” old days when engines weren’t strangled by emissions concerns and could breathe in and out properly as they were designed to do. Drive a 170hp family car from today (typically a 1.6 or 1.8 turbo-four) and then jump into a late-1990s equivalent with a 6-Cylinder of similar power output and the difference in smoothness, engine note and general refinement is remarkable. The “real world” fuel consumption (and therefore emissions) reduction in such vehicles of around 25% since 2000 (typically mid-30s mpg today vs ‘90s high-20s mpg) is largely down to the fitment of long-legged 7/8 speed autos and increased use of light metals to offset extra safety-measures, so I’m not sure what anyone has really gained from all the added engine development costs and complexity?

[@davidfurniss4648]

@@neilturner6749 Totally agree. I have had two Omega 2.5 v6s, both manuals in CD trim with aircon. A pre-face lift that did over 300k miles on the original engine, transmission, cats and clutch and a facelift that I got to over 200k miles then passed to a family member that still uses it. The engine was so smooth and flexible that gear changes around town were few. They will trickle along at 25 mph in 5th and then pull away up to a very high speed(!). A 6th gear would have been great and I am sure that the car could be a lot longer legged without compromising anything. I did a commute of 50 miles each way for over 20 years in these two and would get around 35 mpg average on a tank. I have seen 40 mpg on a long run when driven as carefully as possible. Family holidays made good use of the boot space.

[@thecountdelefere]

Back in the 90's, I had a Vauxhall Calibra 2.5 as my company car, but when a 3rd child arrived, I had to change it for something larger, with 5 seats. Begrudgingly, I swapped it for an Omega 3.0 with a manual gearbox. It was brilliant ! Luxurious, comfortable, well equipped, surprisingly quick, good handling and it ate up the miles on long journeys. When I left that job, I bought the Omega, and we kept it until the arrival of a 4th child meant a succession of 7 seat 4x4's. I still miss that car !

[@burrogrande]

Lovely color! Rare to see these nowadays, kudos to the owner

[@michaelbacon561]

I always had a great respect for the Omega. A friend had two as company cars, a 2 Litre and then a 2.5 V6. They were excellent cars; refined and fine riding, spacious with a huge boot and very comfortable with it. Rumour had it that it was as good as the 5 series but most motoring journalists hadn't the nerve to stick their heads above the parapet and state the truth. It was popular, but badge snobbery meant it was never as prolific as it deserved to be. I've always believed that Vauxhalls are better than is commonly perceived.

[@kenmoore589]

All the motoring press at the time said dont bother with anything other then Mercedes or BMW. Look what happened.....all other manufacturers pulled from the segment. I really miss big barges.

[@ricka006]

My dad owned one of these but with a 2.2 litre Petrol with a full Irmscher body kit on it from factory. Dual exhausts on the back, mean looking side skirts and spoilers. Was a fantastic car as a kid to be seen in. Wasn't fast at all but looked awesome. Was an ex demo, and remember my dad picking it up from London to collect it.

[@mysterygti]

My dad had a couple of these along with a senator. Such fond memories as a child sitting in the comfy back seats on the way to see grandad. 😊

[@rondar2]

Opel was a fantastic brand in fact one of the best out there in the 90s and Omega was their top of the range. They have given the world the glorious C20LET engine. Lotus Omega is an Opel which was the fastest saloon in the world for more than 20 years until the v10 M5 came out. They were making fast, fun and reliable cars. My favourites Calibra Turbo Vectra(cavalier in uk) GT Astra GSI (pre 1997) Corsa GSI

[@LJDWYER91]

These Omegas shared their chassis with our Holden VT Commodore here in Australia. Great cars too and we also had a few engines to pick from too. 3.8 litre V6s all the way to a 5 litre V8 and later on a 5.7 litre V8.

[@cjdacka]

and it continued until the VZ which had a 3.6 litre and a 6 Litre also.

[@Andyc351]

The VT is really a complete redesign. The only interchangeble parts are a few trim pieces.

[@cjdacka]

@@Andyc351 correct but still on the same platform

[@Low760]

​@Andyc351 yes! But if it didn't exist the vt would not have been the same car.

[@StuartOliver83]

Cadillac citara too I think

[@kieranwhite6647]

There's still a 53 Plate Omega near me. It's a fantastic looking car and stands out amongst all the SUVs that it's often parked with

[@RichardDzien]

I had a 96 Omega CD. Loved it. Bought it for £650, and ran it for about 5-6 years for about the same amount of money in maintenance. It really was dirt cheap to run. It did have traction control, although you would be forgiven for thinking it didn't mostly because the 2.0 that i had, didn't have enough power to really break traction. I wish i had figured out what was broken on the thing when i got rid of it. As then i bought an E39, and as good as the Omega drove, it didn't compare to the E39. But still that Omega was wonderful. Four of us drove it quite literally all over the country when my friend and I cycled Lands-End to John o Groats, with it serving as the pickup car. I do still love seeing the very occasional one that is still around on the road.

[@BrikMT]

I had around 25 Omegas but never a 2.0 or a diesel, the 2.2 petrol was ok and when the roads are wet they can be a lot of fun.

[@kristianspencer1978]

My Grandfather had a Carlton 2.0 cd, then an Omega 2.5 v6 cdx, 2.5 v6 elite , a 2.6 v6 elite and finally a 2.2 dti cd. Great cars. The insignia that replaced it/ vectra wasn’t the same. We both love Vauxhall, he had 12 iv had 13 my self over 28 years. Just need to upgrade one day to an LS3 VXR8..❤😍

[@MrHaun]

Love the Omega B. Of course, here in the states we got it as the Cadillac Catera. My father owned a 2000 Catera in the same color green and it was the car I took my driving test in. It truly was a beautiful car when cleaned up. That odd ball 54 degree V6 had an equally complex induction system which equated for most of the luscious sound. Thanks for the memories JayEmm

[@zzhughesd]

Can smell a nice Omega from here. Thanks for bringing the car to the channel James.

[@gerardphillips7507]

At one stage in in my life I was a traffic patrol Police officer. The Omega replaced the Senator and was looked down upon by those who had driven the Senator. That said, it was a fairly robust car but didn't like sitting at the incident with the engine running and oil cooling was an issue. Handled very nicely in straight line but was a tad tail happy round bends. Bearing in mind the cones, signs and stingers carried! That said the car was much less jiggly than the Volvo T5 V70s with a similar load. Acceleration was better in the Volvo but the Omega would get there eventually. I look back fondly at them both!

[@jamesonslow]

"Itchy seats". 😂 Such an honest review. Love it.

[@James-ld2jc]

It's a lovely old car, good to see that someone has looked after it

[@koliberk]

I use to have MV6, for about 7 years. Great car it was, bit complicate suspension at the front! But overall it was good at the time, simple to fix, comfortable and there was a bit of a power as well 😁

[@stewartturner814]

Another cracking film on a lovely forgotten car 👍😀😊

[@pmacca2967]

The Omega has been looked after with the help of Underwoods Vauxhall and now Top Serve Brackley and Buckingham Ford, thank you to everyone helping keep this car alive ❤

[@ericrawson2909]

I had one of these, did over 100k miles in it. Fantastic car, big and comfortable, a quick, quiet mile muncher. Nice V6 engine sound. The only problem I remember is it needed something fixed in the steering wheel airbag. Bit of a tyre shredder, rear tyres lasted about 17k miles, but I did drive it hard. I remember the brakes faded one day. I stopped and smoke was rising from the front disks. Worked fine when they cooled down. At the next service the mechanic commented on the pattern of cracks in the front brake pads.

[@BrikMT]

hmmm, some of them had vented rear disks but they still overheated if used more than a few times in anger.

[@JoeyBrod]

5:20 TRAFFIC MASTER BUTTON 😍

[@nimedave]

I had an estate version in exactly the same spec as this a while back to lug my drums around. The boot was enormous and felt bigger than the e class Mercs I’ve had. But there was no way I ever got much more than 25mpg out of it and the performance with the auto box was quite lethargic, as if the car had a hangover from the night before. The engine made a great noise though and it was very tail happy when fitted with some cheap ditchfinders. Lovely old thing really.

[@bazoggy]

Had the old shape and this shape, unfortunately the 2.0 litre had loads of idle problems but I persevered as I loved it so much then went on to the CDX , 2001 absolute tool ! Who remembers Traffic Master ? That little switch on the right.

[@ca9968]

I had a 1997 Opel Kadett 1800is in South Africa in that exact same colour, it polishes up beautifully!

[@dunnockdan]

They were good Police Traffic cars I seem to remember, always enjoyed seeing these driven aggressively with 'blues and two's' on! Great review as usual JayEmm.

[@CaiSpidox]

The omega was my dads favourite car, and he had the 3.0 V6 as his company car. I wish i was into cars at the time.

[@catkin1671]

I love how you always find such a variety of cars

[@akaTidy]

I remember my dad having one of these back in the early 2000s, along with a frontera sport with the removable rear.

[@LAVAracing]

Still don't know how James manages to do that. I have just watched 16:58 minutes about the old Omega. Content is really built on the presenter/director's skills. Have a good Sunday.

[@dj_paultuk7052]

I like the older Vauxhalls, they were built fairly well. I had a Vectra SRi for a while and the wife had a Astra CD. I then got a Astra H SRi XP with the super fun Z18XER. And now the mrs has a Astra H Elite which we purchased brand new. Her car despite being 18 years old still drives like its brand new. And if you have the right GM tools (as i do) then you can still download software updates for these old cars. Surprising that GM still supports them, but they do. Useful for engine and gearbox updates.

[@heros2110]

I totally feel this car, in a very odd way. I own a Carlton GSi (over here Omega 3000) mainly because it is a time machine to me. I was always looking for a B2 Omega.

[@rolandgrant8669]

Thanks for the video and memories. My late 90s "middle management" co car was the '98 Omega 2l auto using the Vectra engine. In the Omega it struggled, but once up to motorway speeds it was fine. It wafted around town too. That same engine really flew in the Vectra though, which I had prior to the Omega. The Cavalier 1.8 I had before the Vectra was an absolute nail though..totally insert! All were my co cars back in the happy 90's. 😊

[@soundseeker63]

These were popular with traffic cops for a time (usually the 3.0 MV6 version) before they moved on to Volvo V70s. The estate versions were also enormous inside and very nice looking, and yes those V6 engines sounded great (an in the Vectra as well). They used to depreciate fast so you could get one less than 10 years old for crazy cheap money! - I bought one in 2007, 1999 moderl (pre facelift) 2.5 CDX for just £800! Amazingly good car for the money. Nothing in the Vauxhall range of today I would even look twice at.

[@timk3939]

The saloon I always remember from this era is the Granada 'Cosworth', always had a soft spot for those. I had a couple of Senators back then, and they had a lot of charm too, but will probably feel really old now.

[@cafe405]

I'm still with 1 eye on the classifieds for a Rover 800 because of my youth. I 100% understand and respect the desire to keep and drive this car.

[@ChevyBM]

The Omega was a good and comfortable car, the only bad thing with it is that they rusted like crazy... It is sad that the one with the LS1 V8 did not go into production that would have been a amazing car!

[@TheCleanersCupboard]

I currently own a very nice 1997 Omega 2.5 GLS. I’ve been lucky enough to own some very nice cars in the past new and old. But the attention that the Omega gets is incredible. Much more so than some of the more exotic cars I’ve had in the past.

[@captgutter]

Always had a soft spot for the Omega/Carlton/Senator big Griffin's. I stopped and had a chat with a guy who pulled up at a local petrol station in one - a lovely maroon coloured saloon.

[@pmacca2967]

It’s funny how cars bring people together, I was used to talking to people with nice cars, now it’s odd to see the shoe on the other foot 😊

[@noskills9577]

A work friend years ago had the 2.5 Elite in a champagne colour - lovely car that shifted well, very comfortable and seemingly with electric anything and everything. Miss you Dave

[@trumpetrider565]

I did my emergency fire appliance drivers course high speed driving in a white police spec one. Best fun I’ve ever had with me clothes on. 140mph on the M69 yeah baby 😅

[@danmiddlehurst6462]

I've had 3 and they were all brilliant

[@JDBARNES123]

My dad had one in silver, 2.5 V6 but manual however. Was his car for most of my childhood and I just remember how heavy the doors were, the smell and trying to scratch the rubber coating off all the switch gear whenever he wasn't looking 😂

[@johnmills6824]

Thanks for bringing back some lovely memories James. Owned a 2002 2.2 omega in black for 6 years and loved it. Never let me down and I still think it looks good today. 👍😊

[@roygbiv6704]

Great review Sir! Well done to the owner for keeping on top of the car. I had 3 of them over the years, a 2.0, a 2.5 and a 2.6 and loved them all. Did serious mileage in the 2.0 up and down and across the country. They were a perfect all rounder, good for shopping, commuting, kids activities/sports, driving holidays and looked smart enough on the drive. Yes, the sixes were a bit thirsty, but the comfort and effortless cruising was worth the expense. Fond memories of the car.

[@jo05dk]

Besides me choking on the absolutely not to my taste Vauxhall grill, I love this generation of Omega. Still think they look classy and elegant, and the 3L I regularly came across where I used to live, made a lovely sound.

[@Birmingham_racing]

What a great story and I like the Omega but prefer the old senetor

[@brianiswrong]

Our next door neighbour had a T reg 3.0 estate elite estate back in the day. I loved the hear it start up and rumble off their drive

[@royster3345]

I had a 1st generation 2.5 Elite, loved it and had an LPG coversion done on it. Used for trips across France. First car I had Xenons on, they were a revelation.

[@davidmwood560]

Very nice example, and I've had a couple of 3 litre Omegas. However, the never matched up to their predecessors - the mighty Vauxhall Senators. Personally, I prefer the Mk1 3 litre automatic CD with air shocks on the rear. Those things went like they had the Devil himself chasing them! With wonderful velour upholstery, they were on of the most comfortable cars I've ever owned. If you can find one; grab it with both hands and video it. I think even you would be impressed.

[@donaldtucker4914]

Had the 2.6 V6 CDX in that colour and trim. The ride quality and refinement were the equal of a Jag xj. The aircon system is one of the best in any car I've owned and apart from the leaking cam cover gaskets, I absolutely loved it. That head unit is not just a cd player, it's a multichanger too. Understated and under apreciated.

[@pickering746]

Always had a soft spot for these, and they just remind me of Road Wars

[@steveberridge4648]

Pat and Carl 😀👍

[@ColinCarFan]

I regularly drove a Carlton in the late 90's as one of the pool cars, and what is not often mentioned is how great it felt on motorway slogs and on A roads. Not just because it it was quiet, comfortable and with a great ride but it always felt secure: emergency braking, sudden change in direction, wet roads, deep puddles - no matter what was thrown at it, it coped. So I, and others, often chose this rather than BMW's, Mercedes, and Volvos to drive. Surprisingly good cars.

[@theolddog5129]

I still have my 1999 Omega 2.5 V6 CD Auto Estate in the same metallic green colour. Purchased when about 3 years old and in regular use until last year. For many years it was the memsahib's daily for ferrying two kids to/from school safely down twisty country lanes and going on family holidays around the Uk in comfort. Now often used to tow a trailer around our sheep field when repairing fencing etc. Its on 157k miles and drives like new. Lovely car with a low revving V6 engine whose sound is fantastic under hard acceleration. We liked it so much that we then had an Astra Twintop and now also have an Astra Techline estate and a Corsa 1.2 SXI as a runaround. For luxury travel we have an XF-S as a natural replacement for the Omega.

[@coddiwomplecolster7329]

I have a 2.2 CDX estate. It is a fantastic workhorse that covers big journeys with ease and comfort. It has all the appointments of a modern car, and they all work. ULEZ compliant, huge load area, and discreet enough not to draw attention. It is only badge snobbery that prevents these cars from gaining the respect they deserve.

[@BBusteronyx]

These are still awesome cars to drive. My dad bought one of the latest B1 models, a 2.0 16V H5. Loved that car, learned to drive in it so once he decided to part ways with it after 7 years I did the only thing that felt right and became the new owner it being also my first own car. That was in 2008, and I still have it. The Omega has been converted to being a 100% as-original 3.0 V6 H5, with the same interior as we've spent so much time in together. Got a complete underbody renovation, etc. Next to it I have a B2 3.0 V6 automatic that I got in 2009. Love both dearly. Since a few weeks even a bit more as my dad passed earlier this month. Like in this video is being said, so much lovely memories with these, I can't see myself part with them. They live an easy life these days being summer cars next to 2 more modern RWD dailys from another german brand as that's the way I like to roll. Dad was an Opel (Vauxhall) fan, I became an Omega / RWD fan because of this. And even with two much more modern dailys next to them, driving those Omega's today still is a great experience. Was lovely to see this one featured!

[@nastystew6942]

This is the same car as the Cadillac Catera. When GM owned everything.

[@jamesengland7461]

Oh yeah. Forgot about that one- though I never see them any more either

[@nakoma5]

Next to the Cimarron, the most unloved, forgotten Cadillac. Maybe would have worked better as a Buick.

[@garrettsc]

I remember seeing the ads. "The Caddy that ZIGS"

[@michaelj3282]

Had one of these as a company car in the mid/late 90s, spacious, a bit pokey (speed wise), and I really loved it. Left the company and bought a 535i. For longer journeys the Vauxhall was the better car (and loads more room).

[@leeellis6738]

The pre facelift model looks so much nicer. Those bumpers look like something from America during the 80s to conform to crash testing. I worked as a Mechanic at Vauxhall from 1997 to 1999 and loved the early MV6 models.

[@SurferEv]

Love this! The video following the review of my Elgrand and I’ve previously had 3 Omegas 😎 All Elites, one 3.2v6 blue pre-facelift, a champagne 3.2 V6 facelift and finally a burgundy facelift with the BMW 2.5TD power plant which I ran on veg oil for most of my ownership. Heated seats front and rear, electric blind in rear window, loads of comforts and a real mile muncher 😎

[@mrnordyk1125]

My friend had 2001 Kombi with big diesel engine. In spec the car had colour lcd screen. He loved his car. This facelift ageing outside very well. For example style of front is same like in Volvo S80-V70 MK3 whitch was on market from 2007. 8 years diffrence. Classic but modern.

[@stephendavies6949]

Nice car. Respect to both you and its owner for a) an excellent review and b) an exceptionally well-maintained car. I used to drive one of these on occasion. I had a Vectra company car, but one of my seniors had an Omega. Every now and again, we'd swap. I enjoyed the extra comfort and imposing presence.

[@allareasindex7984]

Dot matrix satnav was on my 2000 model year Audi A4. It read out the next step (Turn right on Main St) with a shrinking bar to indicate distance left. The database was on a CD in the boot. You got the CD for the area you were in. I had Eastern US. It worked very well, actually better than the first generation of satnavs with a map on a screen.

[@connashio1]

I had a '98 3.0 manual MV6. It was a great car and went as fast as I needed it to. Reliability was good and I liked the look of it. Made a nice V6 nice when fitted with a Jetex exhaust.

[@grahamjohnson3765]

Nice car - would be interesting to see a Senator 3.0i 24V as used by the Police :)

[@nigelbond4056]

I had a first gen Omega 2.5 CDX and loved it. One of the most comfortable cars I’ve ever owned and good to drive for the time too.

[@graemeadamson7272]

Interesting that when my Dad had company-cars bestiwed upon him , he always had Fords ( I can remember 2 Mk ll Cortina's and a Mk lll way back when ) BUT when he went srlf-employed , straight into Vauxhall's . He ibviouslt didn't rate the blue-oval's build quality . Red Cavalier SRi , Chevette for my mother and gradually progressed to Merc's and BM's . Seemed like he couldn't wait to get into a Vauxhall , bless him . Great vid thank you 👊❤️

[@leehughes2666]

A well maintained, clean modern classic is more interesting than most new cars.

[@RetroGamerVX]

I quite like the omega, always did, but the one you really need to get is the Senator that went before with the cheese grille, even more serious car at the time and the height of luxury at the time.

[@kristianspencer1978]

With the twin letterbox exhaust as on the Carlton GSi 24v.

[@Hobotraveler82]

Never had the opportunity to drive a Vauxhall. But in the states we had the Cadillac Catera. I did get to drive one once and loved it. Awesome review. Thanks for sharing 😊

[@shanewaller2864]

I used to deliver the test drive program cars to prospectus buyers .the mv6 3.2 v6 6 speed was my very favourite vauxhall. 160 mph barge ❤️👍

[@jondobbs]

My Dad had an Omega - drove to the South of France as a family in it. Funny times ❤

[@TheM5Dog]

The 2.5td lump from bmw started life in the preface lift. My dad had an S reg diesel and my brother an N reg. The engine carried on into the facelift and was joined by a 4 cylinder 2.2dti (and iirc a 2.0dti). The 2.5 diesel in the omega was s detuned version, with around 125bhp.

[@cannonfodder4507]

The 2.5 had 150 hp on the Omega, on BMWs it had 163 hp if I'm not mistaken. The 2.2 DTI had 125 hp.

[@cammyd7514]

what was the engine code? was it an m57?

[@ciarand2823]

​@cammyd7514 m57 was the commonrail replacement for the 2.5 M51 engine they let vauxhall have. Massive leap in technology and performance having owned both simultaneously the m57 is twice the engine

[@jamesbrett6518]

Way back when, many manufacturers used to borrow diesel lumps. Ford Sierra had a Peugeot, original Carlton a 2 4 BMW, VM Motori, Perkins...

[@TheM5Dog]

@@cannonfodder4507 you are mistaken. The Omega only got the detuned unit. It was actually 128bhp, not 125 as I stated, but it 100% was that. The 525tds was 143 bhp and the 525d was 163bhp.

[@grahamrock3942]

Without retraction THE MOST COMFORTABLE CAR I HAVE EVER OWNED, period. Purchased from new in 1997, reluctantly exchanged for a New Honda Accord 7 years later..,now an avid Honda owner but sadly miss the Omega...enjoy every second if you can lay your Hands on one...G

[@Rosco0754]

We used to use 3.2 V6 MV for ministerial cars in northern Ireland.

[@madanto2394]

Remember the Ford scorpios with the smoked rear lights

[@pSynrg303]

Aaargh! I had a Silver 3L MV6 estate, with Irmscher bodykit, custom stainless exhaust, fancy airbox, remapped to about 240bhp. I absolutely loved that car. I'd still have it today if some berk (me) hadn't driven it into a concrete pillar in our underground carpark.

[@ScottyDnB]

These sorts of cars are just as interesting to me as the modern hypercar infatuation on youtube, so glad that you give every car a fair shout. Great stuff as usual.

[@franksmith4254]

I had a 53 plate estate which I used for work as the boot was enormous. I could actually fit ladders inside. No roof box needed when going on holiday with the family.

[@FastDriver318]

I spent the first 5 or so years of my life in the back of two Omegas (both 3.0 Estates) and have faint but fond memories of them, especially how they sounded. I'd happily have one now but there so hard to source!

[@oliverlanchester2632]

Working on them in period cambelts were fun... but not as fun as they were, when vauxhall put that 2.5 v6 the wrong way round in the vectra😢

[@andyo2088]

Drove plenty of these, 3.0 and 3.2 both manual and auto at work They were really good workhorses and capable of taking lots of abuse, definitely preferred the auto to the manual as I think it suited the car better Fond memories of them

[@gameboyterrorysta6307]

We've had late production BFL wagon with 2.5 tds from BMW, almost fully speced interior. It was amazing family car. Great highway cruiser, really comfortable, surprisingly "agile" in city. And trunk capacity was insane.

[@morgman43]

Mt dad had a Corsa on a company lease back in the mid 90's and whilst it was having some warranty work, he was given an Omega as a courtesy car. He was enjoying wafting around feeling like top management until my sister and I jumped in the back, at which point he said he immediately felt like a chauffeur. I guess context is everything. In hindsight, that was a cracking upgrade for a courtesy car!

[@steveberridge4648]

Superb cars these and the senators, Carlton too. Chatting to a police officer at a car show in 2004 he said the omega was his favourite patrol car of all, much better than the Volvo T5 (too understeery in the bends he said) and the octavia VRS mk1 he had at the time, which handled well but he said lacked punch over the ton...omega didn't apparently....

[@bradleymeyer9775]

A few weeks ago I saw a Cadillac Catera in silver I have never seen one before. So I took a picture of it.

[@BigDave1965]

The BMW straight six diesel was used on the early Omega's it was then replaced by the 4 cylinder DTI 2.2 engine as used in the Vectra B & C models - the V6 engines were built in Ellesmere port in the UK

[@dalerollinson]

I think the Elite was the top trim level. My dad had one as a company car. It had a compass on the ceiling!

[@Danny1282]

I have a mate in the traffic police and on the unit they called the omega the sofa because they were so comfortable

[@1171karl]

I had a bmw e34 and looked at one of these, around the same year as this one, to replace it as it was better equipped. It was ok but I decided I preferred the e34! The one thing that did stick in my memory was the steering - really light and lacking any kind of feeling

[@Cayres9]

By Coincidence hands up i saw a 2.2 litre Omega today at the local Tesco Bracknell it was not in a good shape rust and dents but was still working after 22 years , my late father had an Ex Police MV6 Omega which had been converted to a Manual gearbox for the cops and it would do 150mph very comfy fast car

[@backseatcovers]

I had one! Opel, estate ("Caravan" the official body style name), 2.5 DTI - the M57 turbodiesel engine from BMW. Very pleasant car, apart from the oil cooler going bad and the boat-like steering. Edit: oh yeah, my dad used to have the Vauxhall Cavalier (Vectra A) and then the Vectra B, and the latter was his second best car imo and the first car I ever drove myself. Though we have both long moved on to different brands and aren't really into any other Vauxhalls/Opel. Edit 2: yes, the satnav screen was coloured, but mine didn't have that. My car, from 2002, had leather, but also a very interesting OEM radio with BOTH a cassette player AND a 4-CD changer (built into the stereo, no silly trips to the boot). Mine was an import from Netherlands, and I had it when I still lived on the old continent.