Omega Owners Forum

Chat Area => General Discussion Area => Topic started by: Elite Pete on 04 January 2007, 21:07:39

Title: Some advice please
Post by: Elite Pete on 04 January 2007, 21:07:39
As you probably know I have just bought an Omega off ebay which is located about 200miles from me in Felsted, Essex. I have had two quotes one of £250 and one of £220 to collect and deliver the car to me on transporters. Another option is for me to hire a van and trailer and pick it up myself at a cost of approximately £150 or I could tow the car with my Omega at a cost of approximately £80. The option I wanted to go for is the train to Braintree and a taxi to Felsted approx £40 and when I get there phone green flag and say my car has broken down tow me home please but the wife is going mad at this one and she thinks I wont get away with it. So its over to you lot what do you think?
Title: Re: Some advice please
Post by: Marks DTM Calib on 04 January 2007, 21:21:59
Well I would tow it.....reasonable cost and certain outcome...but then thats what I do!
Title: Re: Some advice please
Post by: Auto Addict on 04 January 2007, 21:23:24
I've heard a whisper that Green Flag monitor this site....... ::)
Title: Re: Some advice please
Post by: Elite Pete on 04 January 2007, 21:26:12
Quote
I've heard a whisper that Green Flag monitor this site....... ::)
Did I say Green Flag, what I meant was RAC or is it the AA I can't remember now  ;)
Title: Re: Some advice please
Post by: Marks DTM Calib on 04 January 2007, 21:27:39
Well my Green Flag membership is car specific.....
Title: Re: Some advice please
Post by: Del Boy on 04 January 2007, 21:27:39
Have done it before with RAC and it worked or was it AA Green Flag :)
Title: Re: Some advice please
Post by: Elite Pete on 04 January 2007, 21:31:58
Quote
Well my Green Flag membership is car specific.....
I have my step daughter as the main person on her car alone and me and the wife are person not car :)
Title: Re: Some advice please
Post by: Marks DTM Calib on 04 January 2007, 21:33:58
The disappointing thing was how pissed off they were when I called them for the first time in 10 years to recover the estate following its minor impact and tow it 5 miles to my house...!
Title: Re: Some advice please
Post by: Elite Pete on 04 January 2007, 21:49:20
I used them twice in 2005 to tow my old Range Rover back from Durham and the second time the mechanic didnt even bother trying to find the fault because it was worth more to him to tow me the 160 miles home.
Title: Re: Some advice please
Post by: Marks DTM Calib on 04 January 2007, 21:54:31
Quote
I used them twice in 2005 to tow my old Range Rover back from Durham and the second time the mechanic didnt even bother trying to find the fault because it was worth more to him to tow me the 160 miles home.

If you break it and it has a 3.9 or larger engine let me know..... ;)
Title: Re: Some advice please
Post by: TheBoy on 04 January 2007, 21:55:23
Quote
Quote
I used them twice in 2005 to tow my old Range Rover back from Durham and the second time the mechanic didnt even bother trying to find the fault because it was worth more to him to tow me the 160 miles home.

If you break it and it has a 3.9 or larger engine let me know..... ;)
Now that sounds like an interesting project....
Title: Re: Some advice please
Post by: Marks DTM Calib on 04 January 2007, 21:58:48
There still sub 200 bhp and prone to porous blocks and dropped liners though.....
Title: Re: Some advice please
Post by: TheBoy on 04 January 2007, 22:00:00
Quote
There still sub 200
Do they make up for it with torque?
Title: Re: Some advice please
Post by: Elite Pete on 04 January 2007, 22:01:01
Quote
Quote
I used them twice in 2005 to tow my old Range Rover back from Durham and the second time the mechanic didnt even bother trying to find the fault because it was worth more to him to tow me the 160 miles home.

If you break it and it has a 3.9 or larger engine let me know..... ;)

It was the 4.2 LSE quite a rare beastie and I think it was just over 200BHP.
Title: Re: Some advice please
Post by: Marks DTM Calib on 04 January 2007, 22:03:19
Cooo....thats a stroked 3.5.....so not prone to porous blocks and dropped liners
Title: Re: Some advice please
Post by: JamesV6CDX on 04 January 2007, 22:05:49
I had a Rangie 3.9 HSE on LPG, it was a beautiful thing. Failed it's MOT on rot though.

I have got away with calling green flag to tow me large distances bringing project cars home, with absolutely no problem. Lincoln to cheltenham last time, about 200+ miles. Gotta be careful though.

Tell the wife not to fear. If it's a long distance, the drivers prefer the extra pay for taking you home!! And most of them don't care to be honest even if you're lying...

The key, is to get the car on cover a week or so before the "breakdown" if you can.

;D

Title: Re: Some advice please
Post by: Elite Pete on 04 January 2007, 22:08:32
Ive had the cover for about 4 years now and apart from my Rangie and the daughters MGFs head gasket throwing a wobbly ive hardly used them.
Title: Re: Some advice please
Post by: Chopsdad on 04 January 2007, 22:19:49
You've paid your premiums so go for it.  The only reservation I would have is when the mechanic asks why it wont run - ie why can't you drive it home Pete?
Title: Re: Some advice please
Post by: Elite Pete on 04 January 2007, 22:23:28
Quote
You've paid your premiums so go for it.  The only reservation I would have is when the mechanic asks why it wont run - ie why can't you drive it home Pete?

"It just over heated mate and when I looked in the expansion tank there is a load of mayo" ;D. I will move it down the road from where I bought it and it should warm it to look like I have been driving it.
Title: Re: Some advice please
Post by: Chopsdad on 04 January 2007, 22:26:50
Quote
Quote
You've paid your premiums so go for it.  The only reservation I would have is when the mechanic asks why it wont run - ie why can't you drive it home Pete?

"It just over heated mate and when I looked in the expansion tank there is a load of mayo" ;D. I will move it down the road from where I bought it and it should warm it to look like I have been driving it.

"Sounds serious Mr Elite - I can't fix it here so better tow you home" - No problem. :)
Title: Re: Some advice please
Post by: Elite Pete on 04 January 2007, 22:28:43
Ive just had an email from JSTransport and a quote of £189 all in. Sounds good to me :y
Title: Re: Some advice please
Post by: Chopsdad on 04 January 2007, 22:30:26
Quote
Ive just had an email from JSTransport and a quote of £189 all in. Sounds good to me :y

Or could you spend the extra £149 on a new head gasket? and get a free lift. Deal or no deal.
Title: Re: Some advice please
Post by: tunnie on 04 January 2007, 22:38:45
Quote
Quote
Ive just had an email from JSTransport and a quote of £189 all in. Sounds good to me :y

Or could you spend the extra £149 on a new head gasket? and get a free lift. Deal or no deal.

I'd go with that and get Greenflag or whoever to Tow you back.

In my experiance these guys are good, my boss had a Megane (new shape) the battery went flat, getting out with side lights on it does not warn you with beeps or anything.

Took one look at the millions of connections on they battery and thought ... er no. He did not have RAC cover so rang them up.. and registered. Then called them up..... they said sorry no can do for 48 hours!  >:(

Soo i rang up with my RAC card "We broken down in my bosses car" - bloke comes out... after a little chit chat we explained i called him out after my boss could not get them out even though he just registered. He was very good about it and gave some good advice.

I'd get it towed back via RAC/AA/Greenflag or whoever, i am sure you could come to some sort of arrangement with the driver  ;) ;) ;)

All in theory of course! :y
Title: Re: Some advice please
Post by: Jimbob on 05 January 2007, 08:28:23
Depending on your policy, some of these will only tow you very short distances, ie <10 miles
GF grumbled when towing wifes old cavalier 15 miles home, said I should be chanrging you per mile, we are only meant to take you to nearest garage!
Title: Re: Some advice please
Post by: Elite Pete on 05 January 2007, 08:55:38
Quote
Depending on your policy, some of these will only tow you very short distances, ie <10 miles
GF grumbled when towing wifes old cavalier 15 miles home, said I should be chanrging you per mile, we are only meant to take you to nearest garage!

Ive been towed back from Durham twice a couple of years back with no problems but I suppose it depends on the driver and the time of day.
Title: Re: Some advice please
Post by: bob.dent on 05 January 2007, 09:59:34
Go with your preferred option and use Green Flag Pete. Don't feel guilty about it as they make enough money from people like you that pay their premiums every year and rarely use them. I've been a member of the AA for years and only ever used them twice, so I wouldn't hesitate. At the end of the day, if you're a fully paid up member, they have a commitment to either get you going or get you home.

Don't forget, I'm not far away so if you need a lift or any help in anyway let me know. (PM sent)
Title: Re: Some advice please
Post by: Elite Pete on 05 January 2007, 14:04:41
Well ive chickened out and hired a van and trailer :'(
Title: Re: Some advice please
Post by: bob.dent on 05 January 2007, 14:10:53
Quote
Well ive chickened out and hired a van and trailer :'(

Shame on you Pete!! :-? ::)

Oh well, if you're planning on staying overnight in the area give me a shout and I'll meet you for a few beers ;)[smiley=beer.gif]
Title: Re: Some advice please
Post by: Elite Pete on 05 January 2007, 14:14:38
Quote
Quote
Well ive chickened out and hired a van and trailer :'(

Shame on you Pete!! :-? ::)

Oh well, if you're planning on staying overnight in the area give me a shout and I'll meet you for a few beers ;)[smiley=beer.gif]
I will have the boss with me Bob to make sure there is no slacking plus I am being a cheapskate and going to do the journey in one day, setting off at 5am and getting back before 4pm to get the trailer and van back and only paying one days hire :y
Title: Re: Some advice please
Post by: bob.dent on 05 January 2007, 14:19:26
Quote
Quote
Quote
Well ive chickened out and hired a van and trailer :'(

Shame on you Pete!! :-? ::)

Oh well, if you're planning on staying overnight in the area give me a shout and I'll meet you for a few beers ;)[smiley=beer.gif]
I will have the boss with me Bob to make sure there is no slacking plus I am being a cheapskate and going to do the journey in one day, setting off at 5am and getting back before 4pm to get the trailer and van back and only paying one days hire :y

No worries Pete - at least that's one less hangover I'll have to put up with!! ;D ;D

Have a good trip mate :y
Title: Re: Some advice please
Post by: Elite Pete on 05 January 2007, 14:26:21
Cheers Bob

Save the hangover till the next meet  :)