Omega Owners Forum

Chat Area => General Discussion Area => Topic started by: stuart30 on 04 February 2009, 00:24:05

Title: Looking for an auto car for the wife
Post by: stuart30 on 04 February 2009, 00:24:05
Gem"s going too start learning too drive again and im on the look out for a medium sized auto so would appreciate peoples thoughts on whats ok and what too steer clear off.

Had a quick look on auto trader and so far a rover 416 (Honda engine and gearbox)...Vectra...Astra have all caught my eye and realisticly 1600cc or below for insurance purposes.

Couple of 2.0 & 2.5 auto Omega"s sub £500 but guessing there slightly too big for a learner  ;D

Price wise id like too stick too around £500 or less as its just going too be a ""while she passes her test"" car so wont spend much on one just yet.

Oh she"s only 5ft if that makes a difference and im 6.2ft so would have too bear that in mind (Im guessing Astra"s are gonna be small in the cabin.?).

Cheers. :y
Title: Re: Looking for an auto car for the wife
Post by: Big Fra on 04 February 2009, 00:32:10
I saw this and thought it might fit.
I used to have one and I am 6ft3.
Great wee car.
Plus they are doing free 6mnths tax as well.
Mite be a bit far away for you though.

http://atsearch.autotrader.co.uk/www/cars_popup.jsp?did=121400&pageid=2&originalid=&gid=nogroup&tid=2&start=8&distance=0&adcategory=cars&channel=DEALERPAGE&id=200906328157330
Title: Re: Looking for an auto car for the wife
Post by: Big Fra on 04 February 2009, 00:33:05
Sorry, just read the word, medium, in your post.

Whoops! :-[
Title: Re: Looking for an auto car for the wife
Post by: Pete Elite on 04 February 2009, 00:38:31
   I suppose it depends on what your wife is like, got any pictures :D :D ;D.
Title: Re: Looking for an auto car for the wife
Post by: Big Fra on 04 February 2009, 00:40:34
Quote
  I suppose it depends on what your wife is like, got any pictures :D :D ;D.

PMSL
Title: Re: Looking for an auto car for the wife
Post by: Big Fra on 04 February 2009, 00:46:23
There you go.

http://search.autotrader.co.uk/es-uk/www/cars/advert+search/Ne-2-4-5-6-7-8-27-44-49-53-61-64-67-103-133-146-236,N-28-63-110-240/advert.action?R=200905328082558&distance=343&postcode=G81+1AQ&channel=CARS&make=&model=&min_pr=&max_pr=500&max_mileage=&vehicleYearOfManufacture=1995&vehicleRegLetter=N
Title: Re: Looking for an auto car for the wife
Post by: stuart30 on 04 February 2009, 00:51:27
Quote
I saw this and thought it might fit.
I used to have one and I am 6ft3.
Great wee car.
Plus they are doing free 6mnths tax as well.
Mite be a bit far away for you though.

http://atsearch.autotrader.co.uk/www/cars_popup.jsp?did=121400&pageid=2&originalid=&gid=nogroup&tid=2&start=8&distance=0&adcategory=cars&channel=DEALERPAGE&id=200906328157330

Glasgow...yeah just a bit far.

Yeah slightly larger would be good....always worried about rear end shunts in small cars.

Nice find though... :y
Title: Re: Looking for an auto car for the wife
Post by: stuart30 on 04 February 2009, 00:52:36
Quote
There you go.

http://search.autotrader.co.uk/es-uk/www/cars/advert+search/Ne-2-4-5-6-7-8-27-44-49-53-61-64-67-103-133-146-236,N-28-63-110-240/advert.action?R=200905328082558&distance=343&postcode=G81+1AQ&channel=CARS&make=&model=&min_pr=&max_pr=500&max_mileage=&vehicleYearOfManufacture=1995&vehicleRegLetter=N

Yeah seen that on there...tempted too go have a look. ;)
Title: Re: Looking for an auto car for the wife
Post by: stuart30 on 04 February 2009, 00:57:00
Quote
  I suppose it depends on what your wife is like, got any pictures :D :D ;D.


Just Mrs average mate.... :'( (Great tits though)  ;D

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v74/stuart30/cnv00006.jpg)

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v74/stuart30/cnv00007.jpg)
Title: Re: Looking for an auto car for the wife
Post by: Pete Elite on 04 February 2009, 01:01:11
Quote
Quote
  I suppose it depends on what your wife is like, got any pictures :D :D ;D.


Just Mrs average mate.... :'( (Great tits though)  ;D

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v74/stuart30/cnv00006.jpg)

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v74/stuart30/cnv00007.jpg)

          Well Stuart, I'm sure you'll have no trouble swapping her for an Auto ;D.
Title: Re: Looking for an auto car for the wife
Post by: stuart30 on 04 February 2009, 01:06:19
Quote
Quote
Quote
  I suppose it depends on what your wife is like, got any pictures :D :D ;D.


Just Mrs average mate.... :'( (Great tits though)  ;D

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v74/stuart30/cnv00006.jpg)

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v74/stuart30/cnv00007.jpg)

          Well Stuart, I'm sure you'll have no trouble swapping her for an Auto ;D.

 :-[ Penny just dropped.....well its 0100 too be fair... ;D

Hmmm nice Elite 3.0 auto full leather and a tank of petrol...best ask admin if i can offer her in the sale section. ;D
Title: Re: Looking for an auto car for the wife
Post by: Pete Elite on 04 February 2009, 01:43:47
Quote
Quote
Quote
Quote
  I suppose it depends on what your wife is like, got any pictures :D :D ;D.


Just Mrs average mate.... :'( (Great tits though)  ;D

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v74/stuart30/cnv00006.jpg)

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v74/stuart30/cnv00007.jpg)

          Well Stuart, I'm sure you'll have no trouble swapping her for an Auto ;D.

 :-[ Penny just dropped.....well its 0100 too be fair... ;D

Hmmm nice Elite 3.0 auto full leather and a tank of petrol...best ask admin if i can offer her in the sale section. ;D

       I did wonder if you knew what i meant, it's just the first thing i thought of when i read the subject ;).

  I don't agree with your description of your Wife though, well not the first bit anyway ::) :y
Title: Re: Looking for an auto car for the wife
Post by: Marks DTM Calib on 04 February 2009, 08:25:19
Astra G 1.6 16V auto on a 2001 plate or later would be my recommendation
Title: Re: Looking for an auto car for the wife
Post by: Andy B on 04 February 2009, 09:10:29
Quote
Astra G 1.6 16V auto on a 2001 plate or later would be my recommendation

Which is exactly what SWMBO has. Crap fuel economy though considering it's only 1600. Admittedly she only drives about 4 miles to work & back each day but she only gets around 26/28 mpg. Even when we used it to go to Scotland the other year it only managed 37/38 mpg on a run, and that was taking it easy on the motorways - 70/75 mph
Title: Re: Looking for an auto car for the wife
Post by: Marks DTM Calib on 04 February 2009, 10:18:11
Quote
Quote
Astra G 1.6 16V auto on a 2001 plate or later would be my recommendation

Which is exactly what SWMBO has. Crap fuel economy though considering it's only 1600. Admittedly she only drives about 4 miles to work & back each day but she only gets around 26/28 mpg. Even when we used it to go to Scotland the other year it only managed 37/38 mpg on a run, and that was taking it easy on the motorways - 70/75 mph


Thats good for an auto with a small engine, there are few better!

Bottom line is, the Astra G is well screwed together, a reasonable drive, good auto box and well priced.
Title: Re: Looking for an auto car for the wife
Post by: Martin_1962 on 04 February 2009, 10:29:33
Quote
Quote
Quote
  I suppose it depends on what your wife is like, got any pictures :D :D ;D.


Just Mrs average mate.... :'( (Great tits though)  ;D

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v74/stuart30/cnv00006.jpg)

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v74/stuart30/cnv00007.jpg)

          Well Stuart, I'm sure you'll have no trouble swapping her for an Auto ;D.

You would!

You would need some willy mangling first :'(
Title: Re: Looking for an auto car for the wife
Post by: Richie London on 04 February 2009, 12:47:41
Quote
Gem"s going too start learning too drive again and im on the look out for a medium sized auto so would appreciate peoples thoughts on whats ok and what too steer clear off.

Had a quick look on auto trader and so far a rover 416 (Honda engine and gearbox)...Vectra...Astra have all caught my eye and realisticly 1600cc or below for insurance purposes.

Couple of 2.0 & 2.5 auto Omega"s sub £500 but guessing there slightly too big for a learner  ;D

Price wise id like too stick too around £500 or less as its just going too be a ""while she passes her test"" car so wont spend much on one just yet.

Oh she"s only 5ft if that makes a difference and im 6.2ft so would have too bear that in mind (Im guessing Astra"s are gonna be small in the cabin.?).

Cheers. :y

mine was lovely to drive, shame the head gasket went twice. i was getting 35 to a gallon and top speed was about 110, lost me bottle after that, didnt trust it  :)
Title: Re: Looking for an auto car for the wife
Post by: Andy B on 04 February 2009, 12:54:14
Quote
Quote
....


Thats good for an auto with a small engine, there are few better!

Bottom line is, the Astra G is well screwed together, a reasonable drive, good auto box and well priced.

Agreed.
Trouble with looking for an auto is that most we looked at were ex Motability, and consequently were generally base models.
We/I wanted ABS on hers .... which meant a bit of finding.
In the 4 or 5 years she's had it, it's not needed much apart from basic servicing ........ I've put the EML (which has now gone out) down to lack of use.  ;)  ;)
Title: Re: Looking for an auto car for the wife
Post by: Marks DTM Calib on 04 February 2009, 12:55:54
Interesting as most of the motorbility 1.6 16V ones are CD spec....I say post 2001 as this had the later steering setup and all had ABS.
Title: Re: Looking for an auto car for the wife
Post by: Andy B on 04 February 2009, 13:00:31
Quote
Interesting as most of the motorbility 1.6 16V ones are CD spec....I say post 2001 as this had the later steering setup and all had ABS.

Those we looked at weren't. Hers is a 52 plate Comfort, ABS as standard. Went to see a few that were advertised as having ABS but didn't have it when I got there.  >:(
Later steering set-up? How's it different from earlier?


No problems ..... just curious.  :y
Title: Re: Looking for an auto car for the wife
Post by: stuart30 on 04 February 2009, 14:54:10
Quote
Interesting as most of the motorbility 1.6 16V ones are CD spec....I say post 2001 as this had the later steering setup and all had ABS.

Trouble is Mark were on a very limited budget..so im guessing your recommendation is out sadly.

Id probably have enough Hyundai accent for her but i was too embarrassed too drive it....ideal little car for her and goof MPG.

Title: Re: Looking for an auto car for the wife
Post by: Marks DTM Calib on 04 February 2009, 16:11:05
Well, what is the budget?
Title: Re: Looking for an auto car for the wife
Post by: Marks DTM Calib on 04 February 2009, 16:12:27
Quote
Quote
Interesting as most of the motorbility 1.6 16V ones are CD spec....I say post 2001 as this had the later steering setup and all had ABS.

Those we looked at weren't. Hers is a 52 plate Comfort, ABS as standard. Went to see a few that were advertised as having ABS but didn't have it when I got there.  >:(
Later steering set-up? How's it different from earlier?


No problems ..... just curious.  :y

Early models used the GEN1 Electric/hydraulic setup which ahd a few issues with failing pump motors and steering rack seals.

Later models used the GEN2 which is much better
Title: Re: Looking for an auto car for the wife
Post by: stuart30 on 04 February 2009, 16:21:48
Quote
Well, what is the budget?


Price wise id like too stick too around £500 or less as its just going too be a ""while she passes her test"" car so wont spend much on one just yet.



Title: Re: Looking for an auto car for the wife
Post by: TheBoy on 04 February 2009, 17:54:30
Quote
Gem"s going too start learning too drive again and im on the look out for a medium sized auto so would appreciate peoples thoughts on whats ok and what too steer clear off.

Had a quick look on auto trader and so far a rover 416 (Honda engine and gearbox)...Vectra...Astra have all caught my eye and realisticly 1600cc or below for insurance purposes.

Couple of 2.0 & 2.5 auto Omega"s sub £500 but guessing there slightly too big for a learner  ;D

Price wise id like too stick too around £500 or less as its just going too be a ""while she passes her test"" car so wont spend much on one just yet.

Oh she"s only 5ft if that makes a difference and im 6.2ft so would have too bear that in mind (Im guessing Astra"s are gonna be small in the cabin.?).

Cheers. :y
A nice diesel Omega Elite ::)

;D
Title: Re: Looking for an auto car for the wife
Post by: stuart30 on 04 February 2009, 18:26:49
Quote
Quote
Gem"s going too start learning too drive again and im on the look out for a medium sized auto so would appreciate peoples thoughts on whats ok and what too steer clear off.

Had a quick look on auto trader and so far a rover 416 (Honda engine and gearbox)...Vectra...Astra have all caught my eye and realisticly 1600cc or below for insurance purposes.

Couple of 2.0 & 2.5 auto Omega"s sub £500 but guessing there slightly too big for a learner  ;D

Price wise id like too stick too around £500 or less as its just going too be a ""while she passes her test"" car so wont spend much on one just yet.

Oh she"s only 5ft if that makes a difference and im 6.2ft so would have too bear that in mind (Im guessing Astra"s are gonna be small in the cabin.?).

Cheers. :y
A nice diesel Omega Elite ::)

;D

Too be honest im half tempted too get her an Omega.

Just not sure about the size as there a fairly big old car. :-/
Title: Re: Looking for an auto car for the wife
Post by: Entwood on 04 February 2009, 20:19:10
If shes going to learn to drive .. why get an auto ???  If she passes her test in an auto she can ONLY drive autos .. which is a major limitation IMHO ... get her test passed in a manual .. she is then entitled to drive either the comfort version or the mobile gym version ... then buy a comfort car ...

Just my thoughts nowt else .. :)
Title: Re: Looking for an auto car for the wife
Post by: stuart30 on 04 February 2009, 20:22:57
Quote
If shes going to learn to drive .. why get an auto ???  If she passes her test in an auto she can ONLY drive autos .. which is a major limitation IMHO ... get her test passed in a manual .. she is then entitled to drive either the comfort version or the mobile gym version ... then buy a comfort car ...

Just my thoughts nowt else .. :)

Yeah half of me agrees passing in a manual gives her much more options...however for quickness and ease its going too be the auto route.

Besides she"s seen me swearing when stuck in traffic and day too day using the manual cars and she wants too stick with auto"s.

She did have an auto Accent and too be fair she was driving to a standard id actually fall asleep in the passenger seat....i know i shouldn't but she was so good i couldn't help it. :-[