Omega Owners Forum

Chat Area => General Car Chat => Topic started by: dippydave on 15 August 2010, 21:48:07

Title: been driving a Volvo S60.... gets me thinking...
Post by: dippydave on 15 August 2010, 21:48:07
...my time with Omegas may be near an end.  :( I have three on my drive/in the road and none are in roadworthy condition. Only one is likely to ever be.  :o

Large waffly post alert!!  [smiley=rolleyes.gif]

The 2.0 GLS LPG estate which i've come to love for the size and economy, has given up it's engine. The 2.5v6 CDX saloon on my lawn just needs to be gone. And the 2.5v6 Elite saloon needs a cambelt, head gasket and a good run as it hasn't moved for about a year. It's the most likely to work but again is kinda too small now.

Got me thinking a lot of what on earth I could have as a next car. I know this has been discussed on here before, but I'm interested in the current thinking and any advice  :-/ :-/ :-/  :y

I've been driving round in my brother's Volvo S60. It's a 2 litre turbo SE that feels every bit as fast as my 2.5v6 elite did. It has quite a few toys and is mostly comfortable, although the low profiles really don't help. the boot is annoyingly small to access too. it's relatively thirsty (24mpg round town, bout 30mpg on a trip so far) - and the fact I put £75 in the tank has scared me. He also would like to sell it before I damage it!

I was definitely spoiled by the LPG I was running until 6 weeks ago.  :'(

So options i've looked at.... as partly I want a mini facelift Elite Estate but they're getting old now....are Volvo V70, Honda Accord estate, Vectra Estate, Mondeo estate, Citreon C5... :-/

I'm basically after a huge comfy economical car which also doesn't lack on performance. I realise the economy side will be the main compromise but with modern cars easily doing 40+mpg it's nuts not to want it.

Any thoughts?  :-/

cheers.

Ps fatherhood really is keeping me extra busy but it's amazing! :)
Title: Re: been driving a Volvo S60.... gets me thinking...
Post by: 2woody on 15 August 2010, 23:01:03
all of your options are "wrong-end" drive  :-?
Title: Re: been driving a Volvo S60.... gets me thinking...
Post by: Vamps on 15 August 2010, 23:52:44
Quote
...my time with Omegas may be near an end.  :( I have three on my drive/in the road and none are in roadworthy condition. Only one is likely to ever be.  :o

Large waffly post alert!!  [smiley=rolleyes.gif]

The 2.0 GLS LPG estate which i've come to love for the size and economy, has given up it's engine. The 2.5v6 CDX saloon on my lawn just needs to be gone. And the 2.5v6 Elite saloon needs a cambelt, head gasket and a good run as it hasn't moved for about a year. It's the most likely to work but again is kinda too small now.

Got me thinking a lot of what on earth I could have as a next car. I know this has been discussed on here before, but I'm interested in the current thinking and any advice  :-/ :-/ :-/  :y

I've been driving round in my brother's Volvo S60. It's a 2 litre turbo SE that feels every bit as fast as my 2.5v6 elite did. It has quite a few toys and is mostly comfortable, although the low profiles really don't help. the boot is annoyingly small to access too. it's relatively thirsty (24mpg round town, bout 30mpg on a trip so far) - and the fact I put £75 in the tank has scared me. He also would like to sell it before I damage it!

I was definitely spoiled by the LPG I was running until 6 weeks ago.  :'(

So options i've looked at.... as partly I want a mini facelift Elite Estate but they're getting old now....are Volvo V70, Honda Accord estate, Vectra Estate, Mondeo estate, Citreon C5... :-/

I'm basically after a huge comfy economical car which also doesn't lack on performance. I realise the economy side will be the main compromise but with modern cars easily doing 40+mpg it's nuts not to want it.Any thoughts?  :-/

cheers.

Ps fatherhood really is keeping me extra busy but it's amazing! :)

If they are smaller or diesel........ :D :D
Title: Re: been driving a Volvo S60.... gets me thinking...
Post by: Del Boy on 16 August 2010, 06:32:41
Depends on your budget really, V70's are lovely cars, I'd recommend a D5 if economy is important to you, they sound lovely and pull really well. If economy isn't an issue then get a T5  :y
Title: Re: been driving a Volvo S60.... gets me thinking...
Post by: dippydave on 16 August 2010, 19:20:42
Quote
all of your options are "wrong-end" drive  :-?

don't understand. It doesn't matter which end's driven in my experience. As in, I understand omegas are rear wheel drive, and the theory with torque steer and the like should make that better. but the reality is the rear wheel drive just means more stuff to go wrong and less control in snow. front wheel drive cars seem to use tyres quicker.

i'm more bothered about comfort, space, economy, acceleration and gadgets. which is why i loved my Elite so so much!
Title: Re: been driving a Volvo S60.... gets me thinking...
Post by: dippydave on 16 August 2010, 19:32:38
I know small cars are very economical but i need the space! i'm not afraid of a diesel and think a v70 test drive is needed!

anyone considered an Accord tho?
Title: Re: been driving a Volvo S60.... gets me thinking...
Post by: Iain on 16 August 2010, 20:43:21
Break all the Omega's(assuming there at that stage)... sell the parts on here

Buy a facelift estate with LPG

Job done

 :y
Title: Re: been driving a Volvo S60.... gets me thinking...
Post by: dippydave on 16 August 2010, 21:44:37
Quote
Break all the Omega's(assuming there at that stage)... sell the parts on here

Buy a facelift estate with LPG

Job done

 :y

ambitious!

is lpg really any cheaper than diesel tho? i know it feels cheaper but i was filling up every 150miles!

oh and the problems with the facelift.... they aint as nice looking inside or out as the minifacelift.

fussy bugger aint i.?!

probably'd be a different story if i drove one tho....
Title: Re: been driving a Volvo S60.... gets me thinking...
Post by: Del Boy on 16 August 2010, 21:54:41
Quote
Quote
Break all the Omega's(assuming there at that stage)... sell the parts on here

Buy a facelift estate with LPG

Job done

 :y

ambitious!

is lpg really any cheaper than diesel tho? i know it feels cheaper but i was filling up every 150miles!

oh and the problems with the facelift.... they aint as nice looking inside or out as the minifacelift.

fussy bugger aint i.?!

probably'd be a different story if i drove one tho....
I hate to say it, but I'd say go for a V70, although they're smaller inside and out  :y
Title: Re: been driving a Volvo S60.... gets me thinking...
Post by: Entwood on 16 August 2010, 21:54:59
On a 3.2 V6 saloon it costs me 15 pence in fuel for every mile I drive, against 25 pence estimated for every mile on petrol.

I believe diesel costs around £1.20 a litre at the moment.. which is £5:44.8 a gallon, so to be cheaper than LPG I would have to AVERAGE over 36.32 mpg to beat 15 pence/mile - and that would have to include a large percentage of heavy towing.

I know comparing a V6 3.2 with a smaller diesel is difficult, and how you drive has a huge effect .. but just trying to indicate the savings that can be made with LPG.

Don't discount it too quickly if you want a large, comfortable, well performing motor .. :)
Title: Re: been driving a Volvo S60.... gets me thinking...
Post by: dippydave on 16 August 2010, 22:12:24
That's interesting stats. I was certain the diesel would easily beat lpg, even now both are much pricier than before.

I'm still to do the final calculations but having run an LPG 2.0 estate for the last two years i should get some good data too. I think my average was 150miles from 40litres. (lots of town driving!). I enjoyed the comfort and space of the car, and the donut tank enabled that. but sometimes it's annoying not even being able to drive one way in this country without filling up.

the other thing was the lpg wasn't too kind to the engine...

which reminds me... must put up an advert for an LPG kit for sale....attached to a car and subject to insurance uselessness!

on the volvo front, i thought the v70 was huge?!
Title: Re: been driving a Volvo S60.... gets me thinking...
Post by: Iain on 16 August 2010, 22:20:28
I hated the Omega when it replaced the Senator/Carlton,ugly looking bugger and in my opinion still is!
i know thats a bit weird to say that on here,but apart from Jim's Irmscher Elite i dont like the look of the pre facelift or mini facelift Omega...then the facelift came out and i like them,just me but you can't beat a facelift
 :y
Title: Re: been driving a Volvo S60.... gets me thinking...
Post by: dippydave on 16 August 2010, 23:17:11
Quote
I hated the Omega when it replaced the Senator/Carlton,ugly looking bugger and in my opinion still is!
i know thats a bit weird to say that on here,but apart from Jim's Irmscher Elite i dont like the look of the pre facelift or mini facelift Omega...then the facelift came out and i like them,just me but you can't beat a facelift
 :y

lol i was just wondering if it were possible to fit a minifacelift dash in a facelift! and the boot on a facelift saloon which can't be opened with a key is a pain! is it the same on an estate?
Title: Re: been driving a Volvo S60.... gets me thinking...
Post by: Entwood on 16 August 2010, 23:23:06
Quote
Quote
I hated the Omega when it replaced the Senator/Carlton,ugly looking bugger and in my opinion still is!
i know thats a bit weird to say that on here,but apart from Jim's Irmscher Elite i dont like the look of the pre facelift or mini facelift Omega...then the facelift came out and i like them,just me but you can't beat a facelift
 :y

lol i was just wondering if it were possible to fit a minifacelift dash in a facelift! and the boot on a facelift saloon which can't be opened with a key is a pain! is it the same on an estate?

Mine opens with the key every time ....  I press the button on the key .. the boot opens ... even easier than inserting the key and turning it !!!

:)  :)  :)
Title: Re: been driving a Volvo S60.... gets me thinking...
Post by: Broomies Mate on 16 August 2010, 23:35:35
I too prefer the Mini Facelift.

Just the facelift dash is awful, and the front end of the Facelift looks plain, and more dated than the earlier car IMO.

I'd love the arse end of a facelift on my car, then I'd be happy.  :y
Title: Re: been driving a Volvo S60.... gets me thinking...
Post by: dippydave on 16 August 2010, 23:56:48
Quote
I too prefer the Mini Facelift.

Just the facelift dash is awful, and the front end of the Facelift looks plain, and more dated than the earlier car IMO.

I'd love the arse end of a facelift
on my car, then I'd be happy.  :y


lol. careful!! sounds like automobiliphilia
Title: Re: been driving a Volvo S60.... gets me thinking...
Post by: dippydave on 16 August 2010, 23:58:15
Quote
Quote
Quote
I hated the Omega when it replaced the Senator/Carlton,ugly looking bugger and in my opinion still is!
i know thats a bit weird to say that on here,but apart from Jim's Irmscher Elite i dont like the look of the pre facelift or mini facelift Omega...then the facelift came out and i like them,just me but you can't beat a facelift
 :y

lol i was just wondering if it were possible to fit a minifacelift dash in a facelift! and the boot on a facelift saloon which can't be opened with a key is a pain! is it the same on an estate?

Mine opens with the key every time ....  I press the button on the key .. the boot opens ... even easier than inserting the key and turning it !!!

:)  :)  :)

maybe i mean when the key's in the ignition, you can't press a button or open the boot unlike with the handle that was on the prefacelifts?
Title: Re: been driving a Volvo S60.... gets me thinking...
Post by: Iain on 17 August 2010, 09:05:25
Quote
Quote
Quote
Quote
I hated the Omega when it replaced the Senator/Carlton,ugly looking bugger and in my opinion still is!
i know thats a bit weird to say that on here,but apart from Jim's Irmscher Elite i dont like the look of the pre facelift or mini facelift Omega...then the facelift came out and i like them,just me but you can't beat a facelift
 :y

lol i was just wondering if it were possible to fit a minifacelift dash in a facelift! and the boot on a facelift saloon which can't be opened with a key is a pain! is it the same on an estate?

Mine opens with the key every time ....  I press the button on the key .. the boot opens ... even easier than inserting the key and turning it !!!

:)  :)  :)

maybe i mean when the key's in the ignition, you can't press a button or open the boot unlike with the handle that was on the prefacelifts?


There is a button on the dash to open the boot on a facelift when the keys are in ignition :y