Description
The car started life as a dealer demonstrator, which the paperwork I have backs up. It then spent many years with one long-term owner, who part-exchanged it at a used car dealer in Liverpool, where I bought it in May 2024. As far as I’m aware, I’m only the third owner. I’m now regrettably selling as I can no longer justify running two cars.
MOT until May 2027.
Maintenance in my ownership (roughly the last two years):
-Gates timing belt kit and water pump (under 10k miles since fitted)
-Aux belt and tensioner
-Head gasket, valve stem seals and lifters
-Both rocker covers replaced, with new gaskets
-Spark plugs and all filters
-Thermostat and expansion tank
-Idle control valve and crank sensor
-Bosch alternator and Bosch battery
-Full air con overhaul: compressor, condenser, dryer, valve and regas
-Gearbox service
-Diff oil, brake fluid and power steering fluid changed
-4 Kumho tyres with alignment
-Lanoguard underbody protection
-Late 97/ 98 mini-facelift headlights fitted (originals included)
-New leather handbrake gaiter and replacement rubber door trims (sourced from Poland, as the originals are known to crumble)
-All climate control console bulbs replaced
-Oil and filter changed every 3, 000 miles at most
It runs and drives spot on. The interior is in excellent condition, and underneath is very good and solid.
The honest bits:
-At nearly 30 years old, there are a few marks on the paintwork.
-Rust bubbles are starting on the rear arches, a very common Omega issue, but the metal is solid. There’s also some on the rear doors, but it hasn’t spread further.
-The speakers (likely factory) are a bit rattly, as is common on 90s Vauxhalls.
-The cassette player doesn’t work, a known fault on this radio unit.
-The electric sunroof is a bit temperamental. It probably just needs some contact cleaner.
-Central locking works, but the boot has to be opened with the key. -Two keys come with the car.
-The bonnet release cable has stretched. It opens, but it needs a firm pull.
Spares included:
-Spare radiator (the current one doesn’t look original anyway)
-Coil pack and leads
-Expansion tank (the supplier sent two by mistake)
-Some cooling pipes
-Original headlights
-Any other parts I find before the sale
The Omega was the UK’s executive car of choice in the 90s, and the CDX sat second only to the Elite in the range. In my opinion it’s one of the most comfortable cars out there, far more so than most cars on sale today. It’s spacious, quiet and properly relaxing to drive.
It’s also genuinely well equipped, even by modern standards. It has working cruise control and electronic automatic climate control that works perfectly hot and cold, which is not common on a 90s Vauxhall. You also get heated front seats with electric height adjustment, electric windows all round, an electric sunroof, central locking and a factory 6-CD changer. The electric rear blind is a favourite of mine, as it’s handy for blocking the dazzle from modern LED headlights. The multi-function display is in good shape too. These are known for losing pixels to the point of being unreadable, but this one is fine. With all the console bulbs replaced, it’s a lovely place to sit at night.
On the road, the V6 pulls well and the handling is surprisingly precise for a car this size. It’s still a natural on the motorway, with plenty of torque for overtaking. On kickdown it sounds fantastic, but at a cruise you can barely hear the engine. There’s a reason these were the motorway police car of choice.
These are very rare now. I don’t think I’ve seen another one on the road in over two years. This one is very original and has been preserved the way it should be, and I’ve put a lot into keeping it right.
I’d like it to go to someone who will keep it that way and appreciate it. If you’re looking for an Omega to cut up and drift, this isn’t the car for you, and I won’t sell it to anyone I believe intends to do so.
