Shed Of The Week: Vauxhall Omega V6
Manual, rear-driven and leather-lined Vauxhall bruiser makes for classic Shed fare - yum!
Not a hint of blues or twos in this one
That's entirely plausible because Omegas weren't an easy sell by this stage. 2003 was the big rear-drive bruiser's last year of production, but it had had a good innings: nine long years of making both family men and policemen happy.
This one ticks just about all of our Shedly boxes for a 'bargin' barge: poky motor, top o' the range spec, leather lovely, miles low, and price attractive.
If not handsome the Omega's got rugged appeal
Vendor describes it as a super cheap family car. He's certainly right in terms of the very fair purchase price and the vast amount of space in both cabin and boot. However, as regards the family bit, the contrast between the well-polished driver's seat and the unworn-looking matt finish of the other leather perches suggests a car that's not been subjected to that much bashing about by little Johnny and his naughty sister.
Or maybe this is special leather? Ad does say it is 'leather leather', which in Shed's opinion really is the best kind of leather. You don't want non-leather leather.
Big engine, manual, RWD - proper job!
At this price it would be churlish to grumble about the one frilly wheelarch or the non-functioning aircon. The fact that a re-gas actually worked last year gives you reason to believe that another £50's worth will see you through the summer, if conditioned air is important to you. The true Shedman is happy to breathe in great lungfuls of whatever air is available, grateful as he is merely to be alive in such carefree times.
Four months' MOT gives you enough time to grow accustomed to its foibles and spot any upcoming issues. What might they include?
Doesn't seem to have led a sociable life
Here's another biggish downside: tax. This car emits 255g/km of CO2, which means a £290 tax bill. Not absurd given the new rates but when it's half the value of the car...
So this is not the sort of car you'd buy to impress your bank manager, your mates, or indeed your wife. But for the more ruminative driver with a detached disregard for the opinions of others, a gov.uk standing order, and very possibly a pipe, it's a worthy choice.
[N.B. As occasionally happens, this Shed has sold after writing and prior to publication. There's nothing that can be done in these instances, it can occur and there simply isn't time to select another car. The points still stand for all Omegas though, and the story is valid!]
Here's the ad.
Probably the only manual gearbox'ed, genuine Elite (not MV6 or Police Special)
Runs very well, incredibly comfortable. Used daily very reliably. 4 months MOT
Super cheap family car £600ovno
A very rare model and very high spec for a car of its age.
Car has, full black leather leather interior
Heated seats front and rear - 3 position memory
Factory upgraded with Bose sound
Sunroof
Reverse park aid
Cruise control
4 disc CD player.
Climate Control
Electric Mirrors with - 3 position memory
Body work is ok for the year, one rear wheel arch is a bit scabby, only known faults are the remotes don't work you have to turn the key to lock and unlock, and the air-con doesn't work, it was re-gassed last summer and worked, but by this year is out of gas again.
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t his pants and removed the ad, good work PH 
When they worked, they were nice cars, mind.
No, it's £290.
This one has the wrong engine for me. Needed to be the 3.2.
This one looks like a bit of a shed though. Even in the UK it's nice to have working a/c during the summer, and those central locking issues are going to irritate big time when you drive it to the shops. Only 4 months MoT would be OK for a winter hack, but not summer use.
Just noticed that the ad has been withdrawn so maybe somebody else thinks different. Maybe they want to tow a caravan with it...?
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