Hi Folks,

I'm currently on my 2nd ex-plod 3.2 Omega, both with manual boxes.

Having had a nose around Autotrader and eBay, I've noticed that there's quite a few late Omega Elites for not many pennies.  Even a few with the colour sat-nav - which I've now decided is a must-have! 

But obviously, these are auto only...

Which leads me to my question.  How is the auto-box on the Omega?  Can you still have a bit of fun with it on quiet roads?  Or does it numb the driving experience somewhat?

How much does it sap the performance?  Does it affect fuel economy much?

I've never driven an auto Omega before, but have driven quite a few auto's before (Cavaliers, Mondeo's, Jag X-types (well, could be covered by Mondeo...  ) )

Any advice would be appreciated.

Cheers folks 

Cheers matey    Think you pretty much confirmed my suspicions really...

How much of a b@ll-ache would it be to swap over an auto-box to a manual?  Would it be a pricey job?

And I look forward to the PM 

Depends what sails your boat really, must admit I am a manual lover, all my earlier Migs and MV6 was manual, have recently been playing arround with some Auto MV6's and TBH their not that bad even better in Sports mode. MPG is going be down, in my experience about 3/4 mpg, although should about the same on the Motorway.

Thinking if youve been playing arround with a manual 3.2 explod with LSD, you not going to get your rocks off with a Auto, but no harm in trying one first.

Chris.

I would say the Omega's auto box is one of the better ones, even considering it's only 4 speed. This is especially true if you upgrade the ECU to the latest firmware which really does make it more refined.

Best way to decide is to try one.

It will impact urban fuel consumption quite a bit. On a run it won't make any difference.

A few cars have been converted to manual. It is possible if you can collect all the required bits from a donor car.

Kevin

Auto for me every time, what you loose on mpg in town is made up for in a big way for ease of driving in traffic.

If you are towing it is great no more difficult starts on gradiants.

An auto box is great for stop start moving traffic.

I got my Omega almost 2 years ago - it was the first Auto car which I've owned and I was wondering at the time if I should buy an auto Omega....

Well, on the drive home (Bristol to York) I was over the moon.

And the more I drove it, the more I loved it.

It gets used everyday to drive across a city in heavyish traffic which is a pain, but having the Auto makes it so easy. (down side is 16 mpg in town).

Hook the caravan on the back, stick your foot down and you’re off! Again makes life soooooo much easier – especially parking it / hill starts etc!

On country lanes going for a bit of a blast still puts a big smile on my face - even 22 months later  Granted you cant change gear when YOU want at EXACTLY the time you want - However, stick sports mode on, and if your really pushing it, lock it in 2nd or 3rd (depending on speed of road).

If I was to buy another Omega, I wouldn't really be fussed on gearbox type - however having the option I would more than likely go for an auto.