Used 1990 Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight Royale Consumer Reviews
Bulletproof 'Granny'
We've had "Old Girl" since 1996 when my wife's grandparents stopped driving. She received it w/ 19,0000 miles. Today we have 186,000 miles on her w/ no signs of slowing down. She's never left us on the side of the road and always starts in the morning (unless the aftermarket alarm power lock relay sticks and drains the battery). The clearcoat on the roof is now gone and the driver rear door won't open (worn out lock mechanism) but she keeps rolling down the road w/ the original exhaust (except catalytic converter), shocks, struts, and complete powertrain. She's spent her entire life in IA, WI, and CO--so that is saying a lot about her durability. She's not "cool" but she's well loved.
What can I say? Completely OUTSTANDING!
I needed a car to drive everyday.A car that could handle dreadful gravel roads in the country EVERY day.A worthless Honda would never handle the job.What did I see most on the road-Oldsmobiles.I have neighbours who own Olds 88's or the identical Buick Lesabre.Most of them have 325,000km and up.I wanted a car with a great reputation for its age, decent gas mileage and luxury.So I bought a 1990 Olds88(136,000km).I love it.Its loaded with features you won't find on a new car.Air ride,Digital Dash & ClimateControl,CD, p.seats, k.entry, BOSEspeakers.I wouldn't trade it if someone paid me to!GM sold millions and theres' still millions on the road today.These cars should go down in history!
Buried Treasure
Search for these belonging to older folks, who have maintained them....The 3.8 V-6 "3800" is one of Ward's Top Ten Engines for YEARS...I get 25-28mpg with a 4,500 lb car.. Body by Fisher...comfort AND Front-Wheel Drive...They are snowplows! 1986-90 Buicks and Oldsmobiles are the most under-rated cars EVER built. I've owned 9 of them...the Delta 88's, Regency 98's, the LeSabres, the Park Avenues... Buy, drive, then sell, and double my $$. Go on a quest on craiglist.com....even if you have to travel cross-country to get one.. Have made three 5,000+ mile cross-country road-trips in the past two years. Wyoming to east coat, and Tampa, Texas.. Set the cruise, and just let 'er run..Like sitting in your LaZBoy at home..Smooth.. And watching hiways filled with cars that don't get 29mpg, are NOT comfortable, and the owners have CAR PAYMENTS.
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BOOM - I like dat!
It's a tank. Unstoppable. Runs like a champ. No problems whatsoever. It's a beast yo. Reliable. ***** rating.
decent (boring) car
I received this car as a gift from my grandparents when i was in college. It has been generally reliable so far (I have about 140,000 miles on mine). I have driven it many times in snow, and it has performed admirably, due to its front-end weight. I have averaged 23mpg, which isn't so bad for such a large car. Maintenance-wise, i am on my THIRD alternator. I also had to replace the ignition module, the exhaust, and the rear suspension pieces. The transmission has developed a problem where it doesn't like to downshift, and my power windows and keyless entry system no longer work (annoying). The white paint is chipping, too.