1990 Oldsmobile 88 Royale review from North America

Alternator replaced at 122,000 miles

and again at 123,000 miles.

Water pump broke at 121,000 miles.

Electronic harness replaced at 121,000.

Stainless steel exhaust pipe broke in front of the converter at 129,000 miles (was re-welded to save the system)

Gas lines rotted out at 125,000 miles.

This was my Dad's car. It was bought in 1990 for $23,000. He died in 1996 and it sat over Mom's for 4 years before she gave it to me. The car is incredibly quiet and smooth running. The engine still purrs like day one. The gas mileage is pretty good for a car this size getting 20-23 mpg. The car runs clean because the exhaust test at inspection time comes out extremely clean (well within normal limits). Unfortunately, the body is rapidly rotting out underneath, (around the engine compartment, coolant tank), but the body itself still looks nice from the outside. This car will die from rust and not from mechanical failure. I wish I could do something to save the body, but I live near the sea and the salt in the air is a real killer. It presently has 130,000 miles. Best wishes.