1981 Oldsmobile Delta 88 Royale Brougham review from North America
"Call it a boat if you like, but my 2-door land yacht is one stylin ride just beggin' fo pimpin'!"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Windshield washer pump motor failure
Needed brakes and muffler when I bought it, but otherwise no other faults.
The original factory radio/cassette deck sucks now and almost surely sucked when new.
General comments?
The small-block 307 cid (cubic inch displacement) motor is rated at only 148 horsepower, which makes for a poor displacement/horsepower ratio, but it does get out of its own way.
As a used car the price was right, but what sold me on it was its condition - I got lucky, my friends - and the features! Power everything and absolutely everything works.
This car is seriously huge and gets atrocious fuel mileage. However, comparing my costs over 5 years ($1500 purchase price + fuel + repairs) with purchasing a new car with comparable features ($45,000 + fuel + higher insurance), the overall yearly cost is more than acceptable.
I bought this car on recommendation of a mechanic friend, but I still planned on spending about $1,000 or more in repairs every year. I've owned it 15 months now, and other than the washer motor, I've had zero problems. I love it!
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  | 1981 - Delta 88 Brougham 5.0 Litre 307 A car that is a pleasure to own and drive |
| 1980 - Delta 88 Royale 2-door 260 V8 (4.3 liter) A ugly old tank that refuses to die |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Don't Know |
| First year of ownership | 2003 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2004 |
| Engine and transmission | 307 cid Automatic |
| Performance marks | 5/10 |
| Reliability marks | 9/10 |
| Comfort marks | 10/10 |
| Dealer Service marks | |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 7/10 |
| Distance when acquired | 46000 kilometres |
| Most recent distance | 54000 kilometres |
| Previous car | Chevrolet Chevelle |
| Date of Entry | 22nd August, 2004 |