1991 Oldsmobile Custom Cruiser review from North America
"This car is a pleasure, and will have collectors value in the future"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
The usual with a high mileage car. The alternator, battery, brake pads.
I also replaced the transmission after pulling a boat for two years. If you tow with these vehicles, I highly recommend a transmission cooler first. It was an expensive and, well, dirty and painful lesson.
Right now the car has been sitting in my garage for three years. I think it has a blown head gasket, but I was so sad when it happened that I'm just now looking into repairing it.
The head gasket was also my fault. It was -25F (MN haha) and the heater control valve cracked. I was five miles from home, it was cold out, so I pushed it. The car made it, but after I replaced the heater control it was blowing white smoke.
General comments?
I LOVE this car, but hate being seen in it if you know what I mean. Station wagons are making a comeback, but they are still viewed as an out of date mommy-mobile (and I'm a guy).
The comfort level is outstanding. The seats are a little worn by now, but still a pleasure. Its roomy as heck, the kids love it, and you cannot beat this car for a road trip. It absolutely glides down the highway.
Power/acceleration/economy is just the right balance with the miserly tuned 5 litre engine. The aerodynamics are good, so 23-26 on the highway is easily obtained with a well tuned engine. In town it drops to 18 or so.
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  | 1990 - Custom Cruiser 307 Olds V8 Classic station wagon |
| Won't die and won't go away |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| First year of ownership | 1996 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2006 |
| Engine and transmission | 5.0 Automatic |
| Performance marks | 7/10 |
| Reliability marks | 9/10 |
| Comfort marks | 10/10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 10/10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 6/10 |
| Distance when acquired | 100000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 190000 miles |
| Date of Entry | 20th September, 2006 |