1989 Oldsmobile 88 Royal 3.8 liter V6

Summary:

Good used car for a conservative budget

Faults:

Clear coat has dried and flaked off all vertical surfaces of the car.

Starter was replaced at 70 thousand miles.

Headliner is showing signs of separation.

Physical wear on interior.

Approximately 21 miles to the gallon, which I feel could be better.

General Comments:

Well built engine.

Roomy interior.

Very little money reinvested into the vehicle.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 22nd September, 2002

1989 Oldsmobile 88 Royale 3.8 V6

Summary:

A great luxury sedan with a bit of performance thrown in

Faults:

Since I've bought the car, nothing has gone wrong except the bearing in the air conditioner compressor, and I need a new valve in the engine.

The paint is fading and peeling on the hood, trunk, and roof.

General Comments:

The 3800 series V-6 is a very good, reliable engine.

The interior is very comfortable, but the one drawback to some Oldsmobile's, is that neither seat reclines.

For such a big car, it has excellent acceleration and handling.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 29th August, 2002

1989 Oldsmobile 88 Royale 3.8L 3.8 Series V6 165hp

Summary:

The most reliable, comfortable, and awesome sedan ever built

Faults:

Not many things have gone wrong. It's mostly a great car. The transmission mount were getting bad and I had to replace them. I once hit a bump and the muffler blew out the back so I replaced that. A single valve died and had it replaced. The only other thing is that whenever I wanted to fiddle with my Pioneer head unit, I had to take the whole dashboard apart. The last item is the paint was wearing off on the roof, hood, and trunk lid. Which was typical of late 80's cars. That's it. Otherwise these problems, nothing has ever gone wrong.

General Comments:

I think that this thing is awesome. The car was seriously quick for what it was. Punch it at 30, smoke the tires and fly. For my performance, I took it to a time track. Not for quarter mile, but for MPH and acceleration. Top end is governed at 124 MPH. By the way, all 3800 Series motors were. Ungoverned, it would reach 151 MPH. I had a digital speedo to test it. The Oldsmobile would also do 0-60 in 9.00 seconds flat!! Pretty good if you ask me. Besides this there are too many things to list that make it great. I wish everyone could experience this car the way I have and still do!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 11th August, 2002

1989 Oldsmobile 88 Royale Brougham 3.6L 165hp V6

Summary:

An excellent, comfortable, reliable car

Faults:

The alternator blew at 265,000 km.

The starter went at 275,000 km.

The engine currently stalls occasionally while travelling, and has problems starting. (The oil pressure gauge bobs back and forth worse than a demented jack-in-the-box)

Had a collision with a deer at 309000, and now my car is on the verge of being written off. :- (

General Comments:

My wife and I bought the car in 1999 as our first vehicle. We were expecting, and we wanted a safe, reliable, family car.

We couldn't ask for anything more, and this car far exceeded our expectations. I honestly didn't think they made cars this good, this reliable, and this comfortable. At least I don't think they do now.

We love our car, and unfortunately, it's on the verge of being written off after a collision with a deer.

For anyone considering this model, I would highly recommend it. It's an excellent car, very powerful, spacious, and very reliable.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 3rd August, 2002

1989 Oldsmobile 88 Royale 3.8 Liter V6

Summary:

A reliable, comfortable, economical full size domestic 2 door sedan

Faults:

The only problem I have had with this car is the Service engine Light came on at about 130,000 miles, the car needs an Oxygen sensor.

My parents had to replace the battery once and have a short circuit in the electrical system fixed (bad ground strap) at around 80,000 miles. The front brakes have been completely replaced (out of safety, not necessity... you don't take chances with brakes!)

General Comments:

This is one great car. It is simple (by modern standards) in that it has only PW, PDL, AC, PS, PB, Load Leveling Rear Shocks and RR Window Defogger.

It is a 2 door model which is kind of rare in a full size car.

The 3.8 Liter V6 has ample torque and horsepower for everyday driving. It is smooth and efficient, I usually average around 25 mpg even with the bad O2 sensor. It doesn't burn a drop of oil. I'm certain it will go at least 250,000 miles.

The handling is good for a vehicle of its size. it has the FE3 Firm Ride Suspension, which I think helps a lot.

The only problems with the exterior are that the paint on the hood is checked and faded, but the rest of the paint is OK, save for 2 small rust spots on the drivers door. The lace-style alloy wheels still look good.

It's on it's 2nd set of Goodyear Eagle GT+4's which are about near the end of their useful life. But 75K miles out of tires is pretty darn respectable. Even with nearly spent tires, I made it through this past winter without a single problem. I saw many SUV's that had gotten stuck where I just breezed right through.

I doubt I'll ever get rid of it. It ws my Mom's car (parents bought it new in '89) and has sentimental value. But even if that was not the case, I'd still keep it until the wheels fell of of it.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 13th April, 2002

24th Sep 2006, 12:52

I have one also, that has been in the family since new. Unfortunately someone just ran into my right door and having much difficulty finding one.Are you aware of any resources?

20th Feb 2010, 12:46

I also have an '89 88 Royale Brougham, 2 door, and it's my first car. I applaud you for not wanting to get rid of it. It seems like many people want a new car every three years, and don't feel invested in their cars. Safe to say my car is never leaving my hands, not till I die.