1989 Oldsmobile 88 Royale from North America - Comments

13th Apr 2001, 10:32

"Great car from a great company"

What things have gone wrong with the car?

The transmission was replaced around 180,000 miles.

I replaced the starter around 220,000 miles.

I have replaced the alternator twice.

The paint has faded on all upward facing surfaces, i.e. the trunk, roof, and hood.

The emergency brake cable broke around 240,000 miles.

The retractable antenna motor stopped working.

Burning oil is emitted from a leak in the head gasket. Changing the PCV valve helped, but oil still fumes from underneath the hood.

General comments?

At almost a 1/4 of a million miles, this car still runs smoothly and develops very good power and torque!

All major mechanical problems with this car occurred after 150,000 miles.

I am very impressed with the design of this car.

I like the engine that Oldsmobile decided to use in this model. The 3.8l V6 runs as smooth as a V-8, and gets 20 mpg city and 27 mpg highway.

The faded paint was due to a new painting process that was implemented when this car was manufactured.

The handling is tight and agile for a vehicle of this size and weight. The vehicle has a relatively wide stance that makes cornering an easy task.

The braking on this car could be better. It almost feels as though I pushing my foot into a sponge.

Styling for this car does not do justice to the power plant under the hood.

This car was meant to go the distance, and will probably make it to 300,000+ miles.

Oldsmobile should stay in business, it is obvious they are one of top ranking American built cars. I suppose the name, Oldsmobile, is not appealing to some. I guess people can't look beyond the name of the manufacturer and see what good cars they make.


10th Sep 2004, 10:05

I own an 1989 Oldsmobile 88 Royale & it has just topped 200,000 miles. I'll be getting a new transmission put in it in about a month or two. I just wanted to let you know that I'm glad SOMEBODY recognizes the strength & power under the hood of a 'grandpa' looking car. It's been with me for 3 years during high school & 1 year so far for college. It's a very reliable & comfortable car. I'm happy that somebody besides me noticed!

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7th Mar 2005, 12:16

I just bought a 89 Olds 88 my self. I'm a 19 year old who is still in high school and I caught a lot of flack for buying a "granny car" but when I pull out of the parking lot not ONE car has been able to beat my olds. I get excellent gas mileage and I have plenty of power out of the 3.8L v6. any one who knows cars will agree they are a great car. for those kids who think they are slow just because it's an olds and decide they want to race, they have another thing coming.

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29th Apr 2006, 14:16

I own a 1989 Olds 88 Royale Brougham that has 396,000 miles on it and I can still keep up with anything that I come up against on the road. Also, I have never had the transmission rebuilt or the engine has never had any major work done to it. I still get about 22 mpg in the city and even better on the highway. I wish cars today were made to hold up like these cars were. I will keep this car until I just cannot keep it running any longer.

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25th May 2006, 22:41

Simply Amazed! I was speaking with my brother-in-law, he said he had a free car from a guy who wanted to give 1 away, I said, "I like free cars, I will take it". 1989 Olds 88, Royale, great condition body wise and interior wise, but under the hood, no leaks, clean, stock engine and transmission. This car has 324,000 miles on the odometer, I am simply amazed, this is a fantastic tribute to American Automakers, Oldsmobile, GM. I couldnt be more excited about finding this "free" car. Well done Oldsmobile, you have earned my respect!

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24th Sep 2006, 12:26

In 1989 we purchased our new Oldsmobile delta 88 Royal 2dr.Coupe FE3 hardtop. It now has 84,750 miles on it. The only repair needed in all these years have been brakes when needed. Oldsmobile in my opinion should stand proud of their commitment in this vehicle. Its beauty in design still turns many heads and comments never cease regarding such.

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29th Apr 2007, 10:59

I am the proud owner of a 1989 oldsmobile delta 88 2dr royal

brougham FE3 convertible hardtop with just over 89,000 miles.

The car is an exceptional automobile. The problem that I find

is that recently after having been struck by a truck and much body damage occurring to the passenger side, is the difficulty

in finding exterior body parts needed, such as trim mouldings

etc.,but i, ll keep trying, because this vehicle in my opinion is one of a kind.

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3rd Nov 2009, 09:41

How much does replacing a transmission typically cost on one of these?

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