17th May 2006, 17:25
I own a '99 Cutlass GLS, and have had it for almost 4 years. I bought it used with 65,000 miles and I now have 120,000 miles on it. The front brakes seem to be a recurring theme, though I've taken it as an opportunity to learn how to change my own brakes and upgrading from factory parts has made a big difference. I've had the alternator replaced and today I had the entire suspension replaced at a cost of nearly $2,000. I like this car and it has yet to leave me stranded, so I count myself lucky. I've put probably 3-4 thousand dollars in it since I bought it, but I chalk this up to buying an American-made car. I don't expect any vehicle to last forever, but I hope mine will make it a couple more years. It's cheaper overall for me to fix the car I have than to go buy a new one, though that day will come soon enough. Overall, the car has had it's share of problems, but I'm pleased with it.
4th Apr 2007, 14:24
I'm so amazed to read that other people are having the same problems I have had with my 99 Olds Cutlass. I bought it used in 2002 at 45,000 miles and now I am at 148,000 miles. During the course of my ownership, the gasket was replace at 68,000 mile while under warranty... no cost to me, but I've also replaced two water pumps, belts, the suspension, battery and now I am replacing the gaskets again for $756. The fuel gauge stopped working in 2003. No one can fix it so I count the miles to monitor my gas. There's no putting 5 bucks in the tank;fill up only (smile). My repairs average $200. But all in all over the years, I have been very happy with my car. My biggest concern is coolant problems.
9th Jan 2008, 12:16
I love my 1999 Cutlass and we are at 161,000 miles. We have owned it since 2005. We haven't had recurring repairs and I can't even remember of having one huge repair. Do suffer with the gas gage always setting at 0...but I look at it like how many miles to the gallon I get. When you always fill up you keep good tabs. Just took a trip to Minnesota from Missouri and got 32 miles to the gallon on the open road and I get consistently 26 to 28 in town driving. This is the 2nd Cutlass I have had and the other one was a good car for us too. Both were bought used. After reading other reviews I will check out any future Cutlass we will buy, but we will definitely consider one. We are happy with ours.
11th Nov 2008, 15:25
I purchased one of these for 3,000.00 with 45,000.00 miles on it. After having it looked at by a mechanic who definitely takes his cars seriously, I spent an additional 1,400.00 attempting to avoid some of the problems that you all are speaking of.
Some things I've learned thus far:
1) At about 80K, be prepared for a 6-800 repair. Fine, I'll be getting mine replaced at 70.
2) The most common reason the engine light will pop on is because the gas tank is not properly sealed. I had the mechanic install a new seal when I purchased the car. It's important to push in and make sure it clicks at least 4 times when closing the tank.
3) I installed 4 new Yokohama tires for better performance. These are miles above the standard factory tires.
4) Replaced the front brake system, but the back were like new at 45K.
I haven't experienced any of the electrical malfunctions a lot of you are talking about, but I'd say a bit of it has to deal with preventative maintenance. Everything works, especially when it pumps out that hot air :)
For what it's worth, American made cars still suck and only last a few years.
19th Apr 2006, 19:01
I'm sorry, but all of you who say you have over 150,000-200,000 miles should feel lucky that you don't have more problems than you do! Cars of this quality are not meant to last that long. This is an economical car that should maybe go to 120,000-140,000 miles...