1986 Oldsmobile Delta 88 Royale review from North America
"Reliable, Comfortable Transportation"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
I have replaced the alternator, CV Joints, brakes (front and rear), the water pump, timing chain, spark plug wires and spark plugs. I have done oil changes and lubes religiously.
The radiator sprung a leak and had to be cleaned and sealed. I also had the radiator fan motor go out.
The paint job is shot with all the clear-coat peeling off of the hood and trunk. Some guy ran into my passenger door 2 years ago, causing only cosmetic damage.
The worst problem I have encountered were the window regulators breaking. This car is one of the few with manual windows, the tape drive inside the door likes to break and GM does not make replacement parts for it anymore.
General comments?
This car held up well. I was surprised with how powerful the 3.8 was. It is no sports car, but it has enough power to comfortably go down the road. The suspension is really soft and the handling leaves some to be desired, but I have been pleased with this car overall.
The car has developed some squeaks and rattles, which I consider normal given the mileage and age of the vehicle. The body may be going bad, but the engine in this car could go for another 100,000.
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| 1985 - Delta 88 Royal Brougham 4dr 5.7 diesel This Oldsmobile Diesel is so smooooooth |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| Year of manufacture | 1986 |
| First year of ownership | 1998 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2002 |
| Engine and transmission | 3.8L V6 Automatic |
| Performance marks | 7 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 8 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 9 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 8 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 187000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 224000 miles |
| Previous car | Ford Thunderbird |
| Date of Entry | 10th December, 2002 |