1988 Oldsmobile Delta 88 Royale review from North America
"The perfect Grandma sleeper!"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Nothing went wrong with the car until about 120K miles. Then a lot of things went wrong.
The alternator died, as did the starter, both minor and inexpensive. Then the water pump failed and leaked onto the sensor just below it, causing it to fail. Then the drive axle and wheel bearing on one side failed, followed by both lower ball joints. And now the transmission slips making the car immobile.
General comments?
I think that this is a great car despite the problems. I drove it very hard, and pushed it with every turn. Nothing was more enjoyable then beating Mustangs when the light turned green. The engine provides more then enough power, and for a car it's size and weight it held it's own in the corners, with a large degree of body roll.
This is truly a Grandma sleeper. It can run with any car in it's class, and do so in a relative degree of comfort. This car should last even the worst driving conditions for at least 120,000 miles. After that it becomes a money pit.
All in all this has been a great family car, one with 80's class and power. If you can find one with lower miles, and for under $2000 buy it, and humiliate those Mustangs!
Recommended reviews
| 1988 - Delta 88 Royale Brougham 3.8 liter Reliable and comfortable ride |
|
| 1988 - Delta 88 royale brougham 3800C A great car. It has paid it's way 10 fold |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| Year of manufacture | 1988 |
| First year of ownership | 1997 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2000 |
| Engine and transmission | 3.8L Automatic |
| Performance marks | 9 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 7 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 7 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 5 / 10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 7 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 95000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 152000 miles |
| Previous car | Chevrolet Pickup |
| Date of Entry | 21st July, 2000 |