1981 Oldsmobile Delta 88 Royale Brougham review from North America

Windshield washer pump motor failure

Needed brakes and muffler when I bought it, but otherwise no other faults.

The original factory radio/cassette deck sucks now and almost surely sucked when new.

The small-block 307 cid (cubic inch displacement) motor is rated at only 148 horsepower, which makes for a poor displacement/horsepower ratio, but it does get out of its own way.

As a used car the price was right, but what sold me on it was its condition - I got lucky, my friends - and the features! Power everything and absolutely everything works.

This car is seriously huge and gets atrocious fuel mileage. However, comparing my costs over 5 years ($1500 purchase price + fuel + repairs) with purchasing a new car with comparable features ($45,000 + fuel + higher insurance), the overall yearly cost is more than acceptable.

I bought this car on recommendation of a mechanic friend, but I still planned on spending about $1,000 or more in repairs every year. I've owned it 15 months now, and other than the washer motor, I've had zero problems. I love it!