1988 Oldsmobile Delta 88 Brougham review from North America
"Nice solid used car that makes you feel good"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
EGR valve was bad at purchase - replaced, $450.
Brake hoses were cracked at purchase - replaced, $150.
Ignition coil pack didn't work the first cold day I owned it - replaced. $225.
Passenger side electric window track failed - fixed, $105.
A/C got weak - recharged, $70. So far it's holding the charge.
Alternator failed - replaced along with serpentine belt, $325.
Car squeaks a fair amount, and all the foam in the vent system is deteriorating and being blown out onto the dash.
Paint is in good shape, very few scratches.
General comments?
This car has lots of power with the 3.8L.
Comfortable, and at least as quiet inside on the road as a 2000 Grand Marquis I've driven in.
Only had 82,000 miles at purchase, and amazingly clean. A VIN check and talking to the previous owners shows that it was owned by two older couples, and the last couple put 5000 miles on it from 1992 to 2004. Garaged and well kept the whole time, and it shows. Cost me $1500; a little high, but it was in such nice shape. Makes you feel good while driving. Safe, too.
Brakes are a little weak; takes longer to stop than my Geo does. Not dangerous, just need to plan ahead a little more.
It looks like a lot of repairs, but I think I'm just catching the car up on a decade of preventive maintenance. It's really a nice car, and I don't feel bad putting money into it. $100/month in maintenance and repair isn't unreasonable for a used car.
A good buy.
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| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Don't Know |
| Model year | 1988 |
| Year of manufacture | 1988 |
| First year of ownership | 2004 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2005 |
| Engine and transmission | 3.8L gas Automatic |
| Performance marks | 8 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 7 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 8 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 6 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 81000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 85000 miles |
| Previous car | Geo Prizm |
| Date of Entry | 23rd October, 2005 |