1971 Oldsmobile Toronado review from North America

I rebuilt the window motors when they got weak.

Replaced CV joints after purchasing car and did a brake job too since they were due. Partly why original owner sold me the car.

Replaced water pump at around 145000 miles.

Rebuilt A/c system at about 170000 miles.

Normal maintenance items and some lights replaced.

These cars were well built, and were very reliable when maintained. Keeping fresh shocks on the car is key to keeping the suspension in good shape and preventing a lot of squeaks and rattles. A lot of these cars you come across were sold cheap when gas was a big issue. Unfortunately buyers looking for a cheap ride are not inclined to spend money on preventative maintenance work, resulting in people "driving them till they drop". I got mine from the original owner who was very meticulous. The car was garaged and regularly serviced, and driven sensibly. As for performance, mileage was so-so at about 13-16mpg, but if you wanted it to this monster would roast the front tires to well over 60 mph from a stand-still. And do it quietly, too. My friends called it the "Flying Recliner". I gave it to a friend in financial straights. I will soon start a total restoration of a 1966 model.