1981 Oldsmobile Delta 88 Royale Brougham from North America - Comments

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!

Good review. I don't think there's any way you'll spend $1,000 a year on repairs. Maybe half that. Even a new transmission for this car would only be, I would guess, $500-600. I have a 1984 Delta 88 four door, with about 71,000 miles. We bought it at about 19,000 miles in 2000.

In those four years the only repairs we've done were a transmission flush, and some front end parts that cost about $190. The car was pulling to the right. Unfortunately it still is, though less, and vibrates when you turn left, but not when you turn right.

There's no doubt you'll come out way ahead financially with a big old gas guzzler over a new car.

I racked up close to 350,000 miles on my '85 sedan, with no problems other then 2 transmission swaps (preventative maintenance). I stiil see it driving around town. Miss the car and wish I never sold it.

What a great car. I was given one my Junior year in high school. It was sort of driven, sort of pushed to my grandparents where I could work on it. I could have it if I could make it run. It was Canadian and had rolled NUMEROUS times. The guy that gave it to me said he bought it with over 100k miles and knew he put well over that on himself.

In the long run, I drove it 3 years and the major trouble it had was a backed-up carbon canister. Took me (and 2 mechanics) 6 months to find the problem. After that, a carb rebuild, radiator, water pump, starter, tires, your normal stuff.

It drove beautifully. Felt like riding on a cloud. I actually (don't know how) was able to get over 20 mpg (about 24 highway and 18 city). That was berserk. That 307 was a great engine as was the transmission. Finally, I sold it to my brother with barely any body left. It was in an accident that totaled the poor thing out. It was hit at a full 35mph (no braking) by a minivan. It blew the transmission seals, but the engine was still running. When the tow company towed it away, he called up my brother and said he'd way all towing fees if he could have the engine. He had turned the key and it started and ran as smoothly as ever.

Now I just want another old Olds.