Not a whole lot. Just needed a new pan seal, along with a fluid & filter change for the transmission. This stuff is to be expected of a 15 year old car. Other than routine maintenance, this car has been pretty good.
My grandparents gave me this car when my Subaru Justy died on me, and they bought a new car. Very comfortable car all the way around, with lots of room. Needless to say, it was a HUGE step up (My Justy didn't have power steering or brakes, no a/c and a manual transmission). One thing I don't understand is why is there so much chrome on this car? I mean, I always thought Oldsmobile was a sportier car with a touch of class. The chrome just looks positively gaudy inside and out, and the interior woodgrain looks like it came straight off the side of a microwave oven. Performance is good, as the 3800 motor has plenty of power, and enough torque to move this car right along. Fuel economy is excellent also. This car also has those stupid opera lights on the sides. If it wasn't for all the ugliness of the interior and exterior (seats, trim, hood ornament, woodgrain, chrome) this car would be perfect.
Opera lights are awesome!They went well with that style of car. I don't think a CTS, however, will look good with them.
Not to be rude, but pan seal, along with a fluid & filter change for the transmission is routine maintenance and you should do it according to your owners manual.
This car was geared to the tastes of an older generation that could afford to buy it- not a young man such as yourself. That is "what is up" with all the chrome. I think it is a nice looking car- most people over 40 think that new cars are too plain and ugly!!! They cost way too much and give you less and less.
Considering you acquired this car for nothing, and it's only needed basic maintenance, you must remember the old saying "beggars can't be choosers" your grandparents did not have to give you this car.