Faults:

Since I've owned it:

- Water pump started leaking.

- Idles rough when cold.

- Idles very high when in park, assuming it's a vacuum leak, but haven't been able to find it.

- Original air box was too restrictive, so that was replaced with a CAI. Made a huge difference.

- Shocks have worn out.

- Battery cables come loose every so often.

Previous owner replaced the transmission, alternator and starter.

General Comments:

As many problems as I've had with this car, I still love it. It's understandable that a car with over 200k miles is going to need work. I'm 18 and I'm not embarrassed by the fact that I drive an Oldsmobile. I love Olds and I was upset to see them go.

Sometimes when I drive my 88, it feels as though its half the size it really is. It doesn't seem as big as it really is. I love the big, roomy cabin. It has plenty of room to haul your friends or large objects, or stretch out and take a nap. If I could, I would live out of this car, its just that big!

After installing the CAI, the acceleration is much quicker. I enjoy wiping the smiles off those ricers faces when they see a big beige Oldsmobile fly past them! The one thing that I don't like about the 88 is the front wheel drive. I would've much preferred it to have rear wheel drive, and possibly a bigger engine in order to compete with other full size cars. (I.E. Crown Victoria, Caprice) If I could find another 88 with fewer miles, I would definitely buy it.

Faults:

Speed sensor went bad.

Struts on both the front and back have given out.

Brakes needed replacement on the front end.

Serpentine belt has a crack, but hasn't really needed to be replaced.

Valve that controls my speed was loose and opening too much, so I had to tighten the screw.

Bleeding line for brakes rusted over, and the calipers needed to be replaced to let my brakes bleed when I replaced them.

Donut on exhaust is loose and needs to be replaced.

General Comments:

This car has been a dream. Sure it needs a bit of work, but the comfort and power are worth it.

I think it is a very stylish car, with its fake chrome down the sides, and looks very classy sitting in my driveway. I'm very glad to be 18 and own a car that's appearance is so mint; even the pop on hub caps look classy. My parents and boyfriend are jealous that I have a nicer car than they.

The ride is SMOOTH as silk. I love the handling. My step-dad's car that I used to drive (80's New Yorker) is scary to handle on corners, but this car hits them like it is going over clouds! So beautiful! Wouldn't give it up for the world!

Faults:

Okay, this car is a dream to drive. Basically the work that's been done on the car is rotors and calipers around 70,000 miles.

Standard oil changes.

I do have an oil leak that I cannot find; it's probably from a pipe somewhere or hose or something - every 2-3 months I use about a quart of oil.

1 time the check engine light came on during a trip @ 105,000 miles, but then I pulled over and checked it out, everything looked okay, and started back up and it was gone.

That's about as bad is the maintenance ever got on this car... just do basic stuff and it runs like a dream. Reliability is key for me and this car is perfect for that. Sadly for image purposes and the higher mileage, I am getting rid of it now.

General Comments:

I love this car because it is the most reliable thing I've ever had. I think in the last 6 years it's been worked on 2-3 times besides the standard oil changes.

The only thing is it isn't the most appealing looking or slick car, but I know that if I take it across multiple states it will get me there in comfort without getting me stuck.

It been more reliable than a Honda or Toyota for me. (granted doesn't accelerate or handle as well as them).

I also get great gas mileage for a V6 (around 31 mpg), because I don't press the pedal hard and drive like an old lady, and the cruise control is on in the city even, because it's so easy to engage and disengage.