Faults:

TH400 automatic transmission rebuilt at 87,000 miles.

Heater core replaced.

2 alternators and a starter through 37 years.

Carburetor was rebuilt at 91,000 miles.

Otherwise... just general maintenance items have been maintained.

Air conditioning not brought up to revision -- so not operable.

General Comments:

The 1976 Oldsmobile 98 is the last of the "full" size land yachts built in the 1950's, 1960's and 1970's by GM. I have owned this car for just a couple weeks, but I have already planned on getting another if this one fails!!

Although fuel economy IS a big consideration with this vehicle (10 to 12 miles per gallon), the comfort and driveability of this automobile cannot be overstated. As I've read in other reviews, this car cruises with unbelievable comfort -- whether at 25 or 55 miles per hour, it rides uncommonly smooth. The 455 cu. in. motor provides nice acceleration when you need it; with the emission stuff coming into play during this era, the car only has 195 horsepower in the 1976 model... this was the last year for the 455, replaced in '77 by the 403 cu. in... I haven't had enough experience directly with the frequency of repairs on this engine, but what I was told by the previous owner, is that it performs quite well even in winter cold -- it rarely left him stranded for any reason... judging by the receipts he maintained, it looks like few issues over the years, and most have been "reasonable" to repair. Parts appear to be plentiful in the auto parts stores and low cost.

Other aspects of the car... the paint, while slightly oxidized, has held up remarkably well, too. One of the amazing aspects of the car is the interior -- this "98" came equipped with the velour seats - and, man, how they have held up for over three decades -- all interior equipment -- heat, power windows, etc. have held up flawlessly.

In short... a great car; somewhat expensive to own due to high fuel consumption, but overall a bargain when you look at repairs, etc... this car is free of the on-board computer stuff and is reasonably simple to repair by the "shade tree" mechanic.

Faults:

Fuel filter.

Exhaust.

Power steering pump.

Brakes.

Leaked oil.

General Comments:

My first car, bought in 2003.

Fuel filter went bad in a couple weeks, then ran like a charm.

Had the most amazing power steering ever... you could steer with your pinky, but then the power steering went, and boy, maneuvering a 20 foot boat like this in a parking lot is a workout.

EXTREMELY ROOMY - 6 passengers had room to stretch, the trunk was large to a point that most young people today wouldn't be able to comprehend.

Very comfortable ride, and the cruise even worked.

The brakes were going too, had to pump them to stop. Wish I could find it again someday to keep as a second car, but I'm sure somebody has used it in a derby by now.

The 4 door was great - no pillar between front and back windows, so when you put them down it was one huge opening front to back (if that makes sense).

Lot's of power from the 7.8l V8. Only about 12MPG.