1983 Oldsmobile 98 Regency 305 3.0L V8
Summary:
Lincoln is what a luxury car 'should' be, but Olds 98 is what a luxury car 'wants' to be!
Faults:
New alternator at 75,000 miles.
Rear bumper developed a rust pocket that could not be stopped and was replaced (free by dealer) after 5 years when it became noticeable.
General Comments:
The 1983 and 1984 Olds Ninety Eights were some of the last great land yachts to roll out of Detroit. I know all the criticisms, "you can't tell a Buick from a Caddy from an Olds of those years", and to some extent, that is true. However, I'm such a lover of these cars that I can tell the difference between the 80-84 model years just by looking at the grills.
The early eighties Ninety Eight Regencys are the best mix of style and aerodynamics, just a few curves in the hood and still a lot of boxiness to say..."mileage, who cares about mileage, I'm about luxury!".
My first Ninety Eight was an 82 2-door coupe, red with white vinyl top. I loved it so much that I turned around in 83 and bought a 4-door in light sable brown metallic (with dark sable brown vinyl roof) in 1983. I sold the 82 in 1985 because I didn't really need 2 cars, and traded "up" in 1989 with the 4 door. I have never regretted any purchasing decision as much as the one where I traded my 83 Ninety Eight.
I live in South Florida and am constantly checking the web and used car lots for an 83 or 84 Regency in good to great condition. If you are fortunate enough to own one of these cars, don't let it go. (Unless you're selling it to ME of course! :-) )
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 8th March, 2003
9th Nov 2005, 11:59
I have a 1983 oldsmobile regency 98 brougham with only 41,000 miles. I love this car so much, when I first got it, it had 21,000 miles the only thing I had to do was put a new heater core and a radiator. I also retro fitted the a/c. The car has min. surface rust both bumpers are in very good shape, the interior is also in perfect shape except for a cigarette burn in the drivers seat. The car rides like your on air.
30th Jan 2006, 20:31
Hey guys...well, let me say I've loved Oldsmobiles my entire life. My Dad is in N Ft Meyers with his original ordered just for him 84 Olds 98 Coupe... every option available except one! He's had it stolen twice... original brown leather interior removed... (heartbroken to say the least!) He now has... are you ready?? 565,000 original miles on the original engine, and it has not been re-built!!! Synthetic oil since day one!!! Still purrs, but to be honest, it is getting a little tired.. he drove it up to Massachusetts last year, and it still sounds terrific! I am about to purchase a gorgeous 80 98 coupe with the 350 engine (original for that year) that just hit 100 k!!! Kris.
17th Jul 2007, 19:52
We had an Olds Custom Cruiser with the 307. I liked the car OK, but always preferred riding in my friends moms 98.
You felt special being driven around in this car. Was a great car.
20th Jan 2005, 15:02
I agree with you completely. I owned an 83 Ninety Eight and I still kick myself for ever trading it. I think it's funny to notice when you scan classic car ads that there are very few of the early 80's GM "boats" being put on the market. Most people that I know who own these cars won't part with them for any amount of cash. I remember reading one car mag column back in the 80s that said the only award that the "Oldsmobile Ninety Eight Regency Brougham Sedan" could win would be for longest name...man...some people just don't get it!!