Faults:

Carburetor choke pull-off (the car ran bad on its first start of the day initially).

Cruise control doesn't work (the servos are usually the culprit here).

Rear bumper filler quarters needed to be replaced and painted.

C-pillar opera light bulbs needed replacing.

Power seat motor gear needed replacing (motor worked but the seat didn't move).

Tires didn't look great so I replaced them all.

Tire alignment and balancing done.

Air cleaner intake hose replaced (these always get chewed up over time).

General Comments:

Bought this car in extremely good condition (which inevitably needed a few odds and ends like any other car from the era) for $3,000. Not a bad deal considering that all the power stuff and even the A/C works good.

I have previously owned a 1984 Lincoln Town Car and a 1989 Cadillac Brougham, so some comparisons are inevitable. However, in my opinion, this is a superior car to either of them.

Handling is okay for a car of its size. It drives exactly like the Brougham (under the skin they are the same car), although the steering is a little tighter. However, my previously owned Town Car had superior handling to both of them, but it lacked a lot of the big, substantial feeling that the 98 and Brougham deliver.

Ride quality is extremely good. The 98 seems to ride on a little softer springs because it rides smoother/softer than the Brougham. I'd say it's almost neck and neck with the Town Car (the Town Car was slightly softer).

This is one of the most comfortable cars I've ever owned. It tops my old Cadillac, which is quite a compliment considering that Oldsmobile was essentially a "mid-range" division.

This car uses the same 4-speed THM200-4R transmission that the Brougham uses. A lot of people don't like them because they're not seen as very durable and can't handle a lot of power in their stock form. However, for everyday driving and cruising the highway, it's a fine transmission. You do have to change the fluids a bit more often than usual and can't beat on them for maximum lifespan. They are smooth transmissions and get the job done in my opinion.

This particular model comes with the Olds 307 engine, which a lot of people have mixed feelings about (especially the 1985+ version). On one hand, it's tough as nails and delivers decent fuel economy. On the other hand, power is a bit short (it's only got 140 HP) for an almost 4,500 lb car. The way I see it, the Olds 307 is an OK motor; it delivers everything I need and hasn't left me stranded yet. Being a 1984 model, this has the flat-tappet motor, which will have a tad more oomph over the later motors, despite their power ratings being the same on paper. However, compared to the Ford 302 TBI motor in my old Lincoln, the Olds 307 is noticeably slower (again despite very similar power ratings).

As I previously said, gas mileage isn't bad at all. I get around 15-18 MPG around town and 21-23 MPG on the highway. Some people say the Olds 307s are hard on fuel. In reality, they're not, especially with the overdrive transmission.

Compared to both the Lincoln and Cadillac I've owned previously, the 1984 Olds 98 Regency sedan is the finest of them all. The interior is much better and more elegant than either of the other big luxury cars I've owned and it has a very well-executed exterior style (one of the best looking big luxury cars ever in my opinion). It has the lines and substance of a Cadillac, but without the bling and the gaudiness. Hands down, this is the best car I've ever owned.

Faults:

Power windows got a little sluggish.

Headliner sags badly.

Starting to get a little rusty.

General Comments:

I've always had an appreciation for GM B-Bodies, including this one.

With the 307 it was slow, very slow, that's why I'm putting a 350 Rocket in it.

I'm putting it on the road this spring after the drivability issues (brakes, driveline) are situated, and I will repair or replace other parts that need attention as I drive it (body, paint, performance) to make it like new again.