1989 Oldsmobile Cutlass Suprme SL 2.1
Summary:
Early 90's style eye-candy with skeletons under the hood.
Faults:
This car started out as a good buy, but as time passed it became a burden.
The first thing I had to repair was the catalytic converter and most of the exhaust system.
My next repair was the fuel system. I replaced the fuel injectors, fuel line, fuel pump, and even the gas tank!
After that I was having frequent problems with the car stalling while in motion. I could be doing 60 mph on the highway and the car would stall. Then the cruise control quit working. To say the least, this was a very costly repair and the problem is still not fully reconciled.
As of now, I have failed the e-check because the engine burns fuel too richly. The car stalls if it's idling and I have to lightly depress the gas pedal at stop lights just to keep it running.
Also, both door handles are broken. I now cannot enter the vehicle from either door. When I was able to enter, the broken driver door would only open from the inside.
Also I was just told the transmission will need repair.
And while I was attempting to get my oil changed an oil leak was found that my mechanic won't touch because he won't risk removing the transmission in such an old vehicle.
Cosmetically, it's rusting fairly bad along the bottom runners, the ceiling glue gave way long ago, and the glove box has been broken since I purchased the car.
General Comments:
At times I love my car. To be as old as it is, and still be considered "sleek" is impressive, but the mechanical problems override it's cosmetic longevity.
I truly hope most of these problems are due to improper care by the previous owner, because I would have loved to have owned this car when it was new.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No
Review Date: 28th December, 2003
25th Jul 2004, 18:59
I just bought a '89 Olds Cutlass for my son. It has 140,00 miles on it and had some mechanical problems for the prior owner. We recently experienced the same problem with the engine dying as we would approach stop lights with reduced rpms. My mechanic told me it was due to a dirty control switch for the oil gauge which also operates the fuel pump. He replaced the switch ($40 part) and car now seems to run normal again. You might want to check that out.
3rd Oct 2006, 14:54
I am driving an '89 olds cutlass supreme that belonged to my brother. He tired of trying to fix it as he was having the stalling at lights problem. After many people looked at the car, one mechanic changed the ignition module. It has been running much better ever since.
28th Dec 2003, 22:42
OK lets see my friend. You got the car at 130,000 miles.
You haven't said a thing about how well this car was maintained.
It seems you didn't do your research on the bugs on this model, nor have you talked about any preventive maintenance. Don't blame oldsmobile for a neglected car. A lot of things you had to change were probably never serviced.
I bet you have original struts on the car too.