Faults:

Right before I started driving the car I bonded the great many rusty areas. Then I had it re-painted as close to the original color (medium sky-blue).

The transmission started to go at 115,000 and I had it rebuilt.

While I was driving home from work during the summer of 2000, it over-heated. I believe that the head gaskets are fried. As it turns out the car over-heated because it had holes in the radiator. It has not been driven except to have it backed into my garage since it over-heated.

General Comments:

While it was operational, I had some of the best times in that car. Its' interior is so spacious that I could fit about 6 football players comfortably.

It was a real animal off the line. I used to have no problems taking out most cars with a V6 engine and some other tanks, like my friend's 1976 Cadillac Sedan de Ville with a 424 V8.

When you drive this car it's like riding on a clouds, you don't even feel the road, much less the bumps.

Faults:

When I bought the vehicle, the only maintenance to be done was the new transmission fluid and subsequently set-up the bands. This was never done by the original owner I bought it from.

Presently, the only job I have undertaken is the ball joints, and alignment and front brake pads that I replaced.

General Comments:

I bought this car for $900 certified and emission tested and other than the huge gas tank (94.5 litres) and four barrel carburetor sucking up the gas I have nothing but praise for this beast of a vehicle.

Faults:

The AM/FM cassette (factory) is out of service. I understand that this a common problem.

The transmission is finally failing. It is a THM200R4.

Driver's seat belt buckle failed.

General Comments:

The ride is excellent. The car completely disregards speed bumps, much to the horror of the moron tailgating me.

I have bought Oldsmobile 88's and 98's since 1980 to serve as a family car and for my wife to haul the kids in. My three daughters have learned to drive in these beasts (a 1971 88, 1979 98 and now a 1985 88). Each were involved in accidents as children will be and received no injuries whatsoever. The vehicle performed perfectly. I am currently rebuilding the 1985 88.

Faults:

Engine.

The 307 in with roller lifters is fairly quiet, but doesn't seem to want to move the car.

Transmission.

The THM 200-4R was not built strong enough for such a heavy car and engine engine. Consequently, I'm on rebuild tranny number two.

Paint.

The gray metallic paint is rapidly fading and coming off on the hood, trunk lid, and roof.

General Comments:

Overall.

Pretty good, except the tranny; lack-luster performance, but comfortable and good headroom.

Driving.

Little understeer, barely any road feel, absorbs bumps well. Good drifting and predictable emergency handling. Most stable at 25-35 and 75-80 mph.

Interior.

Good headroom for front and back seat. Easily fits four tall and/or large adults.

Faults:

Starter replaced in 2000.

Water pump in 2000.

Radio went.

Windshield leaks.

Driver's seat only goes forward and back.

Passenger side rear window only opens from the driver's controls.

Blew the speakers in it, but other than that it's the greatest thing in the world.

General Comments:

Old Blue is the greatest car there is, it rides like a couch. You can really put 6 large people in there comfortably. It's the greatest, I love it. It may drink gas, but oh well, I've got a job.