1990 Oldsmobile 98 3.8L from North America

Summary:

Comfy; comfy comfy! Would buy another GM!

Faults:

General maintenance things; brakes; oil changes RELIGIOUSLY at every 4k; tires; spark plugs; and the like...

Recently drained the fluid, and changed transmission filter. Transmission is acting weird; I'll explain more in a bit.

One small issue is all the electronics in the door make it very heavy. According to a guy here in town who took apart my door for a window switch (if I remember correctly, haha) said it took about a half hour to tear it apart.

General Comments:

Car is very comfy; I have comments about how many of my buddies I can have in there, and how comfy it is (and roomy!). I had read online that the transmissions in the 3.8L Olds' weren't too reliable, but mine has performed well, minus a few issues...

When passing, I can put the accelerator to the floor - it takes about 2-3 seconds to respond. Also, shifting from P to D, it takes 2 seconds to shift into gear (and I notice, if I have my door open, a slight clicking-sound. Any help here?)

Other than that; everything is OK, I THINK I hear a small ticking in the engine, but I'm unsure if that's engine noise and I"m being paranoid, or an issue.

200,000 miles, and I put around 30-40,000 on the car. The only times it left me stranded was once when the fuel-filter was clogged, and when I run outta gas (typical dumb teenager move). My car may very well be another GM, seeing I have two GM vehicles that have both gone over 200,000 without major repairs during at least MY ownership of the vehicle.

For the Do-It-Your-Selfers; you gotta be a skinny S.O.B to fit under this car! Doing my oil-changes I have to put either side of the car on jack-stands (driver and passenger side, behind the front wheels... I have front wheel drive).

Also, considering my engine is sideways, and I have front-wheel drive, the spark plugs on the back of the engine block are difficult to reach. Also, to reach the oil filter conveniently, I had to remove some plastic from the wheel well. Easy to do oil changes, spark wires and plugs aren't a big deal, would hate to do any tranny work considering I'd probably have to pull the engine!

But we shall see what happens, I have considered trading in to get a lower-mileage car, but don't have the money or patience to deal with that at this time. Got more important things to worry about -- like College.

GO Beavers, and happy motoring!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 10th January, 2010

11th Jan 2010, 01:04

Actually while it is true transmissions are the weakest link in most cars, the one in the Olds 98/Delta 88 (same as in the Buick Park Avenue/LeSabre and many other GMs of the era) was one of the best - anyway one of the best front-wheel drive transmissions.

1990 Oldsmobile 98 Touring Sedan 3.8 Litre V6 from North America

Summary:

The Touring Sedan is a joy to drive and own, I am closing the deal on another one as I write this

Faults:

Replaced transmission with one from a salvage yard at 200000 miles - $295.00.

Replaced alternator at 325000 miles - $60.00 - parts store.

Replaced brake booster 2 times - once with new part - second time with rebuilt unit.

Drivers seat has hole in leather due to high usage.

Drivers side arm rest cracked away from bracket.

Headliner - missing in action.

CD player does not work.

General Comments:

The 1990 Oldsmobile 98 Touring Sedan represents everything good about quality American automobiles.

This car has a confident stance on the road from any angle.

The 16 inch aluminum wheels, paired with 225 60r16 Michelin x radials, will defeat any curve with stealth and stability.

This car has been super reliable with the only disappointment being from a dead battery now and then. Every time the key is turned, this car is ready... cannot say the same for our other vehicle, which was purchased new in 2001.

The complete repair costs over a 12 year period have been approximately $2500.00 - $3000.00... not bad for having driven over 239000 miles.

At 379500 miles this car will still cruise at 70+ MPH. Legal speeds only of course - smile, as though it rides on air.

The A/C blows super cold, and I drive anywhere and everywhere.

The engine has not been rebuilt or replaced. It is original.

The seats are ultra comfortable, and provide great support for long road trips.

The leather used is top notch, and outlasts that used in newer Jaguar, Lexus, Mercedes And BMW etc.

The sunroof is a REAL sunroof, not just a "pinhole" like those found on newer cars.

This could very well be one of the best cars General Motors ever built.

GM, please revisit the 1990 Oldsmobile Touring Sedan and build us 40 something year olds an alternative to the "import mania". Bring back the 3800 V6, tweak it for better gas mileage and horsepower of at least 215+. Build a family car with handling, style, comfort, leg room, performance and unparalleled reliability. Build us the 2013 Oldsmobile 98 Touring Sedan.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 6th October, 2009