1990 Oldsmobile Ciera Cutlass S 3.3 from North America
Summary:
I love my Olds Cutlass; GM made one hell of a car when they made this one
Faults:
Have replaced the oil pump, filter (regularly), water pump (1x), A/C condensor, blower motor, radiator, alternator, starter, transmission was replaced around 200,000 miles, head gasket, A/C compressor, and TPS sensor, and thinking O2 sensor is about to be replaced.
Last, the air filter is changed every time I change the oil, or around every 50k miles.
General Comments:
It has been a great car since it was given to me back in 2000 right before my 11th grade yr. of high school. Although the seats are starting to tear a little, and the rubber door moldings need to be replaced, but still have use.
The car is great, and I wouldn't trade it for nothing, and have turned down a couple offers for purchase of it.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 12th May, 2010
13th Aug 2010, 13:14
A quick search on a junkyard aggregating website has told me that the TH125 3-speed automatics can be bought used with 30-day to 6-month warranties for anywhere from $75 to $400. The TH440 4-speed automatics can be bought used with the same warranties for $150-$450. They are not expensive transmissions used, and they will go a long time before failure if treated reasonably.
But because these cars are front wheel drive, you can figure another $400-$800 for labor to install, depending on how greedy mechanics in your area are.
My 1990 Ciera has the 3300 engine and the TH125 transmission with 135K, and leaks ATF out the side cover. I plan to fix that, but the way the car drives, I do not expect to need transmission work until well past 200K miles. It does not shift any differently than these cars did new.
13th May 2010, 10:56
I agree these - and their siblings the Buick Century - are just about the cheapest, best value, reliable/durable used car deals out there. But I have to ask - how much does a transmission for one of these cost? Because even as much as I value and respect this type of car, I have to admit I would hesitate to spend much in a major repair for one with 200,000 miles on it.