Faults:
The alternator makes a loud chugging sound.
Engine sometimes fails to stop when you turn off the ignition. It usually dies after a few seconds, but during cold weather it keeps running. The engine runs so low that the car rocks back and forth with every turn of the engine. I am going to fix this though.
Door locks do not work.
Radio was long dead and has been replaced.
Stock steering wheel was cracked in four different places.
Some other minor problems, like burnt out lights, loose panels, and a busted glove compartment were easily fixed with a few hours of work and a screwdriver.
General Comments:
Despite its few annoying mechanical problems, it is a very cool car to have.
It has very nice chrome mags, no noticeable rust and a very sporty look. Everyone I talked to said it was a very beautiful car.
If you can find an 83-85 Olds Cutlass in good shape mechanically with little or no rust, it is a good car to buy.
Be careful though, many people will give a very beat-up Cutlass a shiny paint job and try to sell it for $5000.
Make sure you test drive them a lot before you buy, because these cars can have a lot of problems that wouldn't be noticeable right away.
Performance is very good, I can leave all the traffic miles behind me. Good for passing on the highway.
It has very good headlights and brake lights.
It is an extremely comfortable car to drive in or ride in. I'm 6' tall and I can easily fit into the rear seats. All the seats are very soft, almost like a big recliner.
I also love the location of the gas filler. It is hidden behind the license plate, so you never have to park on a certain side of the gas pump. Also, if the gas filler is mounted on the side of a vehicle, it is one of the first places that start to rust.
"Burns Rubber" very well.
30th Oct 2001, 20:44
As I found out recently, the Chevy 305 means that it was made in Canada.
My car has the original stickers on the inside of the engine compartment, and it says that it is a 305 Chevy.
It looks exactly like a 307, only everything is on the opposite side of the vehicle. For example, the battery for a 307 cutlass would be on the left side, but on a 305 it is on the right side.