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Tom writes:
1998 Oldsmobile Achieva 4 Dr SL Sedan Review
ProsMy 1998 Olds Achieva has been quite durable and economical. Even with improvements in technology, I'd likely have to sacrifice mileage if I was going to trade up to a larger vehicle. ConsThe car seats 5, but the three in the rear seat have to be small or very friendly.
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Say Whatever You Want, But This Car Has Treated Me Well. — This car has been through a lot. I bought it in April 2000 with 41,000 miles. Now (mid-October 2011) it has over 226,000. My lifetime gas mileage in this car is 26.5 mpg with highway mileage regularly near or over 30 mpg. And I have the 3.1L 6-cylinder engine. If this car wasn't reliable, I wouldn't still be driving it. During the initial 4-year extended warranty, I had issues with the alternator and ABS brakes. The water pump went out in 2008. I put $1,400 into it last January after I had already passed 200k on the odometer for a lower intake gasket, lower control arms, brake rotors, and a fuel pressure regulator. (I'd rather spend that on a car I know than put it toward a new used car with unknown problems.) Otherwise it's been general wear and tear repairs including the serpentine belt, wheel bearings, etc. There are other minor issues with the power windows and rear speakers, but they may be as simple as cracked wires. The engine ticks, especially when it's cold. With the windows closed and radio turned up, I don't even notice....although sometimes I wonder if people walking down the road hear me coming. However, this noise has been present for most of the time I've owned the car, and it hasn't seemed to affect my mileage or driving performance, so I am not too concerned. Despite the age, mileage, and primary driving conditions (Minnesota), my car has very little visible rust. I saw the underbody while fixing a leak in the brake line, and that's a different story. The fold-down rear seats really help expand storage space. I have purchased 8-foot 2x4s and successfully closed the trunk lid with the boards inside. Visibility was an important factor when I bought this vehicle. But the spoiler was an added bonus since it gives this economical car a sportier look. Primary Use: Commuting to work |
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Chris writes:
1998 Oldsmobile Achieva 4 Dr SL Sedan Review
ProsFuel eff., good a/c, pwr locks, windows, steering, radio, CD pl., run for 175,000 mi Consperformance low, brakes wear out quickly, buying at this point may require a new battery,engine
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Review: '98 Olds Achieva — The car isnt one of the fastest ive seen, but its definitely fuel effeicent. it 0-60 in about 8.7 seconds and its got 32 mi/gal. use it every day, it costs about $2,200/yr to drive. It's horn sucks, but otherwise its a good first car to have. Overall, it could cost you to buy it at this point because you may require some new parts which will be diffievut to find because olds no longer manufacturers as of 2004, but get it running, and you'll be solid. |
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Daniel writes:
1998 Oldsmobile Achieva 4 Dr SL Sedan Review
ProsPower, Looks ConsProblems
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