Exactly what defines a classic? If you were to pose that question to a group of enthusiasts, you would undoubtedly receive answers combining a range of different attributes. The 1986 Oldsmobile Cutlass Ciera may not instantly spring to mind, but this one is pretty special. It is an unmolested survivor, but two things help it to stand out. The first is its odometer reading of 14,093 genuine miles. The other is its asking price of $5,950. That makes it undeniably affordable, and I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Dennis H for spotting this beauty. The seller has listed the Olds here on Facebook Marketplace in Bristol, Connecticut.
Oldsmobile introduced the Cutlass Ciera to its model range in 1982, offering buyers the choice of three body styles during its production run. The first owner of this 1986 example selected the 2-door Coupe variant finished in Silver. The car is a genuine survivor with no apparent cosmetic or structural shortcomings. The paint shines, the panels are straight, and this gem is rust-free. The seller doesn’t mention restoration or repairs, and if the paint is original, the lack of chips and marks on the prone leading edge of the bumper suggests it has led a sheltered existence. The narrow whitewalls add a classy touch, and the glass is free from flaws.
This Ciera continues a recent trend of sellers failing to supply engine shots. However, we know that this car features an LE2 2.8-liter V6, a four-speed automatic transmission, and power assistance for the steering and brakes. The LE2 joined the Ciera party for a single year, bringing 112hp and 145 ft/lbs of torque to the table. Acceleration won’t be dazzling by any stretch of the imagination, but that doesn’t mean that we should immediately dismiss this Olds. It should be effortless to maneuver in heavy traffic and should cruise sedately at 70 on the open road. The final string to its bow is its fuel economy, which could be enough to convince people that this would be an effective daily driver. The seller claims that it has a genuine 14,093 miles on its odometer with no mention of verifying evidence. However, the lack of wear and tear across every aspect of this classic makes the claim plausible.
The positive vibes with this Ciera continue when we examine its interior. It combines cloth and vinyl in Blue, and there are no signs of wear or other problems on the seats or other upholstered surfaces. The carpet hasn’t faded and the dash and pad are excellent, suggesting this vehicle hasn’t experienced long-term UV exposure. It isn’t loaded with luxury appointments like power windows or cruise control, but potential buyers in warm locations will welcome the air conditioning.
This 1986 Oldsmobile Cutlass Ciera is definitely a cheap vehicle, and you will struggle to find another with such a low odometer reading. That begs the question of what its future may hold. Its overall condition suggests it has led a sheltered life, and some people may wish to continue that theme. However, its inherently low fuel economy may prompt others to view it as a daily driver. It has only been on the market for a week, but how quickly do you think it will find a new home?
Meh, so-so cars. All I remember about them is photos of junkyards in the 90s with stacks of these cars to the moon. The 2 door is a bit odd, most were granny’s 4 doors, not sure who would’ve bought this car new. Single HS art teacher? Secretary? Librarian? It was a total chick/throwaway car, and worked well, just after a few years, rust took its toll and they became part of that stack of cars I mentioned. I’d bet the farm, their next car was a Toyota.
How many acres are we talking Howard?
My parents bought one when the transmission in their AMC Hornet finally gave up the ghost after about a dozen years of otherwise trouble-free ownership. I don’t remember much about the Olds. It was a pretty unremarkable car but I don’t think it gave them much in the way of problems either.
I’m with you wondering who bought the 2-doors, rather than go smaller with a J- or N-body if they didn’t need the backseat anyway, or with a G-body Cutlass Supreme. Rental fleets who ordered assortments of everything is all I can think of.
It’s surprising they came out with the restyled coupe roofline in ’88(’89?) instead of discontinuing the 2-door A altogether to make way for the GM10s. Most of my FWD A memories are of the other end of the line, 3-row station wagons.
I agree they are so so cars, nothing exciting about them but they were decent transportation, Fleets bought a ton of these and ran the wheels off them. I have seen many well over 200k, between that and the afore mentioned rust issues up north you don’t see many around today. Classic? No, but still a nice conversation starter at you local cars & coffee.
These ran circles around the GM 10s sales wise. In fact HM was going to redesign the A body in 1996 because they were such strong sellers, but in GM’s .management infinite wisdom they canceled the program.
These were indeed popular for fleet buyers. Had a loaded ’86 Cutlass Ciera ES sedan (3.8L/150Hp) as a company car. Ran it some 90K miles before trading. Other than a mid-life faulty ignition switch and loss of 4th gear OD before trading, it was routine service, gas and go.
For the hunters amongst us, I bagged my first Whitetail Buck with a 3.8L Cutlass Ciera!
If you do the math on the mileage.. it could be a true ” grocery 🛒 getter “
Typical bread-and-butter car of its day, though being a 2-door with the Olds styled wheels, it looks a bit more interesting. Good shape yet inexpensive. Thanks Adam for writing it up.
Bottom line… if the ad is honest… There are a trillion people out there who would buy that nearly brand new car for 6K.
Having been on the market for a week at that price, my bet is that the engine compartment appearance doesn’t jive with a 14k mile vehicle. Also, does it not appear the headliner is falling and is being help up with tacks or buttons of some sort?
I’m a big fan of these old super low mileage, regular cars as daily rides. Beats buying a new car for the price and you have an almost new ride in terms of use.
On this one I stop at the 2.8, I’m out. Slow to the point of being dangerous and at the amount you’ll be revving it, not as fuel efficient as you think.
The later ones with the 3.1 were far better. I had one.
I absolutely do not agree.
I have personal experience, years ago, with an A-body powered by the Iron Duke 4.
There was zero problem keeping up with traffic, cruising on the highway.
My high school wheels. Same year, color, body style etc. Definitely a workhorse. Could carry 7 passengers 50 miles to rock concerts. Front floor compartment could easily hold 15 discarded Burger King bags. Cigarette burns blended well with gray upholstery. Could even off-road occasionally in a cornfield.
Had a crooked suspension from a previous crash so it pulled sideways and wore out a lot of tires, but she got me where I needed to go!
Always have my eye out, looking for an affordable daily driver, that is a little unique. I think this car fits that category.
I had a 1993 Ciera, silver with blue interior, that I drove until it wore out. They sure didn’t change much through the years, though mine had a 3.1 V6. I kept it until the motor started making ominous knocking noises about 200k miles in, so I called the hook and had it hauled away. They aren’t eye-catchers by any stretch, but were good transportation appliances.
I had one of these as a rental in 1986 for a week in Massachusetts, 2 dr., I was impressed by it and liked it very much, as at the time I was not a fan of front wheel drive cars, having driven Plymouth Reliant company cars. To drive back to NJ the rental had me switch cars to a Cutlass Supreme, which I hated! It rode terrible, very unimpressed. Wished I had the Ciera back.
Inherently low fuel economy?! On a 2.8 V6 front wheel drive unibody car? 28 – 30 mpg on the highway isn’t good enough for you? More like 21 o so around town. It’s not like it’s a rear wheel drive 71 Olds 98 or something.
I wish you weren’t so far from me
I can’t believe I’m saying this, but Fargo (“Tan Ciera! Tan Ciera!”) was on TV the other day, and I found myself searching for low-miles Cieras. I didn’t find this one, but maybe Adam had the same inspiration?
I’m pretty sure my dad rented one of these in the 80s for a family trip from PA to Virginia and we all were fairly impressed by it.
Fix the headliner and you’d be a hit at RadWood.
Finds like this kinda make me wish it was closer than the 2600 miles away so I could inspect in person and then decide if I needed another car in my driveway but 2600 miles is a long way to travel just to be disappointed. Hopefully it is as claimed and the new caretaker gets a decent ride.
Maybe not a remarkable car but a good honest performer nonetheless. These were redemption for the X-car debacle. Last year for the sealed beam headlamps. The 2.8 litre was not a screamer but did move along just fine. You will get used to the constant locking and unlocking of the torque converter on every rise in the road. Women loved the two door for easy access to the rear floor where they place their purse. I would buy it for the longer door to get in and out.
With the available 3.8L these cars really moved. I owned a ’92 with the 3300, but test drove an ’86 3.8L wagon and it was remarkably quick.
Too bad about the button-tufted headliner.