This 1988 Oldsmobile 88 is a clean ninth-generation model that has just 33,400 miles from new. It’s described as a one-owner new car trade-in, which is pretty remarkable considering how few of these are likely left in the original owner’s care. The Olds looks very clean inside and out, and this model year came with some subtle cosmetic improvements that gave it a more modern appearance, including the color-matched grill. While not hugely collectible, it’s a fine choice for a daily-friendly classic that won’t break the bank to own. Find the 88 here on eBay with bidding at $1,850 in a no reserve auction.
One of my favorite cosmetic tweaks of this era of the 88 are the taillights, which got the smoked treatment and created a distinct “L” shape. But even with the color matching and sleek tail lamps, the wire-look hubcaps brought you back to reality about the target demographic for comfort cruisers like this. The seller mentions that the paintwork maintains a showroom-quality finish with some minor blemishes in places that are typical for the age and mileage. To me, the most attractive feature of cars like this is it’s essentially like buying a brand-new 88, but they’re not so special that you’d feel bad adding some miles every year.
The interior is truly in time-warp condition, with the sharp burgundy upholstery showing next to no signs of wear. The door panels and center console are as mint as the seats. The one-owner had to have been exceedingly careful as a lot can happen in 30,000 miles, but not in this instance. An older owner seems likely, given who bought these cars new, and especially considering the fact that it’s a one-owner car. Not too many families or younger drivers would have kept an 88 for this long, but an older owner might. The seller notes that the air conditioning still blows cold and all power features are working as intended.
The venerable 3800 V6 did duty in the 88 and myriad other GM products, and one with such low mileage should still be fairly reliable for the foreseeable future. Cooling system, electrical, fuel, and brakes are all working as designed, along with other mechanical components. While not the most logical way to spend a few grand, this one won’t bite you too hard if any components fail given how many junkyard cars will have the spare part you need. Still, if you have to have one, a later-production sedan with the previously mentioned cosmetic tweaks seems like the one to buy. Thanks to Barn Finds reader Russel G. for the find – what do you think it will sell for?
The older I get, the younger this car seems. Nice find that shouldn’t be a wallet crusher. Maybe not ready for C&C, but it should get you to the show…
These were not bad cars at all. Didn’t like them at first compared to the previous RWD generation, but they were very practical for the time.
This is the kind of malaise era-car you can drive every day without getting in trouble or steal the attention of the people. It’s a very interesting product for the younger generations to have and use, instead of keeping your sole “true” classic car eternally in the garage. As most of the chromed beauties reached impossible values to buy today, to have a nice 1980s malaise sedan is a very smart choice. Cheap and reliable.
My sister had an ‘87 Delta 88 that she bought from a friend of mine. Sister drive it for at least 10 years, was surprisingly quick with the 3800 V6. Car lasted until ~2010 when the rot in the front subframe became too great to pass CT inspection. Great car, a lot for the money. Throw some black-painted 5-slot mag wheels and white letter tires, maybe a front car bra, and have fun!
Probably the most lackluster cars to come from Detroit. They were good cars, moved the people, but as interesting as a croquet match. Monster truck shows feature these cars almost exclusively, because there were just so many of them. As older folks die, these are coming out of the woodwork, or garages. One of the few FWD cars I’d drive.
With low mileage, a good daily driver for this price!
My aunt bought a brand new one in 1986. I still remember the crushed velour seats. I thought it was a mini
Cadillac except for the manual windows which this one also has. I agree the smoked tail light treatment adds a lot to the look of the car.
A very sophisticated chassis disguised in bodywork that looks like a “Shrinky-Dink” version of the 1977-1984 generation. I prefer the more confidently executed ’92-’99 version.
Crank up windows? Ill pass.
Exactly the kind of cars I buy for the family. Old, very-low miles that don’t attract attention. Cheap top buy, cheap to own. Drive it ’till it dies.
Nice to see crank windows on this beauty. The power windows of this vintage C/H bodies were troubleprone
Jeff, those are wheel covers, not hubcaps! Nice car though. I love the 3800.
My mother bought one new in 1990.. White with the simulated convertible top in blue with a blue interior. Overall, it was a nice car. She drove it until 2006, when I convinced her it was time to let it go.
If that 3800 V6 was taken care of, there’s another 300000 miles left in it with proper maintenance.
Beautifully Kept alright. Worth the money No PROBLEM.
Here in the northeast these are so few and far between that I wouldn’t hesitate bringing this to a car show.
To the editor of this article: there seems to be a Mismatching 33,400 One-Owner Miles: 1990 Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight for a 1988 Oldsmobile 88 This car is a 1990. Check email going out and the article itself. Thank you
I like how handy grandpa repaired the rear bumper rub strip
Oldsmobile, such a decent car for decent folks. Without Pontiac and Olds, why even bother.
Can’t help but think of this.
https://youtu.be/B2LLB9CGfLs
Shucks!! Sold before I could get into the bidding, for $3,850.00. I had a ’98 Olds Brogham with a 3.8 V6. It was a good car…until someone else hit me. I would really liked to have had it.
Center armrest, not a center console lol. Sorry for nitpicking, hope I don’t offend the author.
Yeah, a low mileage pre-rigormortise mobile. Dependable, economical, durable. I would drive it! A great daily driver!
These were prone to theft back in the day. Keep it garaged when it is parked.