Oldsmobile models we see most
| Model | US model years | Worth knowing |
|---|---|---|
| Alero | 1999-2004 | The last Oldsmobile car in production, ending in April 2004; covered by GM ignition recall 14V400000. |
| Intrigue | 1998-2002 | 1998-1999 Intrigues with the 3.8 V6 are in GM's oil-on-exhaust fire recalls 09V116000 and 15V701000. |
| Aurora | 1995-1999, 2001-2003 | Its 4.0-liter V8 is related to Cadillac's Northstar; 1995-1997 cars had a cracking fuel rail recall (04V110000). |
| Bravada | 1991-1994, 1996-2004 | 1996-1997 Bravadas in Illinois and other salt states were recalled for upper ball joints that corrode (01V200000). |
| Silhouette | 1990-2004 | The 1997-2004 minivan used GM's 3.4-liter V6, an engine named in Dex-Cool intake gasket litigation. |
| Eighty-Eight | 1949-1999 | Oldsmobile's long-running full-size sedan; most late examples used the 3.8-liter V6. |
Known Oldsmobile problems that end up at the scrapyard
Key-ring ignition switch recall on Alero and Intrigue
GM's recall 14V400000 covers 1999-2004 Aleros and 1998-2002 Intrigues along with Grand Am, Grand Prix, Impala and Malibu models. Weight on the key ring or a jarring bump can move the ignition out of run, shutting off the engine so the airbags may not deploy. Until fixed, GM said to carry only the ignition key. Check whether yours was ever brought in for it. source
Intake gasket failures blamed on Dex-Cool coolant
Wikipedia's Dex-Cool article notes that litigation linked GM's long-life coolant to intake manifold gasket failures on 3.1 and 3.4-liter V6 engines like the one in the Silhouette and some Aleros. Class actions settled in Missouri in December 2007, and GM agreed in March 2008 to compensate owners in the other states. A coolant leak left alone can dilute the oil and ruin the engine. source
Corroded upper ball joints on 1996-1997 Bravada
Recall 01V200000 covers 1996-1997 Oldsmobile Bravada, GMC Jimmy and Chevrolet Blazer SUVs sold or registered in salt states, including Illinois. Corrosion can make the upper control arm ball joint fail, which can impair steering or collapse the front suspension. After nearly thirty Chicago winters, a Bravada that clunks over bumps should be towed rather than driven. source
Oldsmobile’s last chapter
GM announced in December 2000 that it would wind down Oldsmobile, and the last Alero was built in April 2004. When it closed, Oldsmobile was the oldest surviving American car brand. The final 500 Aleros, Auroras, Bravadas, Silhouettes and Intrigues wore special Final 500 badging and Dark Cherry Metallic paint.
Every Oldsmobile still on the road is now at least 22 years old, and they break in the ways GM cars of that era are known for. The 1999-2004 Alero and 1998-2002 Intrigue are in the same 2014 ignition switch recall as the Pontiac Grand Am and Chevrolet Impala. V6 engines filled with Dex-Cool coolant were the subject of intake gasket lawsuits. And the 1996-1997 Bravada had a salt-state recall for upper ball joints that rust and fail.
The Aurora is the outlier. Its 4.0-liter V8 is a smaller relative of Cadillac’s Northstar, and 1995-1997 cars were recalled because nylon tubing in the fuel rail could degrade, crack and leak fuel under the hood. An Aurora that smells of gasoline shouldn’t be started; we’ll tow it as is.
What we look at on an Oldsmobile
We ask whether it starts, whether the transmission engages, what the rust looks like on the rockers and subframe, and whether it’s complete with its catalytic converter and wheels. A Bravada or Silhouette carries more weight than an Alero. Parts sharing helps too, since an Alero is close kin to the Pontiac Grand Am and an Intrigue shares hardware with the Buick Regal and Pontiac Grand Prix of its time.
Titles for long-kept Oldsmobiles
If the car belonged to a parent or grandparent, the title may be lost or still in their name. Our guide on selling a junk car without a title in Illinois explains how that works. Tell us what you have when you call, and we’ll confirm which papers Illinois accepts before anyone comes out. Every other make we buy is on our brands page.
Selling a junk Oldsmobile: questions
Is a 20-year-old Oldsmobile worth more as a collector car?
A few are, such as a clean final-year car or a rare trim. Most Aleros, Intrigues and Silhouettes are simply used cars now, and one that doesn't run is usually worth more to a junk buyer than to a collector. If yours is unusual, mention it.
The Oldsmobile was my parent's car and I can't find the title. What now?
Start by telling us what papers you do have, such as an old registration, the estate paperwork or your parent's ID. Illinois rules decide which documents work for a scrap sale, and we'll go over the options on the call, including applying for a duplicate title.