Nicely Equipped: 1986 Oldsmobile Cutlass Ciera SL Coupe
The sad fact of life is that as the 1980s progressed, cars became less expensive in real terms. As a result, many vehicles from that era were considered to be disposable items and were driven into the ground. Most of them then ended their days in a junkyard. While many people don’t consider cars from this era to be classics, there is no doubt that the day will come when this sentiment will change. History shows that this is a virtual inevitability. That’s where cars like this 1986 Oldsmobile Cutlass Ciera SL fit into the equation. It might not qualify as a full-blown classic today, but finding one as nice as this one appears to be is becoming quite difficult. This is a car that would seem to offer its next owner some pretty decent levels of luxury at a very affordable price. I have to say thank you to Barn Finder Charles R for referring this future classic through to us. It is located in Chicago, Illinois, and has been listed for sale here at cars.com. The owner is asking $3,500 for this clean Cutlass.
Finished in White, the Cutlass presents quite nicely. The panels are nice and straight, while all of the panel gaps appear to be tight and consistent for a car from the 1980s. It isn’t perfect, because it does have a couple of minor dings visible. Interestingly, these are on the outer corners of the front and back bumpers, suggesting some reasonably consistent misjudgment by the owner. The Cutlass wears a set of factory alloy wheels, and these seem to be in good condition. I can’t see any signs of significant pitting, staining, or curb strike. The 1980s also saw manufacturers beginning to shy away from chrome external trim in favor of color-coding. This vehicle features some of that with the bumpers, but there is still enough chrome present to break up all of that white. I suspect that this would have a far greater impact if the Cutlass was finished in a darker shade, but it still looks pretty good, and quite subtle.
The interior of the Olds is interesting because it is an area that seems to offer a number of contradictions. The rear seat looks like it has never been used, while the trim, carpet, and headliner, all seem to be in good condition. When we move into the front we start to find a few issues. The leather on the front seats actually looks quite dry and cracked, and this is particularly noticeable on the driver’s seat. I think that this might need the delicate touch of an expert to return it to its best. I’m also not sure what the deal is with the steering wheel, because, to be blunt, it looks dreadful. It appears as though someone has had the tendency to twist the cover while they’ve been driving, and this has done some real damage to not only the cover, but I suspect that the underlying foam has been twisted away from the steel rim itself. This could potentially be a problem because these are now quite hard to find in this color. It might mean doing the rounds of junkyards to find a replacement, or finding someone who can restore this wheel instead. From a 1980s perspective, the Cutlass does come nicely equipped. The new owner will receive air conditioning, power windows, power locks, a 6-way power driver’s seat, cruise control, a remote driver’s exterior mirror, a tilt wheel, and a very nice AM/FM radio/cassette player.
Under the hood of the Olds, we find the 2,838cc, 60º V6 engine, producing 112hp. This power finds its way to the road via the front wheels and a 3-speed automatic transmission. The vehicle also features power steering and power brakes. The owner isn’t forthcoming on how well the Cutlass runs and drives, but he does indicate that it has only covered a touch over 37,000 miles. Given the fact that the Ciera comes with a 5-digit odometer, there is always the chance that it has already rolled over, so this is something that would be worth checking. What I will say is that it is a shame that the vehicle isn’t fitted with the overdrive transmission, because while this doesn’t provide any real benefits in outright performance, it does provide a noticeable improvement in fuel economy.
There it is. This 1986 Oldsmobile Cutlass Ciera SL is a fairly clean and well-equipped car that does have a few issues. It isn’t particularly expensive, and in spite of the fact that they were built in significant numbers, they don’t come onto the market that often today. It probably doesn’t meet the criteria of being a true classic right now, but do you think that it will in the future?
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Comments
Very cool to see this survivor, especially in Chicago (where I live). 37K miles and have to imagine most of them NOT in the snow thus salt.
I had a 1990 4 door, can’t say anything bad. It was way better (daily driver wise) than the brand new 1980 Cutlass Supreme 4 door we had that became mine for a while in the mid-80’s when mom was done with it! She hated it too. 260 V8 = can’t get out of its own way! Pretty cool for $3500.
I worked for a GM dealer in the 90’s and we sold many Cutlass Ciera’s. This car looks nice, and it appears to have some of the GT options as well. These were okay cars, but nothing spectacular. The transmission/transaxle is the weak link in the chain on these, mostly torque converter issues. The price seems a little on the low side for the condition and mileage. If anyone is interested in this car, I would recommend a thorough road test. You want to make sure the torque converter is not disengaging/reengaging going down the road after the engine is at operating temperature.
Yep. Lockup converter solenoids fail and prevent the converter from unlocking. Lots of fun at a stop light when the trans won’t disengage. Just unplug the lockup solenoid and drive it without the lockup feature.
Nice Olds, I had an 84 4 door with the Buick 3.0, velour interior, engine was tired, so I put a new rebuild in it, served me well for several years. Not crazy about the 2.8, but if the mileage can be verified, should be a nice daily driver for someone. I also live in Chicago area, the winters would be rough on this, but if I bought it, it would be for daily use. Being a 2 door is a bonus, but just don’t see the collectibility in it. Fair price if it’s legit.
The 1980s cars were kind of love em or hate em. Improvements were in the early stages compared to the 70s. Fuel economy, drive ability, and fuel injection were making the scene by this point, and IMO interiors and luxury options were improving.
I always think of Fargo when I see these.
Lol, too bad it isn’t finished in Burnt Umber with some of that TruCoat sold by Jerry Lundegaard.
Probably an easy car to own that most wouldn’t want. Yet it is a car I love seeing at local shows more so than the usual variety. Is there a collector organization for this GM vintage/body type ?
There are several FACEBOOK groups (yes you can be on the anonymous side on FB):
Classic GM FWD Society
Oldsmobile Cutlass Ciera Coupe 2drs 82-91
Oldsmobile Cutlass Ciera
1985-1991 Pontiac Grand Am/Buick Skylark/Oldsmobile Calais Owners Group
I always liked these coups and the Buicks. The Celebrity and 6000 had an upright back glass that didn’t look as classy/sporty to me.
Now to “delicately” consider the shape of the front seats. I think this car was owned by what my Old Regular Baptist Granny would have lovingly said we’re “healthy” folks. If you had ever tried to escape this wonderful lady’s home without a sandwich in your belly and another in your pocket, you would then know how we stayed so healthy. This also creates more friction getting in and out also.
The steering wheel however looks like it could be a doctorate thesis for some soon to be Psychiatrist.
Guess where what you’re driving now will end up – a junkyard. People just don’t go into dealerships to buy a brand new car saying “Oh, this isn’t really worth anything long term, but here, take my money anyway.”
Grandparents on both sides had these, a wagon and two sedans, all 3 had a v6 with 4 speed automatic. They had a 1984, 1986 and 1987.
I’d like to have one.
There were classic cars produced in the ’80s. It’s just that they were made by BMW, Honda, Lamborghini, Porsche and Toyota. Certain variations of ’80s pony cars in low mileage, original condition make the grade too.
This Cutlass Ciera has a remarkably nice interior. My parents rented one of the first Chevy Celebrities in 1981 and I rented one of the last Buick Centuries in 1996. In between, I drove or rode in many a Cutlass Ciera or Pontiac 6000, including the International Series and the STE. I don’t remember any of them having an interior so inviting or luxurious.
I worked at an Oldsmobile dealer for many years and wrenched on many of these back in the day. The 3 speed 125 model transmission was pretty much bulletproof except for the occasional torque converter issue. But even that was a relatively easy fix. The steering wheel issue was a common problem due to heat causing the foam to liquefy and take on a gummy consistency so that’s not a sign of abuse. We didn’t see too many coupes as loaded as this one is. They were pretty decent cars for the time but that 2.8 v6 engine wasn’t the greatest. They had a lot of injector and idle air control valve issues and the rear brakes were horrendous. They were almost impossible to keep from blowing wheel cylinders and they locked up almost constantly. The very few they built with the Buick 3.8 engine were the best ones and they were way overpowered but were a little rocket with those engines if you could keep timing chains together.
I had two, an ’84 Cruiser wagon and an ’89 sedan. I really liked the wagon best but both were comfortable, dependable cars that didn’t cost me a dime in repairs while I had them. GM made a lot of these from 1982-1996, they were everywhere. This one is the more scarce 2-door and the condition looks really good for the money. Probably not a car to consider as an investment, but a nice daily driver on nice days. Plus, take it to a show every now and then. I’d certainly like to see one.
I want this car!!!!! I had an 86 4 door back in the 90s and it was sooooooo reliable. That is until it got stolen. A few days later it was back at my house in front. Steering column broken. I didn’t touch the car but called the police so they can get fingerprints. They caught the guy a few days later and the police offered to get my car detailed and a new column because the thief was wanted in a few counties. Thank you for your service fellow readers.
I suppose there is love after all. If seriously considering you may want to source a parts car BEFORE you purchase. This is if it is intended your driver.
Parts are going to be tough now and going forward. Due to the many trends in scrap to current low values we see now. Yards and scrap buyers are filled to capacity. Finding anything at the dealer would be a no go of coarse. What parts may have been out there at older dealers GM closed them in 2009
I stopped going to my local scrap yard when I saw a reasonably nice (from the ground anyway) 67 MG BGT complete with wire wheels picked up and crunched with grapple and put on top of a pile.Someone got about $80 bucks for that. Anything coming in is stacked and piled. Interesting every once in awhile a 50’s 60’s relic makes it’s way in. Vintage 1980’s are getting scarce.
Just keep it safe where it is at. In a used car showroom for us to look at.
AMCFAM, as far as parts are concerned for this car, ROCK AUTO my man, and very inexpensive compared to the brick and mortar stores. The more I look at this, the more I want it!!
My Man,Bob S OK the go to the Rock. Try to look up OEM body parts or trim. Say you broke a lens trying to change a light bulb.
They only sell what you would be able to get at Auto Zone. No trim or anything specific for this car. Only mechanical parts that will interchange with 15 other GM vehicles.
I still deal local. I can have next day. I don’t have to pay shipping and can return with no issues. I don’t mind paying extra. The very people I am purchasing from their jobs depend on it. I get free advice and can borrow their specialty tools.
When I am out of town and have an issue I can always find an AZ. I am thankful I still have that option for now.
I grew up in A-body wagons. Throughout the 80’s and 90’s my parents typically had 2 – an 85 Century, 88 Celebrity, and 92, 93, and 94 Cutlass Cruisers. Got my learners permit driving the ’94.
Whenever I see those slide-y HVAC controls, big rocker switch for headlights, and the chrome ashtray on the back of the front seats it brings me back to younger years.
I’d buy it and just drive it. I love older, unloved cars with low miles. Cheap transportation.
Just on looks I don’t really see how this model could ever become an agreed upon “classic.” It looks exactly as stated in the blurb: disposable. The boxy, ugly cars of the 80s to my mind could only be considered “classic” as in “classically ugly.” … But then again, some of today’s generation find the Datsun 120Y “attractive” and worthy of their money. That’s always going to be a $150 car to a 50 year old like me.
I love that roofline, it somehow makes me think of those wonderful early 50s GM hardtops.
As another commentor said, this would be a lot more desirable a car it it had the 3800 engine…and a 4 speed automatic transmission. But for the price you really can’t complain.
I had an 88 cruiser, was not a bad car at all. My father in law had a 2 door, but it was a bench seat car. They we’re always reliable for us.
Maybe a LS4 out of a Monte Carlo SS would fit in place of the anemic V6? That would be a riot to drive!
My mother had one similar to that one. Good driver.Traded. their car every 2 years.Iwas to tall to drive it.
What would be involved to drop a later model 4 speed auto when the the 3 speed fails?
When the 2.8 came out in 1979 with the 2 barrel carburetor it made the 112 hp. 7 years later and with the “multi point” (a big deal at the time) fuel injection and other improvements it made a whopping 135 hp. While not a tire shredder the car did weigh less then 3000 pounds so it was reasonable powered for the day. I had a sedan with the 3.8 V6 in it and that car was sleeper fast. Too bad the transmission is a 3 speed. For the extra money a 4 speed could have been had with the 2.8.