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Has anyone come across a deep, glossy black ’89 Troféo out in the wild? I’d love to see photos if anyone owns one! Owning one with a red interior and the VIC would be a dream.
Not of the top of my head, but I am a fan of Motorweek going back forever, and the revised 1990 version they featured is quite the interesting car.
I much prefer the looks of the 1990-1992 when which the body was extended, other than cosmetics the 89 is essentially a match. With the spectacular 3800 engine and cool VIC system. Performance decent at the time. 0-60 in 9.1 and 1/4 mile in 17 flat at 81 mph. (virtually identical performance to the last RWD 442 ever in 1987)
Looks like $8000 gets you a helluva car, just one thing to keep in mind heavily optioned and 35 years old can make for challenging upkeep.
Yes the 90s versions of this car is very nice too. Although I prefer the digital dash of the 1986-1989 models. I think the VIC system fits much better in it as seen pictured above. I have yet to see an ‘89 version that was on the market with the VIC though. It seems nobody got the black exterior on the car as well which is odd cause it gives such a cool blade runner vibe. But I suppose this car was catered to a different audience.
Yes the 90s versions of this car is very nice too. Although I prefer the digital dash of the 1986-1989 models. I think the VIC system fits much better in it as seen pictured above. I have yet to see an ‘89 version that was on the market with the VIC though. It seems nobody got the black exterior on the car as well which is odd cause it gives such a cool blade runner vibe. But I suppose this car was catered to a different audience.
Agreed ! didn't notice that. The 90-92 configuration looks like two different eras forced together.
"It seems nobody got the black exterior on the car as well which is odd cause it gives such a cool blade runner vibe."
Always mind blowing to me how the best looking color for most if not all cars was hard to come by. Black paint on an old school Beetle doesn't make much sense... But on a Toronado, a model that was born and died always aspiring to be viewed through the lens of awe and elegance, why not. Not being common makes no sense. Black paint on a car is like a Tuxedo on a man. We can never look better...
P.S. also prefer the muscle era Camaro like shifter in the 89.
"It seems nobody got the black exterior on the car as well which is odd cause it gives such a cool blade runner vibe."
Always mind blowing to me how the best looking color for most if not all cars was hard to come by. Black paint on an old school Beetle doesn't make much sense... But on a Toronado, a model that was born and died always aspiring to be viewed through the lens of awe and elegance, why not. Not being common makes no sense. Black paint on a car is like a Tuxedo on a man. We can never look better...
P.S. also prefer the muscle era Camaro like shifter in the 89.
Yes! The 89 shifter is superior as well. I also prefer the 1986-1988 steering wheel as opposed to the 1989 and 90s version(although they did add buttons to it, they should of kept the center piece). This is the only black exterior one i see for sale: https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/7014478701944328/?ref=category_feed&referral_code=null&referral_story_type=post
86-88 steering wheel.
This is the only black exterior one i see for sale:
the seller seems like a real character. Car looks to be in nice shape, sounds and looks like its running well.
I am not well versed on these years or models. I am mainly a 64-88 RWD car guy. But the steering wheel you posted looks a lot like the G body 442 steering wheel.
At the same time keep in mind that thread is almost 20 years old. So VICs were already having issues 15 years down the line.
And of course Curbsides take.
"And like the Riviera, the Toronado received the Visual Information Center, or VIC. It was an impressive technological feat for GM at the time, but woe to the Toro, Eldo or Riv owner who had it conk out. Replacements were super expensive, and later simply unobtainable. Like many early adopters, the touch-screens used on these luxo coupes just weren’t perfected!" https://www.curbsideclassic.com/curb...-be-in-for-it/
Still a cool option and worth the challenge to the right owner...
At the same time keep in mind that thread is almost 20 years old. So VICs were already having issues 15 years down the line.
And of course Curbsides take.
"And like the Riviera, the Toronado received the Visual Information Center, or VIC. It was an impressive technological feat for GM at the time, but woe to the Toro, Eldo or Riv owner who had it conk out. Replacements were super expensive, and later simply unobtainable. Like many early adopters, the touch-screens used on these luxo coupes just weren’t perfected!" https://www.curbsideclassic.com/curb...-be-in-for-it/
Still a cool option and worth the challenge to the right owner...
The dealer was sketchy as heck though. It was like pulling teeth to see the car. I couldnt even driver it cause he has it packed in at the end of the lot. He also wouldnt budge on the price at all. He had it at 7,500 and just increased the price to 8,500! Car is in good shape but does need some work and I prefer a black exterior. Here are some pics of issues with the interior.
Exterior looks beautiful ! Their interior pics look good, your interior pics worry me... And again I feel the price in chunky...
Originally Posted by 1989Trofeo
The dealer was sketchy as heck though. It was like pulling teeth to see the car. I couldnt even driver it cause he has it packed in at the end of the lot. He also wouldnt budge on the price at all. He had it at 7,500 and just increased the price to 8,500! Car is in good shape but does need some work and I prefer a black exterior. Here are some pics of issues with the interior.
Ughh... although not being able to drive it is not a guaranteed bad thing... One of the best Oldsmobile's I ever bought I could not test drive. A 1971 98 with a 455, female owned she allowed everything but a test drive. She said the only way it leaves her yard is when I put cash in her hand. 1000 flat for a good shape well maintained 100,000 mile unabused driver (20 years ago). When I finally purchased and drove it out the yard it was all there ! I knew it was going to be, you just have those right vibes with great owners. Tires screamed on baby taps in an absolute tank, ear to ear smiles from then on. She was the quintessential perfect female owner. Older, serious, responsible, and on top of maintenance.
He had it at 7,500 and just increased the price to 8,500!
He bumped up the price because he received immediate interest... You could wait him out and potentially lose it, or make a move...
With regards to the color while always beautiful I am not a fan in the wanting department. I have had several with that deep dark Oldsmobile Burgundy. Tired of it. Its beautiful but blase... I mentioned this color in another thread recently. As likely being thee Oldsmobile color... Across different generations models platforms etc. Someone mentions they have an Olds there is a good chance it's burgundy, or at least that's what it feels like.
By the way the black one in Florida you posted apparently has been listed for a year ... And is sunroof optioned like this one. Which ads value to JD Powers assessment. The 3800 has a sterling reputation. This may be why they seem to be asking double the assumed value. At the same time this is one of the best reasons for you to buy the car as well.
Exterior looks beautiful ! Their interior pics look good, your interior pics worry me... And again I feel the price in chunky...
Ughh... although not being able to drive it is not a guaranteed bad thing... One of the best Oldsmobile's I ever bought I could not test drive. A 1971 98 with a 455, female owned she allowed everything but a test drive. She said the only way it leaves her yard is when I put cash in her hand. 1000 flat for a good shape well maintained 100,000 mile unabused driver (20 years ago). When I finally purchased and drove it out the yard it was all there ! I knew it was going to be, you just have those right vibes with great owners. Tires screamed on baby taps in an absolute tank, ear to ear smiles from then on. She was the quintessential perfect female owner. Older, serious, responsible, and on top of maintenance.
He had it at 7,500 and just increased the price to 8,500!
He bumped up the price because he received immediate interest... You could wait him out and potentially lose it, or make a move...
With regards to the color while always beautiful I am not a fan in the wanting department. I have had several with that deep dark Oldsmobile Burgundy. Tired of it. Its beautiful but blase... I mentioned this color in another thread recently. As likely being thee Oldsmobile color... Across different generations models platforms etc. Someone mentions they have an Olds there is a good chance it's burgundy, or at least that's what it feels like.
By the way the black one in Florida you posted apparently has been listed for a year ... And is sunroof optioned like this one. Which ads value to JD Powers assessment. The 3800 has a sterling reputation. This may be why they seem to be asking double the assumed value. At the same time this is one of the best reasons for you to buy the car as well.
Thanks. I have contacted the owner of the florida one. I might have it pre purchased inspected and then drive it down to new york myself. What do you think?
Thanks. I have contacted the owner of the florida one. I might have it pre purchased inspected and then drive it down to new york myself. What do you think?
I like it. That will help cut out a lot of uncertainty.
Double check condition as most pics are California plated. Once the inspection checks and a price is worked out, I think you will be a happy camper.
Sold. Did 1989 Trofeo buy it? If so, would really like to see this one at the Nationals, what a superb way to get there! IMHO you or whoever got it just acquired a heck of a nice car. Those exhaust outlets don't look original, might be something (noisy) was installed.
Last edited by BlueCalais79; Mar 16, 2025 at 12:39 PM.
Sold. Did 1989 Trofeo buy it? If so, would really like to see this one at the Nationals, what a superb way to get there!
if your referring to the one in Florida on Facebook Marketplace, Im in discussion with the seller now. Hes going to send me some pictures of the seats without the seat covers. He has those on because some of the leather is torn.
1989Trofeo, please dont forget about us. And just in case you are still on the fence about purchase. I think you will appreciate this vintage commercial I came across. With the beautiful Deborah Moore promoting Oldsmobile's best. Sir Roger Moore's daughter. And the VIC is highlighted.
1989Trofeo, please dont forget about us. And just in case you are still on the fence about purchase. I think you will appreciate this vintage commercial I came across. With the beautiful Deborah Moore promoting Oldsmobile's best. Sir Roger Moore's daughter. And the VIC is highlighted.
Hello 69CSHC! No I havent Forgot! I have since watched this commmerical countless times. Yes Deborah Moore is something else 😛. Lol. The seller is now on a trip for the whole month of April so I plan on getting it once he gets back in May.
UPDATE: i got the PPI done and there are issues with the radio and ac not working. Plus some oil leaks that need to be fixed. Here are messages im exchanging with him as i offered 5,000.
Pay him the $6,000 and get the car. It's a very nice car, and these don't grow on trees. You'll enjoy the car long after you've forgotten that you paid a little more than you wanted.
For another value perspective, here's the Old Cars Price Guide listing for the 1989 Toronado.
The numbers at the bottom are condition level with 6 being so far gone that it's only a parts car and 1 being over-restored trailer queen that is never driven.
Number 3 is "car show" condition and 4 is "runs and drives but needs complete restoration."
Your car is between 3 and 4, which means that, according to this guide, its value ranges between about $4,000 and about $8,500. From your perspective, $5,000 is a fair price, and it is. From his perspective, $6,000 is a fair price, and it is as well.
It would be great if you could compromise with him at $5,500, and you might tell him that's as high as you'll go and see what happens. If he refuses, he might come back to you in a month or two and agree to your offer if it's still valid and if he hasn't sold the car.
But if it were me, I'd just get the car and be done with it. As I said, it does seem to be the car you want, and you might be looking for a while before you find another one.
You don't have to fix the A/C tomorrow. Oil leaks are common on cars this old, and you can fix them over time depending on how bad they are. Etc. with anything else it needs. That's the fun of owning an old car. Fixing it up.
All fellow members have made great points, including yourself.
I would consider Jauntys classic car guide pricing over JD Power in this instance. JD to me is more for the everyday car buyer more so than specialty car buyer. And they serve as a good baseline. But not the bottom line for some of us. The current owner feels earnest. Nothing matters more to me when buying a used car from someone. If you really want her 5500 makes sense, even with current issues. After all the Trofeo is the culmination of the best of Oldsmobile's car building efforts.
Now the radio and AC issues could be a blessing in disguise if you really want to push forward with swapping in the VIC option. But its definitely going to add up...
All fellow members have made great points, including yourself.
I would consider Jauntys classic car guide pricing over JD Power in this instance. JD to me is more for the everyday car buyer more so than specialty car buyer. And they serve as a good baseline. But not the bottom line for some of us. The current owner feels earnest. Nothing matters more to me when buying a used car from someone. If you really want her 5500 makes sense, even with current issues. After all the Trofeo is the culmination of the best of Oldsmobile's car building efforts.
Now the radio and AC issues could be a blessing in disguise if you really want to push forward with swapping in the VIC option. But its definitely going to add up...
thats a good point of just swapping in a VIC instead of fixing the radio. The question is will it really work? I dont want to waste thousands of dollars trying to get a VIC only for it to be impossible to be done and the car would be ruined beyond repair.
I understand you very well in this department. I cut my Jaguar loose because of that. Options and longevity are not a match made in heaven.
As has been told, in the second hand market we must remember that even if we are buying a car for a fraction of its original price. We still have the repair and maintenance costs of its original price.
My Jag was 62k new but cost 10%
The Trofeo was 25k new but cost 20%
This was her behind the 69.
Even if you double the cost to you including initial repairs it's still worth it. But it has to be worth it you. Over the years I spent as much as I paid for the Jag to maintain the Jag. But after 160,000 miles, 50,000 of which I put on her, I said enough. Because now the repairs are going to add up to a few times what I initially paid for her. And it wasn't worth it to me. That's the final decision maker, how much you love and are attached to the car.
Meanwhile I spent 15 times the cost amount of my first car in upkeep and mods. Because I was emotionally attached to her, and she is the reason I am still here talking Oldsmobile almost 40 years on.
P.S. If you search both a 2003 S Type R and this Trofeo you will see that the Trofeo actually retained its value far better. And both are luxury vehicles. If you are going to throw money at a car I recommend domestic over import, always.
Last edited by 69CSHC; Apr 27, 2025 at 01:36 PM.
Reason: wording
UPDATE: I agreed to $6000 that comes with a spare air shock part, spare tire, and all the memorabilia. However I told him I would like to use Escorw.com for payment he is hesitant and rather me just cash app him. He also said I can drive it Florida to NY. I told him the PPI told me a different story. He thinks im lying. Hes looking into escrow now.
I understand you very well in this department. I cut my Jaguar loose because of that. Options and longevity are not a match made in heaven.
As has been told, in the second hand market we must remember that even if we are buying a car for a fraction of its original price. We still have the repair and maintenance costs of its original price.
My Jag was 62k new but cost 10%
The Trofeo was 25k new but cost 20%
This was her behind the 69.
Even if you double the cost to you including initial repairs it's still worth it. But it has to be worth it you. Over the years I spent as much as I paid for the Jag to maintain the Jag. But after 160,000 miles, 50,000 of which I put on her, I said enough. Because now the repairs are going to add up to a few times what I initially paid for her. And it wasn't worth it to me. That's the final decision maker, how much you love and are attached to the car.
Meanwhile I spent 15 times the cost amount of my first car in upkeep and mods. Because I was emotionally attached to her, and she is the reason I am still here talking Oldsmobile almost 40 years on.
P.S. If you search both a 2003 S Type R and this Trofeo you will see that the Trofeo actually retained its value far better. And both are luxury vehicles. If you are going to throw money at a car I recommend domestic over import, always.
thanks. I think it is easier to put money in a car you had since it was new. Its hard for me to tell if i want to keep sinking loads of money in it as I never drived an oldsmobile before and havent seen the car and whether its ok for me financially to do.
But the steering wheel you posted looks a lot like the G body 442 steering wheel.
Oldsmobile used that wheel with the SWC horn pad on the C, E and W body cars. The shroud on the wheel is interchangeable with the non SWC horn pad. That wheel was used on the A, C, H, E, J and N bodies. It also fits many other models back into the early 80s
Pay him the $6,000 and get the car. It's a very nice car, and these don't grow on trees. You'll enjoy the car long after you've forgotten that you paid a little more than you wanted.
For another value perspective, here's the Old Cars Price Guide listing for the 1989 Toronado.
The numbers at the bottom are condition level with 6 being so far gone that it's only a parts car and 1 being over-restored trailer queen that is never driven.
Number 3 is "car show" condition and 4 is "runs and drives but needs complete restoration."
Your car is between 3 and 4, which means that, according to this guide, its value ranges between about $4,000 and about $8,500. From your perspective, $5,000 is a fair price, and it is. From his perspective, $6,000 is a fair price, and it is as well.
It would be great if you could compromise with him at $5,500, and you might tell him that's as high as you'll go and see what happens. If he refuses, he might come back to you in a month or two and agree to your offer if it's still valid and if he hasn't sold the car.
But if it were me, I'd just get the car and be done with it. As I said, it does seem to be the car you want, and you might be looking for a while before you find another one.
You don't have to fix the A/C tomorrow. Oil leaks are common on cars this old, and you can fix them over time depending on how bad they are. Etc. with anything else it needs. That's the fun of owning an old car. Fixing it up.
Thanks fair point. We agreed to the deal. He’s throwing in a spare air shock part (which is supposedly super rare) and other spare parts.
Last edited by 1989Trofeo; Apr 29, 2025 at 04:18 PM.
Oldsmobile used that wheel with the SWC horn pad on the C, E and W body cars. The shroud on the wheel is interchangeable with the non SWC horn pad. That wheel was used on the A, C, H, E, J and N bodies. It also fits many other models back into the early 80s
Thank You.
Originally Posted by 1989Trofeo
UPDATE: I agreed to $6000 that comes with a spare air shock part, spare tire, and all the memorabilia. However I told him I would like to use Escorw.com for payment he is hesitant and rather me just cash app him. He also said I can drive it Florida to NY. I told him the PPI told me a different story. He thinks im lying. Hes looking into escrow now.
Nice, keep in mind there is technically and in reality. PPI may not recommend my 69 for overly long distance trips either. But I assure you I have complete confidence in my car as is. I know I could get in it as we speak and go cross country and back safely and without a concern in the world. The seller believes in his car.
Originally Posted by 1989Trofeo
Its hard for me to tell if i want to keep sinking loads of money in it as I never drived an oldsmobile before and havent seen the car and whether its ok for me financially to do.
I wish I knew enough about this model to put you at ease. But I don't. However looking into it across multiple pro and con threads, and customer experiences. It comes up reliable, comfortable, and with an outstanding engine, up to at least 240,000 miles. Double this Trofeos current mileage.
I'm excited for you just scrolled the facebook post, pics and video again, car looks great. And I think you can tell I have a clear penchant for black cars.
As I mentioned I am most familiar with 1964-1988 Olds. But I expect this Trofeo to be impressive. At its initial price point it was supposed to be. The 98, Oldsmobile's 2nd inline as far as luxury and quality cost 20% less. The price difference between the two models was so great you could buy another new car in 1989 with it.
This vid was just recommended to me. If you haven't already seen it, I think you will appreciate it. Spoiler alert... the uploader loves the car. He like yourself also prefers the 86-89 over the extended final iteration. If you want to cut to the chase go to the 6:00 minute mark and forward. Prior to that is mostly a history lesson. Also an extensive overview of the VIC in operation at the 8:00 minute mark.
One of my late uncles who was born in 1919 owned several great cars throughout his 100 years of life. His absolute favorite was a gold ‘88 Toronado. He liked the size, the features, and loved the 3800 V-6. He owned it for 20 years and over 200k miles.
35
the seller seems like a real character. Car looks to be in nice shape, sounds and looks like its running well.
