auto_editor

OK, so I found a 1990 version of my '89, in the same colors but with the top-shelf (1SC?) option package vs. my car's second-best. It's said to run great but is cosmetically suffering WAY more than mine.

I know the 1990s are the rarest as they're the last of the line, but I can't find a price guide that lists any kind of realistic values. Granted, free wouldn't be cheap enough for my wife (and with one Custom Cruiser already in the driveway I have no idea where I'd put it), but if I get a ballpark-estimate on what a tired but running 1990 is worth, maybe this one will find its way to me as well...

Thanks in advance,

Drew

jaunty75

1990 model year cars are "only" 20 years old, which means they're not really old enough to show up in most collector car guides.

The Old Cars Price Guide does occasionally (not every issue) list values for cars this new. The October 2010 issue shows the value of a 1990 Custom Cruiser in #4 condition (runs and drives but needs full restoration) at $1,500. In #3 condition ("car show condition," or a "20-footer"), it's just under $3,400. From your description of the '90, it certainly not a #3, but it may be more than a #4 if it's good mechanically but needs cosmetic restoration. So, what, $2,000? $2,500?


The NADA site shows a "low retail" price for this car of just under $2,000. In "average retail," it's $4,800, and at "high retail," it's about $6,300.

You have to look at the definitions of these terms at the NADA site. In short, "low retail" is for a daily driver-type car. Mechanically functional with the cosmetic details showing normal wear for a car of this age. Not considered a collector car.

"Average retail" is similar to OCPG #3. They call it a "20-footer," or a car that is a well-maintained original or an older restoration. "High retail" would be like OCPG #2, a completely restored car or an extremely well-maintained original. The OCPG's value for a #2 condition car is $5,250.

So the NADA values are a bit higher at each condition point, but putting the two together, it sounds like this '90 you're looking at is somewhere in the $2,000 to $3,000 range, at least if you go by these guides.

henryk8398

If it has the alloys, that's a bonus. For the Olds, 1990 only. They were fairly common on the Buick wagons. Needless to say, I'm obsessed with those wheels.

Pictures?

Based on your description, I would aim for retail "low" or less.

Griswold '90

I know I'm joining this thread very late, but I bought my 1990 CC back in April of 2010 for $1000 even. Mechanically, it was in excellent shape with only 84,*** original miles on it. Cosmetically, it was in fair shape but could certainly use a restoration. The Craigslist seller wanted $1500, but I referred him to the Kelley Blue Book value of $1200 (in excellent condition), so I was able to haggle him down to $1000 even. It was a rare find, and I hope to drive that car for many years to come. The best part was that the seller lived in my hometown, only 15 minutes away! It was too good of an opportunity to pass up.

henryk8398

Would love to see pictures!

Griswold '90

Will do. As long as the weather's decent tomorrow I'll get outside and take some pictures. "The Griswold" just rolled over 100,000 miles, but it's still got a lot of life left in it and I'd love to get it fully restored. Cosmetically, there are some rust spots that need to be attended to and the vinyl wood grain siding is peeling. Based on other threads I've seen on here about the wood siding, that is going to be a tough problem to tackle.

Griswold '90

Here are the pictures as promised. Enjoy!

jaunty75

It's a beauty! I especially like the light color. It makes a nice contrast to the dark woodgrain.

Griswold '90

A few more.......

Griswold '90

Okay, last time, I promise. What can I say? I love my Oldsmobile. Thanks, jaunty75. She's a little battered here and there, but I still love her to death.

jaunty75

No need to explain! As you can see, I, too, miss no opportunity to post pics of my car.

Griswold '90

henryk8398

Beautiful! Thanks for taking the time to post!

Griswold '90

Thanks, Henry. That's quite a ride you've got, yourself.