Opinions about 1996 and 1999 Olds 88

I am thinking about buying either a used 1996 Olds 88 or 1999 Olds 88, and was wondering what people's opinions are of these models. I believe both cars are either base or LS trim.

In particular, what do you think of their mechanical reliability especially the engine (gasket leaks) and transmission?

What are the maintenance and repair costs like?

Is there a problem with price/availibility of parts given that both are discontinued model lines and GM's recent problems?

Thanks.

Parts are no issue for one, they are very similar in every respect, the intake manifold can be an issue with both, you must select by condition in this case.

I've got the 96 Olds LSS. I've been very please with it over the years. Its a nice car but I've had some problems with it. The worst issue was about 65k miles, the plentium (I think that was the name) had to be replaced. I was told that was a typical problem with the OLDs but GM would not do a recall on it. Now at 133k miles, I have a vibration problem that I can't seem to isolate. Other then these 2 major issues, all is good with this car. I would like to keep it a few more years and I'm very disappointed GM fazed out this model. This makes the 3rd Olds Delta 88 I've had.

So the repair costs on both Olds 88 models are not more than comparable domestics?

In terms of the intake manifold gasket, how serious of a problem is this, and how much does it usually cost to fix it?

What kind of gas mileage do you get on your Olds 88s, particularly in the city?

From my experience, the repair cost for the olds is no higher then other cars.

The whole intake, approx size 18"X8", (I believe it was referred to as the plentium) had to be replaced since it was made out of some sort of plastic so it was not just the gasket. I believe this was a flaw with this car. I had a repair shop do it and I believe it was around $550. This was probably 7 years back or so. And I'm reaching with my memory.

The car gets good gas mileage but I have not checked it recently. I've got a 95 Caddy and my preference is to drive the Olds because of the gas mileage. Although, now with my vibration problem, I will have to drive the Caddy on highway trips.