Owners' Stories

Buick 1998 Lasabre 160k miles EMISSIONS AZ Emissions +++ Emissions++++++++++ Arizona== Great used car but weird situation, it does not fail but it does not pass emissions. all lights on dash turn off after starting car so no problems according to car. inspections says: catalyst, EGR and evap system NOT READY and misfire, O2 sensor, ,heated O2, fuel system and component READY dealer says Do a drive cycle which means drive it for 100 miles or more for computer to give new results but after 700 miles driven , still the same results. if this happened to your car how did you fix the problem to make it pass emissions?

155,000 miles. Nice car, but maintenance costs are becoming prohibitively expensive. Synthetic oil has preserved the engine, it runs like new, transmission had to be replaced at 88,000. Suspension repair costs are astronomical. Now averaging about $2,000 year in replacing parts due to wear and tear. Tough automotive life in Washington Metro. Panel lights have also been going for years. AC compressor lasted just over three years, died one month after warranty expired, sunk $1200 into that repair. $3200 transmission replacement. $260 replacing rear window pulley. Over $1500 in various suspension components going bad throughout the life of the car. A virtual piggy bank for the dealership and mechanics, I should be given stock in their companies! Still, have enjoyed the car, and it has lasted 155,000 miles.

I have always thought Buicks and in general were a quality product. I am excited to have purchased a 98 Le Sabre today. It is a one owner and is immaculate. I cant believe my good fortune at finding it at a great price too. Only one hundred thousand miles and such classic details. Love the button push door handles. So I am over the moon and will be babying this gem for a bunch more years. Anne in Indianapolis

This has been a great car. Bought it in 2001. No major problems other than rotine maintenance. Just had it checked at my garage. Paid $69 for used car safety check to make sure everything was OK. I needed a serpentine belt replaced ($260) and that was it. Looks like I'll be driving this car for awhile longer.

when i start the car it runs for 30-45mins then stalls. after about 30-60 mins later it will start back up a run. i have changed all kind of parts out and now it will start then stall. i have put code reader on it b4 i changed parts and it still reads code 41. PLEASE HELP ME IM SPENDING MONEY

I love this car drives and rides great,but had to put a front wheel bearing on at about 42,000 (they consider this a normal wear item)and the other did not go out till 177,000(178,000 present mileage ) a lot of dash,radio,heater control,and steering wheel lights went out at less than 64,000 both rear window drive tracks broke and the rear suspension compressor along with shocks before 140,000 The tires wore very well i have only bought 8 tires and have 7/8 tread on two and 3/4 tread on two. metal brake lines all had to be replaced by 178,000.

We have two 1997 Buick LeSabres, a Custom with 118,000 miles and a Limited with 126,000 miles. The Custom had the Intake Manifold/ Leaking antifreeze problem at 90,000 miles and leaking corroded brakelines at 115,000 miles. Both problems were corrected with replacement of affected parts. The Limited's brakelines were replaced after the Custom's brakelines failed. Both cars have considerable corrosion of exposed unprotected metal on the underside. The panel below the left side doors is corroded all of the way through on the Limited. A few days ago, the Limited's subframe rear mounting bolts let go because of subframe corrosion. Both sides let go with a bang and release of the large metal spacers, rolling around on the ground afterward. The subframe is separated about six to eight inches from normal, also allowing the engine to drop down. The rear end of the subframe is only two inches from the ground now. Luckily, this all happened as I was accelerating after stopping for a red light and not while traveling at higher speed. I was able to limp the car home afterward by driving at slow speed. After checking blogs concerning subframe separation, it is apparent this is not an isolated event. It does appear to be a problem in northern "rustbelt" states. It also appears that GM has not officially recognized the problem. At the relatively low mileage on both cars, the engine and drivetrain should go many more years, if the body and frame can keep up.

I bought my 2001 Buick Lesabre from a dealership in Boynton Beach,fl with one prior owner and 60,000 miles on it. I have had problems recently with the watrer pump seeming to leek xoolant from somewhere, replaced water pump and still loosing coolant. I was told by Pep Boys to use dex cool on my last oil change and since then I have had a jerking in my engine at start. i read a bit on dexcool causing these problems. Go to Consumeraffairs.com and it will show you all compaints on this product. Also always replacing my power window mechanisms, always breaking and very expensive!!! I also hear a grinding noise in my front wheel hub and it was diagnosed yesterday as a rusted front hub assembly. They told me i should replace both sides at $200 each! My gas gauge isnt working, it jumps up and down and i always have to fill it when it starts to bob. Estimate for that a whole new fuel pump and sensor attached (cost $700) I love my Buick but I am dissapointed if this Dexcool product is sabotaging my car :(

I think I need an oil sensor where do I locate it on the engine? The oil gauge goes almost to the red scared to drive it any idea if that may be the problem, also when I stop the car at lights it has been jerking when I go forward then it settles down.

mybe you can tell me how to get the window panels off for I can fix them myself other thin that I don't have that much the my car it's good on gas and everthing.

I would loke to know how long it would take to replace the intake manifold gaskets on my 1995 buick LeSabre?

Have a 2005 Buick Lasabre purchased new, oil changeed every 2-3 thousand miles. Last oil change notice the oil pressue would go to zero under hard accelartion. Slamming on the brake did not change, but after a few seconds the oil prussue would return to "normal" which is a stagger 130lb, which as been since new. I was wondering if this is an oil sending unit or a computer, or a oil pump, How do I check this out?

As long as you take care of this vehicle it is a nice vehicle to own. The only down fall is the quick rust on the bottom of car and high cost of maintenance.

after awhile of sitting my car runs an then cuts off after sitting.... it will start up only if i pull gas in the intake manifold.. can someone tell me what is the problem

THIS CARE IS NOT FOR COLLEGE STUDENT-NOT GOOD ON GAS-ELECTRIC SYSTEM NOT RELIABLE-FUSES CONSTANTLY BLOW OUT-AIR CONDITION STOP WORKING AFTER 75,0000 MILES,HAD TO REPLACE ALMOST EVERYTHING-WISH I BOUGHT A NEW CARE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Bought the car in 2006 as a Certified Used Car from a GM dealer. Had 24,000 miles on it. Great vehicle. I am on the road a lot each week averaging 30 - 40K yearly. The car rides like a dream and the Stabili-trak system has saved my bacon on more than one occasion. Still averages close to 30mpg hiway and 24 city. I have found that as long as you keep to the published maintenance schedule the car performs great. Vehicle now has 114,000 miles on it and runs great. There have been some cosmetic issues in the interior and on the dash. Many of the little lights in the radio and on the steering wheel are out and I need to replace the hinge on the center console. Also need to replace the stop on the ashtray. All these parts are dealer only and may wait a while for repair. Only major repairs I have made was the CV joints replaced at about 100,000 miles. Have changed the rotors and pads a couple of times - bu that is just use. Replaced battery at the 4 year point. Sorry to see this model taken off Buick's lineup.

when i stop at a stop sign the car takes a second to pick up speed like it is not getting enough gas. after i press the gas for a few seconds it picks up speed and ride good. wha is the problem?

Bought this model used with under 100,000 miles but in two years have had to put about $1400 in various repairs and still needs several hundred more dollars to bring back up to par. Constantly replacing brake pads and rotors, replaced suspension struts, replaced starter, just replaced engine intake gasket and a mass air flow sensor, lights on the dashboard are failing a bank at a time - and staying off, and now the A/C fan only works intermittently. Mechanic says the heavy wear on rear tires is because it needs a rear alignment! We hate this car, and if we still did not owe for it, would trade it for something else. Our first and last Buick. We had good success with several Oldsmobiles in the past, and expected that this car would be just as good -- wrong!

My Buick Lesabre is actually a 1989 and at present has 413,000 miles on it. Always had regular oil changes and transmission fluid changes. It was an outstanding car,great on highway road trips. Still has original transmission but has problems now,cannot complain with that mileage. Engine still strong and smooth,now car is used for short trips around town,no longer reliable for extended trips. I would buy another Buick without hesitation. Mechanics who have seen mileage on this car are amazed.

Bought my 95 Lesabre June of 2007 with 160,000 miles on it. It now has 272,000 miles. I replaced the water pump, a pulley and right wheel cylinder. It has been and is a very reliable car. I am impressed with the ride comfort and not afraid to put it on the road. The 3800 v6 engine is powerful and economical enough. Thank God for this car!

I HAVE HAD NO MAJOR PROBLEMS. I BOUGHT IT USED NEARLY 3 YEARS AGO WITH JUST OVER 30,000 MILES. I JUST REPLACED THE TIRES FOR THE FIRST TIME. IT IS ROOMY, COMFORTABLE AND FEELS SAFE. IT IS ATTRACTIVE (WHO CARES IF THEY SAY IT IS AN OLD PEOPLE'S CAR!)... AND IF I CAN FIND ANOTHER ONE LIKE IT I WOULD BUY IT AGAIN NEXT TIME. I LIVE IN CHICAGO AND PARK OUT OUT IN THE COLD AND IT ALWAYS STARTS. THE ONLY PROBLEM I EVER HAVE IS SOMETIMES THE INTERIOR LIGHTS NOT GOING OUT WHEN I TURN OFF THE ENGINE. I SOMETIMES HAVE TO PLAY WITH THE CONTROLS TO GET THE LIGHTS TO TURN OFF.

I have had my 2001 for 3 + years and I have 111K miles on it, the only flaw I have is the dashboarf has come loose and is bulging up in the center. makes it look terrible. done minimal maintenance above the regular PM ( oil changes) I liked the Buick (my first Buick ever) so well I bought a new 2009 lucern for my wife. we now have to geezermobuicks as the kids call them. my bext new car?----- a BUICK

I absolutely love my LeSabre. It now has 195,000 miles. I did need to replace the tranny at 70K and the dash is now separating at the windshield, but I love the roominess, comfort and great gas mileage. I would buy another in a heartbeat if they still made them!

i smell gas when the car is running with the AC is on

Excellent handling and ride. Quieter than any car I have ever been in. Mileage is between 22 and 28.

We bought this car Nov 2008 with 109,000 mi. We now have 154,336 mi on it (in Sept 2010). It has been a wonderful car. Great Ride, Roomie and Reliable. The only things I have done to this car is a new set of tires and at about 145,000 mi we had to do new rear shocks (about $216.00 for both installed). However, right now the Interior fan or Temperature Control Module for the Heating and AC is failing (but just started 2 days ago). This will be the first unexpected repair we've had with this car. I am planning to drive this car another year or two! Would highly recommend this car to anyone who can deal with the "Grandma Car" exterior.

Good comfortable car. Fuel economy is good for vehicle's size, and engine power is also good. Suspension needed replacement after a 100k, and other normal wear and tear items. I do not trust the transmission though, has needed some repair and has some noise, belive to be a bearing going. I do like that the vehicle is easy to work on, plenty of room under the hood.

Bought my 95 lesabre limited about a year ago. Great car, comfortable ride and excellent highway mileage. Have done some basic routine work to it so far. Bought it with a snapped front sway bar which I guess is fairly common. Engine runs great at 170k. Struts are shot and looking at replacing them. Wondering if anyone knows what kind of struts the car has? Are they air or what?

I got my Buick used in 2006. It's an 05. I love my car. It runs very smooth and great on long trips. Really haven't had any problems with replacing anything except for now. The lower intake manifold gasket needs to be replaced and the transmission fluid is leaking. Other than that everything runs great.

I bought the car with 92,000 miles on it in 2005. I now have over 300,000 miles on it and intend on driving it until the wheels come off. I have encountered small problems, as expected with this high mileage. I have replaced the radiator, fuel filter, water pump, leak around intake manifold (which I understand was a defect and happens to all 3.8 litres after 60,000 miles) and have only serviced the transmission twice since buying it. All-in-all this is one of the best cars I have owned. My previous car was a 1990 Olds Ninety-Eight and it was the cream of the crop. Lost the car in 2005 with 235,000 miles on it (would not start in the cold weather and to fix it would cost more than the care was worth! Too Bad:) I would recommend a Buick to anyone who wants a Cadillac ride at a Volkswagen price. I hope this review don't jinx my ride!

my old boss has a 99 lesabre and i used to drive that back and forth to work now i dont work with him no more i had to buy one i have had alot of cars in my life and i'll never go back i'll run this tell it blows then i'll just buy another one so if would need to relax while u drive get a buick

love this car except for the rust problems

I bought this car used in 2007 with 96000 miles, it now has 188000 on it now. I have driven it to Las Vagas twice. The milage I got was on average was 28mpg. The only major part Ihad to replace was the starter motor, and that was last winter. I have no problem starting in the winter, I live in Mn. I leave the car outside. I use a synthetic oil, mobile one. I have owned many cars in my life,and this buick is by far the best I have ever owned.

purchased new in 96, has 198,000 has given excellent service, replaced trans with factory rebuilt at 100,000 miles due to faulty torque converter, acting up again now, GM should be embarrased about the electrical problem, no excuse for them. but I love the car and will buy another .

My wife's ride. Now has 120K. 30 to 35 mpg on hwy. Very smooth ride. Front struts are starting to go. Never had a window problem. Still does not use oil. Had the same 3.8 engine in my 85 and never had a problem. Have the trans serviced (oil-filter) every 36K. So far, so good.

I bought my 1993 a couple of years ago because my father has owned one for years and it has been a great car. I was lucky enough to find one with 74,000 miles on it. I have been very pleased with the car. It's still running strong and does wonderful in snowy weather.

WHAT HAPPENED to this car? We have owned nothing but Buick LeSabres and have loved 'em all. THIS car is just a pile of junk. It's a never ending HOLE in which to throw your money. Perhaps you make too much money and wish to just throw it away so as to avoid needy relatives and their constant begging? Then THIS would be the car to buy. Transmission went out the day after we bought it then began the onslaught of NEVER ENDING electrical components that needed to be replaced. One module after another. On average, (and we saved every repair slip to prove it) we have spent just over one THOUSAND dollars PER YEAR each year we have owned this car!! NOT HAPPY. GM would do well to have the IRS create this as a tax shelter because it definitely is a losing proposition. When I look at photos of this car I get sick to my stomach. SHAME ON GM. You are making millions on the backs of hard working people who only wanted a decent car to get back and forth to work in.

I own a 2003 Buick LeSabre. This has been a great car except for the electric window regulators. I have replaced all 4 windows over time and now I am replacing one of them for the second time. I have been doing my own repairs after the first one. If I had them all repaired at the dealer it would have cost me over $2000 by this time. There are some real poor designs in these regulators. The materials are very poorly designed. I would be very apprehensive to buy another Buick. The problem with our manufacturers is that they know that they have a problem early on during the release of a new model, but they continue to ship them until the model end.

Our 2001 LeSabre Has 40K miles. The power windows are a constant problem with the faulty accuators breaking all the time. Also, the gas gauge quit working ages ago and just reads full all the time. The front end makes a grinding noise, not the brake pads, I assure you. And, last but not least, the engine has started dying without any warning at any given moment. It will start again, but it can take between 1-10 minutes. I like Buicks and this Lesabre looks and rides fine and has alot of great standard features for creature comfort, but, with all these problems it leaves me doubting Buicks reliability and the decision to buy this one.

purchased mine used from f & t motors at 76,000 in shop time after time trans just went now spent 5000 in 15 months on repairs and in shop now again shame on gm

I was given a 1993 Buick LeSabre,The car drives and handles really nice,great on gas..One problem about this car is that sometimes it will start and sometimes it won't..I am looking into this problem,and i guess from what people have told me this is a common issue with this type of car...

I love this car. Beautiful. We have had problems. Blown Head Gasket and we are now having rough shifting gears and anticipate a transmission issue. Still love this car!!! 111,000 miles 7/24/2010

great car !!!!!!!!!! love it.

I have a 95 buick lesabre bought it used 5 years ago with 50,000 miles on it. After reading all the great reviews on the car decided to buy it. BAD MISTAKE. My car now has 93,000 miles and in the past 5 years I have put more into the car than I paid for it. I have put almost $3,000 in repair. The car looks like it is in mint condition beautiful looking car but I can not trust it.You name it, it has broke on ly car. Just got my car tuned up and drove it 160 miles before the power steering pump went out. Beofre that the computer,fuel pump,gas tank,alternator,brake lines and brakes,fuel pump,the list goes on and on. The cars sound great so sad because when my car runs good I love it! Just a lemon I guess I baby the heck out f it and still everything brakes.

I really don't care about any of the features. I was just in an accident today in my '94 lesabre and came away with barely a dent, the other car was totalled, and everyone came out just fine. I love my car, even though it may be dinosaur like at some points I really don't give a jizz because it saved mine and two other lives today. Dinosaur lover

All the lights in steering wheel don't work and the car is hard to stop at high speed. The heating and air is a poor design

Great Car. Quiet ride, 30mpg on the highway. The transmission went out at 28,000 miles though. All in all a great automobile!

I've never had a car with so many creaks and sqeaks.Obviously things are loosening up and causing noises. Also loud wind noise Very diappointed with all the noise in the passenger compartment

great car....

The gas gage stoped working but thats it other than that awsome car!

LOVE THIS CAR

Bought used 4 years ago. No problems other than the two front half drive shafts needed new boots, so changed out for new units. Usual brake replacement. 95,000 miles. GM screwed up big time when they stopped making these full sized cars. Never less than 20-24mpg around town/mixed and 27-32+mpg on trips. No lead foot stuff. Fourth Buick LeSabre since 1996. Wish I could get a 2010....

Very nice car but the bad mileage is TOURIBLE! I bought it from 5 days ago. very helpful and comfortable car like a boat! But I didn't know what the 10 mpg caused by? It chocked me!

I love cars made by Buick. I have owned my Baby for 4 year. This year is the first that I have had a repair cost other than brakes, and a tune-ups. My first was the Century. When you are from a cold place like Chicago, the heat in this car is EXCELLENT. I would recommend this car over others that I have owned in the past and present. For example, Ford Explore, Dodge Caravan and Dynasty.

with 150,000 miles all Ive had to replace is my master cyl. and my power steering pump. It has been a very good car. Reached 26 mpg on roadtrip lastr summer.

we're having trouble with a fast idle.it idles at 30mph i can take my foot off the gas and drive along idiling at 30mph.whats going on?

good car

I bought this April of 2009, I have bought it from a person in Ohio, I was worried about it passing Pennsylvania emmisions, because it has never been tested before. Well, once I replaced the muffler and tail pipe it passed just fine. The car rides great, gas mileage is great better than the Ford Tempo that we have. I would like to purchase a newer LeSabre. I would reccommend this car to anyone looking for a good car.

I LOVE THE AIR CONDITIONING & HEATING AND I LOVE THE ENGINE I LOVE EVERYTHING. YOU DID A VERY GOOD CAR

power window units front and rear had to be replaced, not under warranty. 2001 LeSabre Custom only 68,000 miles transmission problems, no reverse happened thhis date 7/10 09

my buick is the best car that I ever owned. I like the way it rides,and handles. I get very good gas mileage I get about 24 miles in the city,and about 32 to 34 on the highway.

A headache.

I bought this car as a used company fleet car in 2005. I always get over 26 MPG in city driving, better than any of my friends! Remember Savannah is on the Atlantic Ocean, so it is very flat terrain here. I am fanatic about the oil changes & tire rotation. Quiet and comfortable ride! My third Buick. Only little things have gone wrong, like the backseat cup holder fell off & I just now replaced the brake pads. Good car & carries 6 passengers comfortably. Wish it had a "pass through" from the backseat to the trunk however. What's a drive train?

This is by far the best car my wife and I have owned. The car has 134000 miles and has only had tires replaced once and regular maintainence completed by a certified mechanic. The car delivers the best ride and gas millage for a large car on the market. You can't go wrong with this car. The ownership cost is low.

The Big "B" is not driven often, however it has held up well considering most of the miles driven have been short trips.

Great engine. Electrical gets a little touch and go as the car ages. Hate all the gaps and joints in the body - lots of places for water to run and debris to accumulate = rust problems

I hate that you cannot select any options on the heater/ac. I like warm feet!

I've had my 1990 Lesabre for almost 4 years and drive it daily. It has been very reliable. The odometer broke at 129k and I've replaced brakes, battery, radiator, water pump, front axle. Parts are inexpensive gets 22 miles per gallon on average.

THIS HAS BEEN A PRETTY RELIABLE VEHICLE. THE ONLY PROBLEMS I'VE HAD ARE THE CENTER ARM REST BOLTS BROKE. THE ALTERNATOR WENT OUT AND THE BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER LEAKED. CAR DRIVES FINE AND IS VERY COMFORTABLE.

This car is 11 years old and everything is still working perfectly except for the left turn return. It is a very comfortable car - the only thing that I could wish for is better insulation - the road noise is more than it should be in a car of this quality. I get 28-29 mpg.

This is my first Buick. Excellent road car. No problems in 65,000 miles. Very comfortable. Drive is smooth, quiet, and car performs effortlessly. Gas mileage ranges from 27-31 on the road and about 20 in town. Will buy another Buick.

Very comfortable ride, classy looking car. I get 26-31 MPG.

Great car!