1998 Buick LeSabre Limited review from North America
"A very nice car, but a mistake was made using a plastic intake"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
This seems to be a good car, but this 1998 model, and maybe other years for some reason, has a lower soft aluminum intake and a upper plastic one. The plastic one where the water goes through tends to bow up and lets the water into the motor oil, and then blows a head gasket which cost between 1200 to 2000 dollars to repair.
Could someone explain to me why anyone would put a plastic intake on a motor knowing that the water temperature reaches over 200 degrees and that heat will warp plastic?
The car is also not very aerodynamic and has a lot of wind noise.
This car is high priced new, but drops in value very fast.
General comments?
The 1998 Buick has fair power at take off, but tends to lose power at high speeds.
It does handle good, brakes well and gets excellent gas mileage.
Recommended Reviews:
  | 1998 - LeSabre Limited 3.8 6 cylinder Very good; should have been improved, not dropped. The LaCrosse is not a replacement. |
| Manufacturer should be liable for faulty parts |
All 1998 Buick LeSabre reviews
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | No |
| First year of ownership | 2001 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2004 |
| Engine and transmission | 3.8 V6 Automatic |
| Performance marks | 6/10 |
| Reliability marks | 7/10 |
| Comfort marks | 7/10 |
| Dealer Service marks | |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 5/10 |
| Distance when acquired | 45000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 71000 miles |
| Previous car | Pontiac Grand Prix |
| Date of Entry | 4th February, 2004 |