1974 Buick LeSabre Luxus Sedan review from North America

Water pump.

Alternator.

Wiper motor.

When my Toyota Camry was reduced to nearly half its size by a drunkard in a Suburban, I needed a replacement: FAST. This car was parked under an oak tree and hadn't run in 6 years, and there were at least 3 sparrow nests in the hood and grille. When I heard the old 455 fire up on the first try, the word SOLD immediately crossed my lips as I wrote a check out for $800.

It's HUGE, has the turning radius of an ocean liner, and drinks gas at the rate of anywhere from 10 to 18 MPG, But it's turned out to be the most reliable car I've ever owned. It started out with some mechanical problems, but that's to be expected of a 23 year old car that sat for so long. I feel privileged to drive a car from the mid 70's that can ACTUALLY SEAT SIX ADULTS IN COMFORT, isn't rusted to hell yet and has a pretty maroon color, unlike the common puke-booger green and dog-turd brown of the 70's. People stay out of my way on the highway and don't mess with me, because I've got over 2 tons of solid steel surrounding me.

The car rides smoother than anything new on the road, and the monstrous 455 purrs like a kitten during normal driving but roars like a dinosaur when asked to. It buries the speedo needle at 120 MPH while sending the fuel gauge in the opposite direction almost as fast, and it still has a little more umph left to go.

The styling is kind of love it or hate it, and I've grown to love it. With gas at the average of $1.50 per gallon, I usually drive my more sensible 95 Accord, But I still love my beast and would never part with it!!!