1988 Buick LeSabre Estate Wagon 5.0 gas V8

Summary:

A wonderful blend of large size, comfort and economy

Faults:

Alternator, which took battery with it in Phoenix in July. Understandable.

Water pump, upon return from 3000 mile tip to Phoenix towing a car. Also understandable.

Rear lift motor to power driver's seat not functioning. Don't really need it.

Cruise control does not work. Have had part of it replaced, but after $250 and being told next item to replace will be additional $300, decided cruise was not that necessary.

General Comments:

Car was purchased as a family hauler and tow vehicle. Performs the former extremely well, but has trouble with the latter.

5.0 liter V-8 is adequate for power, but as the vehicle was built during the 55 mph days, it does not respond well at 70-75. Towing another car further limits it. If car is operated at 60 mph, power is good, as well as handling, and gas mileage is about 20 mpg.

Extremely comfortable. Third seat allows for eight passengers, and it holds that number with great ease.

Ride is very smooth, even on the most punishing roads. Turning radius is amazing. Air conditioning will keep you cool, even in Arizona July afternoons.

Overall I would say this is an excellent choice for the family. Plenty of comfortable room, adequate power, as well as decent gas mileage for its size. Should handle a small travel trailer or boat will good results.

A true Queen Family Truckster.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 12th August, 2004

1988 Buick LeSabre Custom 3.8L V6

Summary:

A smart buy for a beginner that wants a little power, without the price!

Faults:

In April of 2003, I replaced the front brake pads.

In May of 2003, I replace the windshield wiper blades.

General Comments:

This car looks like an old pappy or granny car. However, don't let the looks fool you. I is a super fast car that really doesn't look all that bad.

It handles wonderfully!

The column shifter hits my knee if I go into a lower gear than Over-Drive. That's the only thing I really hate.

The doors are so long and so heavy.

The seats are so comfortable!

Even at 119,000 miles it still get around 21-22 miles per gallon. (That's on Mountainous Roads)

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 1st July, 2003

1988 Buick LeSabre t-type 3.8

Summary:

Incredibly dependable, inexpensive and great looks

Faults:

Alternator failed at around 80k.

Wheel bearing assembly became incredibly noisy recently and had to be replaced.

A/C pump failed and I replaced the entire system with updated components.

Spoiler has been replaced and is warping again.

Door panel brackets broke, but were easily fixed.

Drivers side window pivot bracket failed. Less than $5.00 to fix.

Harmonic balancer failed around 80k and that was the only dealer service I have had to have performed.

General Comments:

My late father-in-law bought it new, which was a shock since he had leaned toward Ford Crown Victorias and similar vehicles.

He had very little trouble with the car.

After he passed away I took the car in lieu of it's retail value in inheritance.

It still runs like it always did... very fast.

It has never left anyone stranded.

The paint is original and with the exception of one mirror has no fading or peeling.

It is the 2nd best car I own for gas mileage. No. 1 is my 300ZX.

The parts have always been reasonable, readily available and the labor involved has usually been easier than many I have worked on. Case in point: 300ZX.

The (leather) interior has held up extremely well considering the age of the car.

This fact lead me to spec leather interior on a new vehicle I just purchased for my wife.

I like the styling of the car better than all the "look alike" vehicles on the road today.

Most people are very surprised to find out it is 15 years old.

Though listed retail value is less than $2000 there is a ground swell of Buick fans who realize the t-type model is very rare. I have only seen 3 in real life since 1988.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 9th April, 2003

5th Mar 2004, 22:43

I JUST GOT ONE I could not be happier.

6th Mar 2005, 01:36

I have owned a 1988 LeSabre T-Type for 5 years now. When I bought it it had 110,000km/68,000 miles on it. It now has 235,000km/146,000 miles. It is Silver with black trim and interior. It's been a priviledge and a treat to own and I have no intention of selling it. It has been a low maintenance, economical car to operate and a treat to drive. I am third owner and have all the bills from the original owner and the owner I purchased it from. The car was $28,000.00 Can when it was new. It gets driven year round and is very reliable even in -40 degree weather in the dead of our Canadian winter. I have kept it original. The front scoop has been a constant concern and the power windows are slow, but other than that I have no complaints. Only compliments.

16th Feb 2006, 23:28

I owned a 1988 LeSabre T-Type bought brand new in 88. I LOVED that car. Comfortable, never any problems. It was rare, I only have seen a half dozen or so since that purchase. One of the guys at the gym I worked out at bought one after seeing mine. Great car!