1976 Buick LeSabre Custom 350 V8, Not Original Motor, used to be a 400 from North America

Summary:

A Big, Bad, Gas Sucking Beast

Faults:

The battery was completely drained when I bought the car, and I had to let it sit on the battery charger all day before it would even turn over. Then when I got it back to my house, it wouldn't start again, but I was able to find a battery for only $30. And I think there may be an electrical problem, the lights in the dash are all wacky and turn on and off when you touch different parts of the thing.

General Comments:

For being a '76, the body and interior are really well kept up. Besides a few minor rust spots and some tearing in the leather seats, it's a really nice car both inside and out.

But because of the engine size, the price for gas is bad and I put about $10 bucks in every 3 or 4 days.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 5th September, 2002

17th Jan 2012, 23:25

10 bucks every 2-3 days?! My Cavalier is lucky to last me 2 days on 10 bucks, let alone my beasty 455 Buick.

As for your electrical problem, it might be your instrument cluster itself, and you may want to replace it altogether.

In reply to 17th Jan 2012, 23:25

18th Jan 2012, 17:51

Notice this review was originally written in 2002 when gasoline was very reasonably priced, probably under $1.50/gallon. These days $10 buys close to 1/3 the gas it did then. Chances are the person who was complaining about the gas consumption then no longer has this car with gas prices at well over $3/gallon. Sadly that is the very reason we will probably never see real cars like the '76 LeSabre again.

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1976 Buick LeSabre Custom 350 (5.7) Buick from North America

Summary:

More useful than a Hummer and better looking too.

Faults:

The Transmission as a minor leak. I don't feel like fixing it though. I just have to add a quart every month or so.

The brakes failed due to a master cylinder leak. This resulted in my sister hitting a light pole at 15mph after coasting down a freeway overpass.

The car had minor body damage to the right-front quarter panel and the right-front door. The windshield was also cracked by the impact. Most modern cars would be totaled or not worth fixing by that kind of impact.

The last problem is due to the stupid mechanical choke that GM loved to put on their carburetors. This makes the car hard to start in the morning. Someday I will replace it with an electric one to solve this problem.

General Comments:

The car is a great hauler of people and cargo.

The suspension seems to be a little too soft for my tastes.

This car has the best looks and best performance of all full-size mid-70's sedans.

After the crash with the pole the police officer said it would run for another 30 years. I don't doubt it.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 7th July, 2002

13th Dec 2005, 16:40

I love my '76 Buick LeSabre Custom. It runs like a beauty and sure is wonderful to look at too. I'm only 19 years old and all my friends are always asking me why I don't sell it and get a new car, but all I ask them is, " how many cars do you see that look like yours and how many have you ever seen like mine?". They all have the same response too, "a lot and none". I guess they just don't understand the sentimental as well as profitable value of owning something so old and rare. I know that I'll never let my baby go, she just means way too much to me. I also don't think that I could stand seeing someone else driving it because I know they'll never be able to take care of it like I do. She gets her routine tune-ups, tire rotations, oil changes and everything else she needs right on time every time. She takes care of me on the road so why wouldn't I return the favor? Well, actually I see it as more of a pleasure than a favor. She doesn't get very good gas mileage in town, but on the highway she runs like a fart through silk...smooth. I hope who ever reads this enjoys it as much as I enjoy my ride. Thanks for taking the time.

1976 Buick LeSabre Custom 5.7 V8 350ci from North America

Summary:

Perfect example of the most solid, reliable construction of automobile the U.S. had to offer

Faults:

I put new valve cover gaskets on when I first got it. It also had a bad grommet around the PVC valve which was the wrong valve to begin with. The carburetor was the biggest problem. The accelerator switch burnt out and some other part fell off. Ended up replacing the whole carburetor.

General Comments:

Tons of interior room, it was like having two couches on wheels.

The 350 engine (the smaller one compared to the optional 455) was pretty powerful despite the size of the car.

A real head turner, no one around still had one of these classic sedans.

I hit a stone wall on an icy day going about 25mph and it didn't even leave a scratch, they don't make cars this solid anymore!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 13th April, 2002