1985 Buick LeSabre Limited Collector's Edition 307 ci. gas from North America

Summary:

The best car overall that I have ever had the privilege of driving

Faults:

The transmission failed at 260,000 Km.

Windshield wipers were not always reliable. They should have been replaced.

Air conditioning stopped working at about 200,000 Km.

Auto-reverse on tape deck would stick. I replaced the whole stereo because it was annoying.

General Comments:

This car was very reliable considering how old it was and how badly I abused it.

It was above average for winter driving and it would start at temperatures bellow -40 degrees.

The paint was incredible. It had no rust when I had to get rid of it.

The car was reasonable on gas especially compared to other large cars. I could get 27 miles to the gallon on the highway.

My favorite feature of the car was that it was mediocre at accelerating but once over the speed of 65 MPH it was fast. I have surprised a few Honda Civics and the like with it.

The car was very comfortable and spacious for five people.

I was rear-ended four times (bumper was dented), had two fender benders with it and put it in the ditch while driving too fast and it was only dented slightly.

This car did everything at least reasonably well. It had ample power, comfort, fuel economy (if you behaved) and it looked good. It didn't corner well but it was not sloppy in the handling department. I recently drove a 1997 Buick LeSabre and I would not have traded it for the Buick I had.

If the safety inspection where I live were not so oppressive and if I could have afforded to get it inspected at the time I would still have it today.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 18th July, 2001

23rd Dec 2008, 09:44

I have a 1985 Buick Lesabre Collector's Edition and I love it!

The fact that this car is nearly 24 years old and still rides like new is very impressive. People tease me and say that I need to get rid of my "old man" car. I tell them I'd rather have this car than any new car. At times parts need to be replaced, but once that's done, the car more than serves its purpose!

19th Jan 2011, 23:27

I bought a 1985 Buick LeSabre 2-door Collectors edition about 8 months ago. It is all original with 100,000 miles on it.

It is very good shape except for the headliner and front bumper filler. Its 307 Olds runs as new and uses no oil. The valve covers have never been off, or anything else under the hood.

I have a 2007 Malibu that I never drive since I bought the Buick. The car is black with red interior and I love it so much I would never sell it. It gets 25 plus MPG highway and rides like you're on a cloud.

I wish they had never stopped making these cars because it makes all newer cars feel so cheap. If you ever find one for sale I would highly recommend buying it.

20th Jan 2011, 14:10

I used to own a 1985 Buick LeSabre as well. Sold it a while back to buy a truck, but missed it so much I bought a 1981 Pontiac Parisienne to replace it.

These cars are the definition of quality and reliability, nothing on the market today compares in ride quality.

I will always drive a V-8 rear wheel drive Chevy; they make driving a very enjoyable experience.

A lot of my friends have newer cars, but everyone always wants to ride in my land yacht; the soft, luxurious interior makes anyone feel like a VIP!

1985 Buick LeSabre from North America

Summary:

Custom; reliable, comfortable, powerful, but a gas guzzler

Faults:

Fuel pump was bad when I bought it.

Was smoking before I had the valve cover gasket put on.

New thermostat.

General Comments:

Great car for what I paid. $450 used. We started off on a bad note though because it kept cutting off at the weirdest times. It turned out it was the fuel pump. Once I fixed that have had no real problems. Runs great but just burns so much gas. For a family this car is so roomy and comfortable.

They don't make em like this anymore. Pure metal!! It can TAKE a hit. Someone hit me and their car was totaled and mine only got a broken tail light! LOL. My Bessie has truly been good to me.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 11th March, 2001

17th Jun 2001, 18:23

To the owner of the gas guzzler! Mainly the reason why it drinks to much fuel is that the carburetor needs adjustment.

I own 2 Buick Lesabre's 84 and 85, and these cars get great gas mileage, especially if you have overdrive. I am proud to own these cars and I am in the process of restoring the 85 completely because it is a collectors edition, Oh what fun I am going to have. :O)

1st Dec 2004, 21:55

Had an '84 Buick LeSabre and when it died, looked for another big car. Found an '85 LeSabre Collector's Edition, and jumped at it! Same thing, gas guzzler till I had the carb rebuilt. Now it's better than a lot of the new SUVs out there.

I'd like to do a full restore on it, but it's in very good condition, and really only needs a paint job and VERY little body work (just a front fender that needs a small dent pushed back out. Didn't even crease the paint!)