1986 Buick LeSabre Reviews

Replaced a transmission @ 78,000 miles, due to adding slippery-5zero transmission enhancer to the fluid. The transmission did not like that.

Everything else is still doing OK. I wish America could put this type of quality into everything we build. I feel if we could have such proven quality and engineering today, this would help boost our American pride. Yeah, I know the rich boys are going to drive what they want anyway, and that's OK. Give us back the Old, but New Le Sabres.

I'm glad I had the chance to drive this car..

This is a perfect first car. Though the car was made before I was born, it runs better than expected. It's had its share of little problems, but it has been a dependable car all through my first year of college.

Though it has no air conditioning, needs a new clip for the window, and the back lock is broken, this car suits me just fine because I know it will run.

Intake manifold gasket leaked coolant when I purchased it.

Water pump replaced at about 52000 miles.

Fuel pump replaced at about 57000 miles.

Torque Converter to Clutch Solenoid (Overdrive Lockup) replaced at about 48000 miles.

Ignition coil replaced at about 66000 miles.

The things that have gone wrong with the car are things that typically fail with age. There was never a time since I've owned the car that I was left stranded. The car always gives warning signs if something is about to fail. I have always reached my destination. Another interesting aspect with this car is that it was converted for use as a hearse, where the rear of the vehicle was actually cut off and about 12 inches of framing and sheet metal was inserted, extending the overall length to almost 20ft.

Timing belt.

Water pump.

Computer is going.

Transmission is sliping.

Starter is locking up.

We have had this car for 8 years now. My brother bought in while he was in college. When he had it he got hit in the passenger side. It has 249,000 plus miles. She still gets 30 miles to the gallon. She shakes when you reach 70 miles per hour. Leaks no oil. Original transmission, but it slips. I would drive it anywhere in the United States. It really shows that if you treat them right they will do the same.

Transmission went shortly after purchasing it.

Only two windows work.

Shakes a little.

Ignition switch is bypassed to a button the previous owner rigged, but it always starts right up regardless of the weather.

I like this car. Other than the transmission going, it's excellent transportation. Those transmissions die in every GM car equipped with them.

I only paid $400 for it in the first place. The tranny slipped when I bought it, but it ran like a top, so I took a chance on it.

It's nicer than my 94 Century was in every respect except the paint. It's nicer looking, a lot more comfortable, doesn't smoke or burn any oil, and doesn't shake nearly as violently as the Century did.

The power window switches are bad, so the driver's side front window will not go down. I got it back up by popping the switch and shoving a screwdriver in there. After some sparks and smoke, it went back up. Curiously, the rear window starting working. Napa sells the switches, but they're 40 bucks and I'm a cheapskate.

The ignition switch is rigged to a push button. I don't really care as long as it starts.

I have $1,800 in it ($1300 in tranny). I guess that's no too bad. I could have paid $1800 for one and had the same problem.

For some reason it will not top 75 miles per hour. It goes fine at highway speeds, but something seems to be limiting the revs. Computer? It's not that important. It wasn't built to race, and plus I'm too poor to afford tickets.

I would recommend these cars, and would consider buying Delta 88 or Bonneville as well. They're well built, reliable, and a lot better than the FWD cars Ford or Chrysler were building. Aries? Taurus? Please.

I would have given it a higher rating for comfort, but I used to have an '86 Fleetwood Brougham D'elegance so I'm biased.

I have unusual taste in cars for a 23 year old. What can I say?

Grandpa cars rock.