1999 Buick LeSabre Custom review from North America
"A good car that keeps me humble!"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Was trouble free till I blew a head gasket on a long climb, and then cooked the block. That was at about 125000 K's.
Replaced with another 3.9 with only 18000 K's. New one is a Vortec, and get fantastic mileage. On a recent trip to Seattle, I got 37 MPG all freeway. On the way home, in not so much hurry, I got 39mpg. (ltrs/100 mean nothing to me) Around town, we are getting 27mpg.
Brakes needed to be done at 75000 K's and at 125000K's. More because it was getting close than actually needing it. The "traction control" is crap. I shut it off whenever I drive it, or it will hammer away.
General comments?
We inherited this car from Grandpa. My Father-in-law. He babied it, and took good care of it from new. It has been very trouble free.
Decent ride up front, but not too good in back seat. Suspension is soft and comfy, but has no road feel.
This car will cruise all day at 120 KPH, and get better mileage than your Honda or Toyota. It has been an excellent car for us and our 3 kids!! My daughter still calls it our gramppa car!!
Not sure why the head gasket went south, but that is what cooked (cracked) the block. The new motor though, is better than the last!! Better mileage, and about 25% more power.
Recommended reviews
| Shocked at how poorly rate this car is. It's been fantastic for me! |
|
| Never again |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| Model year | 1999 |
| Year of manufacture | 1999 |
| First year of ownership | 2003 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2009 |
| Engine and transmission | 3.9 Automatic |
| Performance marks | 7 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 8 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 6 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 8 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 93000 kilometres |
| Most recent distance | 135000 kilometres |
| Previous car | Oldsmobile Cutlass |
| Date of Entry | 19th June, 2009 |