1985 Buick LeSabre Collector's Edition review from North America
"If you're looking for V8 mileage, comfort, and reliability, the '77-'85 LeSabres are the ticket"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Electronic Climate Control light is always blinking, but A/C and heater still work fine.
Lockup on torque converter for overdrive is fudged up... Need to fix that soon. Trans is 2004-R.
Quadrajet carb needs a rebuild soon, and it's current state is really hurting my fuel mileage.
Wiper switch is finicky. All these electric or electronic parts like to go for a dump at least once in a lifetime. They are also very expensive and hard to find.
Like all other GM Mid '80's RWD's, the rear frame rails will eventually rot out. They're toast on my dad's '81 LeSabre. Oil sprays and car-washes are mandatory if you live in the rust belt.
General comments?
This car is totally comfy! If you position the power seats correctly, it feels like you're in a recliner! Lots of room, and did I mention comfy?
Electronic Climate Control (ECC) and all the power options make you feel like you own a car newer than what it is. ECC is a neat feature when it works properly.
The 307 Olds is a total dog. No horsepower and even less torque. That's why I'm contemplating the Buick 455 swap. It's fairly cheap to do and will make a nice sleeper. Plus, if you locate a Monte Carlo SS or Grand National 2004-R, it will bolt up to the 455! Big block and overdrive! Otherwise, the 307 is great for mileage and reliability when tuned correctly (a 2bbl carb will help mileage greatly).
Try and find a set of the 5 spoke road wheels. They really set the car off nicely. Also find a set of winter wheels/tires to keep the others clean.
Personally, I prefer the 4 door over the 2 door cars. They have a cleaner look, easier back seat accessibility, and don't have 3 ton doors.
Recommended reviews
| 1985 - LeSabre Limited Sedan 307 V8 (5.0 Liter) Strongly recommend it!!! |
| 1985 - LeSabre Limited Collector's Edition 5.0L V8 This car is an excellent set of wheels |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| Year of manufacture | 1985 |
| First year of ownership | 2002 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2003 |
| Engine and transmission | 307 Olds, Quadrajet 4bbl Automatic |
| Performance marks | 3 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 8 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 9 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 5 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 158000 kilometres |
| Most recent distance | 164000 kilometres |
| Previous car | Chrysler Windsor |
| Date of Entry | 4th February, 2003 |