1984 Buick LeSabre Custom Sedan review from North America
"Wimpy V6 + 2-ton car = TROUBLE"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Original engine failed (piston rings) at 140,000 miles.
Power window motor.
Radiator.
Heater/AC controls.
General comments?
Buicks early V6's leave a lot to be desired. Even though it had a 4-bbl carburator, it was quite slow and sluggish. It finally clunked out 8 months after I bought it, probably being tired from being underpowered and having to lug around a nearly 2-ton car for 15 years. I replaced it with a 403 Olds V8, which came out of a wrecked '78 Tornado that sat in my grandpa's garage for 14 years. The engine had only 56,000 miles when I installed it, and with a few minor tweaks, I turned it into a 270 HP powerhouse. This motor has enough torque to pull a freight train!!
The car handles quite well, except in snow. Seems like there isn't enough weight or traction in the back.
The interior space seems small for a 18 foot long car. It's still much more comfortable than some new ones, and I can squeeze 6 medium to large adults in without too much of a fuss.
I love the styling, I wish we still made cars that look this good.
The stereo impressed me for such an old car. It blows away the one in my wife's '96 Accord.
Recommended reviews
| Loved it, very reliable |
|
| 1983 - LeSabre Limited Olds 307 A nice example of automotive history |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Don't Know |
| Year of manufacture | 1984 |
| First year of ownership | 1998 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2000 |
| Engine and transmission | 4.1 Liter V6 Automatic |
| Performance marks | 4 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 7 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 9 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 5 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 131000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 158000 miles |
| Previous car | Nissan Sentra |
| Date of Entry | 24th September, 2000 |