1995 Buick LeSabre Custom review from North America
"Not much to look at, not fun to drive, but dead reliable"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
-Master brake cylinder failed
-Right rear brakes leaked fluid
-Water Pump
-HVAC back light burned out (can't be replaced)
-Front brake rotors were warped causing terrible vibration when braking. Replaced both rotors and pads, and a week later the problem was back. I didn't (and still don't) have the money to have it looked at by a professional, so I've been living with it for two years.
-Coil pack fried around 134000 causing two dead cylinders. Scared the crap out of me when it happened, but was a 15 minute, $20 fix.
-Everything else has been "normal maintenance" AKA brakes, hoses, belts, spark plugs, fluid changes, tires, light bulbs, etc.
General comments?
My grandfather bought this car brand new in '95 and it has never been garage kept in it's life. It's survived 10 Michigan winters outside, and it still doesn't have a spec of rust on it. (Although I should mention that it has been meticulously waxed every spring and fall for 11 years)
Styling is a matter of taste. Interior is dated and a touch ugly, but the car is mechanically solid.
The engine is still running strong and always starts on the first try even in subzero temps. It has enough power to get the job done, but obviously it's not a sports car.
The only things that really bother me about it is the ride quality and transmission. Some people like the "luxury" feel, but I say it's downright loose and uncoordinated. It won't stop oscillating for several seconds after hitting a bump, which on Michigan roads usually means the body never stops moving. Also, the transmission refuses to down shift until you've had it floored for about 3 seconds -this isn't an exaggeration.
Overall, it's been a solid workhorse of a car. I really feel like I got my money's worth out of it, and it's still going.
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| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Don't Know |
| Model year | 1995 |
| Year of manufacture | 1996 |
| First year of ownership | 2003 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2006 |
| Engine and transmission | 3.8L Automatic |
| Performance marks | 7 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 9 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 6 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 8 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 125000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 136000 miles |
| Date of Entry | 18th April, 2006 |