1986 Buick LeSabre Limited from North America - Comments

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.

Well I agree that it's a nice comfortable car. I have the same, but that 75 miles issue (doesn't do over 75mph)... I think he should check it out because I finished whatever it says on it and was still getting faster and faster. :) So may be the exhauster or something like that. Plus other things to check the engine butterfly (which opens up and gets air inside) or the plastic based material... so far that's what I saw. Buicks have pretty decent engine material work, but not that good on other metal based parts so you might as well check step by step everything. and oh yeah I would buy another buick with no hesitation.

I love my 86 Buick Lesabre. The ride is very smooth and comfortable. The car is also very roomy and spacious, a lot safer than smaller cars. Grandpa cars do rule!

I love my wagon. it has 147000 miles on it with little work done to it. although I can feel the trans is starting to slip.

I agree, "Grandpa" cars are the best. I wouldn't necessarily say the reviewer has unusual taste in cars for a 23 year old. I'm 31 and have owned nothing, but full size American cars since I started driving at the age of 16. They're just safer, sturdier and more comfortable than other types of cars. I simply can't imagine driving any other kind of car.

I bought my 1986 Buick Le Sabre in 2000 with only 3100 miles on it! That's not a typo. It sat in a garage for nearly 10 years. Owner was in her 80s and was bedridden and didn't want to part with her car that she loved so much. I bought it from her estate. Now six years later I still have the car and it has only 42,000 miles on it now. It's been a great car except for a stalling problem I've had since I first bought it which is probably a result of it sitting for so many years. Generally it starts back up right away so it's more of a nuisance than a real problem. I put 40 miles a day on it commuting to work. I've also found it's a good car in the snow.

My son who will be turning 16 in a couple of weeks wants me to give him the car. He intends on painting it black. He thinks it will be a great first car for him and I have to agree. It's a heavy car and because it was owned originally by a little old couple, it's very basic in the accessories department.

Back in 1986 I Lived in Houston Texas went down to a dealer in Houston purchased a 1986 white with red interior buick lesabre just loved that car what a great car 3.8 good design, donated it to the goodwill people in grandrapids miles, had almost 300,000 miles. That was back in 1997,and yes folks that's the rest of the story. What a smart design.

You put nearly 28,000 miles per year on your car, every year for 11 years? What did you use it for, a taxi?

28000 miles a year is nothing. We put 35000 miles on our Mercury Villager just last year. Most Buick should have no problem getting to 300k, very reliable cars.

<<28000 miles a year is nothing. We put 35000 miles on our Mercury Villager just last year. Most Buick should have no problem getting to 300k, very reliable cars.>.

You put 35K miles a year on your car every year for 11 years? I don't believe it.