A/C barely works.
Front suspension bushings.
Fuel tank.
My Grandma died 6 years ago, and the car sat idle until the summer of 1999.
I had to replace the fuel tank because of catching one of my punk-ass neighbors dumping sugar inside.
The V8 has plenty of power, but I wish it had a 350 or 400 or something. It drinks almost as much gas as the other two anyway. I average about 15 or 16 city, and 21 to 22 highway.
I'm surprised how well the car runs, considering how old it is and how long it sat.
The transmission seems kind of goofy, it has an extra "false shift" at about 45 MPH. GM dealers and mechanics say it's normal (something involving the torque convertor), and I guess it's okay since it lowers engine speed even more for highway driving. I've owned many GM cars, this is the first "false shift" instance I've seen or noticed.
The car has below average rust for Northern Wisconsin, and the frame, floors, and body panels are still very solid. I can't believe how reliable and dependable it is! The only repairs are normal maintence like oil and tires. I may fix the A/C next summer (it's almost September already).
It started on the third try after sitting 5 years, and has no trouble starting at temperatures as low as -40, although when it's really cold the car jerks and surges something ferocious. This clears up after 4 or 5 minutes of warm-up. It also has Positration and Buicks' "Gran Touring Suspension". I can notice a bit of the "sportier" difference in ride and handling form my Dad's floaty '87 Caprice.
The seats are the most comfortable I've ever seen. And there's more than enough room for 4 or 5 adults, even 6 if you sacrifice a bit of comfort in front.
One odd feature I like is a flourescent-looking LeSabre Limited script and ring on the right hand instrument panel that lights up at night. I guess it was unique for Buick in the 80's.
The ORIGINAL stereo, an auto-reverse cassette with 5-band equalizer, still blows many modern systems away.
This creampuff was loaded with just about every option for '85, I still believe it's better than many new cars, even by today's standards.
I own a 1985 Buick LeSabre Limited Collectors Edition myself. It is the greatest car ever produced!
I also have an '85 Limited Collector's Edition. I wouldn't trade it for a new 2002 anything even up. It's safe reliable, comfortable and a joy to drive.
Wow, you're "lesabre" script lights up? I knew this was an option on Limited trim LeSabres, but all the ones I have seen are crapped out, mine is! The last LeSabre is easily the finest, I love mine to death, even with the script that won't light up!
I own an 85 LeSabre Coupe. I agree with you in that they are some the greatest cars GM has ever built. Your start up problem is your choke. My advice is to either have the carburetor rebuilt or replaced. I did that and the car is so much more powerful. Also, be wary of the imtake manifold gasket, they go at about70k or so and leak coolant everywhere. All in all though, I've never had any serious trouble with my LeSabre and I would never want to own any other car.
The 'false shift' is the lockup clutch engaging.
The 85 LeSabre Limited Collector's Edition is ten times better than the standard version. First of all the trim and options inside are of nicer quality and color scheme. Buick put hand pinstriping (real paint) down the sides of the steel panels, and this car is a tank. Although heavy (3762 lbs empty), the stock Olds 307 rates at 140HP and 265ft-lbs of torque. If you take good care of everything, it should estimate around 18+ mpg city. But you can't launch off the line. Currently I average 20city & 24 highway (65mph). Smooth driving keeps this high, however the AC or quick accelerating greatly reduces this. Also, air shocks (towing style) help raise the rear end a good inch or two and increase handling in tight corners (dry pavement only). I can still break the tires loose on dry pavement in mine, but hold my corners in slick weather. Just watch what you add and this car will remain reliable.
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