Bought a 95 Buick Park Avenue. Had her about a year now. Best riding car I've ever owned. Just glides over the road. 3800 v6 is virtually bullet proof. Mechanics love the car and want to buy it. Regular people ask why I am driving that old man's car until the ride in it then they want to politely take it off my hands. She is not for sale. Besides what will I replace her with? They don't make them like that anymore.
I currently own a 2001 Park Avenue . Its more comfortable than any new car on the road today and it has one of the best engines ever made . It has 172k miles and I intend to bring it to 300k miles
@@richardcutts196 There comfort riding but mine got Totaled 3/11/024 looking for Buick LESABRE LIMITED EDITION car body for resoneble price about 1.000dllrs in GD condition Silver out side light gray inside 05 thnks
A month ago we bought a 2003 LeSabre with 113k in pristine condition. Love it so far. Could have any car, but why if I can drive that! My wife hates the looks of it, but admitted recently that it's a comfortable cruiser.
I had a 2003 Park Ave ultra back in the day . But now I have a 2001 Park Ave. as a second car with over 200,000 miles and love it. Everything works and a part her a part there and the 3800 still rolling.
I’ve got a 99 Buick Regal with the 3800 V6 I believe it’s the best GM engine ever made they are really good cars I would definitely recommend anyone that is looking for a good reliable affordable comfortable car these car you can’t go wrong at all total agree with you! 😊
Interesting video. There is truth to that reliability factor being discussed. That was not just a Buick thing, but a "GM" thing. Pontiac Bonneville, Oldsmobile Eighty Eight/LSS and Ninety Eight and Regency( 1997-1998 model) were just as reliable because they all used the same chassis( C and H bodies) and the same 3800 V6 engines( non supercharged and super charged) as the Buicks. The Oldsmobile Toronado and Buick Riviera( E Car chassis) were reliable too as they shared engines and many parts with the other models I named. I drive a 1996 Oldsmobile 98 and a Oldsmobile Toronado. Holden ( Australian GM) used the 3800 V6 in their Caprice, Statesman and Calais and Comnmodore models. Thank you for the video.
Based on my own experience with Buick cars, definitely it's a much better car to purchase compared to Lincoln cars, especially Buick Park Avenue. IMHO: Buick Park Avenue also has spacious interior, smooth ride, luxurious and elegant design. My gallery on UA-cam shows this. Pictures worth a thousand words!
My grandma bought a 05 Le Sabre brand new and still has it. She can’t drive anymore but everything you said in the video is right. My grandpa drives it cause it’s way easier on gas than his Chevy pickup
I currently have a 1998 Buick Park Ave. it floats down the highway is super comfortable has plenty of power gets good gas mileage and is an excellent car. When I was 18 years old. I bought my first Buick Riviera and absolutely loved it. It was faster than my friends, Camaros and shovels. There is nothing wrong with the Buick after all it’s only one step below Cadillac.
I currently have a 2000 Buick Park Ave. I bought it with 32,000 miles on it for $3250. I’ve been driving it for five years. Only thing it’s ever gone wrong is a leaky intake gasket new tires new brakes normal stuff still driving it today at 95,000 miles still floats down the road. I’ve drove that car cross country. I would highly recommend them to anyone.
I've owned this 98 LeSabre for over 2 years and paid $800 for it! Here in Pueblo Colorado, they are everywhere. I got tired of repairs on my Ford ranger and Dodge van, throwing out codes, but never figuring out the problems. I said I'm going back to my GM reliable cars. Haven't regretted it!😁✌️😎
@@pandamagic937ehh, the problem with Japanese brands is that everyone knows they’re good, so not only does it cost a lot more for one, but it also means the people who drive them don’t even know what an oil change is and they also think Blinker fluid is a real thing, so Buick is cheaper and they’re owned by old people who don’t drive often and take care of the car.
2003 Century here- purchased in 2009 with 61K miles and it was in near new condition maintained by original owner who only took it to the dealer for her "checkups." I drove it for 10 years without the need of any major equipment replacement needs-- just the std. fluid changes, tires, etc. In 2020 with 130K miles I had to start making some investments = things wear out. It cost me ~$9K from 2020-2023 to "remake her" = bring her back to full reliability, I could not not dump this girl who has taken such good care of me. None of these expenses were engine or trans related but there's plenty of other moving parts that get tired. I drive ~8K miles per year and I drive it with "mature respect" for both our ages demand that. I think she will outlive me (at least that's my plan).
My aunts and uncles in Ohio always drove Buicks and ford crown Vic’s. They’d literally drive them for 20 years until they rusted away. Super comfortable.
My dad bequeathed me a '94 Buick RoadMaster in 2005. It had 150K miles on it and glided over the road like butter. I could fit my goalie son and 3 of his teammates in it, with all their bags & sticks in the trunk. My son drove that until about 250K, when he couldn't take the "coolness" anymore. Buick makes some great road yachts.
Does it look like new? Mine turns heads as people tell me it is like brand new and they say how do you do that? SIMPLE- you take care of anything you have as though you will never have another one again.
i had a 94 regal coupe in my early 20's, literally 20 years later i buy another regal coupe. They are just great cars. No extra crap to go wrong, very cheap to fix and hard as hell to kill. Their only weakness was the trans.
I have a 2005 LaCrosse I bought from a friends’ mom. Has 54k on it. It had been sitting in her garage for 3 years as she had to give up driving. Had to put in a new battery, and I changed the oil, coolant and transmission fluid. It drives very smoothly. Hoping it lasts a long time.
And that 3800 is a much better engine than ANYTHING Cadillac had in the 80s and 90s. Fun Fact: Buick sales boomed in the 1980s, while Cadillac sales went down like a stone. I think a lot of those Buick sales were to people who otherwise bought a Cadillac. The 80's Buick Park Avenue was based on the same platform as the Cadillac DeVille but the Buick had an engine that would not "granade" itself in a year!
I have a 97,LeSabre Custom, bought it with 42,000, original miles,two years later just turned 47,000 miles,so far rear struts,oil changes every 3000,to 3500 miles,replaced air ,and fuel filter,and have just enjoyed driving it . Like the other observations, smooth riding, beautiful driving car ,nice seats great AC, sharp shifting transmission great cruise control,I really couldn't be happier,such a nice car.
The 3.8 litre V6 was used in the Holden Comodore in Australia and there are plenty of Commerdores still driving around 6 10 20 and 30 years old because they are so reliable and if there car doesn't break down we keep them
I see tons of these 00-05 LeSabres on the roads of the Midwest as of 2023. I see a little less of the Park Ave, but when I do see one, they're alwayw very clean.
Great video and I 100% agree on Buick value being slept on by most people. I have owned more than few Buicks over the years and currently I have an 07 Lucerne (V8 super with 200k miles) and also a 2017 lacrosse with low miles, they are both incredibly comfortable and reliable.
I got a green '94 LeSabre as a hand me down from my parents. Truthfully, it was not always a happy story. Dad had to put a lot of money into it, and I did as well, yet it survived. It was a mechanic's dream to work on and was exempt from NYS emissions standards which started in 1996. The paint job really went bad. I didn't want to spend too much, so I got Maaco's cheapest paint job, which did hold up pretty well. Anyway, when my son enlisted in the Army, his duty station was Fort Bliss. It was too late to get a leave for Christmas, so I wondered if a 21 year old car could make it from NY to El Paso. We decided to give it a a shot. We bought 1 way plane tickets home and set off the day after Christmas. It made the trip like a champ. Our son would drive it for a couple more years, much to the amusement of his buddies, and it finally expired around 2018.
My rides = 2003 Buick Century & a 1990 Mercedes 300E which look factory new and maintained to perfection. Yes, I'm old but one thing in life = whatever you have you must treat it as your last.
I have a 1990 Mercedes 300E (W124) and a 2003 Buick Century = both look like new and are maintained to perfection. Anything you own care for it like you will never have another one and "it" will take care of you.
I have a 2003 Buick Regal First car I ever owned that inspires ppl to inquire about my selling it. All the time, too. I consider myself one of the lucky ones.
Ive had an 87 somerset, first car. A 96 regal gs, and ive had a 2014 lacrosse premium. All great cars, never a problem between the 3. That Lacrosse was the nicest car ive ever been in. The interiour was plum purple, charcoal grey, black, and wood grain. I promise it looked better than it sounds. I miss that car so much, i want another one.
I recommended Buick to my mom - she purchased a 2005 Lacross 3.6L in great shape. I wish it was the 3800 but i fucked up, but besides few easy to fix oil leaks, it runs really great. Once I do the timing chain guides on it, and transmission oil change, it will be bulletproof for another 100k.
I screwed up having purchased 05 CXS as well. I thought it had the 3000 but it has the 3.6L VVT LY1 instead. It is quiet and very smooth but currently experiencing ECU issues. I did the PCV valve mod and installed a catch can. The LY1 is port injected vs. the later versions' direct injection but the catch can can't hurt. Manual recommends 3000 mi. oil changes to try and avoid timing chain stretch issues. So far so good.
I actually did the Valve cover gasket on the 3.6L VVT Port injector- Which was the hardest - most PAIN IN THE ASS job ever for a valve cover. And the chains were replaced recently. I sighed. @@redalrt4
I currently own a 2002 black buick regal GS 3800 series 2 supercharged As well as a 2000 black regal GS a 2000 ruby red buick century 2000 edition. Close friend and myself are currently restoring a 1987 buick electra park avenue with the T package. White with red leather interior. Extremely rare car. My buicks are all in mint condition with relatively low mileage. Great cars.
I've got a 2002 Lesabre custom with the prestige package. Nice Velocity wheels and 50 series tires. Upgraded the sound system, tinted windows. Ain't no old folks car (I'm 67). Just one problem, the window regulators are notorious for malfunctions. I replaced both of the front regulators in less than a year.
I bought a 1998 lesabre in Louisiana and wanted to drive it back to Denver. I had no experience with Buicks, just not on my radar. I bought the car because it would be cheaper than renting a car. Took it to Alabama for Thanksgiving and got 24 miles a gallon. What a great car loved every minute. Then I sold it...rental zero. Hope to find another one soon.
I bought a 2007 Buick Lucerne from a 93 year old man who had it from new. He was selling everything because he and his wife were going to an assisted living place. Scrolling through the info screen when I got it first, I saw the average speed was 17mph. lol
Got an 03 LeSabre right now, had it 8 years 👍😎 had some strange issues like dash cluster lamps burnt out and FINALLY gave up on rear air ride, but other than normal wear and tear items, front struts, coil pack, etc been one of the best cars I've had 💪👍💯😁( runner up was a 94 Cherokee sport that, if not for the undercarriage disintegrating, would have still been on road after 350K miles!!)
@@mikejohn0088 all my Friends Buick LeSabre and Park AVENUE 00-05 900.000 Miles with GM 3800 Series V6 engine, all my Friends would do oil changes every 2,000-4,000 Miles with regular maintenance , what's the 3800 series engines are pretty reliable.
98 regal Gs and man it’s such a great and comfy car. Trans is starting to go but who knows how the previous owner treated it… plan to get it built beefed up and hopefully lasts a long time as I don’t beat on it
Got one! LOL My dad left me a 95 LeSabre Custom. Not 205hp. I think this one was 190hp. It's fine, wasn't planning on racing any Chargers. Car runs great, seats are great, so is the stereo. Cup holders suck and no pockets anywhere like modern cars. And this one has the skinnier rims so skinny tires. Had trouble finding white walls. Yep, car seems to like right with em on. I changed al the struts and front springs, changed the oil, new air filter, had the throttle body cleaned and had to fix some kind of throttle sensor bc the car's idle would race up in Park. No leakes of any kind, car passes smog easily. I guess it gets good mileage, I don't know, I like driving 80+. Also, every other car has to race me bc I'm driving an out of style senior car and people's pride can't accept being smoked by a 30 year old Buick! LOL Great leather seats, tons of adjustable from both power front seats. Wish it had a CD player. Yeah, I know CD's are out of date, but I like choosing exactly what I want, not some satellite station. The paint has seen better days. It's gold so the fine scratches are showing and the roof has a small circle of rust, oh well. The headliner finally started falling down near the sun visors, not sure how much worse that's gonna get. Car also got a new battery. Starts great every time no exceptions. I love the huge gas tank, less filling up. Only things I'm gonna do is fix some of the door lights, a few trim pieces outside, wash and wax and good to go. Oh and a steering wheel cover. Believe it or not, Walmart had a great cover, same color as the interior (tan) with some gold piping. Matches what's in there, exactly. and good enough. Oh and eventually I'll replace the spark plugs. After 100,000 miles it just seems like a good thing to do. LOL
The 3800 is one of the best engines ever made. Great reliability. I've had LeSabre and Park Avenue and love 'em both. Kinda hankering for the supercharged Park Avenue, but that's about the only thing I'd give up my LeSabre for.
I have a 2005 Buick Park Avenue SE two tone sliver & black’ own it now for 11 years brought it with 80k miles now over 240k miles and had to replace the transmission once with the dealership who redone the engine’ I get 20 mpg in the city and has even gotten 35 mpg on the highway! Nice running smooth ride still running strong as my daily driver’ I will get the interior and exterior redone and retire it as a only weekend driven Car Show vehicle Buying a Buick Enclave
The 3800 series is one of the most reliably built engine from gm EVER. Currently driving a 18yr old one right now, only thing you gotta replace is the stuff that normally wears and tears. Like drive train, fluid lines.
I still drive my 97 Lesabre Limited everyday...only things done besides wear/tear items were the coil packs at 130k and water pump at 99k...take care of them and you'll get 350-400k miles...that means following the old GM maintenance tables from when care was made. Change engine oil every 3k miles. Partially change the ATF and filter every 20k but never try to fully change it if has more than 40k miles on it cause you'll likely clog it with debris and kill the transmission. Scotty Kilmer has great info on his channel about GM Transmission care...after 25 years on the road half of it in NY Long Island with the rust concerns and the other half down in Florida with the sun beating the exterior to death I'm just now having to start replacing the gaskets for the windows and such - actually I cheated and paid $7 for the semi-fluid silicone tube at Napa to flow over the gaskets and it's been 9 months without so much as a foggy window :)
Older cars need transmission care too BUT you have the pan dropped (that's a partial drain) and get a new filter. You NEVER want a transmission flush (as you state).
These Buick engines also need race reliable engine parts and twin turbos making them speedy. Even if anyone finds these 2005 Buick LeSabres and Park Avenues on Kijiji or any car for sale online is a must.
Mu current car is a 2001 Buick Lesabre that I inherited from my grandma. Drives like a comfy couch on wheels. I don't plan on getting rid of mine anytime soon.
Bought a 2015 LeSabre brand new. A great "Grandpa" car! Plenty of power, very comfotable. Started using too much gas, nobody could figure out why. Sold it for a good price.
I bought a 2005 LeSabre not too long ago. At 135 000 km, my transmission died. It went all slippy and the Drive gear was not even there anymore. Really disapointing.. Found a used one from a wreck, but damn I was so sad
It depends on how it's used. Drive it wearing lead boots, and you get what you deserve. Another reason it's meant for older folks. Accelerate and decelerate slowly, and the 4T65E will last hundreds of thousands of miles. Get a hard shift trouble code and replacement of the shift solenoids by way of removing the side cover, which likely does the trick. I've done the job myself twice at home in a garage on two different 3800 series 2 models. One was a 2004 Park Ave, and the other was a 2002 Regal, both purchased used.
I had such good luck with VERY USED old big Buicks (1963 Electra 225, 1972 LeSabre and 1981 Park Ave.) in my life (those were the only cars I owned between 1978 and 1990!) that the only 2 NEW cars I bought were "big" Buicks. First one was a 1990 LeSabre that I bought new at the old man age of 28. I replaced it with a new 2006 Lucerne (The replacement for the LeSabre AND Park Avenue.) It's basically a Cadillac DTS, but for LeSabre cost! I'm keeping it until it explodes, because Buick no longer sells CARS, Then I'll probably go with a used Toyota Avalon (The Japanese Buick).
About to purchase an 05 unicorn Park Avenue with 84000 miles on that bulletproof 3800 engine. It won't win a beauty content but the thing just runs, and runs, and runs...
I have a 2000 Buick Century, a model that is certainly a downgrade from the LeSabres and Park Avenues. But still a great value old car, comfortable and reliable.
It's so interesting how our perspective and judgments change as we age. For instance. I am nearing 50. My pa-in-law got a Park Avenue when I was in my 20's. Yea, older people drove them more because they were older, wiser and went for the financially sound decisions over youthful impulsiveness. Here's what I'm getting to. I loved the car! Borrowed it a lot! My friends liked it, no one thought of these cars as something to look down on or makes memes about AT ALL! They look GREAT! But a young person today has all these stigmatic memes and jokes and stereotypes made by other inexperienced youth and they develop a hive mis-judgment to the point that they eyes dont even recognize great looking car. I'm not judging, that would be hypocritical. Every generation of teenager are subjected to a new (and sinister) concept of the world, products, music, reality itself. The sad thing about the human race is this: At any given moment, in our youth, we cannot escape illusions and misperceptions and the mass degree to which we are still blind to a bigger, wiser picture that can ONLY come with years experience. Whats even sadder is that few, if any, of of can be told that in our youth and actually believe it, calm down, assume we're wrong most of the time and quit making fools of ourselves so often. You might not feel like a fool, you likely have older ones around you who understand whats its like to be young so they let you have you say respectfully. You feel a sense of debate in general conversation with your parents, why? Because they let it out selectively to guide you. They wont make sense to you because you see a smaller picture, you do, you wont agree with me now because you CANNOT see it yet. Thats why the young, if only while young we could be wise enough to recognize what EXPERIENCE is. It doesn't matter how big a fool the adult is or how much smarter you obviously are than him, he STILL has years on you. So to help out the younger ones reading, I'll tell you this: Don't listen to a word I'm saying! (reverse psychology, did it work?) ALL THE BEST, the world is going down, find the truth. This generation will be the most challenged in finding the TRUTH, of which very few young or old have found anyway. Betchya didn't know the Buick was so profound did ya?
I had a 2000 LeSabre for 11 years and yes the motors are bulletproof. Like many GM cars one of the main annoying and pricey things that go wrong are the power windows. This is because of cheap plastic gears that break off quick. This was well known yet GM refused to do a thing about it because it saved them a few cents. I traded it in for a Toyota and will never buy another American car. It's the little things like this that will nickel and dime you to death. The rear shocks on these go out too very expensive to fix.
I owned 3 buicks , I've never had a car that was better a buick. I've had many that was more expensive but on long trips with family none was better than a buick!!!
Most reliable motor GM ever had in production, especially the SERIES II 3800 - and if you went to a junkyard and found a close year Bonniville SSEI - that supercharger was a direct bolt-on fit for the 3800 series II. Just modify the hood to clear and some ECM tuning...SLEEPER
Almost the original owner of a 2000 Park Avenue Ultra. Bought it when I was 23 and now I’m 45. Absolutely did not give a damn what people thought of me then; I don’t care what they think of me today. I’m in love with my car. I’ll never sell it, and nothing has the room, the ride, or the comfort. Has zero problems, looks phenomenal (to me), and there’s no car I like today better. I do admit that it’s no longer my daily driver. I own a brand new Lexus now. I would never buy a new Buick because they just don’t make them like they used to. There’s also no vehicle this size that gets 30 mpg highway. Still, my favorite car on earth. Beauty and impressiveness is a matter of perspective.
@@toddprater14 the 03-05 models looked a little wonky to me with the strange grille, but the 05 was really a bit too over the top with the trunk lid trim. I’m good from 97-2002 models.
@@toddprater14I always thought it was too much and unnecessary. The portholes too. That’s why I like ultras from 97-02 - very understated and played down. Not a lot of overdone bling.
NO 1 star NHTSA Crash safety rating meaning the likely hood of walking away from a major accident is slim to none. Worse NHSTA rating than a 1970's Ford Pinto not kidding. John Davis knocked the LaCrosse in 2005 for this in his review as well.
I have a 2004 Buick Regal GS. 139,000 miles. (same 240 hp as the stock 2004 BMW). Same lines. The power is great for a 3,500 lb car! $4,000 for the car and $1000 to make it safe and reliable, two years ago in Florida.
My 1998 Buick Park Ave. is much better looking and fire more comfortable than any of these new crappy plastic E egg shaped cars that are so freaking ugly
Bought a 95 Buick Park Avenue. Had her about a year now. Best riding car I've ever owned. Just glides over the road. 3800 v6 is virtually bullet proof. Mechanics love the car and want to buy it. Regular people ask why I am driving that old man's car until the ride in it then they want to politely take it off my hands. She is not for sale. Besides what will I replace her with? They don't make them like that anymore.
I currently own a 2001 Park Avenue . Its more comfortable than any new car on the road today and it has one of the best engines ever made . It has 172k miles and I intend to bring it to 300k miles
I drive an 05 lesabre. It's comfortable, gets good mileage, is cheap to maintain with no problem finding parts.
My dad had 2 lesabres and was a staunch fan of these cars for sure!
Same.
@@richardcutts196 There comfort riding but mine got Totaled 3/11/024 looking for Buick LESABRE LIMITED EDITION car body for resoneble price about 1.000dllrs in GD condition Silver out side light gray inside 05 thnks
A month ago we bought a 2003 LeSabre with 113k in pristine condition. Love it so far. Could have any car, but why if I can drive that! My wife hates the looks of it, but admitted recently that it's a comfortable cruiser.
“Cars that impress no one, until they go on a road trip with you” is a good category lol
I had a 2003 Park Ave ultra back in the day . But now I have a 2001 Park Ave. as a second car with over 200,000 miles and love it. Everything works and a part her a part there and the 3800 still rolling.
Good to know just a Buick LeSabre 2000
I’ve got a 99 Buick Regal with the 3800 V6 I believe it’s the best GM engine ever made they are really good cars I would definitely recommend anyone that is looking for a good reliable affordable comfortable car these car you can’t go wrong at all total agree with you! 😊
What kind of mpg?
@@danielr.7870 I get about 25 MPG
@@danielr.7870 I get around 23 MPG I’ve gotten around 25 MPG in this car
Interesting video. There is truth to that reliability factor being discussed. That was not just a Buick thing, but a "GM" thing. Pontiac Bonneville, Oldsmobile Eighty Eight/LSS and Ninety Eight and Regency( 1997-1998 model) were just as reliable because they all used the same chassis( C and H bodies) and the same 3800 V6 engines( non supercharged and super charged) as the Buicks. The Oldsmobile Toronado and Buick Riviera( E Car chassis) were reliable too as they shared engines and many parts with the other models I named. I drive a 1996 Oldsmobile 98 and a Oldsmobile Toronado. Holden ( Australian GM) used the 3800 V6 in their Caprice, Statesman and Calais and Comnmodore models. Thank you for the video.
I believe the Firebird and Camaro had the same engine as standard.
Based on my own experience with Buick cars, definitely it's a much better car to purchase compared to Lincoln cars, especially Buick Park Avenue. IMHO: Buick Park Avenue also has spacious interior, smooth ride, luxurious and elegant design. My gallery on UA-cam shows this. Pictures worth a thousand words!
My grandma bought a 05 Le Sabre brand new and still has it. She can’t drive anymore but everything you said in the video is right. My grandpa drives it cause it’s way easier on gas than his Chevy pickup
I currently have a 1998 Buick Park Ave. it floats down the highway is super comfortable has plenty of power gets good gas mileage and is an excellent car. When I was 18 years old. I bought my first Buick Riviera and absolutely loved it. It was faster than my friends, Camaros and shovels. There is nothing wrong with the Buick after all it’s only one step below Cadillac.
I currently have a 2000 Buick Park Ave. I bought it with 32,000 miles on it for $3250. I’ve been driving it for five years. Only thing it’s ever gone wrong is a leaky intake gasket new tires new brakes normal stuff still driving it today at 95,000 miles still floats down the road. I’ve drove that car cross country. I would highly recommend them to anyone.
Same with my 2000 Park Avenue Ultra.
Will a LeSabre or lacrosses also ride as well?
Dude how in the world did you get such an amazing deal??? 😮
Yes @@bluwngi
Sounds better than my 00 lexus es300. Is your engine timing chain or belt? How's your radiator too?
I've owned this 98 LeSabre for over 2 years and paid $800 for it! Here in Pueblo Colorado, they are everywhere. I got tired of repairs on my Ford ranger and Dodge van, throwing out codes, but never figuring out the problems. I said I'm going back to my GM reliable cars. Haven't regretted it!😁✌️😎
Switch to Japanese brands.
@@pandamagic937ehh, the problem with Japanese brands is that everyone knows they’re good, so not only does it cost a lot more for one, but it also means the people who drive them don’t even know what an oil change is and they also think Blinker fluid is a real thing, so Buick is cheaper and they’re owned by old people who don’t drive often and take care of the car.
2003 Century here- purchased in 2009 with 61K miles and it was in near new condition maintained by original owner who only took it to the dealer for her "checkups."
I drove it for 10 years without the need of any major equipment replacement needs-- just the std. fluid changes, tires, etc.
In 2020 with 130K miles I had to start making some investments = things wear out.
It cost me ~$9K from 2020-2023 to "remake her" = bring her back to full reliability, I could not not dump this girl who has taken such good care of me.
None of these expenses were engine or trans related but there's plenty of other moving parts that get tired.
I drive ~8K miles per year and I drive it with "mature respect" for both our ages demand that. I think she will outlive me (at least that's my plan).
I'm driving a 2003 LeSabre. Best car I've ever owned.
My aunts and uncles in Ohio always drove Buicks and ford crown Vic’s. They’d literally drive them for 20 years until they rusted away. Super comfortable.
Still driving my 2000 Lesabre and not planning to quit anytime soon. Just past 180,000. Still has plenty to go. Spacious, quiet, tight and smooth.
My dad bequeathed me a '94 Buick RoadMaster in 2005. It had 150K miles on it and glided over the road like butter. I could fit my goalie son and 3 of his teammates in it, with all their bags & sticks in the trunk. My son drove that until about 250K, when he couldn't take the "coolness" anymore. Buick makes some great road yachts.
My first car was a 01 Buick Park Ave😎 and still the proud owner 🫡
Does it look like new? Mine turns heads as people tell me it is like brand new and they say how do you do that?
SIMPLE- you take care of anything you have as though you will never have another one again.
i had a 94 regal coupe in my early 20's, literally 20 years later i buy another regal coupe. They are just great cars. No extra crap to go wrong, very cheap to fix and hard as hell to kill. Their only weakness was the trans.
I have a 2005 LaCrosse I bought from a friends’ mom. Has 54k on it. It had been sitting in her garage for 3 years as she had to give up driving. Had to put in a new battery, and I changed the oil, coolant and transmission fluid. It drives very smoothly. Hoping it lasts a long time.
1993 la sabre 3800 motor, rides like a Cadillac . Temperpic mattress seats. Supra smooth ride. Dynaride. So fun to drive, I love this car.
Wait until you pay it off so you can celebrate!
And that 3800 is a much better engine than ANYTHING Cadillac had in the 80s and 90s. Fun Fact: Buick sales boomed in the 1980s, while Cadillac sales went down like a stone. I think a lot of those Buick sales were to people who otherwise bought a Cadillac. The 80's Buick Park Avenue was based on the same platform as the Cadillac DeVille but the Buick had an engine that would not "granade" itself in a year!
I have a 97,LeSabre Custom, bought it with 42,000, original miles,two years later just turned 47,000 miles,so far rear struts,oil changes every 3000,to 3500 miles,replaced air ,and fuel filter,and have just enjoyed driving it .
Like the other observations, smooth riding, beautiful driving car ,nice seats great AC, sharp shifting transmission great cruise control,I really couldn't be happier,such a nice car.
The 3.8 litre V6 was used in the Holden Comodore in Australia and there are plenty of Commerdores still driving around 6 10 20 and 30 years old because they are so reliable and if there car doesn't break down we keep them
I see tons of these 00-05 LeSabres on the roads of the Midwest as of 2023. I see a little less of the Park Ave, but when I do see one, they're alwayw very clean.
The Park Ave cost a good bit more than a LeSabre. And what the hell, The neighbors can't tell the difference! So more people bought the LeSabre.
Great video and I 100% agree on Buick value being slept on by most people. I have owned more than few Buicks over the years and currently I have an 07 Lucerne (V8 super with 200k miles) and also a 2017 lacrosse with low miles, they are both incredibly comfortable and reliable.
I got a green '94 LeSabre as a hand me down from my parents. Truthfully, it was not always a happy story. Dad had to put a lot of money into it, and I did as well, yet it survived. It was a mechanic's dream to work on and was exempt from NYS emissions standards which started in 1996. The paint job really went bad. I didn't want to spend too much, so I got Maaco's cheapest paint job, which did hold up pretty well.
Anyway, when my son enlisted in the Army, his duty station was Fort Bliss. It was too late to get a leave for Christmas, so I wondered if a 21 year old car could make it from NY to El Paso. We decided to give it a a shot. We bought 1 way plane tickets home and set off the day after Christmas. It made the trip like a champ. Our son would drive it for a couple more years, much to the amusement of his buddies, and it finally expired around 2018.
I drive a 2002 Buick Regal the 3800 engine in these cars are indestructible it’s been the greatest first car I’ve owned
I bought a 2000 LeSabre about a year ago for 2k and it was still like new! ILOVE IT! I think it looks GREAT!
I have been driving and buying cars for over forty years. Mercedes, Lincolns, Saabs ETC and my PARK AVENUE is the best of any in every catagory.
My rides = 2003 Buick Century & a 1990 Mercedes 300E which look factory new and maintained to perfection.
Yes, I'm old but one thing in life = whatever you have you must treat it as your last.
I have a 1990 Mercedes 300E (W124) and a 2003 Buick Century = both look like new and are maintained to perfection.
Anything you own care for it like you will never have another one and "it" will take care of you.
I have a 2003 Buick Regal First car I ever owned that inspires ppl to inquire about my selling it. All the time, too. I consider myself one of the lucky ones.
Ive had an 87 somerset, first car. A 96 regal gs, and ive had a 2014 lacrosse premium. All great cars, never a problem between the 3. That Lacrosse was the nicest car ive ever been in. The interiour was plum purple, charcoal grey, black, and wood grain. I promise it looked better than it sounds. I miss that car so much, i want another one.
I recommended Buick to my mom - she purchased a 2005 Lacross 3.6L in great shape. I wish it was the 3800 but i fucked up, but besides few easy to fix oil leaks, it runs really great. Once I do the timing chain guides on it, and transmission oil change, it will be bulletproof for another 100k.
I screwed up having purchased 05 CXS as well. I thought it had the 3000 but it has the 3.6L VVT LY1 instead. It is quiet and very smooth but currently experiencing ECU issues. I did the PCV valve mod and installed a catch can. The LY1 is port injected vs. the later versions' direct injection but the catch can can't hurt. Manual recommends 3000 mi. oil changes to try and avoid timing chain stretch issues. So far so good.
I actually did the Valve cover gasket on the 3.6L VVT Port injector- Which was the hardest - most PAIN IN THE ASS job ever for a valve cover. And the chains were replaced recently. I sighed. @@redalrt4
Well put together video! I was entertained and I learned something!
I currently own a 2002 black buick regal GS 3800 series 2 supercharged
As well as a 2000 black regal GS
a 2000 ruby red buick century 2000 edition.
Close friend and myself are currently restoring a 1987 buick electra park avenue with the T package. White with red leather interior. Extremely rare car. My buicks are all in mint condition with relatively low mileage. Great cars.
I've got a 2002 Lesabre custom with the prestige package. Nice Velocity wheels and 50 series tires. Upgraded the sound system, tinted windows. Ain't no old folks car (I'm 67). Just one problem, the window regulators are notorious for malfunctions. I replaced both of the front regulators in less than a year.
I bought a 1998 lesabre in Louisiana and wanted to drive it back to Denver. I had no experience with Buicks, just not on my radar. I bought the car because it would be cheaper than renting a car. Took it to Alabama for Thanksgiving and got 24 miles a gallon. What a great car loved every minute. Then I sold it...rental zero. Hope to find another one soon.
I have had several gm cars (Oldsmobiles and Buicks) with the 3.8l v6 and they were all good.
My 04 LeSabre just turned 200,000 miles...love this car!
I bought a 2007 Buick Lucerne from a 93 year old man who had it from new. He was selling everything because he and his wife were going to an assisted living place. Scrolling through the info screen when I got it first, I saw the average speed was 17mph. lol
Even nowadays People still have Buick lesabre As Frist cars and they from 1997-2005 along with people who buy 2012-2017 Cars aswell
Got an 03 LeSabre right now, had it 8 years 👍😎 had some strange issues like dash cluster lamps burnt out and FINALLY gave up on rear air ride, but other than normal wear and tear items, front struts, coil pack, etc been one of the best cars I've had 💪👍💯😁( runner up was a 94 Cherokee sport that, if not for the undercarriage disintegrating, would have still been on road after 350K miles!!)
I had a couple friends on a Buick LeSabre and Park Avenue sedans got over 900000 miles pretty reliable cars
how many?
@@mikejohn0088 all my Friends Buick LeSabre and Park AVENUE 00-05 900.000 Miles with GM 3800 Series V6 engine, all my Friends would do oil changes every 2,000-4,000 Miles with regular maintenance , what's the 3800 series engines are pretty reliable.
98 regal Gs and man it’s such a great and comfy car. Trans is starting to go but who knows how the previous owner treated it… plan to get it built beefed up and hopefully lasts a long time as I don’t beat on it
We have a 1998 and a 2004 LeSabre. These are great cars and they are not leaving anytime soon. Just do your maintenance and enjoy the ride.
Got one! LOL My dad left me a 95 LeSabre Custom. Not 205hp. I think this one was 190hp. It's fine, wasn't planning on racing any Chargers. Car runs great, seats are great, so is the stereo. Cup holders suck and no pockets anywhere like modern cars. And this one has the skinnier rims so skinny tires. Had trouble finding white walls. Yep, car seems to like right with em on. I changed al the struts and front springs, changed the oil, new air filter, had the throttle body cleaned and had to fix some kind of throttle sensor bc the car's idle would race up in Park. No leakes of any kind, car passes smog easily. I guess it gets good mileage, I don't know, I like driving 80+. Also, every other car has to race me bc I'm driving an out of style senior car and people's pride can't accept being smoked by a 30 year old Buick! LOL Great leather seats, tons of adjustable from both power front seats. Wish it had a CD player. Yeah, I know CD's are out of date, but I like choosing exactly what I want, not some satellite station. The paint has seen better days. It's gold so the fine scratches are showing and the roof has a small circle of rust, oh well. The headliner finally started falling down near the sun visors, not sure how much worse that's gonna get. Car also got a new battery. Starts great every time no exceptions. I love the huge gas tank, less filling up. Only things I'm gonna do is fix some of the door lights, a few trim pieces outside, wash and wax and good to go. Oh and a steering wheel cover. Believe it or not, Walmart had a great cover, same color as the interior (tan) with some gold piping. Matches what's in there, exactly. and good enough. Oh and eventually I'll replace the spark plugs. After 100,000 miles it just seems like a good thing to do. LOL
01 Century was my first car. I'm looking for another one now after many years of having a hole in my heart
The 3800 is one of the best engines ever made. Great reliability. I've had LeSabre and Park Avenue and love 'em both. Kinda hankering for the supercharged Park Avenue, but that's about the only thing I'd give up my LeSabre for.
I have a 2005 Buick Park Avenue SE two tone sliver & black’ own it now for 11 years brought it with 80k miles now over 240k miles and had to replace the transmission once with the dealership who redone the engine’
I get 20 mpg in the city and has even gotten 35 mpg on the highway!
Nice running smooth ride still running strong as my daily driver’
I will get the interior and exterior redone and retire it as a only weekend driven Car Show vehicle
Buying a Buick Enclave
The 3800 series is one of the most reliably built engine from gm EVER. Currently driving a 18yr old one right now, only thing you gotta replace is the stuff that normally wears and tears. Like drive train, fluid lines.
I have a 98 and love it. I think it handles great.
I NOW WANT TO OWN ONE
have my 05 lesabre custom that i got late september. first car, drives fabulously. working on it as we speak but problems? none.
I still drive my 97 Lesabre Limited everyday...only things done besides wear/tear items were the coil packs at 130k and water pump at 99k...take care of them and you'll get 350-400k miles...that means following the old GM maintenance tables from when care was made. Change engine oil every 3k miles. Partially change the ATF and filter every 20k but never try to fully change it if has more than 40k miles on it cause you'll likely clog it with debris and kill the transmission. Scotty Kilmer has great info on his channel about GM Transmission care...after 25 years on the road half of it in NY Long Island with the rust concerns and the other half down in Florida with the sun beating the exterior to death I'm just now having to start replacing the gaskets for the windows and such - actually I cheated and paid $7 for the semi-fluid silicone tube at Napa to flow over the gaskets and it's been 9 months without so much as a foggy window :)
Advice = 100% right.
Older cars need transmission care too BUT you have the pan dropped (that's a partial drain) and get a new filter.
You NEVER want a transmission flush (as you state).
95 Buick Le Sabre was my first car I learned to drive when I was 15-19 years old
Owned an ‘02 Regal from 2008-‘12. Current daily is a ‘93 Roadmaster, but would buy another FWD 3800 if the right one found me.
These Buick engines also need race reliable engine parts and twin turbos making them speedy. Even if anyone finds these 2005 Buick LeSabres and Park Avenues on Kijiji or any car for sale online is a must.
Just bought a 2006 Lucerne. It's a slick ride.
Mu current car is a 2001 Buick Lesabre that I inherited from my grandma. Drives like a comfy couch on wheels. I don't plan on getting rid of mine anytime soon.
Bought a 2015 LeSabre brand new. A great "Grandpa" car! Plenty of power, very comfotable. Started using too much gas, nobody could figure out why. Sold it for a good price.
2015 LESABRE, you say 🤨🤔??
Sorry, it was a 2005, the last year for the LeSabre.@@dmansf49ers71
05 LeSabre here. Big upgrade from my 11 Sorento.
I bought a 2005 LeSabre not too long ago. At 135 000 km, my transmission died. It went all slippy and the Drive gear was not even there anymore. Really disapointing.. Found a used one from a wreck, but damn I was so sad
I have a 96 regal, 00 LeSabre, and a 98 Lexus Ls400, I'm not sure which one is the best
I have a 2001 buick park as a second car , had it for four years and I havev248,000 on it and still going , minimal maintenance at all
I had a Buick. It was in that Buick where I surrendered to the most decadent sin you’ve ever indulged in.
What breed of canine was it?
1:13 Didn't expect squirrel in there 💀 iykyk
How reliable is the transmissions on these?
It depends on how it's used. Drive it wearing lead boots, and you get what you deserve. Another reason it's meant for older folks. Accelerate and decelerate slowly, and the 4T65E will last hundreds of thousands of miles. Get a hard shift trouble code and replacement of the shift solenoids by way of removing the side cover, which likely does the trick. I've done the job myself twice at home in a garage on two different 3800 series 2 models. One was a 2004 Park Ave, and the other was a 2002 Regal, both purchased used.
I had such good luck with VERY USED old big Buicks (1963 Electra 225, 1972 LeSabre and 1981 Park Ave.) in my life (those were the only cars I owned between 1978 and 1990!) that the only 2 NEW cars I bought were "big" Buicks. First one was a 1990 LeSabre that I bought new at the old man age of 28. I replaced it with a new 2006 Lucerne (The replacement for the LeSabre AND Park Avenue.) It's basically a Cadillac DTS, but for LeSabre cost! I'm keeping it until it explodes, because Buick no longer sells CARS, Then I'll probably go with a used Toyota Avalon (The Japanese Buick).
About to purchase an 05 unicorn Park Avenue with 84000 miles on that bulletproof 3800 engine. It won't win a beauty content but the thing just runs, and runs, and runs...
You need to make more videos dude you could b famous, do one for the c4 corvette
LOVE THIS!! Thumbs up.
The Lesabre is one thing, but I think Park Avenues look good
I have a 2000 Buick Century, a model that is certainly a downgrade from the LeSabres and Park Avenues. But still a great value old car, comfortable and reliable.
It's so interesting how our perspective and judgments change as we age. For instance. I am nearing 50. My pa-in-law got a Park Avenue when I was in my 20's. Yea, older people drove them more because they were older, wiser and went for the financially sound decisions over youthful impulsiveness. Here's what I'm getting to. I loved the car! Borrowed it a lot! My friends liked it, no one thought of these cars as something to look down on or makes memes about AT ALL! They look GREAT! But a young person today has all these stigmatic memes and jokes and stereotypes made by other inexperienced youth and they develop a hive mis-judgment to the point that they eyes dont even recognize great looking car. I'm not judging, that would be hypocritical. Every generation of teenager are subjected to a new (and sinister) concept of the world, products, music, reality itself. The sad thing about the human race is this: At any given moment, in our youth, we cannot escape illusions and misperceptions and the mass degree to which we are still blind to a bigger, wiser picture that can ONLY come with years experience. Whats even sadder is that few, if any, of of can be told that in our youth and actually believe it, calm down, assume we're wrong most of the time and quit making fools of ourselves so often. You might not feel like a fool, you likely have older ones around you who understand whats its like to be young so they let you have you say respectfully. You feel a sense of debate in general conversation with your parents, why? Because they let it out selectively to guide you. They wont make sense to you because you see a smaller picture, you do, you wont agree with me now because you CANNOT see it yet. Thats why the young, if only while young we could be wise enough to recognize what EXPERIENCE is. It doesn't matter how big a fool the adult is or how much smarter you obviously are than him, he STILL has years on you. So to help out the younger ones reading, I'll tell you this: Don't listen to a word I'm saying! (reverse psychology, did it work?) ALL THE BEST, the world is going down, find the truth. This generation will be the most challenged in finding the TRUTH, of which very few young or old have found anyway. Betchya didn't know the Buick was so profound did ya?
They will never have pillows on their couch as we do because they don't have one (couch).
Drive an 03 Park Avenue now as a daily. 70,000 miles and going ✌✌
Yes I've owned one and going to buy another one tomorrow
What about Lucerne?
I had a 2000 LeSabre for 11 years and yes the motors are bulletproof. Like many GM cars one of the main annoying and pricey things that go wrong are the power windows. This is because of cheap plastic gears that break off quick. This was well known yet GM refused to do a thing about it because it saved them a few cents. I traded it in for a Toyota and will never buy another American car. It's the little things like this that will nickel and dime you to death. The rear shocks on these go out too very expensive to fix.
Best $2100 bucks I ever spent!
Going strong
I sold mine with 157K on it, 4 years later, I saw the new owner, the car's paint is now bad, but it has 425K miles on it...
Is the tire Buick
Expensive tire Cruze control
I owned 3 buicks , I've never had a car that was better a buick. I've had many that was more expensive but on long trips with family none was better than a buick!!!
Good ole 3800
A true classic
Most reliable motor GM ever had in production, especially the SERIES II 3800 - and if you went to a junkyard and found a close year Bonniville SSEI - that supercharger was a direct bolt-on fit for the 3800 series II. Just modify the hood to clear and some ECM tuning...SLEEPER
I put a 2000 century out of commission once. Plow wake swept it right off the road.
Anyway God damnit I love bench seats!
Yep-- no need to wiggle to get to the back seats and lose the moment.
@@mikejohn0088 giggity
We must be old huh pal! It's a good thing as life today is not exactly my way.
1:48 Dude personally called me out my lesabre was fucking trashed with mcdonalds mcchicken wrappers
Almost the original owner of a 2000 Park Avenue Ultra. Bought it when I was 23 and now I’m 45. Absolutely did not give a damn what people thought of me then; I don’t care what they think of me today. I’m in love with my car. I’ll never sell it, and nothing has the room, the ride, or the comfort. Has zero problems, looks phenomenal (to me), and there’s no car I like today better. I do admit that it’s no longer my daily driver. I own a brand new Lexus now. I would never buy a new Buick because they just don’t make them like they used to. There’s also no vehicle this size that gets 30 mpg highway. Still, my favorite car on earth. Beauty and impressiveness is a matter of perspective.
I have one too---she looks like new and I take care of her as she is my friend until my end.
Would love to have a 03-05 park avenue ultra preferably the last year 05..same years with the lasabre limited…awesome cars
@@toddprater14 the 03-05 models looked a little wonky to me with the strange grille, but the 05 was really a bit too over the top with the trunk lid trim. I’m good from 97-2002 models.
@@socalguy97 love the trim over the trunk lid and it’s 05 only
@@toddprater14I always thought it was too much and unnecessary. The portholes too. That’s why I like ultras from 97-02 - very understated and played down. Not a lot of overdone bling.
My Buick lacrosse 2013 is bulletproof
Lacrosses any good?
NO 1 star NHTSA Crash safety rating meaning the likely hood of walking away from a major accident is slim to none. Worse NHSTA rating than a 1970's Ford Pinto not kidding. John Davis knocked the LaCrosse in 2005 for this in his review as well.
@@chrislemaster2695 thanks was also thinking a 2008 Lucerne but am worried it’s the same story.
The safety ratings may depend on the year of the LaCrosse. Interested parties should research that.
I have an 01 I bought for $3000 with 60k miles and no one ever sat in the back seat
My favorite cars
I have a 2004 Buick Regal GS. 139,000 miles. (same 240 hp as the stock 2004 BMW). Same lines. The power is great for a 3,500 lb car!
$4,000 for the car and $1000 to make it safe and reliable, two years ago in Florida.
I owned one but it was a wisonsin car that rusted apart after two months sadly
Best powertrains
Bought a 99 lesabre limited in October. Daily driver, love it.
just bought a 98 century last month so far i have put 420 into it hope to be done spending money lol. at least it is not a bmw
I had 3 lesabres best Effing car ever
There are FAR FAR more Ford Panther Platform vehicles on the road in 2024 than Buicks.
I got 5 3800s in my yard
I bet your neighbors just love you.
@@mikejohn0088 6 now and no Neighbors :)
Try buying a low mileage same year Camry,even ones with high mileage,there is no such thing as a cheap used Toyota.
Dud you say le saberay? Wtf
I'm driving a 01 lesabre "CuStOm" right now as my daily lol great car.
My 1998 Buick Park Ave. is much better looking and fire more comfortable than any of these new crappy plastic E egg shaped cars that are so freaking ugly