CAR WIZARD highlights what makes the Buick 3800 V6 the BEST engine ever!
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- Опубліковано 27 лип 2019
- The 🧙♂️ CAR WIZARD shares his reasons for why the Buick 3800 V6 is the absolute BEST engine ever made.
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Car manufacturers don't intend for you to keep your car for decades, but once in awhile they make a mistake.
And that is exactly what happened....accidentally way too durable
This is why they engineered that late 2000's CARS program. They literally built cars too reliably, and people were not buying new cars in as many numbers, and used cars were cheap but very reliable. Thousands of good used cars, motors and all, taken off the road, and replaced with piles of shit that barely lasted 100k. Just enough to outlast the payments.
my aussie built '01 Mitsubishi is almost as old as me and hasn't had a single issue yet :/ it's mind blowing how many garbage cars there are these days, and the clueless people buying them (euro trash and un-necessary SUV's mostly)
It's not a mistake it's greed
yup. Toyota made that mistake with the 5vz-fe 3.4l v6 engine. with good maintenance, it will last literally a million miles. best engine ever made
My grandpa worked for GM for 32 years. When he retired, he was given a 1989 Buick LeSabre. He loved that car and passed it down to my dad when he died. It was the car I learned to drive in.
No, your allowed to believe that...it is more along the lines of being too proud/or money exhausted after getting ripped off by the brains (engineers) and/or over bearing on the engineering process!
Your dad was given a car AFTER he died?
@@G0ZERIAN it was one of the things left to him in my grandfather's will.
@Mr. TA that is exactly what happened.
I learned in a 91!
It was a sad day when GM quit building the 3800. I've owned several and I absolutely LOVE this engine. Here in the Rust Belt the engines always outlasted the car they were in.
Yep. Rust belt, why I had to give up my LaSabre..great engine and comfy ride.
what year is this buick
It was too good. They had to stop making them
@@ronhoover5516 You'll get no argument from me.
@@7thkansascav468 Good cars, though!
I had a 2000 impala with this motor. Literally the best car I've ever owned. I regret letting it go
Those were cool cars back then and IMO still cool to this day. Chevy cars used to have really great looking taillights.
No blown intake gasket by 120k miles?
@@JustAGuy85easy enough fix
I'm glad to see repairs are simple easy. I just purchased 2006 good condition 66k miles for $400 it just randomly stops on low idle or complete stops. I'm going to clean the MAF 1st, any other tips would be great. Also used my OBD and no error codes.
I have a 2000 with the 3400, I replaced the intake gaskets at 90k miles before they had a chance to blow. Car has 277k miles now
Gm engineers say 3.8 lasts 500 thousand miles. Management says : it’s too good, kill it
And now the Corp is almos a Corpse
Jbog07 and the new diesels are insanely expensive to repair
@@mikecastellon4545 the emissions in them is what people say ruins them. I deal with dodge diesels at work.
J M yes, the govt mandated emissions standards must be complied with even though they make diesels far less desirable than they were 25 or 20 yrs ago.
@@mikecastellon4545 and yet the funny thing is. OBDII is a big fucking scam anyhow engineered by money hungry people.
Dude honestly the world needs more honest technicians like you
this type of work is hard, but the CAR WIZARD has our back so greatful!!!!!!
I don't see many on the road
If only politicians and heads of corporations would watch such videos, perhaps their minuscule conscience would start to let go of ego and greed and open up to intelligence and common sense.
WWG1WGA
ABSOLUTELY!! far to many crooks out there now days.
Car wizard admits he charges 30 min for a 2 min job @ 9:20, how exactly is that honest?
I was a 33 year Buick sales rep. We were Best in Class with 100% customer satisfaction. I could tell you every difference year by year. Buick had great training.
What is the model and model year of the car wizard is describing?
Do you think i could get a car w this engine for under 2k
@@ben43123definitely can. I've seen Buick century's with under 180k miles going for $1500 and they look to be in decent condition
The 3800 has a long history which series years are the most reliable?
you should try get on a video call with the Wizard to make a video on buick
Much loved engine here in Australia too. They came out…in rear wheel drive form…in the Holden Commodore. We had four in various models over the years. What an engine!! My niece had one in a Commodore that had 600,000km on it.
They were called eco tec over her.
Before the vs they were still buick 3800
Mine was a naturally aspirated 3800. At 306k miles, I swapped the heads, intake, and balancer to install the factory supercharger the GTP has. I'm at 381k now, still the original shortblock.
@@AA-wq5sm it lasted to 343k. I'm on the second one now.
@@AA-wq5sm I bought a used trans with unknown miles for $400 and swapped it myself. With fluid, and other stuff you should probably budget for $7-800.
How long last manifold intake? What causes to fail? How long last the coolant pipe? Do they have a metal instead of plastic? Thanks
@@royallion271 The last 3800 series engine made had aluminum upper intakes because the old polymer intakes will get old and crack and would suck coolant down in the motor and hydrolock them.
Curious:do you have to smog it? Considering converting my firebird to run the gtp supercharger. I think CA smog will bend me over though
When he talked about the dealership saying the motor was leaking from everywhere but that there was no leak at all I almost choked on my sandwich. The level of dishonesty is unbelievable. That is pure stealing. Having an honest mechanic is so important!
Which is exactly why we call them "Stealerships"
Or learn how to fix your own car. I started doing that long ago, after having to fix something the "technician" screwed up.
@@fsnissen Yea that's EXACTLY how I started 20+ years ago. Tech screwed up something and tried to get my mother to pay more, took that car home and did it myself. Got me inspired, stayed at it the whole time. You eventually learn how to fix a car after a dealership tells you it will be $475 to install one 02 sensor that totally accessible from the top facing you.
Some independent repair shops are also dishonest and/or stupid. Took one of my vehicles in to be repaired because I didn't have the time to fix it myself. He turned out to be a moron. He left the retention clips off the fuel rail on my 7.4L and popped loose on #2 fuel injector a few days after getting it back, causing a fire (which thankfully happened right as I got home and I was able to put out quickly). Discovered why this happened, this guy just lost my future business. Fixed it, myself, the right way, with the clips (a whopping $12 dollars) he said were not necessary. Well clearly they were necessary (60 psi system).
Question EVERYONE!!!
I wish there was a known network of mechanics like the Wizard who were honest, and forthright with customers. As a person without too terribly much auto repair experience and knowledge, it would be nice to be able to find a local mechanic who was like this guy. It's hard to know if you're getting ripped off or scammed...
I was working in a small used car dealership when the owner bought a Berlinetta Camaro with a 3.8 that had a head gasket leak. I pulled the heads off and the block had a gouge in the top of the cylinders from the #3 cylinder to the #5 and then off to the side. I whipped up some J B Weld and filled the gouge, let it cure over night and ground it smooth the next morning,put new gaskets in it , and it worked perfect. About 10 years later , my daughter and her hubby bought a Berlinetta . Same year , color ,everything. Then we got looking closer ,and it was the same car. You could see the tiny bit of J B Weld sticking out the side of the motor. They had it a long time and never a problem.
phenomenal
Berlinetta Camaros came with the 2.8 60 degree V6, not the 3.8. That didn't come until the mid/late 90's.
Reliable, easy and cheap to fix, good fuel economy. It's no wonder GM killed it.
GM can be assholes. They should have never gave up on the engine. I wish they would have made the engine in the longitudinal form. Looks like car companies just want the money. They don't want to make reliable cars anymore they just want the money just for the repairs. Part of a Rothschild plan.
Not in line with GM core values these days.
@@az7378 They put some in Firebirds.
What? What could go wrong by making engines half that size and turbocharging? 😅
GM went bankrupt a few months after they discontinued this engine.
I worked at BOC in Lansing Michigan and was involved with the 3800 Buick V6 engine in the engine plant. I was involved with bringing this line in and start up. It was the first time that GM had SPC involved with the machining of this Engine. SPC means statistical process control. SPC was developed by a man named Edward Deming. He first got cars in Japan in SPC and is the reason why Japan was kicking our ass. The Buick V6 3800 is one of the best engines ever made by GM.
Interesting. Edward Deming was an American engineer and an efficiency and quality control expert who is revered in Japan as the man who turned the Japanese car market around and transformed them from a reputation for "junk" to one of high "quality". He is mentioned in several Japanese management books that are widely studied in Japanese businesses and universities to this day.
And then GM forgot to use SPC 🤣😂
@@letmethinkv Quality control is always a challenge and U.S. companies often gravitate towards cutting corners to increase productivity and their short-term bottom line because bonuses and promotions are usually tied to short-term profitability. The Japanese tend to look towards long-term success rather than short-term gain and they end up winning in the long run because consumers keep buying their high-quality products.
@@1notgilty so its not SPC
@@letmethinkv Right.
Good video ! The series 2 had six cross bolted main bearings for added strength. The LeSabre evolved from year to year largely based on customer input. I can tell you each difference year be year starting in 1984. Through 2017. I asked our factory rep in the Chicago zone why they were dropping the 3800. He said nobody wanted a geriatric push rod engine 2 valve when the Cadillac 3.6 had 24 valves and dual overhead camshafts. That’s when the new guys came in and ruined GM by bankrupt in 2008
What you said in your reply makes total sense. The new guys came in and ruined a good thing. Talk about planned obsolescence.
Nowadays the only way they want to make an engine is a 1.6 later 16 valve DOHC turbo direct injection with 20 feet of timing chains and tensioners that only last 120,000 miles.
Which 3800 is best? The series 1,2, or 3?
3 is best, but the cars built around the early series 2 are the better build quality cars.
@@ryancooper5647 plus it takes pretty minimal cost to make it just as good if better than the series 3
I bought a 2000 Buick LeSabre Custom this year, and honestly, I love it. Fuel pump failed recently, and it's tired were in pretty awful shape. But the engine runs! Even when the fuel pump failed it was still turning over perfectly without fail.
i did too lmao and i took it to a mechanic and the mechanic gave me a list that was 2 pages long of things wrong with the engine and it looked like whoever had the car before me never did maintenance on it a single time and the mechanic even said he was surprised that the car even made it to the shop. that was like 2 months ago and its still running fine. the tranny mounts are broken though cause i can feel it just when its switching gears
oh yea i wanna clarify, the repairs were like 5.5 grand so i just decided to drive it until it breaks
@@Speidlair-- honestly, 5.5 grand? You could maybe get another 10 years out of that thing if you overhaul it.
To anyone on here considering a Buick 3800 equipped car, specifically an N/A one: MAKE SURE IT HAS AN UPDATED FUEL PRESSURE REGULATOR. My father's '01 Bonneville suffered a fiery explosion earlier this year due to a faulty fuel pressure regulator that GM claimed was improved for the 2001 model year. Turns out that was a lie. The car was totaled. Upon researching the issue, there are thousands of cases, and even a recall, which DID NOT cover cars after the 2000 model year, even though it obviously wasn't fixed on the newer cars. Even a famous video of a 3800 impala blowing up in the exact same way at a shop after an oil change. So if you've got a N/A 3800 car from 2000 or earlier, make sure its had the recall done. If you have a 2001 or later, you'll have to do the job yourself or somehow verify its already been done without a recall sticker.
Secondly, the 4T65E transmission is notoriously weak. Excessive clutch wear is pretty much guaranteed unless shift kit is installed. Signs of this issue are hard shifts aı eventually slipping/shuddering during acceleration.
If Toyotas are tanks, then this engine is The Scorpion in Halo.
Nah that MF the ghost. Big slow and indestructible lol you can blow up a 3800 and replace the broke parts same day.
@@YoungBlvckSpitta Facts! I blew my 99 3.8 on a Sunday afternoon (my profile pic is from that exact day) she was back by Friday morning.
GM made one engine that would fit into a Toyota lineup....
Whatever bro you must be a hundred, and live on the road
@@YoungBlvckSpitta you meant the Wraith. I got you though 👍
It's nice to hear someone confirm what I've always known...3.8L v6's are probably the best motor GM ever built since the small block chevy.
"Small block Chevy" is kinda vague, there's a few... but they're all solid products, so... (Technically the 3800 series, V6 IS a "small block Chevy, well " small block Buick. Same difference)
@@godchi1dvonsteuben770 if I'm not mistaken they are all based on the same basic design with no doubt some upgrades over the years... though I'll admit I'm no engineer so I wouldn't bet the farm. All I know is that my last 3.8 in a 96 le Saber got to 500,000kms and was still running perfect. The chassis finally got tired and a little too much rust. The current 99 3.8 has 380,000kms on it and needless to say runs perfect
Fords inline 6
Yep 👍
True they last till about 400k
Just picked up a straight clean 1 owner garage kept 79000 miles 03 lesabre today for cheap. 3800 life
Totally agree with everything you said about the 3800. My favorite engine. I've owned 5 and there have been 4 more in our family. I own one now (1994 Olds 88 with the LSS package). All that have been given enough time have gone well past 200,000 miles with no internal engine problems. No engine failure on any of them! And only 1 transmission ever needed rebuilding (another 1994 LSS at around 300K). Take that, Japanese brands!
The most miles was a 1988 Olds Touring Sedan (wow I miss that car), 381,800 + when I parted with it. Still ran beautifully.
Spent yesterday afternoon working on my mother in law's 1997 LeSabre (167,000 miles) - it had been sitting (inside) for 2 years. Charged battery, changed oil, aired tires, washed it and checked things over - back on the road as though it was last driven the day before. Told her if she ever parted with it to keep it in the family. Also sent her the link to this video!
We need more mechanics like you. honest people thanks for all you do.🤛
Yeah,the wiz has got it right.Honest,upright and know's his trade.Have viewed his takes on the 3800 engines and Caddy's Northstar.I messed up on my Park Av.,and overestimated the last two Cadi's I've owned.
Amen to that
Hear here, a toast to Car Wizard!
@Joe Santos Him and Scotty Kilmer!
@@silenciummortum2193 I sometimes enjoy Scotty yelling at me
The car wizard is just my kind of guy. Knows what he’s talking about, and he is a decent human being. 👍🏻
Agreed
Agreed! A honest mechanic and a good person are super hard to find these days! Most give us mechanics a bad name. Nice to see there are good honest people
Here here.
True no BS
Honest mechanics like the Wizard are hard to find these days. I wish he lived in my area.
I just bought one with 99,000 miles on it. Probably the best purchase I've ever made
Just bought a 1991 Buick Century Wagon with the 3.3 with 94,000 miles for 1,200$. Don’t regret it at all.
@@andreyfendichjust got one for $234 with title
169k
Got a 98' park avenue w 110k miles at auction. Perfect condition, inside and out. I think an older person owned it before me. I'm loving my purchase
@@leonwhitehorse1099 2001 park ave checking in, just an FYI, the speakers and head unit are really easy to upgrade because the 30 year old paper ones are definitely junk. Also check wheel bearings and your air ride system. A few sensors here and there, maybe a few new fluid lines. Just things I've had to check on mine
Excellent video. I just picked one up from an elderly lady in Sarasota Florida. 2002 with only 67K miles. Love it so far. All i have to replace to get it back to shape is the passenger side window regulator, windshield wiper fluid line is cracked, and the motor mount needs replace.
Much love for this engine from Australia! Mine has 400 thousand km's and purrs like a kitten and is so cheap to maintain. Bless buik
I'm from Australia too mine done over 1 million kms and still running great engines
Holden Commodore got a great engine but the worst quality interiors GMH could come up with.
The only problem with Holden adaption was that the thermostat is a pain in arse to replace.
700 plus on my ex NZ VP cop car only died because of the dedicated lpg system sluged up.
this engine had rear oil seal problem
Here in Australia, this engine powered our most popular GM models.
Very muched loved and still very common.
Even if we nicknamed it the 'Moo' because of the engine note when you drive one hard
I have a mechanic here in Aust that says pull it out and change all the Gaskets & Seals every 250,000 Km... and once you have done 1,000,000 then rebuild it properly...
@Jimmy 000 yeah the VZ onwards are only good for LS’s, the alloytec is dogshit.
Commos represent!
@Jimmy 000 try replacing the thermostat in a alloytec-painful.
Thanks Car Wizard for steering me in the right direction on purchasing a 2003 Buick Lesabre. I happened to find one with 55,000 miles and inspecting it on a lift it is practically a new car. It came with the grandma smell but it is practically a new vehicle and as you said, the parts are cheap and plentiful. One happy guy right here!
I've got a 2014 Buick LaCrosse with the 3800 V6. It has just over 300 HP... and I regularly get 32 to 34 MPG on all-highway trips. It's fantastic. I also had a 1990 Reatta until recently... had the old 165 HP version of this engine in that. Really good stuff... glad you appreciate it!
The 3800 went out of production in 2008. the 2014 MY Buick LaCrosse does not use the 3800 series V6.
After watching this and doing more research I bought a 04 lesabre with 121,500 and I am impressed and ride to work in comfort everyday, its like driving a cadillac with a lazyboy in it. Thank you for the info and the videos you make
I love it great story I was actually thinking about how many people actually buy the cars he's talking about and you're one of them also your name is Mercedes so it's more funny
Better than any new GM car.
Keep it!!
deeply considering getting an 01 lesabre custom with 100k miles for around 3500, found a good one with a clean title and all that mess.
@@adorablecenturion8436 I would jump on that one, those cars are so comfortable to drive and I haven't had to do much maintenance. I have almost had mine for a year and I'm thinking about buying another one for my wife in the near future. Good Luck
After watching this video I found a senior owned, beautiful ‘03 LeSabre for $4k with 112k miles. The old man who owned it before me was meticulous in his maintenance. He changed the oil every 2.5k miles and babied the thing like it was his most prized possession. The records he kept were incredible. A year later, I have made $5000 in various repairs and improvements through another 18,000 miles of travel. 356 days into my ownership with yet another Service Engine Soon light illuminating because of $1000 in required radiator sensor, a/c & evap leak repairs, I traded in this ‘gem’ of a vehicle for a new Camry. I will never mess with old cars again. I need reliability from a vehicle, not averaging $750 month for a 20 year old POS. My advice, as soon as an old car needs a repair which exceeds its ACV, abandon it. Good luck!
When GM finally gets it right they discontinue it
Uh, he said the engine started in like 88 and ended in 2008, thats 20 years. Sounds like than ran with a good thing for a while. Im sure it was time for an upgrade. Maybe the one they gave wasnt anygood, but you get my point.
gm has tons of good engines. more then anyone else. there are 1 million mile plus 5.7 out their. never seen another gasoline engine do that.
@@michaelprovost5433 not a chance, only way was it was rebuilt 4 times and or babied and kept after very well. And probably was cause parts are so cheap. Now the 4.8/5.3/6.0 gm engine they run forever and need minimal care.
@@hp5469 look it up.
@@michaelprovost5433 There have been a couple Toyota tundras that went over 1 million without a rebuild. Toyota even bought one of them a new truck to celebrate.
I inherited a '98 LeSabre with 88K from my Mom with this engine. I was gonna sell it for $1200 but first I took it to the track to blow it out. It ran a 14.5 second quarter mile first run. It cruises at 100mph effortlessly and still gets 28mpg with the AC on. I think I'm keeping this car.
if you see any, and I mean any car with this engine in it and you've got it cheap, keep it because the engine will outlive the car if you look after it, the chassis will rust out long before the engine dies
Based on your recommendation I began searching for this engine. Found a 2005 Lacrosse with 164k miles. Super clean engine bay, interior, and even the exterior. Haven't take a long trip with it yet so hwy mileage yet to be measured but around town, 20-21 mpg is my norm even with the A/C running most days. Thank you for this video. I'm super happy with my new (to me) car!
I brought a 2008 Pontiac Grand Prix with 125k on engine back in 2018. I have 215k now...no problems. 3.8 litter the best motor GM ever made...
@@captainmorgan5449 Sounds like a great find. Here's hoping mine at 215k is just as problem free!
@@RichardHarlos
It should go for awhile. My engine was a series 3 motor. It was the most refined out of all the motors. GM made improvements over the years. I live in the Midwest...fenders are starting to rust. I will start to look for a southern 2008. Grand Prix or a Buick Lucerne. I love the 3.8
Best engine GM ever made. I was surprised they never put them in the pickup trucks of that era. Good torque, reliable, and way better on fuel than the 4.3
Me too, in the S-10/Sonoma they should put the 3.8 V6 as the base engine and keep fhe 4.3 V6 as an option for more hauling capacity. Instead they put the underpowered 2.2 SFI as base engine.
I think they would have been good in an S-10 or Blazer. Not quite as much towing power as the 4.3 that is in my "99 Bravada. I'd like to see someone swap one in.
I've seen videos of people hauling ridiculous loads with their LeSabre so I think they couldve done it
The sincerity. Where do you find this, in everyday life. This is real talk by a professional.
Exactly. A throwback to what people used to be like.
I had a 1998 LeSabre, and yes, 28-30mpg. Even loaded up. Very reliable too. The torque, gearing, and low ride, highway bruiser.
I had it for 7 years, and a leaking valve cover, and fuel pump were the only real repairs. The auto-hvac was troublesome, but nothing debilitating
@car wizard , I used to own a 98 Lesabre and missed driving an American built Buick with the 3800 so much that I ended up buying a 2001 Park Avenue with 167k miles on it for only $2,200 and I am so happy driving this smooth driving comfy car. There was a bonus when I went to buy this car off someone . I took a look at the engine area and discovered that the previous owner had already done the Dorman aluminum intake conversion 👌 also, it's so easy to swap out sensors on this car when they go bad. I'm not mechanically inclined and using an OBD scanner, Google & Amazon I'm able to change sensors myself . P.S. been enjoying watching your videos for years now but as I watch UA-cam on my TV I don't have the option to comment so this is my first comment . Love all your videos 💫💫💫
I'm putting 230 miles a day 5 days a week on my 3800 series 3. Gets 28 MPG and has NEVER broken down on me. I drive two hours to work one way in Erie, PA. That motor is seriously impressive and I will swear by it to the day I die. Also, this motor responds very well to modifications. I have mine up to about 260 HP without a supercharger.
what mods did you add
i have 03 lesabre and i’m trying to get it looking good
Lesabres are too old to buy at this point in time. You'll have to do alot Knicks and knacks repairs here and there to keep it running on the road. Buicks don't give me that Toyota original parts until 250,000 miles type of longevity-even the praised LeSabre, Park Avenue, Regal and Bonneville.
@@pushhard2 Toyotas are in a league of their own when it comes to reliability and longevity. I have a 2015 Corolla I bought a couple years ago and have only put gas in it and changed the oil so far. It has 168,000 on it right now and hope my good luck continues.
@@BartholomewSmutz Agreed! I had a 2010 Toyota Camry that died at 256k miles and I did the same roughly up until 250k's.
@@pushhard2what about an 08 Buick allure? What mods would work best with that
My first car, didn't realize how great the engine was till now!
@@pauledwards3325 I had a 96 LeSabre with 56k miles I bought from the original owner for 2300🤣I sold it for 3600 about a year ago. Hoping to buy a 2001 GS supercharged in a few days with 107k
I had one but had to junk couldn't figure out what was wrong
Same, Had a 04 Lesabre custom and god that car was great
Preachin to the choir, Amen... Have the same in the 1998 50th Anniversary Buick Regal. Was my dad's purchase, his retirement car from GM. He passed. I am 69 years old and still driving it. Incredibly reliable, just drive it. Thank you for your great uploads...
I JUST STUMBLED UPON YOUR CHANNEL. IM EXCITED FOR MORE VIDEOS. YOU ARE ONE SMART MAN.
Wizard goes undercover as clueless customer only to pull of the the fake beard over his real beard and expose the dealer mechanic for the fraudster he is!
I'd love that.
Yes!
Hahhaha, Yeah would be a great show! But there would be smoke every once in awhile...so yeah I doubt it!
That would be his best viewed video lol
And he could impersonate Copper Cab 4 even more dramatic effect
Great engine. My 2001 Bonneville ran 275k miles... then I sold it. Still running smoothly.
We have these in Australia in the commodores, but they had a metal plenum. Awesome engine and power for what it was. 👍
thank you for existing. ive learn a lot from you
That undercarriage was dryer than the Sahara desert 💀
Posting this from my 2007 Grand Prix GT; the last supercharged Pontiac 3800.
Pontiac grand prix acult following
David Moore 66 *occult, but I agree!
@@UnorthodoxMasterOfGames a cult following.
Had a 2005 Comp G. Dang I want another one so bad!
B Hamilton series 3 is the best!
Thanks for this tutorial! Very informative and useful!
You forgot a few key cars this came in the F body Camaro and Firebird. Also Grand Prix, Impala, can't forget all the mini vans and Pontiac Aztek I was a tech at Pontiac in the beginning of my automotive career. These were a pleasure to work on. You might say I was a Wizard of the 3800 engine!
The 3400 was great too, about just as common but imo the 3800 still wins between the two because it has more power
I have a 2002 Regal GS. When I bought it for $1900 I honestly didn't expect much, but was quickly impressed by it's comfort, acceleration, and reliability. It isn't outright fast, but the supercharger adds a lovely kick to the motor, it devours miles, and the reliability is incredible. I put nearly 3000 miles per month on it and haven't had to do anything but change the oil and spark plugs. Easily the best car I've ever owned.
Still have it ?
I found a 98 LeSabre with 30,000 miles no rust 3 years ago, it is now my daily driver if I ever get rid of it I will give it to one of my kids or grandkids. I let my son use it for a week once and he told me it was the most all-around perfect running car he had ever driven. I am always on the lookout for another one just like it, it's that good. TheReaper!
I lucked out on a 97 Buick Lesabre with 36,000 miles. I went ahead and replaced the plastic elbow with metal. Also pulled the upper and lower intake to replace the gaskets with Felpro. I'm convinced it will last us the rest of our life. Now I need to get rid of that RIDICULOUS air suspension and install regular shocks.
You have to check the time chain. GM has Teflon coated timing sprockets in those days. ( Although GM might have gotten rid of the Teflon coated timing sprocket by 89. It was in my '87 Olds. I changed it).
The Teflon would wear off by 90,000 mi. Causing the timing change to wobble, which caused the valves to get hit by the pistons. Destroying the engine. The easy way to find out is dropping the oil pan. If you see little white plastic spikes, then you have a Teflon timing sprocket, that is ready to go.
I still own my beloved 2000 Buick Regal GS that I purchased in October of that same year. Her name is Lucy.She just hit 250000 miles and is easily the best investment I've made in my overall failure in life.She's so reliable and is in no way a $ pit.She might outlive me lol.
To anyone on here considering a Buick 3800 equipped car, specifically an N/A one: MAKE SURE IT HAS AN UPDATED FUEL PRESSURE REGULATOR. My father's '01 Bonneville suffered a fiery explosion earlier this year due to a faulty fuel pressure regulator that GM claimed was improved for the 2001 model year. Turns out that was a lie. The car was totaled. Upon researching the issue, there are thousands of cases, and even a recall, which DID NOT cover cars after the 2000 model year, even though it obviously wasn't fixed on the newer cars. Even a famous video of a 3800 impala blowing up in the exact same way at a shop after an oil change. So if you've got a N/A 3800 car from 2000 or earlier, make sure its had the recall done. If you have a 2001 or later, you'll have to do the job yourself or somehow verify its already been done without a recall sticker.
Secondly, the 4T65E transmission is notoriously weak. Excessive clutch wear is pretty much guaranteed unless shift kit is installed. Signs of this issue are hard shifts aı eventually slipping/shuddering during acceleration
A truly great engine! These exact engines were used in the Australian made Holden Commodores from the mid 90's to mid 2000's. They were oriented north/south as the Holden's were rear wheel drive.
Don't you mean the mid 80s , they were in the 1988 VN commadore , and don't come the " it's a Eco Tec that's a different motor" you cant move one intake port and drop the deck and call it a new motor , the Eco Tec is still a Buick V6
Honest Mechanic always thought we needed more people we can trust you know your craft great video learned a bunch!
Glad I came across this vid! I just purchased the same car with 43k mi on it for my daughter... From a 80yr old man.. It's MINT,, maybe I should keep it in fear she'll wreck it before it retires 🤔
So how about an update on the status of your daughter and that sweet land yacht you found for her?
You bought this grampa car for your 16 year old daughter !? Yikes
To anyone on here considering a Buick 3800 equipped car, specifically an N/A one: MAKE SURE IT HAS AN UPDATED FUEL PRESSURE REGULATOR. My father's '01 Bonneville suffered a fiery explosion earlier this year due to a faulty fuel pressure regulator that GM claimed was improved for the 2001 model year. Turns out that was a lie. The car was totaled. Upon researching the issue, there are thousands of cases, and even a recall, which DID NOT cover cars after the 2000 model year, even though it obviously wasn't fixed on the newer cars. Even a famous video of a 3800 impala blowing up in the exact same way at a shop after an oil change. So if you've got a N/A 3800 car from 2000 or earlier, make sure its had the recall done. If you have a 2001 or later, you'll have to do the job yourself or somehow verify its already been done without a recall sticker.
Secondly, the 4T65E transmission is notoriously weak. Excessive clutch wear is pretty much guaranteed unless shift kit is installed. Signs of this issue are hard shifts aı eventually slipping/shuddering during acceleration.
@@Max_G43imagine being ungrateful enough to complain about a FREE CAR
The first job I ever remember helping my dad with was replacing that coolant elbow described at the 12 minute mark. Little pieces of that oem plastic broke off inside and were a serious pain in the butt to get out! Oddly enough, it's actually a memory I look back at fondly now.
Just bought one these for my Daughter yesterday - car had remarkable low mileage and was in very good condition. She's super excited to have a car again, and I'm hoping I won't have to work on it very often. This is a fantastic engine - and I knew that going into the purchase. Hopefully it will survive her driving skills.
I've got a car with one, you can damn near ignore the timing chain completely and just put oil in it as needed and it'll run fine, the rest of the car will give you more of a headache than the engine will
To anyone on here considering a Buick 3800 equipped car, specifically an N/A one: MAKE SURE IT HAS AN UPDATED FUEL PRESSURE REGULATOR. My father's '01 Bonneville suffered a fiery explosion earlier this year due to a faulty fuel pressure regulator that GM claimed was improved for the 2001 model year. Turns out that was a lie. The car was totaled. Upon researching the issue, there are thousands of cases, and even a recall, which DID NOT cover cars after the 2000 model year, even though it obviously wasn't fixed on the newer cars. Even a famous video of a 3800 impala blowing up in the exact same way at a shop after an oil change. So if you've got a N/A 3800 car from 2000 or earlier, make sure its had the recall done. If you have a 2001 or later, you'll have to do the job yourself or somehow verify its already been done without a recall sticker.
Secondly, the 4T65E transmission is notoriously weak. Excessive clutch wear is pretty much guaranteed unless shift kit is installed. Signs of this issue are hard shifts aı eventually slipping/shuddering during acceleration
@@MrJMS814 to add on this, use lubegard red atf protectant, my 4t65e was slipping and shaking so bad my dashboard cracked in 3 places.. 2 bottles of lubegard and she's been fine for the past 5000KM.
I agree! I worked in garages for years, used to see these cars with this engine come in for inspection with over 300,000 miles and still pass emissions test! Many! Also the 2.2 liter in the Chevy cavalier was a fantastic engine, it was common though for anti-freeze to seep from the left side of the engine, between the block&head which since the engine is in the car sideways is in front when you raise the hood/bonnet, but don't panic this leak is external! Want hurt anything! Don't remove the head to fix! A little sealer in the radiator solves this issue if it bothers you. Also the 2800 was a pretty good engine but the 3800 was a great improvement!🤠👍
250k on my lesabre, and I just changed the heater elbows. 20 minutes, $11, aluminum upgraded. No coolant leak, no white smoke,, car is toasty. Changed the water pump for $25. And I'm a UA-cam educated rookie mechanic.
I lived in it for a while, and couldn't do oil changes or tune up for a few years, and the sucker was still running on 3 cylinders. 14 years later, still my daily.
@Jinx well yeah it depends how you maintain it. But yes usually because the engine lasts so long eventually you have to replace the transmission. It's a shame they didn't come up with any standard versions all automatic
@Jinx you do understand people who buy 3000$ cars dont change transmission filters dont you? These things get passed around and rack up 150k on the stock filter and burn up
@Jinx just look at the car look who your buying it from test them how long theyve owned it what theyve done dont buy it if its junk
Best engine I ever had!!! I've own countless 350s, ford's, and dodge. Nothing beat the 3800 I had. Over 250k HARD miles and still going. Oil change ever 15k miles at best. Hit a hog, a deer, and a raccoon. Car looked like derby car. Still did a 4 hour round trip everyday. Plus 30 mpg. Amazing motor. I actually gave the car away because it wouldn't die and was to ugly to drive
Sounds like the story of my 96 Camaro
@@KyleWendt406 tbf those were ugly from the factory
@@HansBelphegor which makes it a perfect wreck-n-roll car. I bought one from a kid for $400 with the 5 speed and the 3800 and I put 4.56 gears in the rear and bought about 10 pairs of tires from marketplace and took her to town. Nestral drops for days and that thing never quit. It would peel tires for 2 city blocks from 3rd. The only remotely major thing I did on it was a head gasket replacement which took about 4 hours and cost less than 100 bucks and a clutch replacement which wasn't horrible either. And at 400 bucks you don't feel bad trashing it around. Nobody judges a rattlecan paint job on a sub thousand dollar car.
Your video's are awesome! Im so thankful you take the time to share your experiences and thoughts and knowledge with us! We are better mechanics because of people like you! Thank you Mr wizard!
In 2016, I got my first car a 2008 Pontiac G6 coupe with the 3.5 V6. It has seen -45°C winters, nasty pot holes, 2 accidents in its life. Still runs like new after 15 years!
1st car I've ever done any "mechanical" work to was my 2004 Pontiac grand prix...didnt know shit about cars and replace the alternator in 30 min...love it
Thomas Alan - - i have a 08 Pontiac Grand Prix GTP, it has the 3800 v6 and is supercharged, for some reason my car wont start, it just keeps cranking, i put in a new starter, battery, and new key from chevy any ideas on what it could be?!
@@slowgoat6089 Fuel pump. Smack the gas tank with a rubber mallet a couple of times (yes I'm serious) and see if it starts up.
1337penguinman - How sure are you because even bad fuel pumps start up a car after enough cranking
@@1337penguinman fuel pump wouldn't cuase a clicking sound either a slow start or no start.never heard a bad pump click.
Same! I had a 94 Regal as my first car. When I was 17 I replaced the alternator in about 30 minutes by flashlight. It was the easiest thing I've ever done to a car.
Car and Driver interviewed an engineer behind the 3800 back in the day. He claimed the 3800 had very low internal friction which helped reliablity and to make good power.
Yes I remember that. They may also have studied Nissan V6 engines (not sure if VG or VQ or both). If I recall, the original VQ was also a very low friction design and perhaps not coincidentally are known as high mile engines as well.
@@kevin9c1 then nissan might have copied the 3.8 gm which was out long before nissan
@@kevin9c1 Hopfully the VG too because I have one
I had a VG 3.3 in a Villager, can attest to my wife boiling the coolant out of the motor without incident, TWICE. When the automatic transmission finally died at 242,000 miles I could still let that van sit for weeks, go outside and turn the key and it would fire right up.
@@WinkelManBearPig Yeah I have a VG 3.3 in my Nissan Xterra, got it cheap as a first car and I'm thrilled because people are saying good things about the engine.
❤❤🎉 yes you're absolutely 100% correct my parents bought the 02 and 04 3100 Century 3800 LeSabre and no issues I have the cars now and I do remember I've been following you for quite a while that you started your mechanic career on this type of car or this engine so yes great video
It was too reliable for GM.....lasted too long. GM wants u to buy a new car sooner
As soon as 80k miles
no that would be Ford.
Yes but why would one buy another one
Almost like planned obsolescence is real.
Would not comply with new euro 5 emissions rules. Pitty I had 2 cars with this engine and they were great.
Just bought a 2002 Buick Park Avenue with this engine to run back and forth to work. 133k miles and paid $1500. I was told it is a great GM engine. I hope I can get many more miles out of it. Also, this guy absolutely reeks of honesty and integrity. Enjoyed watching him describe the engine he loves and can tell he is knowledgeable.
In December 2016 I bought a 2001 Pontiac grand prix gtp with a bad fuel pump for $200. ☺️
if it has a 3800 series engine in it, the most youll have to pay for is a plenum gasket, and youll be over 300k
Thank you for recommending this vehicle! Just purchased one yesterday just like the one in this video! Very comfortable ride! 2000 Buick LeSabre Limited w/82k miles.
I was working in a GM dealership when this engine was developed....i STILL see them all over this area. Probably one of the best designed since the 283
Thank you giving the GM V6 the praise it deserves
Honest mechanics are SOOOOO hard to find! Nice to see that you are one! Great business starts with the customer understanding that the business has the customers’ best interests in mind and not their own!
luckily for me, my friend had gotten a new vehicle and gifted me his old one 2007 pontiac grand prix 3.8 l v6 all is needed was a water pump replaced, I had a co worker refer me to a self service mechanic and he charged me for both part and labor $150, can't beat that.
My dad just bought a near mint 96 Regal with the 3800. It’s such a smooth little car and gets pretty good MPG for being a car of the 90’s, we’ve been a Toyota family ever since I can remember but i love those 90’s Buicks and the ease of maintenance on the 3800 is just as simple as our Toyotas. Great video
My parents had an 04 Buick LeSabre that got passed on to me when they passed away.. It barely has 55,000 miles... it has a coolant leak that I need to address... Been a great car... Thx for sharing this video...
Fun fact: Under the intake of this engine is an idler arm. It's a crooked rod, maybe 6-8 inches long that was made with the help of Briggs & Stratton (the lawnmower engine manufacturer), in order to make engine idle with very little vibration.
I notice that when i was in trade school. Some 4.3v6 had them
A balance shaft
Bought a Chrysler Concord at auction and was checking it over and noticed a Briggs & Stratton design on harmonic balancer.lol
7:48 this is true! My 04 Lesabre Custom started misfiring and I have never worked on a car in my life but after some research I went to Get the 3 coils and the thing that the coils plug into (I believe it’s called a Icm or ecm don’t quote me) took off the few bolts and replaced them. haven’t had any misfires since and that was many miles ago :-) Thank you UA-cam and thank you Wizard
Its the ICM. Ignition Control Module
Absolutely the best engine, I had it from 167,000 mile to 254,000 (in Australia, in a Holden VT Commodore) and all I replaced was the water pump.
I have a 3.8 in a 2007 Allure. Best engine I’ve had in a long time. We took it on a trip to Vegas from Saskatchewan, averaged 35 mpg at 75-80 mph on trip there and back.
I had one of these in my first car at 16, Buick Regal GS 1996. Engine had a head gasket failure and I was too poor and young then to fix it. But, I regularly changed and added oil and the car kept on running even with virtually no coolant. This thing was an unbelievable beast of reliability never to be equaled.
I've had two cars with this engine. They never burned oil and lasted until I got tired of the car.
Had 3 of them, all over 200,000 easy before I moved on
Finally a CarGuy, who knows the models, the mechanics and who tries to educate consumers (by sharing the knowledge he acquires over the years) unlike the UA-camrs who are ClickBait enthousiams who know very little about mechanics and only repeat what the other UA-camrs have said. The Car Wizard is a Real Car enthusiast who makes videos for people and car that belong and lived in the real world. Thanks Car Wizard. Please don't change!!!
I just want to say, in an economy where things keep becoming more expensive and complicated to include cars. It is refreshing to hear someone as calm, articulate, and composed as you are telling it like it is to the average working person just wanting a car to get from point A to point B. I feel like modern vehicles aren't made to work on really anymore and dealerships are only taking advantage of people and their hard-earned money. It is important for people to have the ability to wrench and fix their own stuff and teach their kids how to also. Thank you for your channel and doing what you are doing!
My 2003 3.8L Buick LeSabre gets closer to 40 mpg on the hwy. Thought I was figuring it wrong at first.
Great engine.
That id wonderful, i cant wait to see it in my 84 cavalier
To anyone on here considering a Buick 3800 equipped car, specifically an N/A one: MAKE SURE IT HAS AN UPDATED FUEL PRESSURE REGULATOR. My father's '01 Bonneville suffered a fiery explosion earlier this year due to a faulty fuel pressure regulator that GM claimed was improved for the 2001 model year. Turns out that was a lie. The car was totaled. Upon researching the issue, there are thousands of cases, and even a recall, which DID NOT cover cars after the 2000 model year, even though it obviously wasn't fixed on the newer cars. Even a famous video of a 3800 impala blowing up in the exact same way at a shop after an oil change. So if you've got a N/A 3800 car from 2000 or earlier, make sure its had the recall done. If you have a 2001 or later, you'll have to do the job yourself or somehow verify its already been done without a recall sticker.
Secondly, the 4T65E transmission is notoriously weak. Excessive clutch wear is pretty much guaranteed unless shift kit is installed. Signs of this issue are hard shifts aı eventually slipping/shuddering during acceleration.
Thanks for your positive statements about General Motors 3800 engines, and I agree the 3800 engine is Bulletproof. I personally know someone put 200,000 miles on a 3800 engine and it still runs quiet as a sewing machine.
Any Honda or Toyota engine will do well over 200k miles.
That's also true!
Yeah, I only sold mine because I went overseas. 300000km and used no oil, used no water, still got 30mpg.
@@golden.lights.twinkle2329 True but no Honda or Toyota has the room, comfort or style of a late 90's Park Ave. The ideal used car. Just about the easiest used car search in existence. Simply search out a one elderly owner car that shows good careful use and has the paperwork for upkeep and repair to back it up and bargain away with the private party original owner or estate sale listing it. Just respond quickly.
I have a 2003 impala with 230k original miles still runs like new hands down great engine
Thanks man, buying one for my elderly mother today. I knew the 3800 was a solid mill but you confirmed it was the right choice. GOD BLESS
Thank you Wizard you are truly a master mechanic, take care friend.
About time someone gives the 3800 some love.
Agreed!..wonderful engine...can go 400k to 500k miles...just keep watch of that ERG pipe in plastic manifold burn through and update those other plastic elbows to metal ones.
@@LarsonFamilyFarm-LLC yeah those intake gaskets are a pain too. But i love the torque these engines make.
@@marshallthreats4643 Yeah, they can hammer 0-to-60 really fast....been a few rare instances where i got caught up in a slow boxed-in dangerous ugly spot...and once i was able to break free of ugly...floored it...always an impressive get away from dangerous.
@@LarsonFamilyFarm-LLCyeah i did 0 to 60 in my 02 grand prix gt in the high 6 second range and all i have is a catless downpipe and wider tires all around. Not bad for an old pushrod v6.
As my main man Chingy says: “Don’t trip on my people; just hop in the Regal.” 😎
ayyyyy i see u know ur music
🤣🤣🤣
😂😂 Chingy was bumpin back in the day still rock his music 👍🏻
"Riding in they Regal, trying to stay legal"
- Common
@@TatamiDisco that's a fact
I'm driving my fourth 3800. I love that engine. I even have some mods on mine, decreases fuel economy, but still very reliable, and not a doubt in my mind I've got another 200k miles or more before it dies.
Thank you, CarWizard. Bought my LaSabre this weekend thanks to your advice.
Wizard I could not agree with you more. I've had twenty three cars, five were 3.8L Buick's and they truly were comfortable, reliable and Reliable!! Inexpensive to maintain the opposite to the XJ, Land Rover and the North Star powered Cadillac's.
Excellent work thanks.
Aaron Lopez The land rover next to it has a Buick engine..
But it's a piece of junk, especially the 4.6. Kinda ironic that he had one of the best engines next to one of the worst.
@@henrystone237 The Buick 215 was an odd V8. Lightweight aluminum block with iron heads. It had issue. They sold that tooling to Rover. In the 70's someone had a bright idea to pull a junkyard 215. The cut off two cylinders and bore it out. There is the prototype 3.8 oddfire Buick V6.
@@Hotlog69 The Buick 215 V8 (Rover V8) had aluminum block and heads, and GM discontinued it because it was expensive to make, and phosphate-free coolant wasn't very popular in the US, which caused the aluminum to corrode. The first Buick V6 was introduced in 1962 as an alternative to the 215, it was 3.2 liters, and had a cast iron block and heads, and was increased to 3.8 liters in 1975, when GM repurchased the tooling from AMC, 13 years before the 3800 series officially debuted. So the two engines weren't really related to each other after GM sold the tooling for the V8 to Rover, they basically went their separate ways.
@@Hotlog69 : That 215 Was Also a Good Upgrade for 240 & 280 Datsun Z' s, My Mech.That Was A Specialist Z Mech.Had Several Airline Pilots With That Eng.Transplanted in the Older Z' s.
Chrysler did that with the Jeep got rid of the 4.0 Inline 6 for a 3.6 liter V6
When the majority of Wranglers started being sold to boomers and college girls who only do highway miles the 4.0 had to go. It was an amazing off road motor. But an absolute dog on the highway.
So yeah, people wanting the Wrangler to be a mall crawler and road trip vehicle killed the 4 liter.
@Bob Desombre is this a copypasta or is your capslock stuck? Because you're kinda proving my point. The 4.0 was a beast off road, but in your own words "GOOD" on the road. The new motors will travel at higher speeds with less effort and better mpg's.
That may not matter to you or me. But to the majority of people buying new jeeps who really only want mall crawlers, it does.
Yep, I still have my 86' Cherokee, 305k on and still runs like a top
Chris YaBoi ugh!you ain’t lying.those things are slugs going down the rd.
Bob Desombre The 242 I6 4.0 is literally the same motor. The crank shaft is completely interchangeable. I had a 258 in my CJ7. I hauled 4x4 pickups out of the dirt more than once
I had a 96 Buick la Sabre with the 3800 series 2 motor and it was a beast! I would constantly beat other vehicles in races and they couldn’t believe how fast it would get up and go. Right before 30 mph you could punch it and it would sit down and then launch you so fast. I’m gonna try to buy another one just to have. Great memories in HS with that car.. you could also hit the gas and then the break, etc. and the suspension made it look like the car had hydraulics lol. I could get it to bounce the front tires off the ground a couple inches. I ragged it out. But never once had a problem. Like he said, bullet proof!
A magnificent engine. Probably the last true "owner's engine" where so much of it was accessible enough to work on yourself. And, while I'm a fast car guy, 200+ hp and 240-250 ft-lb is plenty enough to get around and then some. Coupled with the impressive mileage it can get, as you mentioned, the 3800 was a masterclass in making a balanced, reliable engine.
Have a 01 park avenue, and living in South Dakota it gets COLD! Couple weeks ago we had a week of weather where it got -40+. One morning it wouldn’t start and tried the next day still wouldn’t start. Towed it to a shop on a Saturday and said it would start but hard and they didn’t know what was going on and the shop wasn’t open Sunday , had to wait till Monday and they called me Monday late morning saying it’s started just fine every time and they didn’t know what was wrong, they where baffled. They didn’t charge me for anything as they didn’t know what was going on. I just walked in with a smile and said “ ahhhhh, that’s my 3800”
Same thing happened with my Lincoln town car. 98, but I also had several Buick’s and loved them, I own a 2018 Buick tour x now
Can we take a moment and appreciate this guys speaking? This is the most incredibly relaxing video I’ve heard in a LONG time.
I just bought a 2003 Monte Carlo that needs everything he has discussed, intake gaskets just caught in time, external leaks only, elbows cracked and I'll replace the upper plenum and hopefully have a trouble free car for my daughter. The car only has 94,000 original miles. I'll service transmission also. And, your videos are great, really enjoy them!!
I'm 23 years old. my first car was when I turned 18 and it was a 2004 Bonneville running this engine. I'm still driving it to this day and it runs like a champ. I named her Lucille. she's old enough to vote and she's still kicking at 200k miles (it used to be a company car so it never had a bunch of miles on it to begin with) but I've never seen a car engine so open and easy to replace parts. every other car I've worked on has been ridiculously convoluted in its design within their engine bay
Car Wizard, I just wanted to say myself and many other people out there owe you a lot of gratitude for pointing us in the right direction with buying cars, new or used!
I love your straight forward and humble, honest approach. Definitely a subscriber.
We went through a few of those intakes because of that EGR tube. There's a kit you can buy that allows you to replace the plastic intake with a series iii aluminum intake. With some extra modding, those aluminum intakes fit very nicely and are less likely to fail.
All the 3.8s made in Australia had aluminium intakes.
@@jayjaynella4539 I'd bet that's where GM poached the idea from, Australia was probably a test run for it
love your channel Sir. i appreciate the information
I have one of those in a 2002 Australian made GM commodore, over 400,000 kms on the clock and has never skipped a beat, still run it and look after it myself absolutely great car.
Same - I have a 2003, have had for 13yrs and it has always been good - but I disagree with him criticizing the 3.6. Yes, the early ones weren't great but my 2016 VF engine is awesome, and if I continue changing the oil as often as I do I doubt it would ever have any issues
Hey bro . just make sure you keep changing your oil and filter and youn should be all good . change it at no more than 2000 to 3000 kms if you can. Sounds over the top but if you awnt that motor to last id do it. also importantly driil out your air intake valve on the drivers side. they are too small and a leading cause of timing chain stretch. Trust me. You dont want to do the timing chains on these puppies. major job .big money.
Keep driving her bro. Shes only just been run in man . go and go and go
this to Gerry M about changing oil.
@@darrylcampbell4411 Thanks Darryl - I know of the issues with the egr valve on the earlier ones, but as far as I understand this was fixed and mine has a different valve to the early alloytec engines. In any case, I currently change the oil every 4 thousand ks so expect it will last pretty well while doing that.