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At some point, my plan is to finish the work Buick started. The GT suspension should include 17-inch wheels and tires and well as solid sway bars instead of the hollow ones they provide. This combination should improve the handling even more. Wheels and tires will be easy to find, but adding parts such as sway bars, strut braces, and struts will be more difficult. After all, who makes performance parts for a Buick LeSabre!
Enjoy! Driving a Buick can be fun.
Mike
2001 LeSabre Limited
Medium Red Pearl, Taupe Interior
They claim that you won't need to dry your car at all after using this stuff. I was a little skeptical about that, but let me tell you, there was hardly any water left on my car after I was done. It only took a few minutes with a terry cloth towel to get the rest of the water up.
Wash a section at a time and then rinse off with a stream of water (don't use any spray attachment). Once you have washed the whole car, rinse it all again with a stream of water. Wait a few minutes and most of the water is gone.
I've used a dozen different car washes before, including the stream of water trick to minimize beading water on the car. Nothing I have used works as well as Blue Corral. It also helps if your car has a good coat of carnuba on it.
Check it out. Should be available at most auto stores.
Mike
For those who think buick is just for old fuddy-duddys, they'll have to explain why it was the best selling full size car for 7 yrs in a row during the '90's. And the Regal's didnt do bad either. I put in many an overtime hour on those regal and lasabre assymbly lines. Lots of week-ends and 12 hr days. Somebody really liked the 92-99 buicks. I was one of those that liked them.
For those of you that love the buick but dont have the h-d suspension, here is what I did and it worked well. My '98 LaSabre was only 2yrs old and had 17000 miles on it. The factory struts were still in good condition. I didnt like the bonce or porpoising I got on uneven pavement or intersections. So I took it to Midas and had them install Heavy-Duty Gas Struts on the front only.
It took out most of the bonce and all of the porpoising. Best $250.00 I ever spent. The car drove, handled, and road much better.
Nick
There's nothing like the riding comfort of these road cars and the gas mileage on the 3.8 can easily beat those Camcords and Maximas. Best wishes with your car - I hope you find the answer to your question . You may wish to ask it in a few other GM forums as well - maybe Regal, Impala, Intrigue, Bonneville.
Ken
I've had two replacements and so far to no avail. The whistle/whine persists. Any suggestions or success stories would be welcome. The dealer has pronounced this annoyance "normal".
I'm going in for the 6000 checkup next week and I'll have the dealer look at it. If I get a good answer, I'll let you know. I don't believe that this sound is normal.
Stan13: Does you car make the sound at any particular RPM level???
Mike
2001 LeSabre Limited
Medium Red, Taupe Interior
http://h_body.home.att.net/index.htm
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How's that for constructive critisism?
TB
http://home.att.net/~h_body/index.htm
Thanks.
I also tried to get the Magnasteer setting changed to firm, but apparently the Magnasteer setting in the LeSabre is not adjustable. That's a little odd since the Seville, Aurora, and Bonneville do allow this setting to be altered. I'll have to do a little digging on this issue.
Happy Motoring.
Mike
Ken
When the car is at a rest or at a slow speed, I get a continuous, monotonic, squeak/rubbing noise when I turn the steering wheel. There also seems to be some resistance in the wheel, though it turns smoothly. The noise goes away at regular driving speeds and the wheel feels even smoother.
The limited offers variable assist steering though I am not sure whether this car has it. I would appreciate if others have any experience to share on this problem and possible suggestions/remedies.
She does have parts on order to replace the unit (hopefully to be installed the beginning of next week) but I was curious if anyone else is familiar with these problems and have knowledge of the cause or possible alternate solutions. I find it hard to believe that a speedometer can fail with less than 50,000 miles it and have it be an isolated incidence.
Thanks for your help. Rich
The noise comes whenever he steering is turned.
It increases when the amount of turn increases.
The noise comes even when the car is not moving and I can reproduce it with the car in Park.
It also seems that the engine revs up a bit as I turn the steering column. There is no tachometer so cannot confirm it, the change in the engine noise is subtle.
It seems to be coming from the Steering column
and not from under the hood. Looks like some kind
of motor noise. It is not clanky but a continous humm/squeak. Perhaps it has something to do with the variable assist power steering.
Do I need to worry about this and take it to a dealer or is it just an old motor which is showing its age. I do not have a problem steering the car and can feel the power steering assist come into action. When I take a turn, I can sense the steering wheel trying to straighten itself after I am done with the turn.
00-08-48-002.
The dealer checked the car and replaced the problem by replacing the front right steer bearing which cost about $450-500 (canadian) in parts alone. (forgot the cost of labour)
Hope this helps.
My parents have had the car back exactly a month and no recurrence of problems. They have almost 4,000 miles on the car now. They're taking too many trips, but I guess that's the luxury of being semi-retired. It was disappointing having a 10 day old car break down, but my parents love the car - ride, handling, gas mileage, comfort and the 0% financing sealed the deal. They still say they'd buy another one.
Anyhow, maybe the MAP sensor is what is causing your car to cut out.
Sorry about not writing sooner, but I have been busy. Since macarthur2 asked for road reports, I thought I would contribute mine. I have a 2000 Limited Silver/Grey Leather interior with everything except the memory seats and HUD Package. I have 16,500 miles on the car and it still rides like new. No problems with the car at all and I get 31 mpg on highway and about 21 city. I drive 25 miles to work each way at 65 mph on highway. I have changed the oil every 3000 to 3500 miles and keep the tires at 32 psi. Nothing else has been done to the car in terms of service. I love the car and would buy another one without a thought. Feel free to email me or ask any question's. I'll try to write more often.
Neil
About two months ago, I discovered the bucket seat/console option on a Park I saw and I personally think it's the Road Warrior's dream setup. I've been told that the console option is relatively rare as it makes the car into a five person vehicle and dealers don't like to take them used because they're harder to sell. I'd also been told that after 1998 or 99, the console is only available on the Ultra but on Friday, I found out that it's available on Limiteds with leather, too!!
Last week, I thought I had nailed a 1998 Park with buckets/console but found out through a connection of mine at the DMV that it had been t-boned in 1999. It was otherwise in great shape and I obtained all the service records for it (including the hit) and there were no unusual entries after the accident (alignments, etc.). Nonetheless, pretty much bagged the car because of the hit.
I called around to some dealerships last Thursday to see who had what. Surprisingly, found a 2000 LeSabre Limited, Y56, traction control, HUD, leather AND the console with about 6600 miles on it along with a few Parks that interested me so I checked them out.
Drove the LeSabre and really liked it except that very mild vibration between 50 and 60 and at about 70, perhaps because the tires are out of round from the car sitting for so long on their lot. The tires on it were Firestone 225/60/16s. I've read some about that on here and I want to confirm that it can be dealt with by either new tires and/or proper balancing? Also, are those Firestones the original equipment for the Y56 suspension? I thought it shipped with Generals? I'm partial to Goodyear for all-seasons and Michelin Artic Alpins for winter. Has anyone used either and, if so, did you get no/worse/some vibration?
My other and more important question is what people think this car is worth? According to the sticker in the glove compartment, this car was built in August, 1999, stickered for $30,700, or so, and was ordered by the dealer I drove it at. Apparently, they used it for a demo and their Service Manager drove it for a few months during that time. The disclosure sticker indicates they've had it for sale since mid-December, 1999!!! It's never been titled to anyone so it's still considered a "new" car so I COULD qualify for new car rates (although not GM promotional rates), even though it's almost TWO years out of current model year.
The numbers on here indicate a Limited-base trade value of $16,700 and $19,500 on a customized analysis. Dealer retail alleges $19,500 base and $22,600 with the options. Kelley says $19,800 on trade with options and retail of $23,300. I haven't been able to get Black Book on it yet. I asked the dealer to give me a figure to chew on over the weekend and they came back with $26,300.00, which I HOPE they didn't think I'd agree to pay.
The car appeals to me but I'm not willing to save their behinds by immediately being way upside down on it the minute I drive it off their lot (I'm planning to put about $2,000 down plus tax).
What should I pay for this car? I know it's a weird situation. Anyone's thoughts are very much appreciated!!!!
I've got a 2001 LeSabre Limited with every option except the engine block heater. Sounds like the car you are interested in is pretty much decked out the same way. If you decide to buy it, you'll love it.
Here are my thoughts. As far as the Park Ave vs LeSabre question goes, I personally think the LeSabre is a better value. There used to be a pretty good gap between the two cars, but now you can get most of the Park Ave options on a LeSabre Limited. The Ultra tops out over $10,000 more than a loaded LeSabre Limited. Besides the Supercharged engine and a little more room, I don't know what you're buying for the extra $10,000. I'm talking about new car prices, of course.
I've driven both cars, and I feel like the LeSabre is a much more balanced vehicle. It rides as smooth as the Park Ave but I feel it handled much better. I've driven both cars with the Y56 suspension; the Park Ave still rolls around too much for my taste. The LeSabre corners much better.
I prefer the interior of the LeSabre to the Park Ave. The LeSabre is much more contemporary than the Park Ave. It also has the "catcher's mitt" seats that is supposed to cushion your body much better in the event of an impact. I don't believe that the Park has these type of seats.
The LeSabre is also a better looking vehicle. It's not much bigger than a Regal or Century and has a very Jaguar-ish type look to it, especially from the rear. The Park still looks like a big Buick with a front grille that swallows up the entire nose.
Now, back to your "new" 2000 LeSabre. A fair price for that car is about $23,500. If you buy it at $26,000, the dealership guys will be high-fiving each other as soon as you drive it off the lot. If you really like the car, play hardball and offer $23,000. Don't go over $24,000. This car is basically a wart on the dealerships lot right now. They want to get rid of it. If I were you, I would offer $23,000 and if they say no, just walk away. I'd bet anything they'll take your offer just to get rid of it.
I'm starting to close in on 9000 miles and I can't find a thing about the car I don't like. I also disagree strongly with the notion that the bucket seats and center console available in the LeSabre lower it's potential resale value. In my opinion, there are only two cars built in the world that can comfortably seat six people - The Caddy DeVille and the Lincoln Town Car. Other cars may have a bench seat in the front, but I couldn't imagine trying to haul six people around, especially on a long trip. The extra storage space of the real console plus the extra power outlets available more than make up for the lack of a sixth seating position.
If your budget is too tight for a new car, grab the LeSabre you've been looking at. If the dealer won't budge, get a new one. Wait until one of the holiday weekends; dealers are always dumping cars then at good prcies and/or financing.
Good luck.
Is there any way to correct this problem without spending a fortune for new tires, or is new tires the answer.
Thanks
My encounters with Buicks is only with three of them, all bought new; 87 Electra T-Type,92 Regal GS, and a 94 LeSabre. The 87 was my wife's car and I flat spotted all four tires on a quick trip to S.Fla from Detroit when the car had less than 20K. Sold at with 34k miles.. 92 Regal GS creamed 4 sets of Eagles in 90k miles and the 94 went to 113k miles. The 94 LeSabre was given all new struts at my expense at 50k since the originals were totally shot--replaced with Monroes by the Buick dealer per my instructions..
The Grand Touring pkg is a sham; for no Buick suspension will withstand continual 75+ on a daily basis..It ain't a road car..
It's the soft creamy ride that is downright dangerous in any serious road maneuver..In panic stops I realize why seat belts are needed--to keep from sliding out of the seat onto the floor!!!!
The drivetrain is std issue GM which is okay, no excitement..The pricing is too high and someone is looking at a 2000 LeSabre for 25+; sheer madness..not worth much over 22 max..
For a similiar size car the Pontiac Bonneville is a much better handling car that will age gracefully, don't really like the looks but its geared for performance and roadability..
Just my two cents; after all it's your money..