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Buick LeSabre

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Comments

  • kcwolfpack59kcwolfpack59 Member Posts: 122
    Got the Michelin Harmonys put on and love them. They are a good match with the Lesabre. Ride is good and noise is low. Seems a little less noise as the Yoko Avid Touring had when new. The main thing I did not like about the Yokos was I had to get them balanced every year. Every Michelin I have owned (probably 8-10 sets since the 1980's) required infrequent balancing. Some balances lasted the life of the tire. The tire shop used the smallest weights they had to balance. One of the tires required no weights to balance.
    Drove home in a terrible rainstorm on the "Arkansas Autobahn", aka I-540, so I can vouch for their ability to grip when wet. I slammed on the brakes and intentionally hit standing water in places where there was no traffic, and no peril to myself and found the tires to be grippy and not hydroplane.
    Just dustings of snow is all we got in Springfield, MO this winter so far, but I can't judge yet but I think I will be fine in the snow. You do get what you pay for.
  • imidazol97imidazol97 Member Posts: 27,132
    I found mine were really good in snow since I got them in December. They are great on water. I would suggest not hitting standing water because I don't like the spash hitting the brake rotors. That can cause warmping, IMO, when they're hot after a stop.

    2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,

  • rwilcoxrwilcox Member Posts: 9
    Talking about rust and corrosion; I was able to take a quick look at a recent GM bulletin regarding a fix for corrosion under the rear seat where the battery is located on Lesabres & Bonnevilles. This bulletin pertained to the 2000
    thru 2005 models. Has anyone noticed corrosion in this area on these cars?
  • imidazol97imidazol97 Member Posts: 27,132
    No.
    What does the TSB say about corrosion???

    2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,

  • rwilcoxrwilcox Member Posts: 9
    I was going through a stack of recent bulletins laying out in a dealers shop; they were quickly gathered up and I did not have time to "digest" them. Since I had a Lesabre I was curious if someone on this board might have more indepth knowledge regarding this issue.
  • x90071x90071 Member Posts: 8
    Anyone with ideas?
  • jscallerjscaller Member Posts: 1
    My 2000 LeSabre has developed a preplexing problem. In the first serious rain of the season the interior of the trunk was soaked. We could not find a leak of any kind. The next rain the trunk stayed dry but the well behind the drivers seat was literally full of water. Again we can find no leak. We have has 32 inches of rain and no leak - then I took the car to a car wash and when I opend the trunk which was closed and locked at the car wash it was flooded with water. The dealer wants a minium of $500 to find the leak. I am not handy with cars - can anyone offer a way to find the leak and repair it?
  • duwop1duwop1 Member Posts: 13
    Hi Buick persons,I am not a Buick person myself (yet)I am looking for a 2003 Buick LeSabre Limited,Celebration Edition with the Gran Touring Pkg.That should be pretty specific.I would like any info,good car,bad car,should I persue,not persue, are there any around,I've only found one in two weeks,did they make more then six of them.I know almost nothing about this car except a report I read recently and sparked my interest.Thank you in advance, Fred
  • flyingdutchmanflyingdutchman Member Posts: 18
    Owners of some 2000-05 LeSabre, DeVille, Aurora, or Bonneville vehicles may comment on corrosion in the floor pan in the area where the battery is located. This may be caused by acid weeping from the battery, or from a dislodged battery vent tube. A new repair floor pan kit p/n 88948594 has been released to assist in the repair of this condition. Refer to Bulletin 05-08-61-002 for repair procedures and part number information.

    TIP: Clean the area of the floor pan where acid may have been present, using a solution of baking soda and water. Rinse and dry the area thoroughly.
  • tytireytytirey Member Posts: 1
    I bought a new 2000 Silver Lesabre with Grand Touring Package and fully optioned in 2000.I now have 95,000 trouble miles on it.I always changed my own oil and filter and use Mobile 1 Synthetic oil.I have averaged 24-25 miles per gallon in the rural area where I live and up to 32mpg on trips.I have owned every make of Gm Car and a few Fords.I might buy a 2005 Lesabre if I can get a deal,but I will not trade my 2000 in.I just hope that GM does not mess the body style up on it when they change it like they have the Bonneville and that ugly G-6.The front wheel drive and traction control have got us through five winters here in Cincinnati without ever once getting stuck.I will buy nothing but a Lesabre from now on if GM doesn't mess up the styling.Make sure to get the Grand Touring pkg if you buy one,it is well worth the Money.I also have a 95 Roadmaster Limited loaded and a 94 Regal 4 Dr GS loaded.Bought my first Buick in 91 and they have been the best cars I have ever owned.And i have owned over 25.
  • duwop1duwop1 Member Posts: 13
    Thanks for the reply. My interest in 2003 stems from an article I read on the Celebration Edition.I was looking for a full size used car for my wife.This particular vehicle seems to have many toy's and is a good value.I will be responding tomorrow to a message I received from a dealer in Ohio who will be getting one in tonight.I am willing to travel for the right car at the right price. Have you heard the latest from GM? either the Buick or Pontiac may have to go.Once again thanks for your response.
  • s426s426 Member Posts: 2
    hi
    i just change the belt the other day on 97 lesabre
    there is a nut i think 15 mm on top of it there torx i`m not sure of the size now 5T, take off the nut first, then loose the torx its a rod, the remove the spacer behind the mount, you may need a pry bar to push out the mount just enough to loose the spacer,

    take your old belt off, make a draw of how the belt is layed out around all the bullys extra.

    good luck
  • imidazol97imidazol97 Member Posts: 27,132
    Did you use any kind of support under the engine to keep the holes lined up for when you reassembled the engine mount?

    Did you remove the front wheel and the splash guard?

    2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,

  • s426s426 Member Posts: 2
    hi
    i removed splash guard not the tire.no support needed for engin cause you not removing the mount itself it just the spacer,only thing you need to do is grab out the lower tip of the mount to insert the rod through spacer, you may not need that . it just was my in case.

    you may remove the tire if you want , just support the car with stand.
  • sooner_davesooner_dave Member Posts: 6
    Hello, all..newbie here to this forum, but its nice to know there are other happy LeSabre owners out there. I have Celebration edition I bought last June 1 after retiring my previous Lesabre of ten years and 160,000+ miles.

    I have a question...I suspect that when/if the Service Vehicle/Engine Soon light comes on, that it's possible to display computer information through the driver information center (the two-line character display on the left side of the dash). I suspect there's some secret combination of buttons on the left side you can press to get to the computer info; my question is if anyone happens to know if this is true, and if so, what combination of buttons do you have to hit (eg "press and hold the ENG/METRIC button for 3 seconds")?

    Thanks in advance
    David
  • czabbaczabba Member Posts: 8
    There is a little rubber shoe on the end of the solenoid where it fits into the unlocking mechanism- most likely that is worn out or broken. If you can hear the solenoid work, but it doesn't unlock or lock, that that is probably the problem. You will have to take the door apart, but the parts are cheap from the dealer.
  • blokieblokie Member Posts: 5
    HI There,
    thinking of buying 1997 Lesabre with 180000 klms on it. It comes certified and e-tested and seems to be in quite reasonable condition. Is there any major problems I should be aware of? I see the 95-99's seems to have a tranie problem, but one would think that after 180000 klms that problem would have surfaced and been rectified, Hopefully!

    Thanks in advance
    Chris
  • cyberleafcyberleaf Member Posts: 1
    I have a 93 Buick LeSabre with what I assume is a key ignition problem.

    Here is the problem.....

    When I put the key in the ignition and try to turn it on, the motor wont turn over. I do know that the ignition recognizes the key being in there because when the door is open, you hear the key chime. When you turn the key over, there is no resistance in turning the key. Also on the left hand side of the steering column, a small metal plug that fits next to the blinker handle pop out. I tried to put it back in, but there is something misaligned to where i cannot put it back in. (I think this might be related to the problem somehow). I dont know what else I should post, if anyone can help me please do I need all the help I can get!
  • leviathanleviathan Member Posts: 9
    Hello fellow members!

    I am new to this discussion, although not new to Edmunds.com, which I have used off and on for the last ten years.

    I have a 2001 Custom LeSabre, which I bought Certified Pre-Owned in 2003. I was and still am very happy with my purchase - the car has been rock-solid since I've had it. I just took it in for the 60,000 mile Maintenance, and for the most part, it was fine, except for a loose supporting tire rod (replaced under warranty), tire dry-rot (I'm replacing the tires today), and an upper gasket leaking coolant (to be replaced this week under warranty).

    I think that the only thing I have to say to those who are considering buying a LeSabre is, if possible, make sure that you purchase a warranty also, whether from Buick or from a third party. It can make all the difference (the upper gasket replacement would have cost me about $300 without the warranty).

    I also believe that Buicks have been and continue to be the best American cars, all around. Although other carmakers like Ford and GMC have generally improved, only Buicks (and a friend of mine also adds Oldsmobiles) have been consistently reliable cars and great values (not to mention pretty cool-looking).

    Anyway, I am happy to be part of this discussion group. Thanks for reading this posted message. Best Wishes to all the present and future LeSabre owners!
  • wgariderwgarider Member Posts: 4
    Hello,
    I am about to buy a '98 LeSabre - the car is in great shape and has only 55K miles on it. I've been reading here about all the suggestions and preventative measures other owners are taking but I'm a bit confused about the recall issued in Feb. of 2004 - http://www.automotive.com/1998/49/buick/lesabre/recalls/34513.html.

    Is this recall to address the plastic plenum problem I've read about?
    Thanks!
  • imidazol97imidazol97 Member Posts: 27,132
    The link only goes to a home page. Can you tell us wht the recall is about?

    2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,

  • wgariderwgarider Member Posts: 4
    Whoops!
    Here's the details................

    Summary:
    ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 3800 V6 (L36) ENGINES AND CERTAIN DELPHI FUEL PRESSURE REGULATORS, THE REGULATORS HAVE A MUCH HIGHER THAN USUAL RATE OF FUEL LEAKS. A LEAK CAN ALLOW FUEL TO ENTER THE INTAKE MANIFOLD THROUGH A VACUUM LINE. IF THE ENGINE DOES NOT START WHEN CRANKED, THE FUEL FROM THE LEAKING REGULATOR AND A MISTIMED SPARK CAN CAUSE A BACKFIRE.

    Consequence:
    THE BACKFIRE CAN RUPTURE THE INTAKE MANIFOLD. THE RUPTURE OF THE INTAKE MANIFOLD CAN DISPLACE A FUEL LINE, PULLING AN INJECTOR OUT OF PLACE, AND CAUSING A FUEL LEAK AND POSSIBLE FIRE.

    Remedy:
    DEALERS WILL INSTALL NEW FUEL PRESSURE REGULATORS WITH IMPROVED DIAPHRAGMS. THE RECALL WILL BE CONDUCTED IN PHASED MAILINGS. PHASE 1 WILL BEGIN ON JUNE 30, 2004, FOR THE 1998-2000 BUICK PARK AVENUE, LESABRE, 1998-2000 PONTIAC BONNEVILLE, 1998-1999 OLDSMOBILE EIGHTY-EIGHT, AND 2000 CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO AND IMPALA VEHICLES EQUPPED WITH 3.8L ENGINES. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT BUICK AT 1-866-608-8080, OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-630-6537, OR PONTIAC AT 1-800-620-7668.

    Notes:
    GENERAL MOTORS CORP. 03054B
  • suydamsuydam Member Posts: 4,676
    My son has a '98 LeSabre, also with pretty low miles, and loves it. After hearing about this issue I called the local Buick dealer and gave him the VIN. According to this dealer, not every '98 LeSabre is subject to that recall so yours may be ok.
    '14 Buick Encore Convenience
    '17 Chevy Volt Premiere
  • patpat Member Posts: 10,421
    You can find some information by filling in the form at this link: http://www.edmunds.com/maintenance/MaintenanceServlet?tid=edmunds.a.advicelanding..8.1.*
  • wgariderwgarider Member Posts: 4
    Thanks - I'll check with Buick after I get the car.
  • wgariderwgarider Member Posts: 4
    Thank you!
  • jimbuickjimbuick Member Posts: 4
    I have a 2000 Le Sabre with 51,000 miles and the rear load levers do not relieve the pressure. The pump does lift the rear when people get in, but the system does not relieve itself. Thus, the rear of car now sits approx 3-4" higher then it should. Does the sensor located near the left rear wheel also take care of this problem? Does the pump somehow relieve the system? I have discovered how to stop the pump from working altogether, but the rear of the car is still too high. Can anyone tell me how to relieve the pressure in the rear shocks? Thank You.
  • imidazol97imidazol97 Member Posts: 27,132
    The rear suspension (right side, I think) has a link that goes from the wheel part of the rear suspension up to a small box with a lever sticking out attached to the frame. When the car is up too high, the position of the lever tells the pump portion to bleed air until the car lowers to the right height. Either the lever isn't connected anymore and it may be saying the car is too low and needs to be pumped up or the electronics in the pump section aren't releasing pressure.

    Check the physical connection of the lever vertically up to the box. See if it's connected.

    I assumed you could hear the pump run about 40 seconds after starting the car? It should run for about 5 seconds and turn off.

    2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,

  • jimbuickjimbuick Member Posts: 4
    Thanks for replying. Yes, I do hear hear the pump and yes it does run for about 5 seconds. I was thinking the same thing, that the pump wasn't allowing the air to bleed back out of the the system, but I did some additional testing last evening and here is what I found. I did find lever (it's on the left side) and I disconnected it from the A-frame and turned the key on. I was able to make the pump go on and off by manually pushing the arm up and down. I then disconnected the lines running from the pump to the shocks and air does come out of the lines when the pump is on. Even after disconnecting the lines, some air comes out of the shocks, but not enough to make the car come back down. It's still about 3 inches to high. I think the shocks are bad. What do you think? As I had the back of the car on my ramps, I even put my floor jack under the A-frame to see if I could compress the shocks and I had no luck. I have disconnected the power supply to the sensor so the pump won't go on and off and I drove the car to work today. The ride is much improved. Not so stiff. Let me know what you think. Thanks again for replying.
  • imidazol97imidazol97 Member Posts: 27,132
    You didn't say if you've had the car the whole time for the 50K miles? Is there a chance the earlier owner replaced struts and someone got the wrong ones? Unlikely... but?

    When I have time, I'll check my 03 manual for the ride height to measure to see if your car is at the right height.

    When the rear struts on my 98 weren't being pumped up, the rear sagged and the car drove different. It looked like the older Cadillacs running around where the rear is on the ground. Yours should do that, I think.

    Does the height of the rear look lilke other LeSabres?

    2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,

  • jimbuickjimbuick Member Posts: 4
    Yes, I have owned the car since day one. All 50k miles are mine. I did have a problem last winter. The leveling sensor did go bad and the pump never stopped running. The back of the car was up 6 or 8 inches. The sensor was replaced under warranty and everything was fine after that. It was this past winter, when the weather got cold, that I noticed that back end was rising again, but the pump was not running all the time. Unfortunately, the warranty had expired. Have you ever heard of the shocks going bad? Yes, I have noticed that my car is higher then others. That rear height level dimension would be great. Thank You.
  • leviathanleviathan Member Posts: 9
    To all,

    What are your thoughts on purchasing third-party warranties for Buick LeSabres?

    Please let me know.

    Thank you.
  • imidazol97imidazol97 Member Posts: 27,132
    Only buy GMPP plans. There are dealers selling them on the net at discount. One has Black in its name.

    2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,

  • patpat Member Posts: 10,421
    Imidazol, feel free to name the provider if you know it.

    Leviathan, you'll also want to check out our Extended Warranties discussion.

    Let us know what you end up deciding.
  • imidazol97imidazol97 Member Posts: 27,132
    It's Black Pontiac Cadillac.
    http://www.gmoutlet.com/gmpp.htm
    You email to an address on the page.
    They email you an automated response allowing you to see the price sheet.

    There are others I have checked out (but never purchased a warranty). I just put the money in the mutual funds and hope for the best.

    Search GMPP and warranty
    That's GM Protection Plan in words if you want to search that way, but usually it will have been shortened on a page to GMPP and should should up in Google or your favorite search machine.

    2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,

  • x3234217x3234217 Member Posts: 1
    We purchased a 2005 Buick LeSabre. At 40 MPH you begin to get a wind noise. As the speed increases, so does the wind noise. There is no wind coming into the car. It is an exterior noise, but it is so loud that it bothers you. Even if you put on the radio you can still hear it. It is almost like driving with your window down. We have owned LeSabres and other Buicks before and never had this problem. Is this something that others have noticed? Is there a fix? The dealership had a wind specialist look at it, but when we took it back they said they couldn't do anything else. This particular car that we have does not provide a quiet enjoy ride.
  • hagrawalhagrawal Member Posts: 20
    I had serious wind noise problem in my LeSabre Limited 1993. The GM dealer and the regional manager were hopeless: their idea of service was to reject consumer complaints. In their latest issue, Consumer Reports has identified wind noise as a major problem in this car.

    Fortunately, we happen to take the car to another dealer and the service manager took a ride in the car and discovered that the rear passanger side door was not properly installed and rehung the door, which substantially reduced the noise and wind drag. There is still some noise but it is tolerable.

    GM makes poor quality cars and critical parts fail quite often.
  • imidazol97imidazol97 Member Posts: 27,132
    >GM makes poor quality cars and critical parts fail quite often.

    That statement doesn't fly. JD Powers has Buick rated highly. You've had a car about which you complained about cross winds I believe and now you are talking about a 1993. In both cases the service people rejected your problem.

    >Consumer Reports has identified wind noise as a major problem in this car.

    Can you cite the issue? I'm surprised as quiet as my two are and my 1993 was relatively quiet but it was a Custom and I had long mileage Michelins on it.

    2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,

  • imidazol97imidazol97 Member Posts: 27,132
    62vetteefp, "Buick LaCrosse" #1463, 18 Apr 2005 5:41 pm

    Check the link in this post that goes to JD Powers.

    2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,

  • leviathanleviathan Member Posts: 9
    ....if they were to sell off Buick. Anyway, that's the rumor, because apparently GM posted less-than-expected earnings and is in serious financial trouble.

    How can GM even consider selling their best and brightest marque? Now that there is no more Oldsmobile, there are no other American car manufacturers that even come close to Buick's legacy of reliability and safety, not to mention value. (They are good-looking cars, to boot.) I know that some may tout Cadillac, but I for one am not impressed - the Cadillac of today is not my grandfather's Cadillac of yesteryear.

    Incidentally, there is also a rumor that GM will sell off Pontiac - who cares?

    Let GM sell off Pontiac and one or two other brands - I won't even blink. However, to sell off Buick would be a fatal error - let's hope that if that happens, Daimler or some other REPUTABLE marque will purchase it.

    Anyway, that's my two cents on the matter. What do you think?
  • muffin_manmuffin_man Member Posts: 865
    What makes Buick GM's "best and brightest" marque?
    Why would DC want to purchase Buick? More likely a Chinese company.
    What 3 brands would you want GM to sell off before Buick? I can't even imagine.

    I like Buick, but it may be impossible for them to be supported. If there can only be one luxury marque in the stable, would you pick Buick over Cadillac?
  • jimbuickjimbuick Member Posts: 4
    My Dad owns a 2002 Cadillac and prefers the ride of my 2000 Le Sabre. When we take day trips, we take my car and pays for the gas. He has stated that this is his last Cadillac. He going back to Buick.
  • bap1bap1 Member Posts: 2
    Trunk light stays on after closing lid of my 2000 Lesabre. Where is the light switch? Is it in the trunk latch? Can it be fixed as new latch with actuator is expensive.
  • leviathanleviathan Member Posts: 9
    1) What makes Buick GM's "best and brightest" marque?

    > I think that the Buick reputation speaks for itself. I remember that they were very reliable and sturdy - even when we had a side-on collision, no-one was hurt. They were also pretty stylish - we had a red LeSabre, which I always thought was a pretty cool car.

    It was only later that I found out that Buick had an excellent reputation for safety, reliability, and value. Not only had they maintained this reputation through my formative years, but they actually improved on it - consistently.

    You don't have to agree with me, but I remember what Buick was like while growing up, and now, I am proud to state that I drive my own.

    2) Why would DC want to purchase Buick? More likely a Chinese company.

    > I don't see why a Chinese company would want to buy Buick. Given the national pride and heritage of the Chinese, I would think that their government would be willing to place their resources and support behind a national marque effort. I am no expert in international relations or commerce, but it seems to me that for the Chinese to purchase a foreign marque, instead of developing their own, they would suffer a great loss of face. In effect, they would be admitting that they, with their great natural resources and vast population, could not create their own automobile, whereas countries like Japan and South Korea have successfully done so (no disrespect to those countries intended - I am very impressed with what they have accomplished).

    3. What 3 brands would you want GM to sell off before Buick? I can't even imagine.

    > I don't think that I would pick 3 brands to sell off before Buick, but do you really believe that, say, Pontiac and Chevrolet are better marques? Remember, I'm looking at longevity, reliability, safety, and value.

    I have been asked why, for example, the recent 'Hemi engine' vehicles are out there. when gas prices are at almost all-time highs. My answer: they are appealing to baby-boomers, who remember what Hemi engines were, and to the children of those baby boomers, who will hear the definitions from their parents. To a much lesser extent, they are appealing to the general populace, but don't be fooled - the Hemi is by no means an innovative concept now.

    You will NEVER see a Hemi engine in a Buick - I feel that Buick is much more in tune with the general populace - Buick uses no popular fads or trends - they don't need them and don't use them.

    4. If there can only be one luxury marque in the stable, would you pick Buick over Cadillac?

    > Cadillac is a luxury marque and always has been. I'm not saying that Buick is a luxury marque - It's not limited to just being the American luxury marque.

    Just look at Buick's lineup - it has both luxury (LeSabre and Park Avenue) and mid-size (Century and LaCrosse) car types. I maintain that it has more choices for more types of consumers than Cadillac does (I don't believe that the Catera, for example, successfully attracted younger consumers).

    Anyway, I appreciate your thoughts and feedback. Thanks.
  • leviathanleviathan Member Posts: 9
    It looks like there are already other marques in China. Please check out the following article:

    http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/News/articleId=105339

    Thanks.
  • leviathanleviathan Member Posts: 9
    To all,

    I apologize - I did not check up on the latest Buick models, which are the Lacrosse, the LeSabre, and the Lucerne. This is with respect to Post #1093 - but I still stand behind all my opinions in that post. Thanks.
  • muffin_manmuffin_man Member Posts: 865
    1) What makes Buick GM's "best and brightest" marque?
    I think that the Buick reputation speaks for itself. I remember that they were very reliable and sturdy - even when we had a side-on collision, no-one was hurt. They were also pretty stylish - we had a red LeSabre, which I always thought was a pretty cool car.

    It was only later that I found out that Buick had an excellent reputation for safety, reliability, and value. Not only had they maintained this reputation through my formative years, but they actually improved on it - consistently.

    You don't have to agree with me, but I remember what Buick was like while growing up, and now, I am proud to state that I drive my own.


    I'm assuming you grew up in the 60s then, which was pretty much the last time that Buick had an excellent reputation. That was a long time ago, and the luster is mostly gone, unfortunately. Buick sales are poor, it's prime demographic is past their prime, and their future isn't particularly bright.

    2) Why would DC want to purchase Buick? More likely a Chinese company.

    I don't see why a Chinese company would want to buy Buick. Given the national pride and heritage of the Chinese, I would think that their government would be willing to place their resources and support behind a national marque effort. I am no expert in international relations or commerce, but it seems to me that for the Chinese to purchase a foreign marque, instead of developing their own, they would suffer a great loss of face. In effect, they would be admitting that they, with their great natural resources and vast population, could not create their own automobile, whereas countries like Japan and South Korea have successfully done so (no disrespect to those countries intended - I am very impressed with what they have accomplished).

    Buick is a highly prized brand in China. The name alone would be worth a Chinese company picking up.

    3. What 3 brands would you want GM to sell off before Buick? I can't even imagine.

    I don't think that I would pick 3 brands to sell off before Buick, but do you really believe that, say, Pontiac and Chevrolet are better marques? Remember, I'm looking at longevity, reliability, safety, and value.

    Define better - more valuable? Definitely. If GM had to rely on Buick to survive, they would be finished. Pontiac is a question mark, but so is Buick. Pontiac has the Solstice coming, what does Buick have? Hopefully the Velite.

    I have been asked why, for example, the recent 'Hemi engine' vehicles are out there. when gas prices are at almost all-time highs. My answer: they are appealing to baby-boomers, who remember what Hemi engines were, and to the children of those baby boomers, who will hear the definitions from their parents. To a much lesser extent, they are appealing to the general populace, but don't be fooled - the Hemi is by no means an innovative concept now.

    You will NEVER see a Hemi engine in a Buick - I feel that Buick is much more in tune with the general populace - Buick uses no popular fads or trends - they don't need them and don't use them.


    Buick isn't in tune with anyone really. They aren't doing that well. The Hemi is selling phenomenally. Buick _desperately_ needs something popular, a fad, a trend, anything!

    4. If there can only be one luxury marque in the stable, would you pick Buick over Cadillac?

    Cadillac is a luxury marque and always has been. I'm not saying that Buick is a luxury marque - It's not limited to just being the American luxury marque.

    What is Buick? It has to define itself - another of its problems.

    Just look at Buick's lineup - it has both luxury (LeSabre and Park Avenue) and mid-size (Century and LaCrosse) car types. I maintain that it has more choices for more types of consumers than Cadillac does (I don't believe that the Catera, for example, successfully attracted younger consumers).

    Luxury and mid-size? Buick has four large sedans and an SUV. More choices for more types of consumers? The Century, LaCrosse, and LeSabre overlap all over the place. That's why they are getting rid of the Century and LeSabre. The Park Avenue is a beautiful car, but I don't think it is going to be around much longer either. Buick's problem is that it appeals to a very limited part of the population. The Catera may not have been successful in any way, but the Escalade and CTS have been _very_ successful, and the STS is on its way.

    I think the LaCrosse is a great car, hopefully it will do well, hopefully Buick will get the Velite, and hopefully the next Park Avenue will be a hit. Those three things could ensure Buick's future.
  • leviathanleviathan Member Posts: 9
    Actually, I grew up in the 70s.

    Anyway, I think that Buick has improved a lot since then. I really think that the 2001 Buick LeSabre I have is a good, rugged, and dependable car. I hope to be driving it for a very long time.

    I still think that Buick is a viable marque. I understand what you have stated about 'being all over the place' and 'having to define itself', but for my money, I'm better off with Buick than spending an arm and a leg for a Cadillac or buying a car with a Hemi engine which will burn a lot of gas compared to my LeSabre.

    I think that Buick is indeed having 'growing pains' with their 3 car models and 3 SUV models. However, I do believe that the marque will appeal to people out there who want to see Buicks as good values, not just those who want to 'buy American'.

    If I had a lot of money for a replacement car, I'd go with a Mercedes or a Lexus, which I think are still much better cars than Cadillacs.
  • prigglypriggly Member Posts: 642
    If I had a lot of money for a replacement car, I'd go with a Mercedes or a Lexus, which I think are still much better cars than Cadillacs.

    I'd go with Lexus but I wouldn't touch Mercedes crap with a ten foot pole:

    http://www.damianpenny.com/archived/001851.html
  • whzrdwhzrd Member Posts: 39
    I decided to do a little interior cleaning today in the 2k lesabre. It all started innocently by buying a 3 in 1 armor all package for cleaning | protecting | windows.

    Well, after starting with that I pulled out the armor all protectant I had in the trunk and really went to town on everything in the interior of the inside of the car including doors and trunk.

    I went to the gas cap and armorall'd it, the filler tube and base of the the tube platform all had some rust on it. It seemed to darken my cleaning rag some so I added some more. The rust is still there though not as much and it is moist instead of dry and crusty/rusty.

    After replacing the cap and re starting the car. No, more service engine soon light I had it all through winter!

    I just wanted to up date and thank imidazol97 for the assist. Even though mine was the only post I noticed in this forum about that issue.http://a332.g.akamai.net/f/332/936/12h/www.edmunds.com/media/townhall/webxicons/emot- orcons/emo_wink.gif
    wink
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