Used 1996 Buick LeSabre Consumer Reviews
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Reliable Comfortable Ride
I acquired the '95 limited last year from my dad and at first I was skeptical about driving a 17 year old car with 125,000 miles. At 138,000 miles last week the brake lines, front wheel brake pads and rotors, and a stabilizer bar were replaced. In its lifetime there haven't been any big money issues. A water pump, spark plug wires/ plugs, and passenger climate control have been fixed. The fuel economy is decent. I have gotten 28+mpg on interstate trips with a fully packed car. I get ~16mpg with city only driving. It has been a reliable car for me.
244000miles and still going
After owning this car for 5 yrs. the only thing costly was the fuel pump ($400) inc. labor. The amazing thing is all of the factory exhaust is still in excellent condition,I had the trans fluid changed evey 40,000 mi and never had a problem with it. January cold weather in Mass. can take its' toll and that is when the rear brake line went out after a panic stop from a fool not paying attention with his snowblower went out into the road, but the safety system worked impeccably, the car stopped far away from him. the car still uses no oil 1/2 qt. between changes. Hate to part with it,still no rush issues.but how much can you expect from a car with this situation? Am looking for a newer one.
stu's buick
Very dependable, No major repairs,Does use some oil but has since it was new,in 7.5 years only had to replace tires once has 95000 miles on it.Finish is as good as new.
Best damn car made today
This fine automobile has comfort, style & class. It's quiet and smooth shifting. And has the power when you need it. Will ALWAYS buy Buick.
Not the sharpest, but good to my wallet!
I bought this car a few months back from a friend. It has 189,000 miles on it. I bought it with the intentions of putting a new motor in since this was neglected. 20,000+ on oil, 30,000+ on filter and 3 quarts over full!! I decided to drain the oil, give it an oil change and filter change, drive about 50 miles and redo it again. This car is great. 29 MPH on interstate and no check engine lights so far. I have to tell you, with that much neglect and the thing still gets great gas mileage and never fails to start...there is nothing that I can do to that engine that will harm it!
Premium Motor Car
In 30 years driving, this is clearly one of the highest quality vehicles that I've owned or driven. We purchased it in 2003 with 110,000 miles and we've run it to 216,000 miles. It's regular use is inner-city Philadelphia driving but it tackled multiple trips to Chicago, Jamestown (western NY), Toronto, Boston, and Florida. Saw 29 mpg hwy on 35 psi tires. Repairs have been: All brake cylinders, calipers, master cylinder, and ABS unit, PCM, compressor, blower motor, temp control module, tie rods ends, motor mounts, wtr pmp, starter. When the math is done for all repairs, maintenance, and inspections, it comes to $.10/mile over 10 yrs. Not bad for a $2,500 investment up front!
Old girl still has it!
This car has been great. I have about 135k miles so far and no really major problems (except one, which I will talk about later). I have gotten 31mpg on the highway and I usually get around 21mpg city. Had a problem where the car was mis-firing up hills and when the engine was under load. Did some research and figured out it was a bad spark plug cable. Replaced all the spark plugs and cables and now she purrs like a kitten. My A/C compressor clutch died about a year ago now and makes a grinding noise every once in a while, but that doesn't hurt anything or effect the car in any way (although no air conditioning, obviously). Driver power window just died a week ago. It's an old car, though...
Comfortable Cruiser
Ok so unlike most kids with their Civics or trendy Beemers, i chose a nice used LeSabre. I like it because its all-American, solidly built but not ostentatious, and the interior is comfortable and roomy. The handling isnt great but straightline is decent. The trunk is great, and the price was right. I might have chose the Grand Marquis but it wouldnt fit in my garage, but this is slighly better on gas. Overall i'm pleased, its much better built than my family's newer Chrysler products. I dont understand why anyone would choose most japanese midsize cars over this.
The elderly have good taste
Had a problem with it stalling unexpectedly and not starting sometimes. It was the camshaft sensor. A $40 part and small amount for labor and it's good as new. I was 39 when I got my 95 Buick after a tornado took out my wonderful 98 Chevy Lumina. Had a surgery the day after the tornado. Left it to my husband to pick my next car. He came back with a car my kids said is only for "blue haired people". Let me tell you... THEY KNOW WHAT THEY'RE DOING. best car I've ever had. I LOVE IT!!!!! My kids still laugh about the average age of drivers of this car. Runs great, drives great, quiet, avg 24 mpg. Just turned over 100500 miles and going strong.
Good Reliable Buick!
Bought the car for $5500 used in april of 2003, had 60000 miles on it.Interior & exterior in great shape. What a deal! I can't believe how well the original paint held up after these years, it looks new. The fit is better then even brand new cars. The ride is typical Buick , sofa on wheels.... This car is built like a tank!
I's a keeper.
I've had this car over 3 years now and I love it. I got the car with 70,000 miles, now it has 101,000. I just had to change the O2 sensor. It's not a looker but sure is a champion.
Immortal engine
I bought mine from a friend when it had 180k miles, but sadly, it already had a lot of wear, so I can't be sure, but I think it was just driven really hard. I've had to replace many parts, including the radiator and transmission, but the engine just keeps on going. Unfortunately, it still has a few different leak problems that I don't feel like spending money to fix, so I'm driving it to the ground and getting another car.
Not just for old people
It is just a great car, no problems and fast enough. It isnt the most luxurious car but it is nice for the money and can get you through traffic with absoutly no problems. I would recomend a buick to anyone like i said it isnt just for old people it gives a lot of car for the buck.
Better then my 2000 Maxima
I purchased my '95 LeSabre custom with 67,000 miles almost 2 yrs ago, now have 78000 miles on it. A great car. Runs great like a new car,and it's got quite a kick to it. It moves smooth, fast and easy. Even though my last car 2000 Maxima was a very good car, I honestly have to say...this LeSabre is an all around better car. I love it.
Boring old person's car
I drive this car 7,500 miles/year and I'm glad I don't have to spend any more time in it. The leather seats are uncomfortable after more than 1 hour. At 60k the transmission started to hesitate on 1-2 shits. Trans. still working at 86k, but wondering how much life is left. Have been plagued by constant A/C issues. Some stupid little plastic part that controls where the "air" comes from is now on its 3rd replacement. Nothing like having the drivers side getting A/C and the passengers side getting heat. I have now replaced all 4 power window regulators...twice. Gas mileage is not great. 14 city/21 highway. My Crown Victoria was a much better car.
Gets the job done
I like this car. It is very reliable (starts and runs every time), comfortable, roomy, feels solid, and feels safe. I have not had any serious repair issues. The car has about 119K on it. Gas mileage is OK for a car of its size. Smart money drives Buick.
Durable, Safe, and Comfortable
Excellent ride & surprisingly good on gas!
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1995 LeSabre
Excellent Vehicle! This is the second used LeSabre that I have owned and they are very reliable vehicles! They also get very good gas milage for a larger vehicle.
built to last
I've got 117K miles on it & it still sounds & rides like it's new...Great engine!
A great all round car
My wife and I bought our `95 Buick Last yeat and we think that this is a great car, It does everything right, great ride good handling (for a full size car), and I would recomend this car to anyone.
Reliable, Comfy, Good on Gas, Safe
I have owned a Gen III, Olds 88 with 205 HP V6, and that had 170k miles on it, sold it to my brother who needed a reliable car, good on gas. His friend totaled it, hit 2 deer on the interstate. Since then I have kept my eye out, and found this low mileage (66K Original!!!) one that a co-worker had from grandparents. Not quite as good on gas or as much power as the Olds, but very good car. I see about 22 combined mileage with Lucas Fuel Treatment. I paid $500 for it, my mechanic son-in-law put on new front brake pads/rotors, tune-up, brake lines, new trans filter/fluid, vacuum lines repaired/repainted top (vinyl top came off on highway!) All for $620 parts/labor, total of about $1200! I have since only replaced the serpentine belt, and windshield washer motor at 94,000 miles. I put in a modern bluetooth/usb stereo. My niece now owns it and drives it every day to work, and her baby to daycare, it's a very safe and reliable car. She has driven it to New Orleans and back when she lived there, to Texas and back, when she lived there as well. If anyone wants to down vote this review, explain why you're biased against a 22 year old car? Have facts. I have a 93 Z28, drive it everyday to work from spring to fall, modern stereo, mods to 360 HP, still get 22 mpg on hwy, I own a 99 ZR2 Blazer for the winter, has 190k miles on it. If you take care of a car, especially GM cars, parts are cheaper, I do most of the work myself. I also own a 2008 HHR SS, 300HP 2.0L Turbo and still gets 30 mpg on HWY, my low mileage fun car. No car payments, low maintenance costs per year, good performance and gas mileage compared to other vehicles in it's class.
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Old man
I'm still under 50, but my car gets me called "old man"! I bought the car 10 yrs old with 52k miles; I''m sure I can sell for teh same. Great value. Real interior comfort, favorite 3800 motor, all in a "snowplow"!
Problems
I got the car from my little old neighbor lady, she purchased it new. It had 65K on it when I got it, 15K miles later the air conditioning compressor went out, $800 to fix. Later the transmission went out at 84K miles. I had a used transmission put in and after 16K miles (less than a year) it also went out. A computer at the cost of $400 and several sensors for about $350 were replaced. What really troubles me are the transmissions. I believe the engine to be a solid work horse. I like the car but not the repairs.
Electric and Leaks
My car leaked from poor fitting panels on the floor. Cost 750 to get it fixed. Also very poor alternator - went through 5 in five years! Everything else was fine.
I Think It Was A Good Choice
WE NEEDED A RELIABLE CAR BETTER THAN A NEON AND STUMBLED UPON THIS '95 WITH 69000 ON IT. DRIVES LIKE A DREAM AND MECHANIC SAYS IT IS GM'S BEST ENGINE IN YEARS. SO FAR SO GOOD.
Very Comfortable, reliable, visually appealing car
I bought my 1995 Buick LeSabre Custom at a charity auction in October of 2017 with 96k and only 1 previous owner for $700. I did have to stick a battery in it, cut and splice a fuel line, and replaced some bushings in the front right corner. At 100k i flushed all the fluids and rotated the tires. Overall the car runs and drives flawlessly. By far the most comfortable car I've ever driven. Highway cruising is awesome, i get close to 30 mpg. 3800 Series 1 with tuned port injection, 170hp, 4t65-E transmission shifts very smooth and power delivery is smooth. Does not accelerate like a sports car, but maintains a good amount of power throughout the rev-bands being a 23 year old car. It is now approaching 101k, and i did have to patch the back passenger side wheel-well after a hole rusted straight through to allow water to run through it and into the backseat. I have since patched it myself and have not had a problem since. I would highly recommend this car to someone who wants an extremely reliable car that is cheap and easy to maintain, however it is by no means a sports car.
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Nice Couch on Wheels
My 95 Lesabre has been in the family since new. I use it as my daily commuter to save gas and miles on my other gas thirsty trucks. Overall the car has been reliable. Other than the usual wear items (a/c, brakes, etc.) I've had to replace a cheap plastic water fitting at the intake. And the ECM started acting haywire, but a junkyard computer for $50 solved that problem. It's not a "fun" car, but it's cheap, reliable, and I get a solid 20 mpg with town and highway driving, Almost 22 on all highway driving. Easy to work on and parts are cheap.
LaSabre Lover
I have 105,000 on my Buick now and wouldn't trade it for anything else. It's everything I want in an automobile.
'95 LeSabre Custom
Wonderful car! I bought my '95 LeSabre with 41,000 miles from Buick dealer that sold it originally. I have it serviced there for everything, too. Have 91,000 miles now. 30-34 MPG highway, 22-26 MPG city. Looks and drives like brand new. Only replaced water pump and power door lock relay. That's it! Comfortable, powerful, reliable, economical, safe, and roomy. Can't ask for anything more. The 3800 V6 is the best engine ever made.
Owner
We bought this car for my wife's use as she wante a larger vehicle for highway safty and security. Then we sold our other car when she retired and I have used it exclusively for several years. It runs great with few mechanical problems. I feel a little luxurious in it because that is the look, like it is an "uptown" look. We have taken many trips in it and it is great on the road. Our mechanics always tell us it is the best American made car. We agree.
Iron out -problems took five years
After 105000 miles, we have solved most of the problems with our 96 Buick. The worst problem has been the suspension in the rear. The ride in the front seat is fine. But the rear seat bottoms out and is a very rough ride over the least little bump. I returned the car to the dealer with no solutions for the rear suspension. We also had to replace all the tires three times within five years because of the suspension. We were finally told to have the tires rotated every 6000 miles( by a tire dealer) to solve this problem. Also problems with the engine light.
Comfy, quiet, safe, and dirt cheap!
OK, this thing is no "chick magnet", but it's one heck of a deal if you value a quiet, reliable, comfy, and roomy ride. Sure, I like the new E500, but I'd rather have the Buick and a trunk full of hundred dollar bills (these things are nearly free!). I also like used Town Cars for similar reasons, but think the LeSabre is likely to be more reliable. Great car, I'm a car-crazy Detroit boy who has had every kind of car out there, but this one is a deal.
Poor
This car is not a very good car, it breaks down often and is not very attractive. it gets poor gas mileage.
Thanks Unk!
I recently inherited my uncle's car. At first, I was a bit underwhelmed. I could still smell the smoke from Unk's pipe. The car was in incredible shape. Not even 38000 mile! I decided to drive it arround a bit before I sold it, and I was hooked! It rode great and the handling was better than I thought it would be. It was like new inside. I decided to take a long Sunday drive in it and was impressed at the performance of the engine and yet the very resonable mpg (28.6). Well, needless to say, I'm keeping it. It is no head turner, but it is a very comfortable ride and very roomy. Thanks again, Unk!
Rides like a swaying lumber wagon.
Have had nothing but problems with the suspension with this car. It rides like an old "lumber wagon", swaying side to side. Had new struts installed, still does not help. It is just the "Buick" ride, and/or GM ride. GMC really messed up when they changed the suspension from the older 80 models.
A pleasant old-school sedan
I bought the LeSabre because its fairly comfortable and reliable for a much more affordable price that used foreign-brand models. So far I've been pretty happy. The acceleration is adequate (tho probably not as good as more recent models). The cloth seats are soft but fairly supportive, though the interior design is a bit antiquated. Reliability has been with the only repairs being a throttle ($200) and water pump ($300), and new front brake pads. The styling may not be exciting, but its timeless and classy. (the 2005 model doesn't look too much different). The handling is below-average and parking in urban areas is not fun. Overall not bad for a decade-old Detroit dreadnought.
LeSabre Review
Trustworthy vehicle even with high miles.
My personal experience
This car is my 5th Buick LeSabre for the last 20 yrs. It always run like new, well maintained with regular oil changed & tune-up. The only thing I have replaced are the wiper blades.
Great car for Cheap
Bought for $8,000 with 54K miles on it, now it has 149K miles and is still running strong. Only one repair at 110K ($400 total) for coolant pump and intake manifold (imagine that! A GM with a bad coolant pump or a bad intake manifold!!!) Never broke down, just leaked coolant and took it in when it got real bad. Only oil and tire changes otherwise. Everything on this car works great, never has had any alignment work and still rides as smooth as day it was bought. AC and heat still work great and AC hasn't even been recharged. The only thing that has stopped working is the tape player, it has a tape stuck in it but who hasn't been replaced because radio is preferred and who uses tapes today?
Satisfaction
I have bought only Buicks since 1952. I have had LeSabres and larger ones and this model is the best I have ever had. I have had no large problems.
Car reliability?
The car has been reasonably good altho had problems with seat upholstery when brand new. It was fixed of course. At 42,000 miles My headlights all of the sudden went out.It was a part. It was out of warranty and I had to pay for itIn July 2002 while driving on an interstate at high speed my headlights went out. Tonight My I stopped at a red light and boom everyting just quit
I MIss my Car!
It was totaled by roadrager and was injured in ribs and shoulder but my Mom was notinjured! Thatshows how good this car is. I was sitting up closer to steering wheel. I'm shorter than her. I was just learning to drive and she felt this car would be safest! I hope to find another Buick Le Sabre in mid 90's or maybe a Park Ave. It had gold leather and sure miss it as is best for my back! Don't care for bucket seats anymore, hurt the back way too much!
1994 Buick LeSabre
I bought this car for $300 with 273,000 miles. I now have 278,000 and its still running. I had to replace the starter and the EGR valve is bad so it idles poorly and gets terrible gas milelage. However Ive been driving this car over 200 miles a day for work and I'm never worried it will leave me stranded. This car is unbelievably reliable. If I had the funds to repair the few things wrong with it I'm sure it would go well over 300k. It was a very good deal and I'm quite happy with it overall. Very comfortable too.
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Buickiful
Best driving vehicle I've ever owned
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Classic with low miles
This car is the best. Been in my family all it’s life. 37000 actual miles. Clean, ice cold ac. Perfect interior. Engine perfect. All original. Was my moms.
Please with our 1996 LaSabre
We like the quite spaciousness of the interior without the bulky feeling of some cars in this class. It's a car we love to take for a evening drive... with room for friends. A very nice car but inconspicous car.
Great Buick
Even though my grandson says this is an old lady car, I do not feel like one when I am driving it! It handles well and I feel safe under all circumstances. It is comfortable to sit in for long periods of time,and any guests who sit in the back seat are also comfortable. All in all, I would recommend this car to people of all ages.
Comfortable Car
The Buick LeSabre is a very roomy, smooth riding, and comfortable car. It will not necessarily turn heads, but it has lots of interior room and plenty of V6 power. The suspension has a floatly feel on rough roads, but is well mannered on city streets and highways. After owning one for a few months now, I fully understand why my parents liked them. Good value for the money and comfort.
1996 Buick LeSabre Limited is AWSOME!
My mother purchaced/ordered her 1997 NEW from factory & we all fell in love with it. From gas mileage to overall look, preformance & comfort, this car is the best of the best! My husband just purchased me a 1996 that we got from a private individual with only 85K actual miles. I love this car & the comfort & luxury level is unbeatable! The 30 mpg on highway is AWSOME with today's gas prices! I never thought I would like any vehicle as much as I like this one. My other car is an 89 Oldsmobile Delta 88 Royale. It too gets the awsome gas mileage of 27 mpg on highway, still ticking with 180K actual miles on the odomiter! Never a problem except replaced trans 4 years ago. GO GM! Thanks!
Decent Practical Car
Mine has 110000 miles,Traction control,GT Package,Which handles excellent.