Used 2003 Buick LeSabre Consumer Reviews
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my favorite car to date
upon my purchase, I've very pleased with the car. I'm the third owner and currently the car has 147,826 miles with no reports of dissatisfaction. I accumulate about 66 miles on average in daily usage and get a very respectable 28.0 mpg city/hwy. No rattles/squeaks to report and amazingly, all original equipment work without flaws. Even the leather upholstery has remained soft and no cracks/tears. I have a few minor grips; the lighting in the engine bay and trunk is very dim, and after so many years, the moulding of the rt. side of dashboard and lt. side has separated due to hot interior, attributed to no ventilation. I've leave windows cracked open and the separation has ceased.
Got it used at a steal!!!!
I bought this car after I totaled my Mazda Protege. This is the first full sized car that I have ever owned. Everything else has been a compact or sub-compact, so the difference is amazing. The ride is smooth and quiet. The interior features are laid out perfectly for ease of use. I can fit a car seat in the back and still have room for 4 people without having to scrunch. Once I got over the 'old man' mystique of a Buick- I fell in love with it.
- Limited SedanMSRP: $6,999112 mi away
- Limited SedanMSRP: $3,995450 mi away
- Limited SedanMSRP: $6,495682 mi away
Excellent
I can drive the 70MPH speed limit to a city 100 miles away, do some driving around in the city and return home averaging 28-29 MPG. I think this is great for a car of this size. Very comfortable ride also.
2003 lesabre reliability
The only repair's I've required is to replace two motor mounts on the left front. My heating system is not working properly. When it is very warm on the drivers side, it tends to be cool on the passenger side but was told that it is a $600.00 expense to repair. It is not a serious matter so I have no intention on fixing the situation. 115,000 miles on the car 31,000 miles on the current tires and still it does not require a Front End Alignment. This car has never had one! Love the rascal.
It's a tank!
Got this for my daughter's first car. It's old, It's big (inside). She already had 1 accident and a couple hundred put it back on the road. The stereo sounds great. seats are showing their age (support wise) but the leather is in good shape. Trunk is huge. I'd buy another.
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Buying "THAT" car
We have owned older LeSabres and always found them to be great cars. My wife wanted a newer LeSabre so I informed her that they ended in 2005. She told me to be on the lookout for a nice one. I was checking Craig's list when a new listing popped up that was hard to believe. Son selling his dad's car for his widowed mother. Bought new in Sept. '03 and a 4" stack of receipts of all service since. 74k miles with new servicing and tires for the sale. Needless to say, my wife is very happy with car, it's comfort and economy. Seats 5 adults and a child with adequate space, or 6 adults in a pinch. The head and leg room are more than adequate for people over 6' to ride in comfort. Handles well for a larger car and rides like a limo. Car has never had dirty oil and never will the way I maintain it. At 63 I expect to have this car for life or until totalled.
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Buick's never die, they just grow older
I purchased this vehicle after Mother Nature totaled my prized 1999 Buick Regal with a supercharged 3.8 L engine. It only had 369,000 miles on it - barely broken in. It had some minor rear damage, some dings, a tear and an excessive wear spot in the leather on the driver seat, and a few other minor things, but hey, I was buying a used car. It didn't have the power of my Regal, of course, but it was no slouch either. All-in-all I was happy. I paid cash for an "AS IS" car but they chose to give me a 90-day warranty because they "liked" me and I paid cash. Two weeks later I brought it in with a few problems. The dealer charged me an outrages sum of money and would guarantee it would fix my problem - it didn't fix my problems and my 90-day warranty was a hoax. I no longer use that dealer - found an honest one up north. I have discovered that the previous owners did not take very good care of their car. I have always lived by the premise that if you take care of your car, it will take care of you. I'm down to fair-wear and-tear items now. The engine has never skipped a beat! The 3.8 has been a solid workhorse since 1961. It's a real shame they stopped making it. As for the rest of the car, once I fixed a problem, it stayed fixed!!! I expect to get at least 350,000 miles out of this Buick now that she's happy again. I have NEVER been disappointed with my Buicks!
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Buicks with low miles
There are tons of these cars with low miles out there. I looked at this site religiously when doing research so decided to pass along info for others. Bought a top of the line Celebration edition with gran touring package and every other option for $7500, with 44,000 miles. The tires and brakes are original. The only thing that does not work is the seat warmer on the drivers side. I am 6' and the seats are too short and too cushy. The upper manifold leak had already been fixed by the previous owner. I get 27 mpg country driving (55 mph, little stopping) and 21 or 22 in the city. A good value, huge trunk, the car heats up quick, defrosts quicker, is smooth riding and kinda floaty.
Back to Foreign
Thinking Buick was one of the best GM vehicles and wanting to buy American (actually it was Canadian) I purchased this as my first new car ever. Two months after the time warranty expired (3 years but the car had only 29000 miles) I needed a new transmission switch. While fixing the transmission, the mechanic found an air conditioning problem (over $1000) then while repairing the air conditioning found an intake manifold seal problem (over $1000). The catch for partial "goodwill" warranty coverage was allowing them to perform the expensive 30000 mile service. It still cost me over $1000 and the transmission still shifed rough. Fortunately I sold it before something else went wrong.
Great get
I bought it from a friend of the family let's just say he got a good Christmas gift for the value of what he let me buy thought I payed top dollar for the car but I know I got a great car dependable and reliable source of transportation by leaps and bounds
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Best American Car on the Road Today
Outstanding vehicle. I have never had a problem with it. Never even taken to the dealer for any warranty issue. I've had many new cars in my 50 years but this is absolutely the best in every category.
Great vehicle
No mechanical issues ever. Solid in all regards. Great mileage at 30+ highway 22 city, most bells & whistles.
A great ride
I experience a distinct vibration on the steering wheel, dashboard, front seats,brake pedal. This occurs at slow (2-3) mph and stoped with motor running in idle and transmission in drive. Put i in Neutral snd vibration eases. I have had it in for service 4 times and service manager says this is normal. I have drove ford 4cylander and oldsmobile 6 cylander. Both with no vibration. I have complained to Buick Company but they give me no hopes that they can fix the vibration. They(Buick) promised to write me a letter of explination. I am on verge of filing with the Florida Lemon Law.
Really a good car
I bought this car used 2 years ago with 37,000 miles already on it. I was a little concerned about the mileage, but it has been a really good car. I need a late model full size sedan for business and I set out to buy a Cadillac, but saw and drove the Buick and saved several thousand dollars that work as well for me as owning a Cadillac. I've not had any problems at all with this car.
ATTENTION: Caution from a Canadian Owner
,from after the 1st six months, the block heater was leaking, the dealer had to fix it 6 times, then the steering column had to be taken apart to be change the steering sensor, the trunk was leaking, allowing all the rain water hose from within the trunk, the side pillor post plastic, dashboard, headsups display, instrumention cover, all had to be replaced because of clips popping out, stabilitrack had to repaired 4 times, vibration on idle on steering wheel and dash, EGR valve replaced 2 times, A/C trouble on dual climate control, sometime blows warm air on driverside, A/C leak still present
Now its 2010
I've been relatively satisfied with my LeSabre which had 21,000 miles on it at purchase. Nothing rides like a LeSabre and its got get up and go. The rounded trunk makes backing up deceptive. I'm 3 ft further away than I think consistently. Heater takes too long & I'm at my destination before the car is comfortably warm... 15-20 minutes on a 28 degree day. The car has just turned 43,000 miles and the A/C went out. Mechanic called today and has to replace the condenser @ $426.00, due to a leak. Suburban driving gas mpg is lousy even for a big car 15-16 mpg. Great expressway mpg, 30-33 mpg. Tuned correctly, the LeSabre has a great radio and speakers are of Bose quality.
Nothing But Trouble
The worst car we ever bought. 20 plus thousand miles we had to replace a wheel bearing, then a sensor in another wheel bearing that related to traction control, a motor mount support, a heater coil, two window regulators that control closing the windows and is not covered by ins,and now we think we have to replace the transmission. We have 69,500 miles on it now. At 40 plus thousand, GM did not give me any sympathy or help. They were very cold. Do not buy this car. Even the Svc Mgr at Buick said they have a lot of trouble with them. We have never had these problems even with cars with +100,000 miles on it.
LeSabre
Great car for six years with 79,000 miles
Poorest Buick I have owned since 1985
I have been purchasing Buick LeSabres since 1985. The 1999 I had had a problem with the intake manifold. When I purchased this 2003 I ask the salesman if GM had fixed the problem with the intake manifolds warping and leaking. He said they did. He lied. I just had to replace the intake manifold on this 2003. You would think that since this problem has been around for so long GM would have fixed it in production. I don't think I will every buy another GM product..
great car for the money
I bought this car and love it .. I paid 19.5k brand new on sale .. It is quiet , plenty of room, great fuel economy for a large car.. I get 30 on highway, 22 around town.. Nothing could compete for the price .. I looked at Toyota Avalon, but it was a lot more money.. and Offered nothing more ..
exellent car to drive
this the best i had since my 1996 la sabre it could use a better am radio the tires where cheap tires so i replaced them with new goodyear regatta2 tires it improved handling and tracktin in snow but there still is a slight vibration after balancing and alignement
"Polish Me Up, Cause I Love To Feel and Look Brand
Best driving car I ever owned! Sits so smooth on the highway, like a Cadillac. Gets 3l mpg on highway, and 21mpg in traffic.
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Young man loves his Buick
I sold my Buick Century, and bought my 2003 LeSabre custom. Hooked on the Buick comfort, style and great gas mileage for this size car. I'm 39 years old, and have heard that Buicks are for the older generation. Well I love mine and expect it to last a long time. The ride is smooth, no road noise and I get the performance expected.
disgusted in Arizona
This was our third Buick in a row. An '86 LeSabre we tried to wear out and couldn't, and a '95 Regal that was still going strong at 180,000 when we sold it. The 2003 replaced the Regal in 11/05. It had 34k, was in excellent condition, and bought from the proverbial "old lady". It is a comfortable, quiet road car. My wife drives it about 13k hwy mi/yr and pampers it. Trouble began in 1/07 at about 60k mi. Had to replace lft rear window regulator, then the rt one 4 mos later, then the lft one again 30 days later. 4/09 both dr latch/sensor assblys on rt side. Today the lft rear latch/sensor. Total so far $1245 for items VERY POORLY designed and built. THIS WILL BE OUR LAST BUICK!!
2003 Buick LaSabre
I recently purchased the 2003 LeSabre with 74,000 miles on it. It is a great car with a lot of features, however, there is a problem with the air suspension that I thought the dealer had repaired, but after driving it while the suspension is still not right. I'm going to see if I can change the suspension to a non-air to see if this will work. Other than that the ride is great and a love the way the engine sounds.
The body
sharp good car
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New 2003 Buick LeSabre
After owning a 1997 Buick LeSabre, the first thing noticed on this car was the difference in the suspension. The '97 was way too soft. Go across a big bump with the car loaded, and it would bottom out. The handling of the 2003 is very positive. The suspension, although not stiff, gives the driver a feeling of being "in tune" with the car. All controls are very well located, easy to see, and easy to access. The radio controls and cruise control are conveniently located on the steering wheel. The 3.8 liter engine is a proven performer in the Buick line.
Another Great Buick
The LeSabre is so quiet and drives like a dream. It has a great controlled ride; it's an improved ride over the 98 LeSabre with more control. But it's still comfortable. Everything is located great and features are easily understood and used like the memory seats and mirrors. It's already hitting 29 mpg cruising and it's only a few hundred miles old. The brakes are perfect in their feel. I am anxious to try out the self-stabilizing feature. I had considered a Park Avenue, slightly used or new, but this has been a great choice with many more options than I ever dreamed I would have on a car.
Unhappy
I purchased by 2003 Buick new. At 52,000 miles the stability system is totally gone. My outside driver's mirror is fogging up on the inside (I have the type that automatticaly goes from day to night plus it's heated). My heated seat doesn't work. Half the lights in my dash are out. On the way home from our cottage, my radio and air conditioner just cut out by themselves. (I was able to turn them back on.) My dashboard lights dim. My two-tone leather seat split at a seam (very rarely to I have anyone in back). I'm so upset with the car I'm trading it in for a Toyota. When American cars start being built to last, I'll consider one again. This was our seventh GM product.
completely satisfied with 2003 to date
this is third buick- trade every 3 years-have been cmpletely satisfied with all 3 cars
Good & comfort car
I had before a grand merq endless problems so i dicidet to try this car. unbelivebel happy,drives good comfort its a good car to owe.
Our 4th LeSabre
This is the best one yet. The bouncy ride has been eliminated. Superior comfort and handling. Very roomy.
jAANA F MEEKS
I purchased my 2001 LeSabre approximately 16 months ago. It has been a real pleasure - not to mention excellent gas mileage. I wouldn't consider any car other than a buick.
Excellent Car
Bought this car used and fell in love. No mechanical problems whatsoever. Only problem I have with the car is the clear coat. It is starting to peel off all over the car and looks like hell. I will be keeping the car however and spending about $6,000 to put a custom paint job on the car. I plan on running the car well over 200,000 miles.
American Disappointment
Though the LeSabre has some appealing features, I'm disappointed to find it continues to have many long-time shortcomings. Specifically: the A/C doesn't provide cold air, and had trouble cooling the car in an 85-degree day. The legroom for this 6'4" person is pathetic for a big car. There is no height adjustment on the seatbelts, making them ride too close to my wife's neck causing discomfort(this is downright embarrassing, Buick). I still have to slam the trunk for it to close just like in my father's Buick of 25 years ago(which I hated even then when I was too young to drive). The sound from the stereo was muddy at best.
Some dissapointment
Bought it used. Great gas mileage as an average for its weight. Nice ride. Loaded with options. Great red color and chrome wheels. This will be the second time I have to replace the motor mounts. I now have 96000 miles on it. My 97 buick had the motor mounts replaced three times. I had to replaced the frozen rear gas shocks. Recently had both wheel axle seals replace was leaking grease. Just recently had both front axles replaced. Its again in the shop for motor mounts. Oh yes the seat heater does not work. Blower motor is going out. Just ordered another one. Other than that I do like the car but may not buy a buick again. GM toughen up the motor mounts i can handle less smoothness.
Great gas mileage for the ride
We bought the car used with 27k miles, 5 years ago. The gas mileage is impressive, 25 mpg around town and 30+ on the highway, exceptional for the ride and comfort this model offers. I had to replace front wheel bearings, rear shocks (optional), and both rear window motors, not good but not terrible. I would by it again. Fine car that cleans up well.
2000 and 2003 LeSabre Limited Comparison
I previously drove a 2000 LeSabre Limited until purchasing the 2003 LeSabre Celebration Edition with all of the options. I have been happy with both vehicles, but there are some aspects of each I would rate differently. The 2000 Limited model had a more attractive interior & more comfortable & softer leather seats. The 2003 model has somewhat better handling and more features, such as side mirror turn signals & chrome plated wheels. The audio components on the 2003 model are much better, especially the XM radio & RDS options.
Great on freeway
The only thing I can say is I traded on Friday and left on a 2500 mile trip on Monday and loved the ride. I did have a problem with the cruise control. It pops off and sometimes will not come on. I have an appointment to get it repaired. Lots of room and ave. approx 30 miles per gal. Hard to beat in a car this size. Wish I had bought a Buick last time I got a new car.
Carole's opinion
Considering it's 13 years old it is in great condition with low miliage at 120,187.
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2003 LASABRE
I'm dissapointed some in the ride on rough road.. Transmission being replaced @ 24000 miles. Tires wearing pretty fast. worry about the engine since tranny went out so soon..
my first lesabre
This is my first Buick Lesabre,But not my last.It is a Limited with all options.I average 26.2 mpg around my town and 32 to 33 mpg on trips at 70 mph with the air on.I ordered the Grand touring package and it handles very well.Plenty of interior room and trunk space.A very comfortable car to drive for 10 hours at a time.My next car will also be a Lesabre.
Pros and Cons
The '03 LeSabre has everything going for it but good city gas mileage. Expressway mileage is very good considering the size of the car and its get up and go. I get approximately 30-32 mpg. Problem is, most of my driving is in the city/suburbs and with the July, 2006 price of gasoline I am unhappy with the approximate mileage of 16 mpg.
My Second LeSabre--Love it
Hi, This is the second LeSabre I bought. I liked the 2000 at lot, but the 2002 is much better. It rides great in sun, snow and rain. New driver computer system works very well, with the 2000 model I got a number of "false" errors that I had to take to the dealer with no repairs done. I have not had one thing fixed on this car since I bought it!
Great Quality
This car has no rattles, no noise, no creaks. It's as quiet as my 98 Limited. It's great driving it. The suspension is perfect at 3000 miles. It's a Park Avenue at a lower price. Everything has been well-designed to work without anything negative to it: the cupholders are better than 98 LeSabre (front and back both now), the radio controls have real knobs for tuning and volume and they're in steering wheel too. The auto temperature air conditioning works great, just like the other car.
Alternator Noise/Bad Seats
Annoying alternator noise in cabin...Buick is aware of it but they are in denial and won't do anything about it. Trunk leak (common in LeSabres) and airbag module replacement in the first 5000 miles...other than this it's ok. Need to upgrade General OEM tires. The fabric seats in the Custom are easily the worst I've seen. Seat too small...not contoured well and they wrinkle and come loose. I've replace drivers side covers already (ref to Bulletin)
Excellent road car
I am very pleased with the performance of this car.The transmission is extremely smooth.Very little wind noise at hywy speeds. Outside noise is effectively muzzeled. This car has more than enough power to handle itself on the interstates!This car is a living room on wheels.
2003 Buick LeSabre
Drives and rides very good in my opinion It is big enough that no one picks on it A couple of minor defects were immediately taken care of at my convenience. It has a lack of cup holders. The one it does have holds only small cups The gas mileage is not what I was told to expect. They claimed 29 + on highway. I claim 25 is stretching it. Clock cannot be read.
Great Trip
Bought the car on Friday and left for a 5,000 mile round trip on Monday. Love the ride and fuel milage. 30.6 going east and 29.3 coming back. I have a problem with the cruise control It just shuts off or doesn't come on at all. Not good on along trip. I had it into the dealer for repairs 3 times and the problem is still there. While at teh dealer 3 more owners of the same car came in with cruise control problems. I am home and hope to get to the bottom. Still love the car,hate the cruise.
Ride below standard
Current model has General tires, very poor grade, vibrates at 55 MPH and over. Dealer can't solve problem, brought to independent; advises to get name brand tire, this will improve ride and eliminate vibration