1976 Buick LeSabre Custom 350 (5.7) Buick
Summary:
More useful than a Hummer and better looking too.
Faults:
The Transmission as a minor leak. I don't feel like fixing it though. I just have to add a quart every month or so.
The brakes failed due to a master cylinder leak. This resulted in my sister hitting a light pole at 15mph after coasting down a freeway overpass.
The car had minor body damage to the right-front quarter panel and the right-front door. The windshield was also cracked by the impact. Most modern cars would be totaled or not worth fixing by that kind of impact.
The last problem is due to the stupid mechanical choke that GM loved to put on their carburetors. This makes the car hard to start in the morning. Someday I will replace it with an electric one to solve this problem.
General Comments:
The car is a great hauler of people and cargo.
The suspension seems to be a little too soft for my tastes.
This car has the best looks and best performance of all full-size mid-70's sedans.
After the crash with the pole the police officer said it would run for another 30 years. I don't doubt it.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 7th July, 2002
13th Dec 2005, 16:40
I love my '76 Buick LeSabre Custom. It runs like a beauty and sure is wonderful to look at too. I'm only 19 years old and all my friends are always asking me why I don't sell it and get a new car, but all I ask them is, " how many cars do you see that look like yours and how many have you ever seen like mine?". They all have the same response too, "a lot and none". I guess they just don't understand the sentimental as well as profitable value of owning something so old and rare. I know that I'll never let my baby go, she just means way too much to me. I also don't think that I could stand seeing someone else driving it because I know they'll never be able to take care of it like I do. She gets her routine tune-ups, tire rotations, oil changes and everything else she needs right on time every time. She takes care of me on the road so why wouldn't I return the favor? Well, actually I see it as more of a pleasure than a favor. She doesn't get very good gas mileage in town, but on the highway she runs like a fart through silk...smooth. I hope who ever reads this enjoys it as much as I enjoy my ride. Thanks for taking the time.