1988 Buick LeSabre Limited 3.8 MPFI V6
Summary:
Comfy, Able, and Reliable
Faults:
Coil packs replaced by dealer before purchase
EGR Valve needed replacement early on ($250)
Wheel studs replaced ($1 a piece)
CV Joints (both) Replaced at 123k (<$200)
Camshaft position sensor replaced also at 123k ($50)
EGR valve replaced again along with Catalytic ($300) converter (exhaust was blocked by stopped-up cat and vented through EGR valve)
Power Antenna Failed at 120k.
Rear defroster is weak, but works. 1 Window needs assistance to go up, 2 are slow. Headliner fallen. Rust starting.
General Comments:
Bought the car as a second choice (first car wouldn't start when I went to buy it). Had 118k on it and also wouldn't start, but was fixed pronto by dealer (coil packs) and I was off.
Was a good performer from the start, but didn't quite live up to my previous Regal. Found out why, later on.
VERY comfy ride. Great highway car. Better 30-70 accel. than 0-60. Digital Climate control is a GODSEND for someone sensitive to heat.
Gets approx 23mpg (city/no AC), 18 (city/AC), and 30-35 hwy.
Keep it maintained and it will last you a lifetime. The MPFI 3800 engine in these things are tanks. They'll outlast the energizer bunny.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 17th June, 2007
13th Jan 2005, 17:56
Hi!
It sounds like you got the car after someone else pretty well wore it out! I have an 88 T-Type too, that I am going to give to my son in March. It has 230,000 miles on the original engine and transmission! The driver seat is well wore and the dash is a little warped, but otherwise the power door locks and the heater controls all work! The stock radio died a long time ago! I did replace the heater blower motor last winter, so now it sounds like a plane taking off when you have it on high! So much for replacement parts being like original equipment! I've replace the struts and shocks once, the trans shifts a little hard into reverse, otherwise this car will go! I forgot what all was wrong with yours, but maybe check out junk yards for parts that aren't mechanically related to help dress your LeSabre back up to somewhat original condition! Just a thought!