Unpopular opinion: A 2003 Buick LeSabre is a better beater than any Civic under 5k

I know everyone goes on about old Hondas and Toyotas being the only safe bets. But I picked up a 2003 Buick LeSabre with 145k miles for 1800 bucks last year near Detroit. The 3800 V6 engine is bulletproof and parts are dirt cheap at any auto parts store. I've put maybe 400 bucks into it for a alternator and some tires. Meanwhile my buddy spent 4500 on a 2002 Civic with rust holes and a dying transmission. Who else has had better luck with old American boats than the usual Japanese suggestions?

2 comments

2 Comments

rosebennett13d ago

My buddy Tom picked up a 2004 LeSabre with 120k miles for 1500 bucks from an old lady who only drove it to church. He drove it for two years with zero issues, then sold it for 1800 when the AC started acting up. The 3800 really is something else, I've heard those things can run on half a quart of oil and still keep going.

sethb4511d ago

I read somewhere that the 3800 series is actually built with a cast iron block and aluminum heads, which is why they can take abuse without grenading. Your buddy's story tracks with what I've heard from guys on other forums who daily drove those things past 250k miles. Take that with a grain of salt though, I've never owned one myself, just seen a lot of people swear by them.