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Buick LeSabre

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#726 of 1497 I am thinking about buying a lumina by hobasil Mar 03, 2003 (12:27 am)
Hello everybody,   I came across a 1999 ex-opp white Lumina for 5 thousand Canadian. It has the 3800II, 4t65e transmission, recaro seats, stiff suspension, H rated tires(max speed 130mph) and the odometer says 147k km (92k miles). After taking it for a drive last week I found no apparent flaws such as pulling to one side, engine whine or rough shift points. To my surprise when I check the dipstick for the automatic transmission fluid, it is showing bright pink fluids which indicates the fluid is fairly new.   What do you have to say about this folks? The price is right and the car is in relatively good shape, I know it would be hard pressed to find a late model vehicle in the 5000 dollar (CDN) price range, and this one has the 3800II in it which is a big plus. I have always enjoy the power the 3800II outputs, and its smoothness and reliability. Anyways, I would like to take the car home next week unless somebody comes with a convincing reason for me not to.   This is my first time car shopping, I would appreciate any suggestions and comments. Thanks in advance.   Basil
#727 of 1497 Becoming a Buick Salesman by theking Mar 04, 2003 (8:03 am)
I have been offered a position to sell Buicks...I have never sold cars before...I have my ideas how to address potential customers...what would anybody like to see in their Buick Salesperson???
#728 of 1497 Buick Salesman - Stay out of the way.... by jimsxn Mar 05, 2003 (7:12 am)
...just kidding But this is the truth - New Buick buyers would probably be on their third/fourth car already and would probably know as much (if not more) about cars. The cars practially sell for themselves.
#729 of 1497 Ex-Copper Lumina... by jimsxn Mar 05, 2003 (7:16 am)
...What I have read and heard - the cops really abuse the body - especially the car-doors. There could also be some under-body damage - have it checked out by a mechanic. Also, electricals are a major problems in all GM used cars.   3800V6 is really a workhorse and will go on and on long after the body is gone. It's thirsty for fuel, especially if you have a heavy foot like me. I think you will like it.
#730 of 1497 Buick Salesman by macarthur2 Mar 05, 2003 (7:59 am)
My advice is to study everything you can get your hands on relating to Buick. Look up road tests done by Edmunds, Motor Trend, Car and Driver, Road and Track and the consumer publications. Become very knowledgeable about all things Buick. Know what cars have the 3800 V/6 with Supercharged engine (Regal and Park Avenue) Get into the specifications, know the horsepower of the engine and the torque it produces. Buick owners of today are the hot rod generation of a couple of decades ago and these things are important to them. Know what kind of gas mileage they can expect---the LeSabre can get 31+ mpg straight highway. As mentioned the average customer will be a return customer so give them credit for knowledge of prior models and their pluses and minus. Treat your customer with respect, they may be older but are brighter than most salesmen think. To sum all this up, do your home work on all the cars and the SUV and work for your customer, not against him. The days of high pressure sales are over and the older generation will walk if you try twisting their arms. In this day and age there may be 6 Buick dealer in one metro area, you gotta be the best deal in town. Work for the customers good even if you lose a little commission. Us older folks share the good deals we get, as well as the shoddy treatment we get, amongst our pier group. Dress like the customers you see coming into the show room. Good luck
#731 of 1497 Reply to macarthur2 by theking Mar 05, 2003 (8:40 am)
Your sentiments are appreciated. I feel the same as you do. Buick customers have owned Buicks and they want to speak to a sales consultant who uses his ears before his mouth. These people have bought cars for many years and are not going to take any "BS" from a car salesperson.
#732 of 1497 Buick Sales by imidazol97 Mar 05, 2003 (11:11 am)
I don't think I'd pay much attention to Car/Driver, Road/Track. They mostly write about cars most people can't afford. They don't include practical cars, especially American brands like GM. I haven't seen them mention LeSabre or Park Avenue for a long time...   Consumer Reports is biased in how they obtain information and how they present it.   I'd suggest knowning about all the competition for each model: The options the others offer, the packages they bundle to up-price the customer and the foreign brands offerings including their many short-comings and flaws.
#733 of 1497 gasoline, oil-macarthur2 by danieltiger Mar 08, 2003 (2:13 pm)
I am now using regular gas in my 2002 LeSabre. The computer still says that I'm getting 21.9 miles per gallon (city driving), so, apparently it makes no difference if I use mid-grade or regular. I still get 21.9 miles per gallon. Ok fine. Another question - how about synthetic oil? It's supposed to extend the life of the engine indefinitely. Any thoughts out there?
#734 of 1497 synthetic oil by imidazol97 Mar 10, 2003 (10:38 am)
If you're not an over-the-road salesman driving hundreds of miles per week, I'd stick with changing at 2500 miles and using good old organic oil. Save the money and use it for more frequent changes especially in cold weather and very short trip drives. Even with synthetic it mechanics I've heard sound like it should be changed to flush the contaminants out of the crankcase if you're doing any short trip driving. To benefit from the properties and higher cost you'd need to be able to use synthetic the longer mileage.
#735 of 1497 synthetic oil by macarthur2 Mar 10, 2003 (10:38 am)
I think you'll get quite a bit of discussion on this one. Everyone has their own ideas. Personally I have owned several cars and a truck that have gone well over 125,000 miles and have not had to do any major rework on the engine (like rings, valves etc.) I a quality brand name oil (Valvoline) of the oil weight recommended by the manufacturer and change it every 3-4,000 miles. Be absolutely sure the filter is being replaced every time. Modern engines can easily go 150,000 miles and beyond using this routine maintenance. I change the air filter every 15,000 miles. I think the synthetics are okay, but they are double or triple the cost per quart and I am not sure I like the longer wait between changes that some of them suggest. Synthetics are lighter weight and should make starting easier in cold climates. But I personally don't think they are needed if we stick with the manufactures suggestions and change routine. If you drive straight highway (like a salesman) you could change oil out to 5,000 miles. It is the stop and go driving that gunks up the oil. Many times the engine doesn't even get warmed up when we drive three miles, shop and then three miles home. I am sure some will disagree with this but it is my two cents worth.

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