GP, Regal, LeSabre

[Neanderthal]

Well folks, that old itch started itchin again. Dang!

Seems like every 12 to 24 months, I get a hankerin to swap out vee-hikkles. Here we go again, as we used to sing in basic training.

I was thinking Grand Prix or LeSabre. To make a long story less long, I ended up at the KIA dealer where I bought The Mighty Spectra.

They're close, and they showed a GP online.
I wandered the lot looking for it, and out back was a wash me! wash me! LeSabre in the neutral bluish. Its 15" alum wheels needed a good scrub, and it looked like some TLC was needed.

So the saleshomie and I took her out. It was about a 2003, it had just turned over 100,000. Normally I wouldn't look at something so road weary, but this car had a very tight suspension and generally seemed unworn and solid.
The trusty 3.8 was very quiet, the AC seemed to need some charge but cool air issued forth from the handy dashboard-mounted ventilation apparatus. Radio worked well, gadgets worked well. Bottom line is I could probably drive away with this for $4000. Hmmm. Or less.
There was a good deal of rust from the back view. This was an all-season car, obviously. They said it was traded in by an older lady, the car had been purchased at this dealer when it was an Olds/Buick/Cadillac. Possibly service records will be available if she had it serviced there.

Next was an '04 Bonnie with 70K, SLE I believe. Middle model, with 17" wheels. Pretty bronze color, leather, roof, but it drove all loose and shakey. Like it needs bushings, alignment, balance, struts, whatever.
I think he was asking 10 or 11, don't recall exactly, because next I spent a lot of time at the BPGMC dealer.

At BPGMC, I knew they had some recent GP models. I don't think ABS is standard, forgot to check the dash lights on the '08 I drove.

But before the GP, we checked out an '01 Regal GS (3.8 sc), 90K, white with grey rockers, leather, roof, onstar, whatever. Very clean car.
I owned an '02 and the seats were murder. But these GS seats seem a bit firmer. And the GS has more toys, spiffier interior.
They priced this at seven grand, with of course room to roam. I haven't checked KBB on any of these.
This was a nice car with a lot of pop. Suspension is reasonably tight for its age/miles, there's not a lot of roll in the two corners I pulled some Gs in.
Front end feels like it needs struts, otherwise reasonably tight for a 90,000 mile car. I think with new struts and bushings from head to toe things should feel good. But what do I know?
Little rust under the back end, the only place you can see much with no lift.
Saleshomie said an older couple traded it in. There's very little pitting on the front end, which makes this look like a town car.

Drove an '08 GP with cloth and no roof. Roof is not a big deal to me. This car had 30,000 on it and they're asking $13K. Negotiable of course. There's an '07 GP with 30,000, leather and roof, beige, asking $12K.

Needless to say, the GP was the tightest, brightest car I drove. It has HUGE outside mirrors which I like a lot. Lots of gadgets, like ATF temp, pretty kewl.

As a pure driver, I'd say the GP is the nicest. Of course, it's new. It's still got warranty. I'd prefer ABS, and IIRC the LeSabre had 4Wdiscs and ABS, as did the Regal. Pretty sure the GP has 4Wdiscs, not sure about ABS.

As for a trade, the KIA dealer said they'd give me auction. The BPGMC sounded like he could do better than that, like KBB. I go back tomorrow to check out the 2007 GP.

Anyone with handy hints, or vehicle connections, feel free to chime in. I need to check out a few more cars.

Stay tuned to this channel.

[cdp326]

I'm going to guess you'll end up selecting a GP. Just my hunch.

And if you end up less-than-pleased with your purchase, it's only about a year to keep it right?

Any used LaCrosses there you found alluring?

[Neanderthal]

Originally Posted by cdp326

I'm going to guess you'll end up selecting a GP. Just my hunch.

And if you end up less-than-pleased with your purchase, it's only about a year to keep it right?

Any used LaCrosses there you found alluring?

Allure? No, I wasn't putting LaCross on the radar. What are you suggesting?

[cdp326]

Just wasn't sure if there were any around and/or you weren't looking into them for some reason, though you liked the older Buicks you drove and the GPs. Just curious.

[F14CRAZY]

you need a GTP Comp. G

[Neanderthal]

Originally Posted by cdp326

Just wasn't sure if there were any around and/or you weren't looking into them for some reason, though you liked the older Buicks you drove and the GPs. Just curious.

Frankly they are simply off the radar. Just as a GP would probably be off the radar if, around 2005, GM had changed its name to G7.223 or something equally foolish.

I did look at a couple of the L/Ls on lots, since you commented, they just don't spark much interest. There is nothing behind the name, no emotional history even though I know where they evolved from.

IMO the LeSabre has an attractive equipment list for the money. They are not likely to have been driven hard. They are more likely than many cars to have gotten good maintenance.

GPs, I have like them for a long time, since the 60s. I've liked the new gen starting in 1997.5 and I like the new ones. The beef I have with GP is their cramped quarters, lack of ABS across the board.

I almost closed the deal on a very cherry 2004 LeSabre today. First time ever that I backed out of a deal, a little birdie told me to back off.

I really like my Spectra a lot, it's a great little car. I did not want to trade it. It's paid for, it has a great warranty. I like its simpleness and honesty. Agile in town, solid on the highway at 80+, it does it all except haul a Pacifica-sized load.

The "climate control" in the LeSabre drove me frikkin krayzeee today, when I had the car over at a shop for a pre-flight physical.
It's in great shape, has original brakes and probably tires, is an attractive pearl white, nice light tan leather, all the gadgets including HUD.
In fact, the car is a bit overdone for my tastes. The pearl paint is just a little too pretty, the gold accents the owner had done are just a bit much.

I sat down in the signing office, and told the lady I had to back out and regroup overnight. And now I've about decided to pull the plug on this deal.


Another dealer has the 100K 2003 model which I want to look at again. It's at the same dealer where I bought my Spectra, which doesn't mean anything except that's where the Buick was purchased new when it was a B-P-Caddy dealer and the service records are still there. That motor purred like a kitten.

Or I could just forget all this. Plenty to do around the house.

[Neanderthal]

OK, drove the 03 LeSabre out to the air base and back and had my favorite shop give it a once-over. Needs: battery, discs and pads, couple light bubbs. Guy said he thought the hood was new, there were no stickers on it re: AC or smog. A wreck, or someone dropped a bowling ball? It has good Cooper 15" tires (215.70.15), which look a little funny on a car this big. Like a 230 LB weight lifter wearing size 6 shoes.
The drivetrain purrs, it got 32.8 MPG on mostly interstate driving 50-70, according to the trip comp.

Just for chuckles I stopped by another dealer who had a clean looking Century out front. $5995 on the window, $4995 online if you look. EASY button anyone?
While Century was not on my list, this one, with 112K, steered and turned in quite sharp and clean. New parts? Gotta be.
the body and paint looked good, the interior was quite good considering the showing miles.
Not so the engine. Have you pulled half your plug wires off lately? That's what this felt like, it stumbled and staggered and finally made 60 MPH merge speed.
Probably never had plugs or wires changed. I guess even miracle ingredients go bad eventually. Or maybe something more serious.
Inside was clean, underneath looked clean and rust-free. So it's either clean under there, or the dealer oil sprayed it. Unlikely considering the engine running condition.
It started life in Seattle as a rental fleet car, after 30K and one year it was sold and had two additional owners. Also had a cracked windshield. ABS and dual zone standard, and the controls aren't near as Fuddly as the LeSabre's ancient pushbuttons, which thinking about it now provide absolutely no flexibility. You get either vent, or floor. Floor, or AC. Well, you can mix defrost with floor. Woo hoo!

Offer them 2500 as is? With a new crate engine and polished intake and exhaust ports, this car should feel new.

I continue looking.

[CadiEldo67]

Here is my opinion - take it for what it's worth.

I previously owned an 02 Grand Prix GT coupe. I liked it a lot, and hadn't given any thought to getting a new vehicle at the current time. I was down at the local B-P-G dealership with my mom while she was looking for a new car and we seen a 2005 Grand Prix GT in silver.

I looked at it but basically blew it off because many reviews about it aren't favorably. Or I guess I got it stuck in my head that since it was nothing more than a fleet car it was nothing more than junk. My mom suggested that we go and look at it and I became very impressed. It had leather and a roof and all that good stuff and when we went home it was all I was thinking about. So later that week I test drove it and found that it's everything my old Grand Prix used to be and much more.

Needless to say, I believe that any Grand Prix '97-08 (in reasonable condition) is a good buy. Although I don't have anything bad to say about the Buicks either.

P.S. I'm quite sure that the Grand Prix has 4 wheel disc and I'm just remembering that ABS was an option on the car, but shouldn't it say on the brake pedal?

[Neanderthal]

Originally Posted by CadiEldo67

Here is my opinion - take it for what it's worth.

I previously owned an 02 Grand Prix GT coupe. I liked it a lot, and hadn't given any thought to getting a new vehicle at the current time. I was down at the local B-P-G dealership with my mom while she was looking for a new car and we seen a 2005 Grand Prix GT in silver.

I looked at it but basically blew it off because many reviews about it aren't favorably. Or I guess I got it stuck in my head that since it was nothing more than a fleet car it was nothing more than junk. My mom suggested that we go and look at it and I became very impressed. It had leather and a roof and all that good stuff and when we went home it was all I was thinking about. So later that week I test drove it and found that it's everything my old Grand Prix used to be and much more.

Needless to say, I believe that any Grand Prix '97-08 (in reasonable condition) is a good buy. Although I don't have anything bad to say about the Buicks either.

P.S. I'm quite sure that the Grand Prix has 4 wheel disc and I'm just remembering that ABS was an option on the car, but shouldn't it say on the brake pedal?

Congratulations on your new car. Thanks for your feedback and your car buying tale.

Here's what salesmen know about cars: the guy at the B-P-GMC says he's an engineer, and that the GPs have "front wheel anti lock" and rear drums.

Arrrfff!!!

They all have 4-w-discs, do NOT have ABS except if optioned, and standard on the higher end models, and there's no such thing as FW anti-lock. He probably got it mixed up with the rear ABS that they used to supply some pickup trucks with, during a drinking session with his other salesmen buddies. It's embarassing that a salesman would be that ignorant of his product, but that is the norm not the exception.

I like the tight feel of the GPs. I know CR trashes them regularly, as part of their corporate SOP. After all, it's not a Camry so how can it be kewl?

As for fleet cars, I think many a car has been purchased after someone rented it and liked it.

Enjoy your new car. How many miles on it?

[CadiEldo67]

When I bought it it had 44,000 now its up to 45,500? I bought it roughly a month ago so to drive 1,500 miles is quite a bit for me. I really enjoy driving it.

The only thing I regret is not getting a year newer GT. The 2006/2007 GT's come with the Supercharged 3.8 with 260 hp and I know that mine isn't bad with 200 hp, I think it would be well worth a little more money for the GT. And then you get your ABS so you can justify it.

[mikmak]

Originally Posted by Neanderthal

Congratulations on your new car. Thanks for your feedback and your car buying tale.

Here's what salesmen know about cars: the guy at the B-P-GMC says he's an engineer, and that the GPs have "front wheel anti lock" and rear drums.

Arrrfff!!!

They all have 4-w-discs, do NOT have ABS except if optioned, and standard on the higher end models, and there's no such thing as FW anti-lock. He probably got it mixed up with the rear ABS that they used to supply some pickup trucks with, during a drinking session with his other salesmen buddies. It's embarassing that a salesman would be that ignorant of his product, but that is the norm not the exception.

I like the tight feel of the GPs. I know CR trashes them regularly, as part of their corporate SOP. After all, it's not a Camry so how can it be kewl?

As for fleet cars, I think many a car has been purchased after someone rented it and liked it.

Enjoy your new car. How many miles on it?

Sir please, practise what you preach.

[Neanderthal]

Originally Posted by mikmak

Sir please, practise what you preach.

Butt...butt...butt...I don't not halves know gnu caah yet!

How's this for a stopgap?:

http://inlandexchange.vflyer.com/hom...r/home/2103757

[CadiEldo67]

Thats pretty nice ^. I especially like how they list cupholders under the accessories hahaa.

[mikmak]

What the? Is that a north south V6 FWD?

It sure does have a lot of whizz bangs. The switch gear looks scary but durable. I'm not going to pretend that I think its gorgeous, but it's a kitsch bargain that I would likely buy

[Neanderthal]

Originally Posted by CadiEldo67

Thats pretty nice ^. I especially like how they list cupholders under the accessories hahaa.

Wellll, sonny (smack gums together, no teeth left don't cha know?) sonny...ya listenin sonny?? Eh?? (Holds listenin' horn up to ear.)

Sonny, I hate to break it to ya'. But back in Ollldenn Days, caahs didn't haave none o' them fancy schmancy cupholdah things.

Colsahn it!!

Originally Posted by mikmak

What the? Is that a north south V6 FWD?

It sure does have a lot of whizz bangs. The switch gear looks scary but durable. I'm not going to pretend that I think its gorgeous, but it's a kitsch bargain that I would likely buy

North South yessir.

Actually I'm looking at Concordes and LHSs of the second generation. Just drove a burgundy 1999 LHS an hour ago.

That's a first gen. in the link. Not gorgeous necessarily, but unique. That's a cherry lookin gen1 fo sho.
Too bad it's in southern Kaliforneeeiah.

Maybe I can get the governator to drive it up here for a test spin.