[TimV]

Hi All,
Newbie here and hoping you can help me.
My wife's parents estate will be settled soon and I figure after taking care of other things we will have about $10,000 to get her a newer vehicle. We have both been driving older LeSabres because I just love the 3.8L 3800 motors.
My 1st question is... What motors are available in the 04 and newer Malibus and which is considered best and why?
2nd question is... I believe the Impala offers a 3.8L, is it the same motor used in our LeSabres? Which models have it? What is the best Impala motor?
3rd question... Between the 3 options of say a 03 or newer Malibu, Impala, and LeSabre, which would you choose and why? What year(s) might I be able to purchase with $10,000.
Any other information or insight appreciated.
Thanks,
Tim

 

[nicolet]

All have their negatives & pluses....for the $$$$ I'd opt for the LeSabre...but I'm biased!


Autotrader.com is an excellent source to search for exactly what you are looking for.


Also, I'd venture on a purchase with a new car dealer or private party over an independent used car lot...those used car dealers usually get what the OE dealers don't want...and they don't want them usually for a good reason!!!

 

[MOOSTOPHA]

an LS impala with the 3800 is hard to beat when you compare the 3 cars u mentioned here when it comes to looks. just my opinion..... the impala is a no brainer for me. i haven't liked the lesabre body style since they changed it from the 96-99 era.

 

[Michael_S]

Hi All,
Newbie here and hoping you can help me.
My wife's parents estate will be settled soon and I figure after taking care of other things we will have about $10,000 to get her a newer vehicle. We have both been driving older LeSabres because I just love the 3.8L 3800 motors.
My 1st question is... What motors are available in the 04 and newer Malibus and which is considered best and why?
2nd question is... I believe the Impala offers a 3.8L, is it the same motor used in our LeSabres? Which models have it? What is the best Impala motor?
3rd question... Between the 3 options of say a 03 or newer Malibu, Impala, and LeSabre, which would you choose and why? What year(s) might I be able to purchase with $10,000.
Any other information or insight appreciated.
Thanks,
Tim

I can't tell you what is best, I don't know how important power is to you or how reliable they are. I can just say what is available.

1. The Malibu offers a 2.2 liter 4-cylinder with 145 horsepower and acceptable acceleration. It's no rocket, but it's not bad, I liked the rental I had. They also had a 3.5 liter V6 that offered 201 horsepower in 2004 and 217 horsepower in 2007, but I don't know what was available in 2005 or 2006. The 2006-2007 Malibu SS offered a 240 horsepower 3.9 liter V6 not related to the 3.8 you like, and relatively poor fuel economy.

You almost certainly can't get a 2008 Malibu for $10,000. It offers a 169 horsepower 2.4 liter 4-cylinder or a 252 horsepower 3.6 liter V6.

The 2004-2007 Malibus with the optional side curtain airbags had stellar crash ratings. If that's important to you, keep it in mind. The 2008 Malibu has aced every crash test so far, but hasn't had all tests yet.

2. The 2000-2005 Impala offered the 200 horsepower 3.8 liter engine. It also had a 3.4 liter 180 horsepower V6 which was very economical for me - typically I got 28 miles per gallon in mostly highway driving. The 2006+ Impala has a 211 horsepower 3.5 liter V6, a 233 horsepower 3.9 liter V6, and a 303 horsepower 5.3 liter V8. It also has side curtain airbags, which the 2000-2005 Impala did not offer.

3. I like side curtain airbags and electronic stability control as safety features. I don't believe either were available on the LeSabre. The Impala has the airbags standard from 2006+ and the stability control on some models from 2007+. The Malibu had the airbags optional until 2008 when they became standard.

I'd test drive the ones with airbags and see what I liked.

 

[F14CRAZY]

The 3500 seems to be a great motor. I've spoken with a few Malibu owners including my aunt and they can expect over 30 mpg at 70 mph.

I'd still go for the 3800 though

 

[Kdawg207]

I LOVE my 08 Malibu V6 ...nice and quick and agile

But if you are debating on the Impala SS - that would be a tough choice

 

[Hitman1970]

I am starting to see several 2005 Buick LaCrosse's with the 3800 for 10K or less. I like how the Impala looks of your three choices. Of course a Malibu Maxx would be a great vehicle to own as well. The curves of the last gen LeSabre did not do it for me personally.

 

[FenwickHockey65]

I'd go for an Impala. Just my opinion.

 

[TimV]

I'm thinking about droping the Malibu from the equation but adding for consideration the 04 Grand Prix GT or 05 Grand Prix Base sedan. I believe both have the same 3.8L 3800 motor... correct?
That would leave me looking at...
04/05 Impala LS
04 Grand Prix GT (no SC)
05 Grand Prix base sedan
04 LeSabre
If I'm correct all share the same motor (which I love.)
Consumer Guide ratings on all of these is close. Thoughts?
Could any of these be bought with reasonable mileage for 10 grand?
Which would you spend it on and why?
Thanks,
Tim

 

[EldoFan]

I'm thinking about droping the Malibu from the equation but adding for consideration the 04 Grand Prix GT or 05 Grand Prix Base sedan. I believe both have the same 3.8L 3800 motor... correct?
That would leave me looking at...
04/05 Impala LS
04 Grand Prix GT (no SC)
05 Grand Prix base sedan
04 LeSabre
If I'm correct all share the same motor (which I love.)
Consumer Guide ratings on all of these is close. Thoughts?
Could any of these be bought with reasonable mileage for 10 grand?
Which would you spend it on and why?
Thanks,
Tim

Correct on the Grand Prix there.

I'd choose the Buick.....have driven my grandma around town & also on an extended road trip and the LeSabre is buttery smooth on the road with just the right amount of power/grunt and the interior is pretty comfortable too--my back didn't feel stiff at all after that long jaunt behind the wheel.

As far as the price/mileage question goes........a check of '01 & newer LeSabres on AutoTrader in my area generally produced cars with anywhere between 63-90,000+ miles. Anything lower and you'd bust the $10K ceiling.

Based on that, whilst still keeping $10k as the price ceiling......I'd venture to guess that Impala's would have the same if not more miles and Grand Prixs to have more than that (I see these on the road in droves....)

 

[CobaltSScrazy]

Malibu. Hands down.

Newest platform, newest engine (3500), and newest design of the three cars you listed. Impala is a w-body and although I love bullet proof Buicks (I had a Park Ave Ultra), its still an older design.

My advice: Go drive all three and then DECIDE FOR YOURSELF!

CobaltSS

 

[atomicshark]

I think either the LeSabre or Impala are good choices. Pick the best one you can find.

 

[RoGuE]

1. The Malibu offers a 2.2 liter 4-cylinder with 145 horsepower and acceptable acceleration. It's no rocket, but it's not bad, I liked the rental I had.

The 2004-2007 Malibus with the optional side curtain airbags had stellar crash ratings. If that's important to you, keep it in mind. The 2008 Malibu has aced every crash test so far, but hasn't had all tests yet.

3. I like side curtain airbags and electronic stability control as safety features. I don't believe either were available on the LeSabre. The Impala has the airbags standard from 2006+ and the stability control on some models from 2007+. The Malibu had the airbags optional until 2008 when they became standard.

Your description of the 2.2L in the Malubu is spot on. It's no rocket, but it has decent acceleration and delivers excellent gas mileage. And it has really decent torque, I can punch the gas and have those wheels spin a bit before it grabs on to the road. I recently got 25.2 MPG in all city. Also, all 2007 Malibu's came with side curtain airbags standard, but seat mounted side airbags were still optional. For what it's worth though the Malibu got the same crash score with just the curtain airbags as the one with both airbags.

Malibu. Hands down.

Newest platform, newest engine (3500), and newest design of the three cars you listed. Impala is a w-body and although I love bullet proof Buicks (I had a Park Ave Ultra), its still an older design.
CobaltSS

I passed on used Grand Prixs because of the tiny backseat and the fact that it got marginal side impact rating with no side airbags models to be found (although that was an option).

 

[SierraGS]

I'm thinking about droping the Malibu from the equation but adding for consideration the 04 Grand Prix GT or 05 Grand Prix Base sedan. I believe both have the same 3.8L 3800 motor... correct?
That would leave me looking at...
04/05 Impala LS
04 Grand Prix GT (no SC)
05 Grand Prix base sedan
04 LeSabre
If I'm correct all share the same motor (which I love.)
Consumer Guide ratings on all of these is close. Thoughts?
Could any of these be bought with reasonable mileage for 10 grand?
Which would you spend it on and why?
Thanks,
Tim

Actually the best of the "W" bodies was the Olds Intrigue and they came with the 3800 and had the best balance of ride/handling along with good looks and you are not going to "see" yourself on the road very often.

Otherwise, the Impala LT model had the 3800 along with a decent set of options and would make a good choice.

Have you thought of a 04 Regal LS?

It has the 3800 and comes with Fog Lights and Cornering lights, good seats (leather available) and features like rear seat armrests and other luxury touches, and like most Buicks tend to be taken care of.

If you stay with the Impala/LaSabre I find the LeSabre drives a bit better and has a bit more room. I agree with the Grand Prix critics, the back seat sucks, but if you don't carry many rear seat passengers the front seats are comfortable.

If ou get lucky you might find a "Certified Used" one for near $10K but it maybe worth going a little higher since they come with a free warranty.

 

[Neanderthal]

First I would test each as extensively as possible. Comfortable seats and a properly arranged ****pit are big plusses IMO.

I kinda like the LeSabre, especially if you plan on being a moonshine runner. It has load leveling standard, and if you tote stuff around, that is a handy thing to have. It's also virtually invisible, that's why the FBI drove them for years.
I like the 3.8, but I believe any of the mills you're looking at will work fine.

I bought a barely-used Regal a few years back, and other than the dashboard electronics committing suicide, the car gave excellent service.

Pick the driver environment that best fits you. Any of these cars, purchased as a quality used car, should give good service.

Let us know where you go with this.

 

[Old Dood]

All have their negatives & pluses....for the $$$$ I'd opt for the LeSabre...but I'm biased!


Autotrader.com is an excellent source to search for exactly what you are looking for.


Also, I'd venture on a purchase with a new car dealer or private party over an independent used car lot...those used car dealers usually get what the OE dealers don't want...and they don't want them usually for a good reason!!!

Me too.
In many ways I miss my old 94 LeSabre Limited.
It had the 3.8L Series I, where our Park Ave has the Series II.
I miss it's ride even compared to my Park Avenue.
That LeSabre I owned always seemed bigger then my Park Ave.
The seats on my 94 LeSabre were 'Catcher Mitt' style.
They were cloth but very comfortable.

 

[paul8488]

For nice relaxing long-distance driving I'd go with the Buick, though I actually really like all of your choices.

 

[Neanderthal]

Guess our brilliant advice scared him off.

Hopefully he's getting good advice at TN or Mitsubishi World.

Personally I would recommend he test drive a Kia Spectra, but that's just me. I got mine for 12 grand. :yup:

 

[nicolet]

Guess our brilliant advice scared him off.

Hopefully he's getting good advice at TN or Mitsubishi World.

Personally I would recommend he test drive a Kia Spectra, but that's just me. I got mine for 12 grand. :yup:

Communist!

 

[TimV]

Hi Guys,
No you haven't scared me off... yet. LOL!
I am going to do some research on adding the Olds Intrigue (I'm intrigued... lol) and Regal to the list. I'm leaning toward the LeSabre or Impala LS. I haven't had a chance to do any test driving as yet and I'm not in a huge hurry as the money won't be in hand for a bit. I look forward to being able to pay cash for a nice car.
I intend to stay with the 3.8L 3800 motor at this point although I'll do some more research on the Malibu's 3.5L. I know that you can easily put well over 175K on a 3800 with little to no problems. We are still driving a 91 and a 93 LeSabre. The 3.5L? I don't know yet? What are you guys hearing? Also, does anyone have any real world gas mileage on the 3.5L? If the 3.5L hasn't proved it's as "bullet proof" as the 3.8L why would I go that way unless the gas mileage was considerably better?
I appreciate all the input. Keep it coming!
Thanks,
Tim