My mother, at 92, passed away a few weeks ago and I am in the process of helping my dad dispose of her belongings and liquidating as much as possible. One of the things that I am doing is selling her 2002 Buick LeSabre Limited.
Today was the first time that I drove the car; they have owned it since it was new. It currently has 34,000 miles (yes, that number is correct) on it. It has only been used for a few errands the last 5 years and over the last year it was only driven a couple of times. Even from new it wasn't used often-mainly to drive from the farm to our place, grocery store, etc. The only minor issue is a small scuff on the front left corner; not something that I am concerned with.
The thought never crossed my mind to consider keeping it when she passed, but after driving it for a short time I find it somewhat likeable.
I'm not at all familiar with GM products, but I have to admit that after driving it I'm considering keeping it and reimbursing the estate. However I'd like some unbiased information about the car-pros and cons and I am interested in hearing your opinions about this vintage Buick, especially if you own one.
As I see it, the pros are:
It has low mileage. Despite being 12 years old it has been well maintained.
Book value on it is somewhere around $6,000 which is what I would pay the estate.
It is clean outside and clean inside.
It seems to run well. It is just over 50 miles from the farm to here and it rode and drove perfectly.
Most of my driving is 55 MPH highway, so I should be able to get close to 30 MPG.
Parts, insurance and registration fees are inexpensive.
I have all the maintenance records.
It does not have a black interior (I do not care for a black interior).
The cons are:
It has a lot of bells and whistles that I do not like. Heated seats, memory seats/mirrors, driver information center, auto headlights and wipers, etc.
The 3800 Series engine may have lower intake manifold gasket issues. I am assuming this is one that is affected and will need addressed at some point.
Not as much headroom as my Elantra that I now daily drive. At 6'4" I felt my head brushing against the roof. I may be able to play with the seat adjustments and overcome this.
I am not overly fond of GM products, but it is just a car and I do not want that bias to stand in the way of a decent vehicle.
Not quite the fuel mileage of the Elantra, but the difference is minimal. Perhaps an overall average of 2 MPH less.
It has been sitting mostly unused for quite some time. While I don't think this is a problem, there could be hidden issues. Changing the fluids and engine wear items (hoses, belts, etc.) is a given, but not that expensive or difficult.
Leather seats. I do not care for leather seats.
Old people and Buicks. I would become an instant cliché. I promise not to leave my turn signal on for miles and miles.
Thank you.
Today was the first time that I drove the car; they have owned it since it was new. It currently has 34,000 miles (yes, that number is correct) on it. It has only been used for a few errands the last 5 years and over the last year it was only driven a couple of times. Even from new it wasn't used often-mainly to drive from the farm to our place, grocery store, etc. The only minor issue is a small scuff on the front left corner; not something that I am concerned with.
The thought never crossed my mind to consider keeping it when she passed, but after driving it for a short time I find it somewhat likeable.
I'm not at all familiar with GM products, but I have to admit that after driving it I'm considering keeping it and reimbursing the estate. However I'd like some unbiased information about the car-pros and cons and I am interested in hearing your opinions about this vintage Buick, especially if you own one.
As I see it, the pros are:
It has low mileage. Despite being 12 years old it has been well maintained.
Book value on it is somewhere around $6,000 which is what I would pay the estate.
It is clean outside and clean inside.
It seems to run well. It is just over 50 miles from the farm to here and it rode and drove perfectly.
Most of my driving is 55 MPH highway, so I should be able to get close to 30 MPG.
Parts, insurance and registration fees are inexpensive.
I have all the maintenance records.
It does not have a black interior (I do not care for a black interior).
The cons are:
It has a lot of bells and whistles that I do not like. Heated seats, memory seats/mirrors, driver information center, auto headlights and wipers, etc.
The 3800 Series engine may have lower intake manifold gasket issues. I am assuming this is one that is affected and will need addressed at some point.
Not as much headroom as my Elantra that I now daily drive. At 6'4" I felt my head brushing against the roof. I may be able to play with the seat adjustments and overcome this.
I am not overly fond of GM products, but it is just a car and I do not want that bias to stand in the way of a decent vehicle.
Not quite the fuel mileage of the Elantra, but the difference is minimal. Perhaps an overall average of 2 MPH less.
It has been sitting mostly unused for quite some time. While I don't think this is a problem, there could be hidden issues. Changing the fluids and engine wear items (hoses, belts, etc.) is a given, but not that expensive or difficult.
Leather seats. I do not care for leather seats.
Old people and Buicks. I would become an instant cliché. I promise not to leave my turn signal on for miles and miles.
Thank you.