Found a cream puff grandma's car

[Tyson]

I half heartedly started looking for a new student car for my 16 year old son this week.

Found the fabled Grandma's car on Craigslist!

2003 Buick LeSabre, one owner, dealer maintained with only 62k miles on it.

I pounced on it like a fat kid on a Snickers bar.

The interior could pass for new.

The exterior could pass for new, except for all four corners of the bumper are scraped or banged. The 92 year old owner's depth perception was off.

It's the base version, I believe. All manual seat and HVAC controls, which I like!

So far, I love everything about it!

We'll be going through it in the next few days and checking all fluids and maintenance items. Don't think it needs much at all.

 

[Snagglefoot]

Get on www.crutchfield.com and order a new stereo with Bluetooth, USB, hands free and remote. I did the same thing for an 89 Delta 88 for my kids.

 

[incognito_2u]

If you don’t mind me asking, what is the asking price?

 

[Nick1994]

Very nice. I'm not sure when it was fixed, but some years had plastic coolant elbows that should be replaced with aluminum ones. Also keep an eye on the coolant level, as the intake manifold gaskets are not an if, but when they fail. I think there's also a shift kit that can be installed to bulletproof the transmission.

 

[dbias]

The proverbial grandma's car.

 

[Chris142]

My last boss bought the same model car from a customer. A rodent had gotten into the air box where the computer sits and ate some wires. Just a few minute fix.

He paid $700 for it with 42k on it.

 

[WylieCoyote]

My mother-in-law had one in the sandstone color. Base model down to the plastic wheel covers. Rode like a cloud, & that 3800 was sweet.

 

[aquariuscsm]

I love it!! Heck I would even love to have it!! Can't go wrong with a GM 3800.

 

[Gimpy1]

More importantly, especially for a 16yo, how big is the back seat?

 

[Tyson]

Very nice. I'm not sure when it was fixed, but some years had plastic coolant elbows that should be replaced with aluminum ones. Also keep an eye on the coolant level, as the intake manifold gaskets are not an if, but when they fail. I think there's also a shift kit that can be installed to bulletproof the transmission.

I'll look into the elbows. Dealer replaced the intake gaskets at 30k.

I'll also look into the shift kit.

Just got the oil changed. It was last changed 17 months/2200 miles ago. I used a Supertech filter and the last of my Rotella 5w-40.

Strangely, the cabin air filter was gone. Non-existent. I bought one at Wally World, but it doesn't fit. I believe this model came with a plastic framed CAF. I just got that ordered.

 

[benjy]

good find + due to age all drivetrain fluids should be changed if not done recently, good luck!!

 

[atikovi]

Get on www.crutchfield.com and order a new stereo with Bluetooth, USB, hands free and remote.

Why? Pretty sure it already comes with a radio.

 

[Tyson]

Fuel filter change, trans spill and fill planned.

 

[daves87rs]

Nice score!

 

[Dinoburner]

Why? Pretty sure it already comes with a radio.

Agree with Snagglefoot on the basis of safety.

 

[atikovi]

Agree with Snagglefoot on the basis of safety.

Sure, the more distractions of a touch screen that requires you to watch the screen instead of the road while adjusting volume, stations, settings, is safer.

 

[Tyson]

For our student drivers, we pull the fuse to the stereo for the first year or so.

Cell phones not allowed.

 

[JGmazda]

I have a 2001 LeSabre with 54k on her. Just did the elbows, intake, wires, plugs oil, coolant.... I don't think I'll ever sell her.
3800 series is awesome. I just need to get the front struts done. (They are mush, even with the low miles.)

Good find!

 

[john_pifer]

That definitely screams grandma alright.

 

[andyd]

I'd give the brake lines and hoses a reall hard look. Any maintenance records?