What is the best Year Buick Lucerne ? & Common Problems
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- Опубликовано: 27 фев 2023
- In this video I'll tell you the best years to buy a used Buick Lucerne. I'll also share what years and engines to avoid. After that I'll tell you three common problems to watch out for and exactly how to fix them.
My video for how to screen a used car’s previous owner
• Master Mechanic shares...
Fuel pump relay video
static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/201...
TSB
static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/201...
www.cars.com/articles/2008-11...
3800 Coolant elbow repair video
• GM 3800 Cooling System...
3800 fuel pump video
• How to Replace the Fue... 
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Bought a 2007 3.8 Lucerne from a 93 year old man who bought it new. 80K miles on it. I think I'll drive it till I'm an old man.
That’s a REAL good idea ! 😁👍🛠️
I got a free 2008 with 76k miles from an old neighbor that passed away. So far it's nice. A few minor issues but so far so good.
Video and explanation is very well done! Great job!!!
Thank you 👍 The next video is gonna be. What is the best year Dodge Charger if you’re interested. 🛠️
I also bought a 2007 3.8 V-6 with 80k. Never knew about the water elbows. Not leaking yet. Great car. Thanks for your video..
You’re welcome … Nice 👍 A lot of life left in that 2007 💯
My wife had a 03 lesabre and water elbows were cheap to change
@@russellgeorge1993 Yeap they’re an easy fix 💯
148k top elbows. The intake elbows. 170k ish
@@76CJ5JEEP Elbow timeline 👍
I drive a 2006 Lucerne 3800 with 306000 miles and going strong.
Awesome ! 👍 Original engine and transmission? What are some of your maintenance habits ? 🤔
2008 CXL Special edition. 143k miles. passed down from my grandparent who raised me so ive had the car for over 10 years and im gonna drive this car until it crumbles to dust
Nice 👍 To help keep it from crumbling/rusting away… (this helps for all cars btw) Get a monthly pass to a good car wash. One with an anti rust / undercarriage application… This is a chemical that will help keep salt and grime from sticking to the undercarriage of the car. Other chemicals like wax and ceramic help keep the paint and clear coat looking nice. These products build up over time and help create a protective layer.
Since you’ll have an unlimited monthly pass you can wash it as much as you want for no extra charge. Take the car through the wash once a week. I know someone in the car wash industry and this is the advice they gave me. I looked under their 2017 truck ….. almost zero rust. It looked almost brand new! His mechanic was impressed lol This is in an area well known for rusty vehicles. Happy driving 👍🚗
The 3800 is the "SBC" of the V6 world! While considered a GM "corporate" engine, it was designed by Buick originally for Buick.
Cool ! I didn’t know that 👍
@@MJ100k Buick designed it WAY BACK in 1961 it was the first American V6. It has a long story: (This block was in the Grand National after all!) 😃en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buick_V6_engine
I've had my share of small block chevy V8's and the 3800 is light years beyond them.
Unless we are talking about LS architecture... Does not even have to be an LS, just the architecture. Ignition , Fuel Injection, etc...But please; nothing with Active Fuel Management, that was a cool idea that was really bad and problem prone, expensive problems too...
not quite accurate but close@@jamesslick4790 this BLOCK dates to 1996 (IMPRESSIVE) youll notice the block will say series II despite being in a series 3 car, it never changed castings is why.
The modern FWD lineage dates back to the 1988 model year with the LN3, which was vastly different from the LG3, the engine that was the first fwd 3.8.(the one that came after the grand national) The lg3 and gn 3.8 were close but the ln3 was different. The front covers/water pumps were similar.
The series 1 changed a lot, then the series 2 changed the game forever.
The oddfire v6 in the 60s was a big different beast from the ones you see today, but its a history and a lineage for sure.
When I bought my 2008 lucerne in 2015, it was a trade in at a Honda dealership. The car was like new, the Interior, wow, I knew it was a grandpa car because how well kept it was, looked brand new which I still have. That 3800 runs smooth, I'm getting close to 2k.
Nice 👍 Nothing beats a Grandpa car 🚗
How is the quality of the interior? Are there cheap loose plastic panels. There are Lacrosse that feel this way.
@bluwng no, lucerne feels sturdy, the doors are heavy, good quality interior materials. When you open a door and feel the weight you know its a well made and sturdy car. Did I forget to mention how quiet it is too?
Good Review- Thanks.
Thank you 👍
Sweet! I bought my 09 for my second psychopath ( divorced long time now) I think she put 20-30k on it without changing the oil😢... once I removed it I changed the oil, then again 500 miles later. it had about 70k when she took off and 90 or so once I got it back. been pretty religious about changing the oil evey 3k. got 185 on it now. hoping it hits 300k. or more...😅
Nice 👍 300k ? … Let get to 500k !!!! 🚗
I have a 2009 with 185K and the 3.9L. It’s a decent car with the traditional Buick ride of yesteryear. I have had the fuel pump, relay and alternator replaced. A fluke repair was a broken rocker arm at about 120K.
Another common problem in the rust-belt is with rusting out brake lines. The strut plates are another problem. They wear out before the strut does and cannot be repaired separately.
The interiors on these cars do hold up well. If you are careful, you can see the EPA 26 mpg on a trip. Most of the time you’re looking at 22-24 mpg. It’s a heavy car.
My step dad has the 3800 in his 2008. He sees slightly better gas mileage, and it’s a slightly slower than the 3.9L.
Nice 👍 I’m glad to see a 3900 doing so well. Yeap I worked in the rust belt and let me tell you- ALL cars brake lines are prone to rusting out up there! 😆 This mechanic I worked with had a special super expensive tool for doing brake lines because he did them so much haha
@kbarret, I have the same exact year and model. may I ask what symptoms you experienced that let you know the fuel pump needed to be replaced? Anything to do with accelerating from a stop? Thanks in advance
@@MainManWithAPlan - Car worked great traveling down the highway. I pulled off to get gas, but when I went to start the car again. It wouldn’t start at all. Check the fuel rail and sure enough - No fuel. Heard that it isn’t uncommon for fuel pumps to go out that way. Unfortunately,a FlexFuel rated fuel pump is expensive. I am now at 190K and the car is still running strong.
@@kbarrett1844 how much did that repair cost you if I may ask(parts & labor)?
I got the 2009 CXL, love it
Nice 👍
The Lucerne (IMHO) was the last REAL Buick. I say this as a SOLID Buick (and Cadillac) man. It shares a lot of "DNA" with the Caddy DTS, But I think the Lucerne does a better job of looking like a Buick than the DTS does at looking like a Caddy. (I had these same thoughts about the 92-96 Roadmasters VS 93-96 Fleetwood's). My first car was a 1963 Electra 225 ("Duece and a Quarter" for the old school "hip") 👍😊👍As to the "grandpa car" aspect, This is WHY I buy one or two owner Buicks and Caddys! Even a one owner Camaro is likely to have been beat on. Grandpa busted his ass for decades to finally get to the Buick or Caddy buying ability....You KNOW he "babied" that car! (I am now the age of the average new Buick owner.)
It’s a real good car…. I was SO close to buying the one I showed in this video lol
@@MJ100k I have an '08 and I LOVE it. Before that I had a '96 Lincoln Town Car (Even though I'm not a Ford guy, I would never turn down a nice "Panther" platform car..) I like BIG CARS, I cannot lie. LOL.
Believe it or not… Back in the early 2000s my younger brother bought a new Lincoln. He was young, but took care of the car (unusual I know lol) He put over 200,000 miles on it, before he traded it in! Original engine and transmission. Ima have to do a video on that one one day
@@MJ100k You should. Cool story. And yeah a YOUNG buyer of a Lincoln is worthy of a story by itself! I did buy ONE new car in my life (and NO suprise, It WAS a Buick!) But it was "only" a LeSabre (1990). As a 28 year old factory worker, I did NOT have "Park Avenue" money. LOL. P.S. I'm from Pittsburgh, Since you mentioned Philly, I give a PA "shout-out"! 👍👍
@@MJ100kPeople always give praise to the 3800 but how durable are the surrounding parts because the Knicks and knack repairs sometimes are what causes people to get rid of their cars.
298K+ on my '02 Regal. GM 3800 Series 2.
3800 Series 2 got more miles than my Camry ! - I gotta catch up lol 🤣
One quirk with these cars is a ridiculous amount of dirt and leaves collects behind the fender well covers. You have to pull the covers and clean em out, every couple years. Even better if you hit them with some fluid film when you do it. It will keep the fenders and rocker panels from rotting out. I learned this the hard way recently on my 2011 cx. Now i am constantly on the search for some good fenders with matching paint code.
Thanks for the info 👍
Great cars at very reasonable prices. Options like a Caddy
Absolutely ! They are great cars 👍 💯
Great advice. Thank you!
You’re welcome 👍
We have had very few problems with our 08 CSX with the N* motor. We bought in 07 which makes it 16 years old and it has 116K on the ODO.
Nice. I’m glad to hear that. You must take good care of it 👍
@me talking about the 3800 in my Lacrosse .. then this video pops up in suggested.
Coincidence? 🤔🤔 lol
@@MJ100k Google is listening all the time, LOL. Well that, and the 3800 is a helluva popular engine.
GM 3.8/3800 is an exellent engine! My 1998 LeSabre was almost at 300k before it got hit. Was still running great with no internal repairs needed on engine, or transmission. Just change the oil, every 3,000 miles, transmission fluid every 24,000, plugs & wires every 80,000. They can keep going a very long time.
Yes, the 3800 is one of the best engines ever made 💯 That’s an excellent maintenance routine 👍
What are plugs and wires?
@@SubwoofersRAMenace-vq6jp Spark plugs and spark plug wires.
@@SubwoofersRAMenace-vq6jp Spark Plugs, amd Spark Plug Wires.
Dang good video. I think you failed to mention a common problem- the engine mounts have a disappointingly short life span.
Also, I think you dismiss the 3.9l version a bit too easily. The 2011 model did not have active fuel management. The 3.5l and 3.9l are very good engines.
Thank you 👍 Yeah I think maybe that’s just my preference for the 3800. The 3900 is actually pretty good if you maintain it 🛠️
Head gasket issues with the North Star was fixed in 06 earlier year Cadillac from like 95-05 had that issue real bad not so much 06-12
Oh ok cool. Thanks for sharing that info 👍💯
What causes the parking assistance message to keep flashing? I have a 2011 Lucerne CXL. I just had that relay problem on Thanksgiving . It was about to melt. I replaced it. Never had a problem with my car since I got it probably a year or two ago.
Do you have backup sensors on the rear bumper ?
Have a mechanic look at it before you buy. That would be a good video.
Yes- I’ll have to do a video at some point on used car inspections 👍
How do you even do that? Isn’t that just being a pain in the ass. You show up to a dealership with a mechanic and have them put it up on the lift while he looks at it and you stand there looking like an asshole? You’re buying a USED car.
@@MAGA_Randy_MarshThat’s more of the reason you should do it. People will sell you a lemon in a heart beat and won’t think twice about it.
@@vihaananu1102 I sold cars for 3 years and I’ve only seen 2 people bring a mechanic in.
@@MAGA_Randy_Marsh i mean if you are a reliable dealer that's one thing but saying it's bad to take it to a mechanic just makes you look more suspicious no offense
I got a 2011 buick lucerne with the 3.9 v6 I like it so far just wish I knew more about the motor thats all
It’s ok. Just make sure the oil gets changed perfectly. With the variable valve control there is less room for error. If I were you I’d change it myself using the OEM filter and a high quality oil. Same brand every time.
@@MJ100k I usually just take my car to Walmart for oil changes but I do keep an I on it
@@MJ100k Is it ok to put in full synthetic oil?
@@PowerandLuxury Yes, for any modern car. As long as it’s the right weight. Ie the factory spec for that engine. Full synthetic oil is superior to regular oil. Once you pick a brand stick with that brand. Once you switch to synthetic stay there. I use mobile one full synthetic on all my cars with the OEM Factory filter from the dealership parts department. (Not from Amazon or eBay.. they sell knockoffs from China sometimes)
@@d3m0niccity16 I agree with MJ100k i have had no issues since i did it myself but when i took it to shops for oil changes i had some issues with oil consumption
The Northstar issues were on older generation engines.
They are still a pain to work on… So higher repair bills 💵
Yeah, the early Northstar LD8(4.6) and L37(4.6) were terrible, but were improved around mid 2000's
The better Northstars are the LH2(4.6), LC3(4.4) and L47(4.0). The best are the LC3 and L47
I found one with 206,000 miles on it and their asking $3100. I'm going to see how low I can get them to go. Some older guy had it sense 50000 miles and he maintained it well. I hope to go drive it soon. It white. I would prefer a burgundy one but if the price is right I'ma get it and do some road tripping this year. My 1999 Dodge Durango is A Miracle On Wheels but it ain't much for a trip. I'm tired if beating the dash to get the ac fan working. A 2006 will be like a new car for me.
Nice 👍 My first cars AC never worked and I still loved it lol 87 Chevy Celebrity.
I think the series 3 went back to the aluminum ones on those elbows
I’m pretty sure they are all plastic when stock. Where did you hear that series 3 3800 came with stock aluminum elbows ?
Is the 3.9 L engine really a bad engine like many reviews claim? Several people have seen no issues with them.
I think the 3.9 is good as long as you take care of it. Some people don’t like the 3.6 because some of the early ones had timing chain issues.
3.9 are really good engines you just have to take care of keep the oil changed & tune up every 2-3 years had mine for 7 years never had a problem
How is the 3.9 motor they put in some of these?
Not as good as the 3800 but much better than the Northstar. Try to screen the previous owner as much as you can to see if the maintenance was done.
If you get it change the oil often (at least every 5,000 miles) with good synthetic oil with the OEM filter from the dealership. This goes for all cars though. 👍
@@MJ100k Thanks for getting back to me on this. Good car advice.
I have the 2011 3800 and it's probably the most problems i ever had with a car. Engine is fine but the rust and leaks .. Bearings and Back Rotors almost yearly. I think the car leaked every fluid possible. 106,000 km on the car and probably on it's final year or so before i get rid of it
Interesting. You’re doing wheel bearings yearly ? Are you getting these parts from the dealership ?
It sounds to me like it might have been wrecked in the rear before you bought it and something is not straight back there. That might also account for the rust. They probably used aftermarket cheap parts and didn't repaint as well as the factory does.
@@bobthbldr3 Yeah something’s going on with that car… maybe the frame is damaged and it’s dog tracking 🤷♂️ Using OEM parts is more important now than ever. A lot of badly made parts are being imported and sold that don’t last more than a year.
2011 is a 3.9, 2008 last year for 3800.
yea... 2011 doesnt have the 3.8 my man.
I have the 2009 CXL. Love it. Had to have the rack and pinion replaced but i dont care. I love my care. 115k miles and runs like its on a cloud
It’s modern day classic 👍💯
I just bought the same car, 93k and it’s the best car I ever had. Love it, luxury out the azz
Thinking about buying one how long will the car last a 2008? Will this out last a old lexus
There are far too many unknown variables involved to make a prediction like this my friend.
For example: The condition of the Lexus. Which Lexus? The condition of the Buick. The previous owners maintenance and driving habits… Your maintenance and driving habits. Your willingness to spend money to maintain the vehicle. The skill of the mechanics you take your car too. Parts availability. They’re both very good cars. The Buick will be cheaper to maintain. Lexus has a little more luxury. 🤷♂️
@MJ100k those 3800 motors are ranked 1 best v6 ever made? Yiu can put over 500 thousand on them if maintained. Lexus overall is 1 best bang for the buck buying old used.
@@lailanitaganap6314 Honestly I like used Lexus and Buicks 💯 😁
@MJ100k my top 2 choices also. I have a 3800 in my 99 Monte Carlo and the car is holding up very well still all original while being parked outside its whole life. I will never get rid of that car it might be worth something one day
@@lailanitaganap6314 Nice 👍
Is there a simple fix for the CD player not working?
So your radio works but not the CD player ? Or the whole thing doesn’t come on?
@@MJ100k CD will eject after loading or will not eject at all for days.
@@jeffshadow2407 Yeah sounds like you need a new stereo. You might be able to find one for super low cost at a junk yard.
@@MJ100k Planning on buying another Lucerne to convert into a WILDCAT. I have a vendor who worked with my dealerships who actually REPAIRED radios and electronics.
[👍]
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The Northstar is known as the Deathstar
Haha yup
It sad this only only V6 front bench seat you can buy.
You like bench seats ? ? I don’t think bench seats are combing back. People want that area for storage space.
Also, what about safety if someone wants to sit in that middle seat? Are we gonna put 3 front airbags in the dash ? I’d rather the 3800 engine come back…if anything could come back lol 😂
What about Buick Lucerne 2011
That 2011 doesn’t have the 6 cylinder 3800 engine… It has a 6 cylinder 3.9 liter engine or an 8 cylinder engine. The 8 cylinder has some issues …. So if you get a 2011 Lucern, get the 6 cylinder 3.9 liter. The 3.9 is a little more complicated than the 3800….. but it’s still a pretty good engine. Make sure to screen the previous owners maintenance habits to make sure they took care of it, and it should be fine. 👍
These videos will help you screen the previous owner:
Master Mechanic shares 3 NEW secrets for picking a GREAT used car !
ruclips.net/video/uADJ-f39pvE/видео.html
How to buy the BEST used Lexus ES350. Shop SMART !
ruclips.net/video/N_Ba-OtMJp4/видео.html
06-08 3800 series III 🤗
I wish they would bring back the 3800 💯👍
@@MJ100k I like you a lot❤so please promise me you won't hold your breath till that happens🤗
Lincoln Mark VIII or the Lucern?
Lucern all day. They stopped making the Mark 8 in 1998 so it’s much older. Plus I like the Lucerne’s engine better.
Northstar or 3800? Is there a super charged version of the 3800 in these years.
@@bluwng 3800 is WAY better than Northstar. I looked it up and I don’t see that the Supercharged 3800 as being an option for the Lucerne.
I’m not a fan of the Supercharged 3800 on other GM cars though.
I’ve seen some head gaskets fail in those, probably from people driving them like maniacs and not doing any maintenance lol.
@@MJ100klast question is the LeSabre just as nice and luxurious as the Lucern?
@@bluwng It’s basically same car if you ask me, just afew years older. The last generation Lesabre was from 2000 to 2005.
The Lucern started in 2006 as a replacement to the Lesabre.
The last generation Lesabre 2000-2005. Had a different body than the Lucern. The Lesabre has a series 2 3800 engine instead of a series 3. So you still have to replace the plastic coolant elbows. Some people had issues with the plastic intake manifold leaking coolant so watch out for that. Most likely it’s already been fixed by the time you get it. If I bought one… as soon as I got it, I would put the metal coolant elbows in… then drain and fill the coolant. Use OEM fluid. Then I’d probably give it a tuneup, change the PCV valve… fix anything else it needs (they are easy to work on) … and then drive it as long as possible.
The interiors aren’t quite as nice, most of them are cloth but I think they are just fine. Typical grandpa car comfortable lol Try and screen the previous owner. Hopefully you can get a one (grandpa) owner…
well taken care of Lesabre 🚗👍😁
Does it have the 3.8?
Yup 👍
@@MJ100k solid engine indeed
3800cc = 3.8 liters, So yah the 3800 is a 3.8
Lol young bul!!!!
You know young buls don’t take care of their cars 😉
I have a 2008 3800. Stay away from the V8!
Avoid the Northstar v8 aka Death-star lol
replacing a headlight bulb is not easy
Why not? I haven't replaced a headlight on a Lucerne yet ...
You will see if one needs to be replaced
Transmission will die after 13 years. 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭
Did you drive it like a grandpa ? 😉🤔
Here we go with that stupid comment
I own a 2010 lucern 3.9. its a bit annoying how much gas it eats but its just comfortable. And push rod engines Never get a check engine light so it evens out. I will say Buick makes you PAY for the comfort. ALL NEW STRUTS, TIE RODS, CONTROL ARMS, RACK AND PINION AND HUBS. at 110,000 mi. The labor was crazy expensive. I bought it with 88,000 mi for 6,000$ which was a fantastic deal until all the maintenance and repairs kicked. The price of the car literally doubled.
To be honest I want to sell it and buy a Lucerne with the 3.8..but I've sunk too much money into the maintenance to sell it. So just driving it. *Sigh*
Originally I had test drove about 4 different lucernes with the 3.8, and they were all very rough coarse and the engines were making strange sounds, random pinging etc. so after four lucerns with 3.8's that were not maintained, (or is it just a rough engine in general?) I just bought a newer One with the 3.9 engine.
The 3.9 is undoubtedly less rough, much quieter, much more comfortable idle. And much more refined in general, but you pay for that with the gas mileage hit. Id rather have improved mpg.
Engine is dependable besides the stupid overpriced gasket repairs. (Much better than any modern dohc engines with all their oil burning, blue smoke, fowling plugs)
Its a quality car and mechanics always say they like Buicks and buick quality. i just would rather own a 3.8 version and get a little pissy about it. Ha. Even with all the overpriced suspension and gasket repairs, it's still the most enjoyable car I've owned. Driving 100 mph It feels like you're going 60. It's just a downright comfortable and isolated vehicle.
I did The power telescoping steering column and wood/leather wheel combo modified to it.
Nice 👍 Yeah those cars have a super comfortable ride. But who told you pushrod engines don’t ever get a check engine light 🤔 I wish that was true lol
Just based on my experience so far. Its got over 200,000 mi. No check engine light at all. In contrast I owned a Corolla that got a check engine light at 60,000 MI with its new fangled DOHC DIRECT INJECTION garbage. Haha@@MJ100k