School Me (or offer other suggestions)

"Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness" (long-voyager-2nd-edition) 04/12/2019 at 10:25 • Filed to: Oppo Questions

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On the Buick Lucerne CXL/Super.

I think I rather like them. The local dealer has an 08 with just over 100k that he’s asking $3600 for, which I am seriously considering, as it gets us a newer car with lower mileage without a car payment. I just know absolutely nothing about them.

So fellow Oppos, school me.

What should I look out for? Common issues/problems?

Other suggestions?

Has to seat 5 comfortably, would prefer seating for 6.

Has to return decent mileage ( high 20s-low 30s is acceptable ).

Must be either fun or extremely comfortable.

Must be reasonably reliable ( I don’t want to be fixing shit every weekend ).

Needs “enough” power.

NO TOYOTA/HONDA/SUBARUs ( Too many bad experiences ).

Outside of that, I’m pretty open.

random001 > Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness 04/12/2019 at 07:36

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I know that this is not a charger....

E90M3 > Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness 04/12/2019 at 07:36

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What engine is in those?

My parents used to have two GM products, b oth were done in by failing transmissions.

Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness > random001 04/12/2019 at 07:38

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True, but we can buy one in cash, which keeps the wife happy without a payment. Plus it has a V8.....

Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness > E90M3 04/12/2019 at 07:40

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LD8 Northstar.

My dad’s always had GMs, most of them have been some variant of this drivetrain , he’s never had a trans fail until somewhere around the 300K+ mark ?

pip bip - choose Corrour > Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness 04/12/2019 at 07:41

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i know nothing.

random001 > Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness 04/12/2019 at 07:42

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I would probably avoid it. The V8 is anemic, and an older northstar, so maybe not the best choice.  They’re complicated, hard to work on, and make less power than the V6 . Are there 300's or Magnums around that you would consider?

Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness > random001 04/12/2019 at 07:46

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Not that have lower mileage at a decent price . I don’t really want another Mopar with almost 200k.

random001 > Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness 04/12/2019 at 07:47

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https://www.gurneechryslerjeepdodgeram.com/inventory/used-2010-chrysler-300-touring-awd-4d-sedan-2c3ck5cv4ah169483

Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness > random001 04/12/2019 at 07:50

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If I went V6 Charger/300 I’d really prefer the 3.6/8-speed. That is a decent price on it though, I may look into it.

Thanks!

random001 > Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness 04/12/2019 at 07:52

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Sure.  Give us a little more of your specific criteria, and I bet we can help more.

MasterMario - Keeper of the V8s > Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness 04/12/2019 at 07:53

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I’ve always heard kind of mixed reviews on the Northstar V8s...if you go just a bit older (pre-2005) Buick/Chevy’s supercharged V6 are always said to be reliable and return decent fuel economy and power.

random001 > Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness 04/12/2019 at 07:58

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https://www.wildetoyota.com/inventory/-4T1BE30K62U535516?utm_source=cargurus.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=cargurus_listings

Arrivederci > MasterMario - Keeper of the V8s 04/12/2019 at 07:58

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No firsthand knowledge/experience with either engine, but have heard the same. Northstars were generally very complicated and expensive to fix. The 3800 is a well-known GM workhorse in either SC or NA applications.  My Dad did have a LeSabre with the 3800 now that I think of it - never had any engine or transmission trouble that I recall.

random001 > Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness 04/12/2019 at 08:02

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https://www.kenoshasubaru.com/used/Subaru/2005-Subaru-Legacy+Wagon-for-sale-Kenosha-WI-f2a57a850a0e0aea45594e05df7c66a3.htm

sm70- why not Duesenberg? > Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness 04/12/2019 at 08:12

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Ultimately, I don’t think they’re terrible, but the list of other big, cheap, comfy cars I’d buy before I’d get one of these is long and includes the Park Avenue Ultra that this replaced.

adamftw > Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness 04/12/2019 at 08:24

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Meh

Run a high quality synthetic oil, change it often. Run fuel treatment often. Seafoam it.

vondon302 > Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness 04/12/2019 at 08:32

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Old northstar I’d rather have this.

https://oppositelock.kinja.com/npocp-beige-on-beige-dead-brand-edition-1833985264

E90M3 > Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness 04/12/2019 at 08:47

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Yeah I’m not sure. I know they were well maintained too, so it might just be a fluke. 

Jake - Has Bad Luck So You Don't Have To > Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness 04/12/2019 at 09:01

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They’re okay. Those later model Northstars had far fewer issues than earlier revisions. The 4t80e trans is fairly bulletproof and the N* is a pretty damn good sounding engine.

Maxima Speed > Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness 04/12/2019 at 09:12

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Sir do you have a moment to talk about our lord and master, Mercury Milan?

Neil drives a beetle and a fancy beetle > Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness 04/12/2019 at 09:21

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I don’t know much about the Buick except the rumors I’ve heard about northstars. But for what it’s worth; I had the same thought as this Oppo, to look for a 300/charger in your cash price. But you are right that the most recent V6/8 sp  drivetrain is tempting.

punkgoose17 > MasterMario - Keeper of the V8s 04/12/2019 at 09:28

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My brother in law has a supercharged 3800 and gets around 30+ mpg on the highway. The engine in his Pontiac Grand Prix is reliable, electronics and switches are the stuff that breaks on the car and now also the transmission.

AMGtech - now with more recalls! > Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness 04/12/2019 at 09:36

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I used to love the N* motor. Then I owned one. Late 00's GM interiors are pretty shitty. I’d go slightly older for the 3.8, if you really want to go for a GM. T hat engine is a gem.

This is what we'll show whenever you publish anything on Kinja: > Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness 04/12/2019 at 09:40

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I have a buddy with a Northstar powered caddy whom I’ve helped out a bunch recently. The engine bay is a nightmare, full of questionable engineering decisions. Still running after 20 years though, so I can’t condemn it completely, and it’s a pleasure to drive.

I might hesitate, but you could probably do worse for the price.

Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness > AMGtech - now with more recalls! 04/12/2019 at 10:06

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In all honesty, I don’t see the hate for 2000s GM interiors. IMO they’re more comfortable than most offerings from manufacturers today and on par for quality. Shrugs.

I like the 3800s and am not opposed to a 3800 powered GM either. I just like the thought of a comfy V8 cruiser.

Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness > Neil drives a beetle and a fancy beetle 04/12/2019 at 10:08

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The biggest reason I don’t want a 3.5/5-speed Charger/300 is they seem to be garbage for fuel economy.

Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness > Maxima Speed 04/12/2019 at 10:08

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Um, no?

Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness > E90M3 04/12/2019 at 10:09

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I think like most GMs, it’s probably a hit or miss thing. You either got one that would take you well over 200k without issue, or you were replacing the trans at 80k.

Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness > vondon302 04/12/2019 at 10:10

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That’s actually a decent car. If it was an SSE/ SSEI I’d be in.

Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness > sm70- why not Duesenberg? 04/12/2019 at 10:11

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I love the Park Ave and the Lesabre as well. Finding one that’s not rotted to hell or has 200k miles seems to be a struggle though.

Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness > random001 04/12/2019 at 10:12

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No Subarus, EVER!

Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness > random001 04/12/2019 at 10:12

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HAHAHAHAHAHAHA, how about no.

After our stint with a 2012 Corolla S, I will never buy another Toyota, EVER!.

AMGtech - now with more recalls! > Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness 04/12/2019 at 10:16

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I don’t get the hate for 90's GM interiors. To me, it felt like quality dropped noticeably in 2006. Well, not in 2006, but 4-5 years later once those 2006 cars had a few years on them. I’d much rather a P ark Ave, or 00ish Bonneville.

Then I’ve got a suggestion for you my friend! 2000-2002 E430! Dead reliable and easy to work on! Just watch out for rust if you’re in a rust belt state.

Based on what I know about you from your posts, that’ll never happen, but it’s fun to imagine your reaction reading that suggestion! 

Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness > random001 04/12/2019 at 10:16

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Has to seat 5 comfortably, would prefer seating for 6.

Has to return decent mileage ( high 20s-low 30s is acceptable ) .

Must be either fun or extremely comfortable.

Must be reasonably reliable ( I don’t want to be fixing shit every weekend ) .

Needs “enough” power.

NO TOYOTA/HONDA/SUBARUs ( Too many bad experiences ).

Outside of that, I’m pretty open.

Chariotoflove > Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness 04/12/2019 at 10:18

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Everyone seems to love the 3600. All I know is the one on my Buick borked at 86k.

I guess what  I’m saying is look at the car and it’s service records. If it got this far with no substantial repairs, the Northstar is likely not a lemon. So then if you like the car when you drive it, then it’s a NP. One thing you get with any Buick sedan will be a quiet, comfortable ride. That counts for a lot with a family car.

Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness > AMGtech - now with more recalls! 04/12/2019 at 10:19

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Believe it or not, I could get behind the Mercedes.

How are parts/repair costs on them?

I would love a decent Park Ave or Bonneville SSE.

Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness > Chariotoflove 04/12/2019 at 10:22

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It’s something I tend to value more and more as I get older.

I personally prefer the 3800 or the 3900 to the 3600. Not sure about the Northstar, but it seems they’re either good or utter shit.

Shift24 > Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness 04/12/2019 at 10:25

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If it is a 3.8L, great motors. Just get the Dexcool replaced. #1 priority as soon as you get it. If it i s a Super and a Northstar motor, it makes me worry because the past history

Headgasket issues that turned out to be head bolts that GM supposedly “fixed” 2004 . There is no room to work on anything. The Water pump requires a Northstar specific tool and fails more often then it should . And notorious for oil pan leaks.

Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness > Shift24 04/12/2019 at 10:26

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Good info. It is the Northstar.

random001 > Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness 04/12/2019 at 10:26

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That’s extreme...

HondoyotaE38: A Japanese and German Collab...wait a minute > pip bip - choose Corrour 04/12/2019 at 10:27

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Then why comment? 

random001 > Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness 04/12/2019 at 10:27

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Alright then.  Scratch that off the list...

random001 > Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness 04/12/2019 at 10:28

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Ford Flex?  I know you’ve looked at the Transit vans.  Not in the price range?

412GTI > Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness 04/12/2019 at 10:29

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This video might help:

Would be a nice, comfy ride! 

CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever > Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness 04/12/2019 at 10:29

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CVPI?

WildlyMild > Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness 04/12/2019 at 10:33

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I see lots of cars for a living. These are about as reliable as an impala ss of the same generation . Which isnt horrible but most dont stay with the original owner past 100k and few stay wirh they same owners for more than 20k eac h thereafter. It seems from my perspective that the chassis was made for the 3.8. Even the 3.6 struggles to do the same basicness and quality of the 3.8. But most become a chore with suspension, control arms engine gaskets e ct ect ect. The parts are a little more annoyance than the norm and garages arent really as we’ll versed in their repairs. It was Also built by GM in 2008 so.....

Personally I would avoid it. Theyre kinda like Cadillac sedans in that they were built for old folks who wouldnt ever consider putting 150k on a car. The ancient e ngine a rchitecture and transmission likely wouldnt hold up to being parked outside and driven when bitter cold e ither .

Highlander-Datsuns are Forever > Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness 04/12/2019 at 10:39

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https://kalispell.craigslist.org/cto/d/kalispell-2000-pontiac-montana-van-mini/6858303373.html

I am biased, being from montana.

or----

https://kalispell.craigslist.org/cto/d/kalispell-1973-buick-lesabre/6864405520.html

Arrivederci > Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness 04/12/2019 at 10:40

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As far as a suggestion, why not a big ol’ GM B-body? Interiors aren’t great, but you don’t seem to care about that too much. Probably a tall task to get an Impala SS for what you’d like to spend, but maybe a Roadmaster or Fleetwood? The LT1 is generally reliable, even taking the Optispark into consideration.

My dad has about 250k on his ‘95 Impala SS, still on the original Optispark.

Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo > random001 04/12/2019 at 10:50

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Just like Subaru Lyfe!

Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo > Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness 04/12/2019 at 10:51

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I thought you said you wanted to spend less time working on cars and more time with your family?

Dru > Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness 04/12/2019 at 10:52

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The only thing I’ve heard negative about them other than the perennial complaints against Northstar is that the Trans can fail early. This having to do with it being a V8 with FWD. Side note: the only outward indication of a standard CXL vs a Super is the 4 ventiports on either fender as opposed to 3 . Tiny details like that make me happy.

shop-teacher > Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness 04/12/2019 at 10:54

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I don’t know anything about these specifically. The Northstar in the 2000 DeVille I inherited from my grandma, along with the 4T 80, both gave me some troubles. To be fair though, while it only had 50k miles on it, and it was always maintained, they had still been a hard 5 0k miles.  I loved the way that motor pulled though.  Smooth as butter, and lots of low end torque.

Jake - Has Bad Luck So You Don't Have To > Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness 04/12/2019 at 10:57

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No Toyotas because of a bad experience, but yes Mercedes?

hoo boy.

adamftw > Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness 04/12/2019 at 10:57

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Panther platform, or any Accord V6 sedan.

random001 > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo 04/12/2019 at 10:58

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Aaaaaand you win.

Shift24 > Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness 04/12/2019 at 11:15

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Ah ok, yeah sorry to be the bearer of bad news but we had a Deville with the 4.6l Northstar. And while the car rode and drove like a dream, it seemed we were working on it more than we drove it.

merged-5876237249235911857-hrw8uc > Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness 04/12/2019 at 11:20

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Should be a fine car, although as others have said, the north star is a bit worrisome. But the bones of the car are dead simple. Easy to source parts and replace. They are basically a Cadillac DTS at this point with the North Star. And those are good all around cars. Plenty of room and they get down the road quick enough. I’d personally go for a DTS of the same year, but I just prefer the styling.

As others have said, ditch the dexcool and probably do a trans fluid flush and you’ll be good for miles. Oil leaks will probably pop up, but as long as youre not losing coolant, the head bolts are okay.

If you can find one with the 3.9 or 3.8 they are easier to work on and will run to 200k without too much drama.  If you want performance, look into the impala SS of the same years.  LS power and still a big body.  

Yowen - not necessarily not spaghetti and meatballs > MasterMario - Keeper of the V8s 04/12/2019 at 11:24

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The Car Wizard has crowned it the worst engine, so there’s that.

Shift24 > Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness 04/12/2019 at 11:25

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Also another suggestion is a Lacrosse. I know you are around Illinois and the one below is in chicago but it has the Bullet proof 3. 8l . (again get that dexcool out of there, put the green stuff in)

https://chicago.craigslist.org/nwi/ctd/d/highland-2008-buick-lacrosse-low/6863835533.html

Neil drives a beetle and a fancy beetle > Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness 04/12/2019 at 11:26

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Be Oppo; get a wagon

https://chicago.craigslist.org/chc/cto/d/chicago-2005-mercedes-benz-c240-with/6836977185.html

It’s a little compact and mileage is just okay.

Or maybe a Mazda 6

https://chicago.craigslist.org/nwi/ctd/d/highland-2011-mazda-6-warranty80kgr8/6842380587.html

Spamfeller Loves Nazi Clicks > Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness 04/12/2019 at 11:47

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The CXL has the 3.8 Series III L26. That is all that ever needs said there.

The CXS has the 3.6 LY7. That is also all that needs said there, except in the ‘run away’ tone.

The Super, anyone calling it a Northstar is smoking crack. Seriously. They’re just wrong, end of story. The Super is powered by the 5.3 LS4. It’s basically bulletproof aside from the transmission. Fluid and filters must be done religiously or it will tend to burn clutchpacks. Other than that, it’s a small block Chevy. It doesn’t break.

edit: fuck me I need more coffee today. I read as LaCrosse. The above is for the LaCrosse. Which is a good car.

The Lucerne gets the 3.9 as an option. DO NOT WANT. DO NOT. NO NO NO. Nothing but problems.

The 2008 Lucerne Super is an obnoxious case. Cadillac fucked up the Northstar, Buick fixed it better than new. IF YOU GET THE BUICK NORTHSTAR. Problem is: 2008 has both Cadillac and Buick Northstars . Cadillac’s broken ass shit is the LD8. The FIXED one is the L37. And again: BOTH ARE FOUND IN 2008. The Buick L38 is NOT the Allante/Eldorado/Seville shitshow; it is an improved version of the DeVille DTS (‘05+.)

The LD8 loves to eat head gaskets, timing, and valve train components because the head bolts back out . The L37 in contrast is... it’s a nice engine. Any problems you do have are going to be expensive by default , and at 100k, you’re going to start having problems. But the L37 tends not to have catastrophic problems. It does demand you keep up on coolant, but that’s maintenance. Mostly I’d be concerned with electrical issues and oil leaks. They all   like to leak.

Spamfeller Loves Nazi Clicks > Shift24 04/12/2019 at 11:48

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edit: fuck I need more coffee, I read as LaCrosse not Lucerne.

Spamfeller Loves Nazi Clicks > Chariotoflove 04/12/2019 at 11:48

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The 3600 is godawful. It eats itself and pisses all over the ground while doing it. I hate that that engine even exists.

Spamfeller Loves Nazi Clicks > Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness 04/12/2019 at 12:00

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Incorrect - see my post. 2008 is LD8 and  L37. Yes, both are used in 2008's. It is critical to confirm which.

Your boy, BJR > Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness 04/12/2019 at 12:06

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If you get a nort hstar, you will constantly be fixing it.

Source: I’ve owned 3, none ever worked well for an extended period of time.

Jordan > Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness 04/12/2019 at 12:07

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I'd get a Town Car instead, or a Crown Victoria Police Interceptor if you want to have more fun.

Chariotoflove > Spamfeller Loves Nazi Clicks 04/12/2019 at 12:09

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You’re the first person here that I can remember saying that.

It worked fine for me until it didn’t. Needless to say, I am not enthusiastic about them either.

Spamfeller Loves Nazi Clicks > Chariotoflove 04/12/2019 at 12:29

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3.6 is a cursed number for GM, I swear. But those early 3.6's were just so especially awful in every way.

How bad is it? The official materials on the early LY7 state that oil consumption of 1 quart per 1500 miles is not enough for a warranty claim. This is in an engine with a 4.5 quart capacity, that they will tell you only needs the oil changed every 8, 000-10,000 miles. You do the math there.

Which not surprisingly, means a very high number of thrown rods and scrubbed cylinders! KWALITY!

And the best part? That oil consumption is NORMAL FROM THE FIRST MILE. But it can get catastrophically worse without any warning. Check your oil, looks good, then your CEL comes on, and by the time you’re home the cam lobes are wiped because the phaser suffered starvation. Unless the timing chain lets go - which it likes to! - on this lovely interference engine. Whoops!

And in order to install the cheap ‘upgrade’ kit from GM that allegedly fixes these issues ? You must pull the engine . It’s a complete engine face replacement. There is no way to do it without pulling the engine out of the car.

At least it’s not the twin-turbo, which is the worst damn turbocharger setup since the 1970's. Actually no I take that back - it’s just the worst period . All it takes is making one sensor twitch to cause severe boost surge, and pop goes your engine. And wouldn’t you know it, GM added a dozen fucking sensors, all impossible to replace, that just love to fail.

Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness > random001 04/12/2019 at 12:51

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I’ve been in enough of them to know better.

Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness > Spamfeller Loves Nazi Clicks 04/12/2019 at 12:51

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Which one is better?

Why is one better?

Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness > Spamfeller Loves Nazi Clicks 04/12/2019 at 12:53

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Good to know on the LD8 vs L37. How can one tell them apart?

Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness > Neil drives a beetle and a fancy beetle 04/12/2019 at 12:54

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The Merc isn’t bad. I would actually consider it.

That body Mazda 6 though is a no go.

Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness > Shift24 04/12/2019 at 12:55

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Oh man, that interior just screams “Sit in me after work, I DARE YOU”

Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness > adamftw 04/12/2019 at 12:56

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Did someone other than Honda make an Accord V6?

Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness > Jake - Has Bad Luck So You Don't Have To 04/12/2019 at 12:57

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Well our 2012 Corolla S had 2 engines, 3 transmissions replaced under warranty while being the most hateful little shitbox I’ve ever driven. ANYTHING is better than another Toyota IMO.

Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness > Dru 04/12/2019 at 12:58

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The 4 ventiports is what caught my eye as we drove by!

Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness > Arrivederci 04/12/2019 at 12:59

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There lies the problem. Finding one with low mileage for what I want to spend. Plus they’re still 20+years old, which means they will need work regardless.

Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness > Highlander-Datsuns are Forever 04/12/2019 at 13:01

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I have 2 minivans which won’t be leaving, besides, I’d never buy a GM van, they drive terrible IMO.

That Lesabre though! YUM!

However I don’t think that would be a good solution.

Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever 04/12/2019 at 13:02

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I would consider one.

Highlander-Datsuns are Forever > Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness 04/12/2019 at 13:03

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The pontiac is actually a true POS. I wouldn’t wish that on anyone.

Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness > random001 04/12/2019 at 13:03

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Ya, both are pretty far out of my price range. Not a fan of the Flex anyway. It’s a useless minivan IMO.

Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness > random001 04/12/2019 at 13:04

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Sorry, that thing was nothing but issues since day one.

Same went for my G randpa’s Highlander and my G randmother’s Camry. Both were nothing but constant issues, stranded on the side of the road, sitting in the shop, etc since day one.

CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever > Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness 04/12/2019 at 13:07

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That’s what I would do.  But you are in a salty region.. maybe hard

Shift24 > Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness 04/12/2019 at 13:12

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True, any dirt will be very noticeable but that car is on the right path. I would keep a look out for those. The 3.8L is damn near bullet proof other than the dexcool. And trust me, as a teenage I accidentally tried to kill mine multiple times.

adamftw > Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness 04/12/2019 at 13:13

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...any model year 

Spamfeller Loves Nazi Clicks > Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness 04/12/2019 at 13:22

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LD8 is the Cadillac fuckery which features things like ‘head bolts loosening.’ They don’t blow head gaskets. The head bolts fail. KWALITY!

The L37 is a much better engine and actually makes it to 100k miles with some regularity.

There’s no easy way to tell the two apart unfortunately, because they’re based on the same core and use the same engine cover. The hoses don’t differ significantly either.

If the engine cover says “NORTHSTAR V8 NHP” then it is an L37. However, the L37 may have the ‘NORTHSTAR V8' cover as well. (Yay. Past ‘08 it’s guaranteed L37, though.)

That said: honestly, if you want reliability, the answer is a LaCrosse with the 3800. The Lucerne never really was even a good car, sold poorly, and is prone to many varied problems - especially electrical problems. Which is why I initially parsed as LaCrosse; I’ve never heard someone look for a Lucerne or describe it as reliable. They’re that mediocre-at-best.

The LaCrosse in contrast was built as the r eplacement for the Regal at introduction , and consequently generally has much higher build quality. It has plenty of minor issues as the miles pile up - thanks GM bild kwalitee - but it’s mostly   minor shit. Burnt out instrument panel bulbs and  worn out and sticking d oor locks are your prime candidates there. Both are pretty easy to fix.

Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness > Spamfeller Loves Nazi Clicks 04/12/2019 at 13:39

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This is great info!

Thank you. 

AMGtech - now with more recalls! > Jake - Has Bad Luck So You Don't Have To 04/12/2019 at 13:39

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That car would need a crank sensor at some point if it hasn’t been done. The part is maybe around $100. It should take you about 20-30 minutes. It might need a MAF. That’s 5 minutes, don’t remember parts cost.

It might need valve cover gaskets at some point, those are easy and cheap. Probably take you about 3 hours. Make sure you use the Mercedes sealant though for the PCV c hambers, nothing else lasts as long or seals as well in that spot.

Front lower control arm bushings, ball joints, and maybe end links will probably be needed over 150k. There’s a special spring compressor and bushing tool for removing the arms. They’re not hard with the right tools, and parts are around $150 for all of that not including tools.

Maybe around 200k it might need an EGR valve. About 30 minutes and $150.

Trans service is every 40k and you can definitely do this yourself for under $100. There is a special dipstick tool for that, but it’s not very expensive. But you could probably live without it. Filter replacement on that trans usually requires 3.5-3.8 liters of fluid. Anywhere in that range should work just fine.

Sometimes they’ll need a water pump. Or belt tensioner /pulleys. All very easy. Can’t remember costs.

They're actually very reliable and would be extremely easy for you to work on. If you buy one, put a crank sensor in it then drive it until it actually breaks. These cars never get towed in. Half the techs in my shop drive them because they're cheap, easy, and reliable. The only thing that'll leave you stranded is the crank sensor.

AMGtech - now with more recalls! > Jake - Has Bad Luck So You Don't Have To 04/12/2019 at 13:40

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With your luck though a Camry still under warranty would blue up it's engine and transmission, then Toyota would say that it was your fault and not warranty it.

Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness > Shift24 04/12/2019 at 13:40

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We’ve had plenty of 3800s over the years, they’ve always been very stout engines outside the simple Intake Gasket failure.

Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever 04/12/2019 at 13:41

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Ya most of them are either beat to hell with 200k, or they’re rotted around here.

Spamfeller Loves Nazi Clicks > Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness 04/12/2019 at 13:46

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Important note I forgot to mention: the LaCrosse door locks? DO THEM PREEMPTIVELY. When they fail, the NORMAL failure mode will leave people trapped in the car. And a slim jim will NOT get them out. You need to replace the solenoids with NEW, dielectric grease for all the connectors, and replace the plastic rod connectors with NEW.

Spamfeller Loves Nazi Clicks > Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness 04/12/2019 at 13:58

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Absolutely my pleasure. If you can get your hands on a LaCrosse Super though? DO IT DO IT DO IT. Those were sold as THE flagship, THE best, and extra attention was paid because there was a plan (a poorly formed one, but a plan!) to launch ‘Super’ as a more mature and refined sub-brand alongside SS/GXP/V.

So to that end, the LaCrosse Super got a lot of extra attention to the small details in design and construction. Quieter exhaust than the Impala SS, no paddles or manumatic, better torque steer mitigation, better brakes, and e xtra touches like nicer interior paneling and nicer leather. Everyone who reviewed them loved them and rated them on par with or better than the Lexus ES350.

Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness > Spamfeller Loves Nazi Clicks 04/12/2019 at 14:02

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And now I’m off to find a Lacrosse Super........

Spamfeller Loves Nazi Clicks > Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness 04/12/2019 at 14:11

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It might be a little hard to find one, but the prices are pretty good!

Expect to spend $6000-80 00 for examples in good shape with less than 100k miles. But don’t pay more than $6k for anything over 100k; the 5.3 in this application can tend to develop oil leaks in certain climates, and especially if not properly maintained. May need to do shocks and struts as well at that mileage.

A lso, be aware it is REALLY picky about tires and inflation - insufficient grip and the TCS gets REALLY unhappy and yells at you. Get the grippy stuff, make sure to keep the pressure right, and life’s good.

Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness > Spamfeller Loves Nazi Clicks 04/12/2019 at 14:19

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Found a few. All seem to be around/over 100k, the cheapest example was listed at $5995, the rest are all $8k+.

Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies > adamftw 04/12/2019 at 14:19

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This isn’t true. Early 2000's V6 autos liked to explode. 

Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness > Spamfeller Loves Nazi Clicks 04/12/2019 at 14:27

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https://www.carsforsale.com/vehicle/details/50019306

https://www.carsforsale.com/vehicle/details/50077752

https://www.carsforsale.com/vehicle/details/46814049

https://www.carsforsale.com/vehicle/details/52915495

Found some relatively close.

Spamfeller Loves Nazi Clicks > Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness 04/12/2019 at 14:32

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The first one’s a good example.

The last one is a HARD PASS - evidence of poor quality repairs, lots of body damage, just red flags galore. The red one’s a hard pass too due to the aftermarket stereo - the electronics are sensitive, and a poor install will cause all kinds of problems.

Shift24 > Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness 04/12/2019 at 14:34

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True on the intake gasket but that is caused by the dexcool. You get that stuff out of there you are golden. And I ran with my bad intake gasket for close to 30K before i replaced it. Its not that hard on  FWD versions but RWD form it s another story

https://www.autosafety.org/gm-dexcool-engine-damage-class-action/