Hi Scotty,
Long time fan, I am looking for something cheap (<$5000) that i can use as a daily driver that can last me the next couple of years. I currently am looking at 2 options
2004 Toyota Camry 4 cyl (180,000 kms): $5000
2001 Buick Lesabre 3800 (140,000 kms): $3500
Insurance would be around $30-$40 cheaper on the Buick, and it is in immaculate condition as well. The Toyota is a little beat up but its the cheapest I can find in my area for reasonable mileage. I havent really heard you mention the 3800 gm engine too much, but everything I’ve read/watched claims it as bulletproof as an engine you can find. The 4cyl camrys from that generation speak for themselves. I’ve looked for grand marquis & towncars as well but no luck there.
Would greatly value your opinion!
to everyone else: Please spare me for asking Scotty to compare a gm and Toyota product!
The 3800 is a great engine, one of the best GM ever built, but that's a 21 year old Buick and the transmissions in those cars are weak.
The Toyota would be the better choice if a mechanic checks it out and says it's OK.
Hi I appreciate the answer!
Is it worth getting the Buick checked out by a mechanic to see what shape the transmission is? The car seems to be really babied by the owner ( a senior in his 80’s, only owner since new). I should also mention that I am in Canada, so the above is in KMs. So the Buick would be around 80k miles, the Camry 110k miles.
Thanks!
You could have it checked out and it might be OK at the present time, but if the Toyota is in good condition it has the better chance of lasting a long time without requiring major repairs.
Fair enough, I’m definitely leaning more towards the Toyota, just have a soft spot for big old American cars with the front bench.
Thanks!
@chucktobias I really love the older buicks and the lesabre is a favorite! Yes, toyotas are very good but they lack the bench seat I really like! Sad to see none in any newer cars! I do happen to have both a camry and a tundra! But as far as comfort, room and ride goes, the buick wins every time! If maintained well they can last up to the 300000 mile mark and more! I know people might say I'm crazy but the camry would go before the buick!
Hey lets not forget pearl harbor. Get the buick
Toyota, all day long.
I have been driving a 2000 Buick Lesabre that my mother bought new transferred to me around 2008 and then was given to my daughter in 2014 for High School and then College.It was rear ended by a hit and run driver and declared totaled around 2017 because insurance said the cost of repair was more than the value of the car. I took the insurance payout less salvage fee and had the car repaired for $1000 less than they gave me.I have personally been driving the car since 2017 to and from work. The car looks great and drives better than any car we have (2002 Yukon XL Denali, 2017 Buick LeCrosse and 2019 Buick Enclave). My daughter sacrificed and volunteered to take the LeCrosse for the LeSabre after the accident.I have only had routine expected maintenance and repair costs. The car has 120,000 miles and drives great. Very solid car and smooth ride. The 3800 engine is probably the best one GM ever made so of course they stopped making it. I may very well get a rebuilt transmission when that issue comes up for the car is large with plenty of trunk space and did I mention drives very, very nice.
Wouldn't you really rather have a Toyota?
Ha Ha a downvote for Toyota.