Hey Scotty,
I stumbled across another mechanic on YouTube who says-like you- they'd always recommend Toyota for reliability, affordability on maintenance and as daily drivers. But he mentioned that if a person doesn't want to spend that Toyota price but still want to have a daily, reliable and inexpensive driver he recommends getting the cars with the 3800 series engine such as the Buick LeSabre 00'-2005, Park avenues of the same years and the 1998 Oldsmobile 88. I did a little bit of research and it is claimed that the 3800 series is one of the best engines GM has ever made. But I want to know outside of the engine being good is the Tranny durable on these cars and all the other parts? Or will it constantly be little Knicks and knacks to repair but have a good engine? He claims you can get the Toyota reliability out of these cars for waaaaay less price point. Is this true in your opinion? These cars are outrageously high right now so I'm trying to dance around the price storm even with Toyota.
The 3800 series engine (derived from the 1961 Buick aluminum V8) is excellent, however the transmissions in those cars are not as good. Electrical problems are common as they age. You're talking about cars mainly in the range of 20 years old or more so problems are to be expected.
I have a 99 Olds 88 with a 3800 V6 and the motor was stout and strong. Just keep up with its oil changes and change out the engine gaskets when needs and the engine will last. But from the other reply it is true the transmissions were not all that reliable. I never experienced anything electrical but other than that I'd buy one.
I have a 99 Olds 88 with a 3800 V6 and the motor was stout and strong. Just keep up with its oil changes and change out the engine gaskets when needs and the engine will last. But from the other reply it is true the transmissions were not all that reliable. I never experienced anything electrical but other than that I'd buy one
