GM A-body opinions

[Sussmad]

I heard that these GM A-bodies from the late 80s early 90s (Buick Lesabre, Olds Cutlass Cierra) were solid trouble-free cars. Looking for a 1st car for one of my kids; 95 Cutlass very clean with low mileage (70); asking price $2000. Is one V6 better that the other. i think the 3.0 and the 3.8 were both offered. We already have 2 Mopar A bodies that one daughter and I share, and a 98 Camary which my son generally drives. Any opinions.

 

[Old Tired Rebel]

Yeah they are actually good cars. Just ask Dart_Doctor he has one.

 

[younggun2.0]

just remember........ most kids wreck there first car. something newer/safer. NOT FAST!!!!!!!!!!!!!! and cheap on insurance (think 4 door sedan).

 

[sscuda]

I heard that these GM A-bodies from the late 80s early 90s (Buick Lesabre, Olds Cutlass Cierra) were solid trouble-free cars. Looking for a 1st car for one of my kids; 95 Cutlass very clean with low mileage (70); asking price $2000. Is one V6 better that the other. i think the 3.0 and the 3.8 were both offered. We already have 2 Mopar A bodies that one daughter and I share, and a 98 Camary which my son generally drives. Any opinions.

The paint company I worked for at the time supplied exterior base/clear (low solids) paint and primers to the Oshawa, ON, St Therese, QC, and Saltillo, MX assembly plants. Not my favorite cars but they were OK for small sedans. They were built as well as most economy vehicles of their time. The corrosion resistance processes were better than most. I drove a few cars. The 2.4 (?) 4cyl. Ecotec motor was a dog. The 3.8 wasn't too bad but had terrible torque steer when you got on it from a dead stop. They may be OK for what you want it for.

 

[abodyjoe]

I believe the 3.8 is the motor to have.

 

[plum crazy dart]

I had a 3.8 they run forever, they easily get 200k mi if they're taken care of. Get pretty good milage also!

 

[kazooom]

3.8 is the motor to have. I had a 1992 buick with over 400000 kms on it and sold it for the same money I bought it for after 3 years... was a good car

 

[Ken_B]

They are great cars, like said above avoid the 4 cyls, 2.2 ecotec & 2.5 iron duke, also steer clear of the 3.0 v6. The 3.8 v6 is the engine to have, only availble till 1988 though, the 3.3 v6 is a great engine too, 3.1 v6 is reliable once the intake manifold gasket issue is solved, and last but not least the 2.8 v6 is an ok option, reliable though some find it coarse and underpowered. If you are set on an "A Body" you will need to look for Cutlass Ciera 1982-1996, Buick Century 1982-1996, Chevy Celebrity 1982-1991, and the Pontiac 6000 1982-1991. All great cars, I am partial to the Olds or the Buick as they were the upper trim level cars and were offered with all engines, in the Pontiac and Chevy the biggest engine offered was the 2.8 v6. Just a little bit of info, any questions feel free to ask, Had a 3.8 Ciera as my first car, love these tough and comfy sedans.