What to look out for in a 2005 Buick Allure

[rsanuda]

Hi Everyone,
So there's a 2005 buick allure for sale and I really like it. Is there anything to look for mechanically when buying it? Mechanical issues, known issues, etc.

 

[2005_LacrosseCXS]

Hi Everyone,
So there's a 2005 buick allure for sale and I really like it. Is there anything to look for mechanically when buying it? Mechanical issues, known issues, etc.

I own a 2005 Buick LaCrosse which is the same car. They are great cars. Have a pre purchase inspection done from a mechanic or GM dealership. The 3.6 cxs lacrosse/allure have timing chain issues. If you want a 3.6 make sure it has regular oil changes. If you are looking for a more reliable option my opinion would be the 3.8L V6. This engine was used in various Buick models and is more easy to find parts for and easy to work on.

 

[Arthur_Davies]

Look for steering rack problems and leaking power steering fluid. The only real big ticket expense on these that seems to typically crop up <100,000 miles is steering rack replacement. Just my experience from owning an '06, and the word of an independent mechanic I trust who looked at it and said, "Yeah, typical of a GM W car of that age," plus similar stories at this forum.

 

[2005_LacrosseCXS]

Look for steering rack problems and leaking power steering fluid. The only real big ticket expense on these that seems to typically crop up <100,000 miles is steering rack replacement. Just my experience from owning an '06, and the word of an independent mechanic I trust who looked at it and said, "Yeah, typical of a GM W car of that age," plus similar stories at this forum.

I agree. My 2005 Lacrosse just recently had the rack replaced and it’s been a hassle to replace. The new rack installed does not feel right and the steering feels really tight. I will be having my mechanic install an Oem one. Make sure it’s done by a Well knowledge mechanic most importantly.

 

[niceguypmp3]

on the first generation lacrosses, one failure spot is the front stabilizer bar. it first cracks on one or both ends due to it being hollow and then it will eventually totally fail. the replacement ones are solid steel so they wont fail. I've had to replace it on all 3 of the first generation lacrosses i've owned. Also, if it has the 3800 engine, look and see if the 2 plastic coolant elbows that are on the belt tensioner/heater hose bracket have been replaced with the aluminum ones or not as they will for sure become brittle and then crack and leak if still the plastic ones.

 

[Blu05]

Be on the lookout for lowbeam failures on these cars. The Headlamp Driver Module relay # 34 under the hood fuse block will overheat and cause them to go out. Symptoms include no DRL's and no lowbeam headlamps at night. They've been known to cause fires but it is rare. But that will be a symptom is no lights. Your side marker, parking, and highbeam lights will still work. It's happened to me on my 1st gen lacrosse.