Who still drives and loves their Lucerne? Worth buying used?

Buickguy123

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Who still drives and loves their Lucerne? Worth buying used?
 
Used anything is what you find, the level of maintenance, mileage, year and cost. Low mileage 3.8L could be the place to start, 3.9L next and any year Northstar should probably be avoided as repairs because of the lack of engine bay room escalate costs. 06 first year had problems, 09 3.9L had issues again if previous owners had the problem(s) taken care of is something to know. Magnetic ride control and shocks are expensive to replace or repair so should be considered if on the vehicle.

Engine and transmission mounts seem to be a common issue. Depending on vehicles location, if in salt belt area, the brake, fuel along with other ines should be inspected. Door handles and rear door lock / latches have shown up not operating properly. Other problems are common to GM vehicles from those years.

I'm bias but enjoy the ride CXL 3.8L 07 and under 70K it can do 70 Mph+ very comfortably but I've also have done some upgrades.

Read all the Lucerne forum posts and draw your own conclusions if it's worth the investment and what to look for or avoid.
 
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Who still drives and loves their Lucerne? Worth buying used?
I got my ‘07 Buick Lucerne 3 years ago. It’s my all time favorite car. I never had any major issues. But I have switch out some older parts and upgraded it. But it’s over 250,000 miles and it’s a top. It’s not hard to find affordable price engines for it. I recommend it, but just do your research on the past issues.
 
Used anything is what you find, the level of maintenance, mileage, year and cost. Low mileage 3.8L could be the place to start, 3.9L next and any year Northstar should probably be avoided as repairs because of the lack of engine bay room escalate costs. 06 first year had problems, 09 3.9L had issues again if previous owners had the problem(s) taken care of is something to know. Magnetic ride control and shocks are expensive to replace or repair so should be considered if on the vehicle.

Engine and transmission mounts seem to be a common issue. Depending on vehicles location, if in salt belt area, the brake, fuel along with other ines should be inspected. Door handles and rear door lock / latches have shown up not operating properly. Other problems are common to GM vehicles from those years.

I'm bias but enjoy the ride CXL 3.8L 07 and under 70K it can do 70 Mph+ very comfortably but I've also have done some upgrades.

Read all the Lucerne forum posts and draw your own conclusions if it's worth the investment and what to look for or avoid.
My research informs me that the GM 3.9 V6 has lots of oil leak problems. I think you are correct. The 3.8 series 2 or 3 is the engine to buy or car with that is the one to buy. I am going to keep looking for an older 3.8 equipped vehicle with low miles. Even Scotty Kilmer said the GM 3.8 is one of the best V6 engines out there. Why did GM give up on the series 3? LOL
 
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The series 3 was by all the published information was the best in the 3.8L series as it seemed to address the issues in the previous versions and had some of the best components designed for it that never appeared on the early versions. It also has the one perk that usually doesn't get covered is how accessible the engine is in the Lucerne as to do any type of maintenance on the 3.9 is a little more difficult and the Northstar is a nightmare due to engine bay fitment.
 
I just bought a 2008 Lucerne CXL in August. It seems to have been well maintained. It has 137,000 miles on it. It is a gorgeous car. Has every option except fog lights. It is a dream to drive. Will have to see how it holds up.
 
Welcome aboard. As with any preowned (advertising speak for used lol) vehicle it is the previous maintenance history. Best rule of thumb "if in doubt change it out" as it may be something that can prevent possible issues later. If the history is provided check it against the owners manual for service intervals and toss in common sense if something seems like it should be done. Check the back seat fuse box as that's had a history with the fuel pump fuse and relay melting.
 
Welcome aboard. As with any preowned (advertising speak for used lol) vehicle it is the previous maintenance history. Best rule of thumb "if in doubt change it out" as it may be something that can prevent possible issues later. If the history is provided check it against the owners manual for service intervals and toss in common sense if something seems like it should be done. Check the back seat fuse box as that's had a history with the fuel pump fuse and relay melting.
I saw that has been done when I replaced the battery.
 
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Good it's been done already, enjoy the new ride.
 
The series 3 was by all the published information was the best in the 3.8L series as it seemed to address the issues in the previous versions and had some of the best components designed for it that never appeared on the early versions. It also has the one perk that usually doesn't get covered is how accessible the engine is in the Lucerne as to do any type of maintenance on the 3.9 is a little more difficult and the Northstar is a nightmare due to engine bay fitment.
This is what I keep reading. So I will keep my eyes open for a used vehicle with a 3.8 series 3. I think they were only sold on a few Buick and Pontiac production years like 2004 to 2008 or 2009 on a LaCrosse. The Lucerne looks good to me 2006 to 2008 but those Pontiac Grand Prixs are sporty with 3.8 Super chargers.
 
Here's a list on MY, models and makes on the 3.8L. Unfortunately with a used performance model they may have more abuse mileage than a plain Jane version and why Buicks driven by little old ladies were great used vehicles for 2nd owners LOL
 
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Who still drives and loves their Lucerne? Worth buying used?
I found my 08 Lucerne CX a little over two years ago and I really enjoy driving this car. Was just what I was looking for right down to the Gold Mist with Mocha accents, low mileage 78k, no leather, no sunroof and no console. I've only had to do a couple things to it, the drivers side handle broke the first morning it got cold, door was frozen shut and I yanked a little to hard, fixed this with a little silicone grease. The other issue was the front door speakers, replaced all speakers and kept the factory head unit, oh and a new battery.

It literally was owned by a couple older sisters, I call it gently used 🙂 not a door ding on this one.

If you can find one in decent shape (it took me a year and half to find this one) I say go for it.
 
Just registered as I just bought an immaculate '07 CXL 4 days ago. Great car so far. Missing some fun options like sunroof, console, etc but has only 89k on it and has been stored winters. Purchased new by an 82yo fellow. Nicest car I've had in a long time.
 

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Congratulations on the new vehicle and welcome to the forum.
 
Just Registered to the Forum today.
Inherited/rescued the Buick from my mother who has not driven it for 2 years.
2007 Buick Lucerne CXL black/tit leather 133K miles
Working like crazy to bring it back online.
 

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From the photos it doesn't seem to bad, but 2 years of sitting may have a few things that require attention good luck on getting it up and going properly.
 
My wife & I own two Lucernes ('06 CXL & '07 CX) each having less than 85K miles on them. With timely & proper maintenance these cars should last a very very long time. We also own an '08 Uplander with the 3.9 L engine. Same conclusion = timely & proper maintenance = longevity. Uplander has traction control/ stability control computer issues but the drivetrain is rock solid.

I keep a log on each vehicle showing oil changes/ other maintenance to remind myself each year what each vehicle needs. I don't let any fluid go unchanged for longer than a few years such as brake, trans, coolant, power steering. Oil changes are regularly performed after 3k miles. Each vehicle is waxed at least once per year --- attempting to teach my teenage grandsons to clay bar & wax now.
 
Congratulations being proactive on fluid changes as there are to many post from owners who push the limits of the fluids or don't do them at all and feel their opinion is the only correct answer.

At 70K all my fluids have been replaced and the Lucerne can be a long haul car. Any vehicle that hasn't been maintained over it's life really can't be blamed on poor owners decisions as the Lucerne is now going on 2nd and more previous owners. Due diligence is required before the purchase not after on a forum LOL.
 
My wife & I own two Lucernes ('06 CXL & '07 CX) each having less than 85K miles on them. With timely & proper maintenance these cars should last a very very long time. We also own an '08 Uplander with the 3.9 L engine. Same conclusion = timely & proper maintenance = longevity. Uplander has traction control/ stability control computer issues but the drivetrain is rock solid.

I keep a log on each vehicle showing oil changes/ other maintenance to remind myself each year what each vehicle needs. I don't let any fluid go unchanged for longer than a few years such as brake, trans, coolant, power steering. Oil changes are regularly performed after 3k miles. Each vehicle is waxed at least once per year --- attempting to teach my teenage grandsons to clay bar & wax now.
Do you notice the drivers seat a bit wider on your 2006 verses the 2007? I test drove a used 2006 and a 2008 model and the seat was wider on the 2006. You could really tell! LOL
 
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