CAR WIZARD highlights what makes the Buick 3800 V6 the BEST engine ever!

[@raybrensike42]

Car manufacturers don't intend for you to keep your car for decades, but once in awhile they make a mistake.

[@mikecastellon4545]

And that is exactly what happened....accidentally way too durable

[@chubbysumo2230]

This is why they engineered that late 2000's CARS program. They literally built cars too reliably, and people were not buying new cars in as many numbers, and used cars were cheap but very reliable. Thousands of good used cars, motors and all, taken off the road, and replaced with piles of shit that barely lasted 100k. Just enough to outlast the payments.

[@Doubledunk]

my aussie built '01 Mitsubishi is almost as old as me and hasn't had a single issue yet :/ it's mind blowing how many garbage cars there are these days, and the clueless people buying them (euro trash and un-necessary SUV's mostly)

[@bohemialite6371]

It's not a mistake it's greed

[@mitchmurray2260]

yup. Toyota made that mistake with the 5vz-fe 3.4l v6 engine. with good maintenance, it will last literally a million miles. best engine ever made

[@xreediculousx]

My grandpa worked for GM for 32 years. When he retired, he was given a 1989 Buick LeSabre. He loved that car and passed it down to my dad when he died. It was the car I learned to drive in.

[@benl4707]

No, your allowed to believe that...it is more along the lines of being too proud/or money exhausted after getting ripped off by the brains (engineers) and/or over bearing on the engineering process!

[@G0ZERIAN]

Your dad was given a car AFTER he died?

[@xreediculousx]

@@G0ZERIAN it was one of the things left to him in my grandfather's will.

[@xreediculousx]

@Mr. TA that is exactly what happened.

[@DStabs720]

I learned in a 91!

[@mikecastellon4545]

Gm engineers say 3.8 lasts 500 thousand miles. Management says : it’s too good, kill it

[@cmte.brazinazzo2061]

And now the Corp is almos a Corpse

[@mikecastellon4545]

Jbog07 and the new diesels are insanely expensive to repair

@@mikecastellon4545 the emissions in them is what people say ruins them. I deal with dodge diesels at work.

[@mikecastellon4545]

J M yes, the govt mandated emissions standards must be complied with even though they make diesels far less desirable than they were 25 or 20 yrs ago.

@@mikecastellon4545 and yet the funny thing is. OBDII is a big fucking scam anyhow engineered by money hungry people.

[@7thkansascav468]

It was a sad day when GM quit building the 3800. I've owned several and I absolutely LOVE this engine. Here in the Rust Belt the engines always outlasted the car they were in.

[@jeannewright3027]

Yep. Rust belt, why I had to give up my LaSabre..great engine and comfy ride.

[@davidmonroy7517]

what year is this buick

[@ronhoover5516]

It was too good. They had to stop making them

[@7thkansascav468]

@@ronhoover5516 You'll get no argument from me.

[@ronhoover5516]

@@7thkansascav468 Good cars, though!

[@brandonachey3791]

Dude honestly the world needs more honest technicians like you

[@highvibes3758]

this type of work is hard, but the CAR WIZARD has our back so greatful!!!!!!

[@Drumsticksmcgee]

I don't see many on the road

[@Freetheworldnow]

If only politicians and heads of corporations would watch such videos, perhaps their minuscule conscience would start to let go of ego and greed and open up to intelligence and common sense. WWG1WGA

[@JimmieBuffet-qi3lk]

ABSOLUTELY!! far to many crooks out there now days.

[@andy_182]

Car wizard admits he charges 30 min for a 2 min job @ 9:20, how exactly is that honest?

[@collin3800]

Mine was a naturally aspirated 3800. At 306k miles, I swapped the heads, intake, and balancer to install the factory supercharger the GTP has. I'm at 381k now, still the original shortblock.

[@collin3800]

@@AA-wq5sm it lasted to 343k. I'm on the second one now.

[@collin3800]

@@AA-wq5sm I bought a used trans with unknown miles for $400 and swapped it myself. With fluid, and other stuff you should probably budget for $7-800.

[@royallion271]

How long last manifold intake? What causes to fail? How long last the coolant pipe? Do they have a metal instead of plastic? Thanks

[@kskip4242]

@@royallion271 The last 3800 series engine made had aluminum upper intakes because the old polymer intakes will get old and crack and would suck coolant down in the motor and hydrolock them.

[@michaelbacon822]

Curious:do you have to smog it? Considering converting my firebird to run the gtp supercharger. I think CA smog will bend me over though

[@mikebrzycki2358]

I worked at BOC in Lansing Michigan and was involved with the 3800 Buick V6 engine in the engine plant. I was involved with bringing this line in and start up. It was the first time that GM had SPC involved with the machining of this Engine. SPC means statistical process control. SPC was developed by a man named Edward Deming. He first got cars in Japan in SPC and is the reason why Japan was kicking our ass. The Buick V6 3800 is one of the best engines ever made by GM.

[@1notgilty]

Interesting. Edward Deming was an American engineer and an efficiency and quality control expert who is revered in Japan as the man who turned the Japanese car market around and transformed them from a reputation for "junk" to one of high "quality". He is mentioned in several Japanese management books that are widely studied in Japanese businesses and universities to this day.

[@letmethinkv]

And then GM forgot to use SPC 🤣😂

[@1notgilty]

​@@letmethinkv Quality control is always a challenge and U.S. companies often gravitate towards cutting corners to increase productivity and their short-term bottom line because bonuses and promotions are usually tied to short-term profitability. The Japanese tend to look towards long-term success rather than short-term gain and they end up winning in the long run because consumers keep buying their high-quality products.

[@letmethinkv]

@@1notgilty so its not SPC

[@1notgilty]

@@letmethinkv Right.

[@m.hughes2521]

I inherited a '98 LeSabre with 88K from my Mom with this engine. I was gonna sell it for $1200 but first I took it to the track to blow it out. It ran a 14.5 second quarter mile first run. It cruises at 100mph effortlessly and still gets 28mpg with the AC on. I think I'm keeping this car.

[@jimbothegymbro7086]

if you see any, and I mean any car with this engine in it and you've got it cheap, keep it because the engine will outlive the car if you look after it, the chassis will rust out long before the engine dies

[@randolphtolbert3825]

@@jimbothegymbro7086I’ve got a 97 that was my mothers. It’s got 89,000 miles on it.

[@davelowets]

NO, it did NOT run a 14.5... quit lying!

[@m.hughes2521]

@ It's got the turbo and it will certainly outrun Your mom's car. What do you drive, chump?

[@mopargm9329]

​​@@davelowetsan L36 stock runs about 15.5-16s now an L67 stock runs mid-high 13s but the LeSabre never had the L67 or L32 and a 98 would be the L36 N/A II. Great engine and will outlast anything else but not running the times that were mentioned if stock. Hell I've seen 3800s run 7s and I've run 12s with GTPs. Now working on getting my 04 Dale Jr SC L67 3800 II Monte SS into the 12s

[@Chrismusique1]

When he talked about the dealership saying the motor was leaking from everywhere but that there was no leak at all I almost choked on my sandwich. The level of dishonesty is unbelievable. That is pure stealing. Having an honest mechanic is so important!

[@automotiveperformancemobil4030]

Which is exactly why we call them "Stealerships"

[@fsnissen]

Or learn how to fix your own car. I started doing that long ago, after having to fix something the "technician" screwed up.

[@automotiveperformancemobil4030]

@@fsnissen Yea that's EXACTLY how I started 20+ years ago. Tech screwed up something and tried to get my mother to pay more, took that car home and did it myself. Got me inspired, stayed at it the whole time. You eventually learn how to fix a car after a dealership tells you it will be $475 to install one 02 sensor that totally accessible from the top facing you.

[@jreyman]

Some independent repair shops are also dishonest and/or stupid. Took one of my vehicles in to be repaired because I didn't have the time to fix it myself. He turned out to be a moron. He left the retention clips off the fuel rail on my 7.4L and popped loose on #2 fuel injector a few days after getting it back, causing a fire (which thankfully happened right as I got home and I was able to put out quickly). Discovered why this happened, this guy just lost my future business. Fixed it, myself, the right way, with the clips (a whopping $12 dollars) he said were not necessary. Well clearly they were necessary (60 psi system).

[@philllsxga.7737]

Question EVERYONE!!!

[@glenntremblay5406]

It's nice to hear someone confirm what I've always known...3.8L v6's are probably the best motor GM ever built since the small block chevy.

[@godchi1dvonsteuben770]

"Small block Chevy" is kinda vague, there's a few... but they're all solid products, so... (Technically the 3800 series, V6 IS a "small block Chevy, well " small block Buick. Same difference)

[@glenntremblay5406]

@@godchi1dvonsteuben770 if I'm not mistaken they are all based on the same basic design with no doubt some upgrades over the years... though I'll admit I'm no engineer so I wouldn't bet the farm. All I know is that my last 3.8 in a 96 le Saber got to 500,000kms and was still running perfect. The chassis finally got tired and a little too much rust. The current 99 3.8 has 380,000kms on it and needless to say runs perfect

[@jeremyTallen1]

Fords inline 6

[@suzettebavier4412]

Yep 👍

[@matthewbucher8954]

True they last till about 400k

[@Joe-g7i2i]

We need more mechanics like you. honest people thanks for all you do.🤛

[@jeffreywells3884]

Yeah,the wiz has got it right.Honest,upright and know's his trade.Have viewed his takes on the 3800 engines and Caddy's Northstar.I messed up on my Park Av.,and overestimated the last two Cadi's I've owned.

[@korbendallas4232]

Amen to that

[@Aaron-ot1xs]

Hear here, a toast to Car Wizard!

[@silenciummortum2193]

@Joe Santos Him and Scotty Kilmer!

[@cdevidal]

@@silenciummortum2193 I sometimes enjoy Scotty yelling at me

[@johnstell5674]

I had a 2000 impala with this motor. Literally the best car I've ever owned. I regret letting it go

[@DeltaSierra426]

Those were cool cars back then and IMO still cool to this day. Chevy cars used to have really great looking taillights.

[@JustAGuy85]

No blown intake gasket by 120k miles?

[@DavidVandemark]

@@JustAGuy85easy enough fix

[@mogumatrix]

I'm glad to see repairs are simple easy. I just purchased 2006 good condition 66k miles for $400 it just randomly stops on low idle or complete stops. I'm going to clean the MAF 1st, any other tips would be great. Also used my OBD and no error codes.

[@Ccyawn123]

I have a 2000 with the 3400, I replaced the intake gaskets at 90k miles before they had a chance to blow. Car has 277k miles now

[@RobinRhyne]

Reliable, easy and cheap to fix, good fuel economy. It's no wonder GM killed it.

[@az7378]

GM can be assholes. They should have never gave up on the engine. I wish they would have made the engine in the longitudinal form. Looks like car companies just want the money. They don't want to make reliable cars anymore they just want the money just for the repairs. Part of a Rothschild plan.

[@MrWilliam.Stewart]

Not in line with GM core values these days.

[@ramcharger154]

@@az7378 They put some in Firebirds.

[@markbhoward]

What? What could go wrong by making engines half that size and turbocharging? 😅

[@ednorton47]

GM went bankrupt a few months after they discontinued this engine.

[@TheWutangclan1995]

If Toyotas are tanks, then this engine is The Scorpion in Halo.

[@YoungBlvckSpitta]

Nah that MF the ghost. Big slow and indestructible lol you can blow up a 3800 and replace the broke parts same day.

[@Juuustiincasse]

@@YoungBlvckSpitta Facts! I blew my 99 3.8 on a Sunday afternoon (my profile pic is from that exact day) she was back by Friday morning.

[@wayward03]

GM made one engine that would fit into a Toyota lineup....

[@jeffebanks8601]

Whatever bro you must be a hundred, and live on the road

[@DeviantGodOfEvil]

@@YoungBlvckSpitta you meant the Wraith. I got you though 👍

[@markwilliams7712]

Here in Australia, this engine powered our most popular GM models. Very muched loved and still very common.

[@VideosbyBenEllis]

Even if we nicknamed it the 'Moo' because of the engine note when you drive one hard

[@Pummers38]

I have a mechanic here in Aust that says pull it out and change all the Gaskets & Seals every 250,000 Km... and once you have done 1,000,000 then rebuild it properly...

[@xsct878]

@Jimmy 000 yeah the VZ onwards are only good for LS’s, the alloytec is dogshit.

[@j4min1]

Commos represent!

[@jb7591]

@Jimmy 000 try replacing the thermostat in a alloytec-painful.

[@TheWombat2012]

Much loved engine here in Australia too. They came out…in rear wheel drive form…in the Holden Commodore. We had four in various models over the years. What an engine!! My niece had one in a Commodore that had 600,000km on it.

[@user-hi5dd5qh9n]

They were called eco tec over her.

[@jacklovell5756]

Before the vs they were still buick 3800

[@seymourmaupin6395]

The sincerity. Where do you find this, in everyday life. This is real talk by a professional.

[@c.brionkidder9232]

Exactly. A throwback to what people used to be like.

[@52BuickBoi]

He's right. Them old 90s and early 2000s gm cars with that motor were the best. I bet you won't find a new car at a dealership that will even come close to being as good of cars as them old cars were as far as reliability cheap repairs and rarely breaking down.

[@defaultname942]

Great engine. My 2001 Bonneville ran 275k miles... then I sold it. Still running smoothly.

[@kc-nl8zc]

Much love for this engine from Australia! Mine has 400 thousand km's and purrs like a kitten and is so cheap to maintain. Bless buik

[@basiksfifth6946]

I'm from Australia too mine done over 1 million kms and still running great engines

[@Koala-Express]

Holden Commodore got a great engine but the worst quality interiors GMH could come up with.

[@baird55aus]

The only problem with Holden adaption was that the thermostat is a pain in arse to replace.

[@TheRogan321]

700 plus on my ex NZ VP cop car only died because of the dedicated lpg system sluged up.

[@robertcallow2298]

this engine had rear oil seal problem

[@longpoint17]

I wish there was a known network of mechanics like the Wizard who were honest, and forthright with customers. As a person without too terribly much auto repair experience and knowledge, it would be nice to be able to find a local mechanic who was like this guy. It's hard to know if you're getting ripped off or scammed...

[@Reaper1947]

I found a 98 LeSabre with 30,000 miles no rust 3 years ago, it is now my daily driver if I ever get rid of it I will give it to one of my kids or grandkids. I let my son use it for a week once and he told me it was the most all-around perfect running car he had ever driven. I am always on the lookout for another one just like it, it's that good. TheReaper!

[@234dilligaf]

I lucked out on a 97 Buick Lesabre with 36,000 miles. I went ahead and replaced the plastic elbow with metal. Also pulled the upper and lower intake to replace the gaskets with Felpro. I'm convinced it will last us the rest of our life. Now I need to get rid of that RIDICULOUS air suspension and install regular shocks.

[@jamesmooney8933]

You have to check the time chain. GM has Teflon coated timing sprockets in those days. ( Although GM might have gotten rid of the Teflon coated timing sprocket by 89. It was in my '87 Olds. I changed it). The Teflon would wear off by 90,000 mi. Causing the timing change to wobble, which caused the valves to get hit by the pistons. Destroying the engine. The easy way to find out is dropping the oil pan. If you see little white plastic spikes, then you have a Teflon timing sprocket, that is ready to go.

[@jeffkarnecki1009]

I still own my beloved 2000 Buick Regal GS that I purchased in October of that same year. Her name is Lucy.She just hit 250000 miles and is easily the best investment I've made in my overall failure in life.She's so reliable and is in no way a $ pit.She might outlive me lol.

[@MrJMS814]

To anyone on here considering a Buick 3800 equipped car, specifically an N/A one: MAKE SURE IT HAS AN UPDATED FUEL PRESSURE REGULATOR. My father's '01 Bonneville suffered a fiery explosion earlier this year due to a faulty fuel pressure regulator that GM claimed was improved for the 2001 model year. Turns out that was a lie. The car was totaled. Upon researching the issue, there are thousands of cases, and even a recall, which DID NOT cover cars after the 2000 model year, even though it obviously wasn't fixed on the newer cars. Even a famous video of a 3800 impala blowing up in the exact same way at a shop after an oil change. So if you've got a N/A 3800 car from 2000 or earlier, make sure its had the recall done. If you have a 2001 or later, you'll have to do the job yourself or somehow verify its already been done without a recall sticker. Secondly, the 4T65E transmission is notoriously weak. Excessive clutch wear is pretty much guaranteed unless shift kit is installed. Signs of this issue are hard shifts aı eventually slipping/shuddering during acceleration

[@jamesfriday5773]

I was a 33 year Buick sales rep. We were Best in Class with 100% customer satisfaction. I could tell you every difference year by year. Buick had great training.

[@michaelmcfeely6588]

What is the model and model year of the car wizard is describing?

[@ben43123]

Do you think i could get a car w this engine for under 2k

[@andrewdalvet6871]

​@@ben43123definitely can. I've seen Buick century's with under 180k miles going for $1500 and they look to be in decent condition

[@staresce]

The 3800 has a long history which series years are the most reliable?

[@daftnord4957]

you should try get on a video call with the Wizard to make a video on buick

[@handenbramilton]

Posting this from my 2007 Grand Prix GT; the last supercharged Pontiac 3800.

[@Davidmoore-xy6wu]

Pontiac grand prix acult following

[@UnorthodoxMasterOfGames]

David Moore 66 *occult, but I agree!

[@keithbrookshire]

@@UnorthodoxMasterOfGames a cult following.

[@watchandjewelryloft4713]

Had a 2005 Comp G. Dang I want another one so bad!

[@dlwst44]

B Hamilton series 3 is the best!

[@Garvey64LIVE64]

I bought a 2000 Buick LeSabre Custom this year, and honestly, I love it. Fuel pump failed recently, and it's tired were in pretty awful shape. But the engine runs! Even when the fuel pump failed it was still turning over perfectly without fail.

[@Speidlair--]

i did too lmao and i took it to a mechanic and the mechanic gave me a list that was 2 pages long of things wrong with the engine and it looked like whoever had the car before me never did maintenance on it a single time and the mechanic even said he was surprised that the car even made it to the shop. that was like 2 months ago and its still running fine. the tranny mounts are broken though cause i can feel it just when its switching gears

[@Speidlair--]

oh yea i wanna clarify, the repairs were like 5.5 grand so i just decided to drive it until it breaks

[@Garvey64LIVE64]

@@Speidlair-- honestly, 5.5 grand? You could maybe get another 10 years out of that thing if you overhaul it.

[@MrJMS814]

To anyone on here considering a Buick 3800 equipped car, specifically an N/A one: MAKE SURE IT HAS AN UPDATED FUEL PRESSURE REGULATOR. My father's '01 Bonneville suffered a fiery explosion earlier this year due to a faulty fuel pressure regulator that GM claimed was improved for the 2001 model year. Turns out that was a lie. The car was totaled. Upon researching the issue, there are thousands of cases, and even a recall, which DID NOT cover cars after the 2000 model year, even though it obviously wasn't fixed on the newer cars. Even a famous video of a 3800 impala blowing up in the exact same way at a shop after an oil change. So if you've got a N/A 3800 car from 2000 or earlier, make sure its had the recall done. If you have a 2001 or later, you'll have to do the job yourself or somehow verify its already been done without a recall sticker. Secondly, the 4T65E transmission is notoriously weak. Excessive clutch wear is pretty much guaranteed unless shift kit is installed. Signs of this issue are hard shifts aı eventually slipping/shuddering during acceleration.

[@isaacmessinger3228]

I have a 2002 Regal GS. When I bought it for $1900 I honestly didn't expect much, but was quickly impressed by it's comfort, acceleration, and reliability. It isn't outright fast, but the supercharger adds a lovely kick to the motor, it devours miles, and the reliability is incredible. I put nearly 3000 miles per month on it and haven't had to do anything but change the oil and spark plugs. Easily the best car I've ever owned.

[@drizzle6262]

Still have it ?

[@mercedeslindigenous4219]

After watching this and doing more research I bought a 04 lesabre with 121,500 and I am impressed and ride to work in comfort everyday, its like driving a cadillac with a lazyboy in it. Thank you for the info and the videos you make

[@yungdolphin9130]

I love it great story I was actually thinking about how many people actually buy the cars he's talking about and you're one of them also your name is Mercedes so it's more funny

[@philllsxga.7737]

Better than any new GM car. Keep it!!

[@adorablecenturion8436]

deeply considering getting an 01 lesabre custom with 100k miles for around 3500, found a good one with a clean title and all that mess.

[@mercedeslindigenous4219]

@@adorablecenturion8436 I would jump on that one, those cars are so comfortable to drive and I haven't had to do much maintenance. I have almost had mine for a year and I'm thinking about buying another one for my wife in the near future. Good Luck

[@brobb-sd9vp]

After watching this video I found a senior owned, beautiful ‘03 LeSabre for $4k with 112k miles. The old man who owned it before me was meticulous in his maintenance. He changed the oil every 2.5k miles and babied the thing like it was his most prized possession. The records he kept were incredible. A year later, I have made $5000 in various repairs and improvements through another 18,000 miles of travel. 356 days into my ownership with yet another Service Engine Soon light illuminating because of $1000 in required radiator sensor, a/c & evap leak repairs, I traded in this ‘gem’ of a vehicle for a new Camry. I will never mess with old cars again. I need reliability from a vehicle, not averaging $750 month for a 20 year old POS. My advice, as soon as an old car needs a repair which exceeds its ACV, abandon it. Good luck!

[@TheShafty]

My first car, didn't realize how great the engine was till now!

[@TreyGoose]

@@pauledwards3325 I had a 96 LeSabre with 56k miles I bought from the original owner for 2300🤣I sold it for 3600 about a year ago. Hoping to buy a 2001 GS supercharged in a few days with 107k

[@austinpotter4970]

I had one but had to junk couldn't figure out what was wrong

[@WTFTVJS]

Same, Had a 04 Lesabre custom and god that car was great

[@advilshenk]

Just picked up a straight clean 1 owner garage kept 79000 miles 03 lesabre today for cheap. 3800 life

[@davidr5795]

The first job I ever remember helping my dad with was replacing that coolant elbow described at the 12 minute mark. Little pieces of that oem plastic broke off inside and were a serious pain in the butt to get out! Oddly enough, it's actually a memory I look back at fondly now.

[@ChrisZang]

The car wizard is just my kind of guy. Knows what he’s talking about, and he is a decent human being. 👍🏻

[@nickking1510]

Agreed

[@mattdagger1480]

Agreed! A honest mechanic and a good person are super hard to find these days! Most give us mechanics a bad name. Nice to see there are good honest people

[@crownhic6827]

Here here.

[@kris8742]

True no BS

[@WhittyPics]

Honest mechanics like the Wizard are hard to find these days. I wish he lived in my area.

[@72477719302]

I'm putting 230 miles a day 5 days a week on my 3800 series 3. Gets 28 MPG and has NEVER broken down on me. I drive two hours to work one way in Erie, PA. That motor is seriously impressive and I will swear by it to the day I die. Also, this motor responds very well to modifications. I have mine up to about 260 HP without a supercharger.

[@aaronvivar52]

what mods did you add i have 03 lesabre and i’m trying to get it looking good

[@pushhard2]

Lesabres are too old to buy at this point in time. You'll have to do alot Knicks and knacks repairs here and there to keep it running on the road. Buicks don't give me that Toyota original parts until 250,000 miles type of longevity-even the praised LeSabre, Park Avenue, Regal and Bonneville.

[@BartholomewSmutz]

@@pushhard2 Toyotas are in a league of their own when it comes to reliability and longevity. I have a 2015 Corolla I bought a couple years ago and have only put gas in it and changed the oil so far. It has 168,000 on it right now and hope my good luck continues.

[@pushhard2]

@@BartholomewSmutz Agreed! I had a 2010 Toyota Camry that died at 256k miles and I did the same roughly up until 250k's.

[@ethalmurad9506]

@@pushhard2what about an 08 Buick allure? What mods would work best with that

[@palolocisneros9855]

Im from Mexico and I have a 96 Regal. One year ago I had precisely the problem with the plastic elbow, my god... Its really my first car and everybody told me "it's a good car, the engine its very good" but some times I am exhausted to repair it. So I need to learn how to do it my self. Great video!

[@chrislilly8657]

Glad I came across this vid! I just purchased the same car with 43k mi on it for my daughter... From a 80yr old man.. It's MINT,, maybe I should keep it in fear she'll wreck it before it retires 🤔

[@unavailableusername3814]

So how about an update on the status of your daughter and that sweet land yacht you found for her?

[@Max_G43]

You bought this grampa car for your 16 year old daughter !? Yikes

[@MrJMS814]

To anyone on here considering a Buick 3800 equipped car, specifically an N/A one: MAKE SURE IT HAS AN UPDATED FUEL PRESSURE REGULATOR. My father's '01 Bonneville suffered a fiery explosion earlier this year due to a faulty fuel pressure regulator that GM claimed was improved for the 2001 model year. Turns out that was a lie. The car was totaled. Upon researching the issue, there are thousands of cases, and even a recall, which DID NOT cover cars after the 2000 model year, even though it obviously wasn't fixed on the newer cars. Even a famous video of a 3800 impala blowing up in the exact same way at a shop after an oil change. So if you've got a N/A 3800 car from 2000 or earlier, make sure its had the recall done. If you have a 2001 or later, you'll have to do the job yourself or somehow verify its already been done without a recall sticker. Secondly, the 4T65E transmission is notoriously weak. Excessive clutch wear is pretty much guaranteed unless shift kit is installed. Signs of this issue are hard shifts aı eventually slipping/shuddering during acceleration.

[@MrJMS814]

​@@Max_G43imagine being ungrateful enough to complain about a FREE CAR

[@jakespier]

Best engine I ever had!!! I've own countless 350s, ford's, and dodge. Nothing beat the 3800 I had. Over 250k HARD miles and still going. Oil change ever 15k miles at best. Hit a hog, a deer, and a raccoon. Car looked like derby car. Still did a 4 hour round trip everyday. Plus 30 mpg. Amazing motor. I actually gave the car away because it wouldn't die and was to ugly to drive

[@KyleWendt406]

Sounds like the story of my 96 Camaro

[@HansShackleford]

@@KyleWendt406 tbf those were ugly from the factory

[@KyleWendt406]

@@HansShackleford which makes it a perfect wreck-n-roll car. I bought one from a kid for $400 with the 5 speed and the 3800 and I put 4.56 gears in the rear and bought about 10 pairs of tires from marketplace and took her to town. Nestral drops for days and that thing never quit. It would peel tires for 2 city blocks from 3rd. The only remotely major thing I did on it was a head gasket replacement which took about 4 hours and cost less than 100 bucks and a clutch replacement which wasn't horrible either. And at 400 bucks you don't feel bad trashing it around. Nobody judges a rattlecan paint job on a sub thousand dollar car.

[@EmpireBosscali]

😂

[@Yankee-wd5kq]

I was working in a small used car dealership when the owner bought a Berlinetta Camaro with a 3.8 that had a head gasket leak. I pulled the heads off and the block had a gouge in the top of the cylinders from the #3 cylinder to the #5 and then off to the side. I whipped up some J B Weld and filled the gouge, let it cure over night and ground it smooth the next morning,put new gaskets in it , and it worked perfect. About 10 years later , my daughter and her hubby bought a Berlinetta . Same year , color ,everything. Then we got looking closer ,and it was the same car. You could see the tiny bit of J B Weld sticking out the side of the motor. They had it a long time and never a problem.

[@TheSellenhut]

phenomenal

[@kennethmiller5187]

Berlinetta Camaros came with the 2.8 60 degree V6, not the 3.8. That didn't come until the mid/late 90's.

[@paulderksen5852]

​@@kennethmiller5187I was just gonna say didn't those come with that pos 2.8 I hated those. 2.8 not even close to 3.8 totally different worlds 👍💪💯

[@kennethmiller5187]

@@paulderksen5852 exactly. The 3800's (3.8) closest relative lives under the hood of the Buick grand national & even far predates that car.

[@RichardHarlos]

Based on your recommendation I began searching for this engine. Found a 2005 Lacrosse with 164k miles. Super clean engine bay, interior, and even the exterior. Haven't take a long trip with it yet so hwy mileage yet to be measured but around town, 20-21 mpg is my norm even with the A/C running most days. Thank you for this video. I'm super happy with my new (to me) car!

[@captainmorgan5449]

I brought a 2008 Pontiac Grand Prix with 125k on engine back in 2018. I have 215k now...no problems. 3.8 litter the best motor GM ever made...

[@RichardHarlos]

@@captainmorgan5449 Sounds like a great find. Here's hoping mine at 215k is just as problem free!

[@captainmorgan5449]

@@RichardHarlos It should go for awhile. My engine was a series 3 motor. It was the most refined out of all the motors. GM made improvements over the years. I live in the Midwest...fenders are starting to rust. I will start to look for a southern 2008. Grand Prix or a Buick Lucerne. I love the 3.8

[@TSims873]

I have a 98' PA with the 3.8L series II engine. 287k miles and she purrs like a kitten.

[@slickfrictionless]

Honest mechanics are SOOOOO hard to find! Nice to see that you are one! Great business starts with the customer understanding that the business has the customers’ best interests in mind and not their own!

[@envygotnext9402]

luckily for me, my friend had gotten a new vehicle and gifted me his old one 2007 pontiac grand prix 3.8 l v6 all is needed was a water pump replaced, I had a co worker refer me to a self service mechanic and he charged me for both part and labor $150, can't beat that.

[@nastilyasperated2215]

1st car I've ever done any "mechanical" work to was my 2004 Pontiac grand prix...didnt know shit about cars and replace the alternator in 30 min...love it

[@slowgoat6089]

Thomas Alan - - i have a 08 Pontiac Grand Prix GTP, it has the 3800 v6 and is supercharged, for some reason my car wont start, it just keeps cranking, i put in a new starter, battery, and new key from chevy any ideas on what it could be?!

[@1337penguinman]

@@slowgoat6089 Fuel pump. Smack the gas tank with a rubber mallet a couple of times (yes I'm serious) and see if it starts up.

[@slowgoat6089]

1337penguinman - How sure are you because even bad fuel pumps start up a car after enough cranking

[@supremevictory4310]

@@1337penguinman fuel pump wouldn't cuase a clicking sound either a slow start or no start.never heard a bad pump click.

[@teyoung304]

Same! I had a 94 Regal as my first car. When I was 17 I replaced the alternator in about 30 minutes by flashlight. It was the easiest thing I've ever done to a car.

[@alibizzle2010]

Wizard goes undercover as clueless customer only to pull of the the fake beard over his real beard and expose the dealer mechanic for the fraudster he is!

[@PeugeotRocket]

I'd love that.

[@thedog21]

Yes!

[@benl4707]

Hahhaha, Yeah would be a great show! But there would be smoke every once in awhile...so yeah I doubt it!

[@BitcoinTo150K]

That would be his best viewed video lol

[@theflorgeormix]

And he could impersonate Copper Cab 4 even more dramatic effect

[@austinchannel33]

I had a 96 Buick la Sabre with the 3800 series 2 motor and it was a beast! I would constantly beat other vehicles in races and they couldn’t believe how fast it would get up and go. Right before 30 mph you could punch it and it would sit down and then launch you so fast. I’m gonna try to buy another one just to have. Great memories in HS with that car.. you could also hit the gas and then the break, etc. and the suspension made it look like the car had hydraulics lol. I could get it to bounce the front tires off the ground a couple inches. I ragged it out. But never once had a problem. Like he said, bullet proof!

[@davelowets]

The engine was only 200h.p., and the car was a heavy tank. NOT fast...

[@rhinestoneremovals836]

7:48 this is true! My 04 Lesabre Custom started misfiring and I have never worked on a car in my life but after some research I went to Get the 3 coils and the thing that the coils plug into (I believe it’s called a Icm or ecm don’t quote me) took off the few bolts and replaced them. haven’t had any misfires since and that was many miles ago :-) Thank you KZbin and thank you Wizard

[@woolsonalaska6485]

Its the ICM. Ignition Control Module

[@tonychavez2083]

Thank you giving the GM V6 the praise it deserves

[@dadgarage7966]

Car and Driver interviewed an engineer behind the 3800 back in the day. He claimed the 3800 had very low internal friction which helped reliablity and to make good power.

[@kevin9c1]

Yes I remember that. They may also have studied Nissan V6 engines (not sure if VG or VQ or both). If I recall, the original VQ was also a very low friction design and perhaps not coincidentally are known as high mile engines as well.

[@martinhajda2132]

@@kevin9c1 then nissan might have copied the 3.8 gm which was out long before nissan

[@sam2920]

@@kevin9c1 Hopfully the VG too because I have one

[@WinkelManBearPig]

I had a VG 3.3 in a Villager, can attest to my wife boiling the coolant out of the motor without incident, TWICE. When the automatic transmission finally died at 242,000 miles I could still let that van sit for weeks, go outside and turn the key and it would fire right up.

[@sam2920]

@@WinkelManBearPig Yeah I have a VG 3.3 in my Nissan Xterra, got it cheap as a first car and I'm thrilled because people are saying good things about the engine.

[@Blackferret66]

A magnificent engine. Probably the last true "owner's engine" where so much of it was accessible enough to work on yourself. And, while I'm a fast car guy, 200+ hp and 240-250 ft-lb is plenty enough to get around and then some. Coupled with the impressive mileage it can get, as you mentioned, the 3800 was a masterclass in making a balanced, reliable engine.

[@jonasgrumby1093]

When GM finally gets it right they discontinue it

[@hp5469]

Uh, he said the engine started in like 88 and ended in 2008, thats 20 years. Sounds like than ran with a good thing for a while. Im sure it was time for an upgrade. Maybe the one they gave wasnt anygood, but you get my point.

[@michaelprovost5433]

gm has tons of good engines. more then anyone else. there are 1 million mile plus 5.7 out their. never seen another gasoline engine do that.

[@hp5469]

@@michaelprovost5433 not a chance, only way was it was rebuilt 4 times and or babied and kept after very well. And probably was cause parts are so cheap. Now the 4.8/5.3/6.0 gm engine they run forever and need minimal care.

[@michaelprovost5433]

@@hp5469 look it up.

[@Alobster1]

@@michaelprovost5433 There have been a couple Toyota tundras that went over 1 million without a rebuild. Toyota even bought one of them a new truck to celebrate.

[@fredb3400]

250k on my lesabre, and I just changed the heater elbows. 20 minutes, $11, aluminum upgraded. No coolant leak, no white smoke,, car is toasty. Changed the water pump for $25. And I'm a KZbin educated rookie mechanic. I lived in it for a while, and couldn't do oil changes or tune up for a few years, and the sucker was still running on 3 cylinders. 14 years later, still my daily.

[@JoseDiaz-rd9fh]

@Jinx well yeah it depends how you maintain it. But yes usually because the engine lasts so long eventually you have to replace the transmission. It's a shame they didn't come up with any standard versions all automatic

[@Southized]

@Jinx you do understand people who buy 3000$ cars dont change transmission filters dont you? These things get passed around and rack up 150k on the stock filter and burn up

[@Southized]

@Jinx just look at the car look who your buying it from test them how long theyve owned it what theyve done dont buy it if its junk

[@aaronlopez3585]

Wizard I could not agree with you more. I've had twenty three cars, five were 3.8L Buick's and they truly were comfortable, reliable and Reliable!! Inexpensive to maintain the opposite to the XJ, Land Rover and the North Star powered Cadillac's. Excellent work thanks.

[@Nonamenever557]

Aaron Lopez The land rover next to it has a Buick engine..

[@henrystone237]

But it's a piece of junk, especially the 4.6. Kinda ironic that he had one of the best engines next to one of the worst.

[@Hotlog69]

@@henrystone237 The Buick 215 was an odd V8. Lightweight aluminum block with iron heads. It had issue. They sold that tooling to Rover. In the 70's someone had a bright idea to pull a junkyard 215. The cut off two cylinders and bore it out. There is the prototype 3.8 oddfire Buick V6.

[@henrystone237]

@@Hotlog69 The Buick 215 V8 (Rover V8) had aluminum block and heads, and GM discontinued it because it was expensive to make, and phosphate-free coolant wasn't very popular in the US, which caused the aluminum to corrode. The first Buick V6 was introduced in 1962 as an alternative to the 215, it was 3.2 liters, and had a cast iron block and heads, and was increased to 3.8 liters in 1975, when GM repurchased the tooling from AMC, 13 years before the 3800 series officially debuted. So the two engines weren't really related to each other after GM sold the tooling for the V8 to Rover, they basically went their separate ways.

[@edcain3676]

@@Hotlog69 : That 215 Was Also a Good Upgrade for 240 & 280 Datsun Z' s, My Mech.That Was A Specialist Z Mech.Had Several Airline Pilots With That Eng.Transplanted in the Older Z' s.

[@rocketlife9549]

It was too reliable for GM.....lasted too long. GM wants u to buy a new car sooner

[@DonVerchi700as]

As soon as 80k miles

[@leespeyrer8424]

no that would be Ford.

[@alexanderkeil377]

Yes but why would one buy another one

[@PhenomProductions23]

Almost like planned obsolescence is real.

[@dennisdallenogare3930]

Would not comply with new euro 5 emissions rules. Pitty I had 2 cars with this engine and they were great.

[@frankyb1207]

I have one of those in a 2002 Australian made GM commodore, over 400,000 kms on the clock and has never skipped a beat, still run it and look after it myself absolutely great car.

[@gerrym75]

Same - I have a 2003, have had for 13yrs and it has always been good - but I disagree with him criticizing the 3.6. Yes, the early ones weren't great but my 2016 VF engine is awesome, and if I continue changing the oil as often as I do I doubt it would ever have any issues

[@darrylcampbell4411]

Hey bro . just make sure you keep changing your oil and filter and youn should be all good . change it at no more than 2000 to 3000 kms if you can. Sounds over the top but if you awnt that motor to last id do it. also importantly driil out your air intake valve on the drivers side. they are too small and a leading cause of timing chain stretch. Trust me. You dont want to do the timing chains on these puppies. major job .big money.

[@darrylcampbell4411]

Keep driving her bro. Shes only just been run in man . go and go and go

[@darrylcampbell4411]

this to Gerry M about changing oil.

[@gerrym75]

@@darrylcampbell4411 Thanks Darryl - I know of the issues with the egr valve on the earlier ones, but as far as I understand this was fixed and mine has a different valve to the early alloytec engines. In any case, I currently change the oil every 4 thousand ks so expect it will last pretty well while doing that.

[@tdb9164]

Just bought a 2002 Buick Park Avenue with this engine to run back and forth to work. 133k miles and paid $1500. I was told it is a great GM engine. I hope I can get many more miles out of it. Also, this guy absolutely reeks of honesty and integrity. Enjoyed watching him describe the engine he loves and can tell he is knowledgeable.

[@ericspecullaas2841]

In December 2016 I bought a 2001 Pontiac grand prix gtp with a bad fuel pump for $200. ☺️

[@GarrettCyr]

if it has a 3800 series engine in it, the most youll have to pay for is a plenum gasket, and youll be over 300k

[@inharmsway1965]

I had a 2000 Park Avenue bought in 2008. I sold it for peanuts after a couple years not knowing how special the car really was. Still kicking myself.

[@felixhernandez9793]

Excellent video. I just picked one up from an elderly lady in Sarasota Florida. 2002 with only 67K miles. Love it so far. All i have to replace to get it back to shape is the passenger side window regulator, windshield wiper fluid line is cracked, and the motor mount needs replace.

[@Tyler-bq3fm]

Fun fact: Under the intake of this engine is an idler arm. It's a crooked rod, maybe 6-8 inches long that was made with the help of Briggs & Stratton (the lawnmower engine manufacturer), in order to make engine idle with very little vibration.

[@WARD5KUSTOMZ]

I notice that when i was in trade school. Some 4.3v6 had them

[@Lara__Croft]

A balance shaft

[@Raggzzaug11]

Bought a Chrysler Concord at auction and was checking it over and noticed a Briggs & Stratton design on harmonic balancer.lol

[@welcometoreality3450]

I always love seeing mechanics do vids like this. Please do more on the good engines & the horrific ones too!

[@nanaandpopdunns1056]

Iiii

[@nanaandpopdunns1056]

6og

[@imageer]

My 2003 3.8L Buick LeSabre gets closer to 40 mpg on the hwy. Thought I was figuring it wrong at first. Great engine.

[@HansShackleford]

That id wonderful, i cant wait to see it in my 84 cavalier

[@MrJMS814]

To anyone on here considering a Buick 3800 equipped car, specifically an N/A one: MAKE SURE IT HAS AN UPDATED FUEL PRESSURE REGULATOR. My father's '01 Bonneville suffered a fiery explosion earlier this year due to a faulty fuel pressure regulator that GM claimed was improved for the 2001 model year. Turns out that was a lie. The car was totaled. Upon researching the issue, there are thousands of cases, and even a recall, which DID NOT cover cars after the 2000 model year, even though it obviously wasn't fixed on the newer cars. Even a famous video of a 3800 impala blowing up in the exact same way at a shop after an oil change. So if you've got a N/A 3800 car from 2000 or earlier, make sure its had the recall done. If you have a 2001 or later, you'll have to do the job yourself or somehow verify its already been done without a recall sticker. Secondly, the 4T65E transmission is notoriously weak. Excessive clutch wear is pretty much guaranteed unless shift kit is installed. Signs of this issue are hard shifts aı eventually slipping/shuddering during acceleration.

[@shannoncoffey4298]

I don't believe you. I've got a 2002 Lesabre/3800 with 210000 miles and I never got more than 28-30 MPG. That is great for such a big car, and I too love the engine but don;t over hype it.

[@shannoncoffey4298]

28-30 MPG on the highway.

[@imageer]

@@shannoncoffey4298 don't know about your car. Not over hyped for mine.

[@deansmits006]

I had a 1998 LeSabre, and yes, 28-30mpg. Even loaded up. Very reliable too. The torque, gearing, and low ride, highway bruiser. I had it for 7 years, and a leaking valve cover, and fuel pump were the only real repairs. The auto-hvac was troublesome, but nothing debilitating

[@lsubeast13]

Car Wizard, I just wanted to say myself and many other people out there owe you a lot of gratitude for pointing us in the right direction with buying cars, new or used!

[@DwayneETowns]

Thanks for your positive statements about General Motors 3800 engines, and I agree the 3800 engine is Bulletproof. I personally know someone put 200,000 miles on a 3800 engine and it still runs quiet as a sewing machine.

[@golden.lights.twinkle2329]

Any Honda or Toyota engine will do well over 200k miles.

[@DwayneETowns]

That's also true!

[@ianhelyar9553]

Yeah, I only sold mine because I went overseas. 300000km and used no oil, used no water, still got 30mpg.

[@gregorytimmons4777]

@@golden.lights.twinkle2329 True but no Honda or Toyota has the room, comfort or style of a late 90's Park Ave. The ideal used car. Just about the easiest used car search in existence. Simply search out a one elderly owner car that shows good careful use and has the paperwork for upkeep and repair to back it up and bargain away with the private party original owner or estate sale listing it. Just respond quickly.

[@stephoncollins1146]

I have a 2003 impala with 230k original miles still runs like new hands down great engine

[@stevenkurinec4194]

I've had this engine in my 05 Impala since 2010. I've had almost all the common failures he talked about. Fixed them all myself. Love the engine.

[@rodnewcomb]

Just bought one these for my Daughter yesterday - car had remarkable low mileage and was in very good condition. She's super excited to have a car again, and I'm hoping I won't have to work on it very often. This is a fantastic engine - and I knew that going into the purchase. Hopefully it will survive her driving skills.

[@jimbothegymbro7086]

I've got a car with one, you can damn near ignore the timing chain completely and just put oil in it as needed and it'll run fine, the rest of the car will give you more of a headache than the engine will

[@MrJMS814]

To anyone on here considering a Buick 3800 equipped car, specifically an N/A one: MAKE SURE IT HAS AN UPDATED FUEL PRESSURE REGULATOR. My father's '01 Bonneville suffered a fiery explosion earlier this year due to a faulty fuel pressure regulator that GM claimed was improved for the 2001 model year. Turns out that was a lie. The car was totaled. Upon researching the issue, there are thousands of cases, and even a recall, which DID NOT cover cars after the 2000 model year, even though it obviously wasn't fixed on the newer cars. Even a famous video of a 3800 impala blowing up in the exact same way at a shop after an oil change. So if you've got a N/A 3800 car from 2000 or earlier, make sure its had the recall done. If you have a 2001 or later, you'll have to do the job yourself or somehow verify its already been done without a recall sticker. Secondly, the 4T65E transmission is notoriously weak. Excessive clutch wear is pretty much guaranteed unless shift kit is installed. Signs of this issue are hard shifts aı eventually slipping/shuddering during acceleration

[@ryanfaulkes7469]

@@MrJMS814 to add on this, use lubegard red atf protectant, my 4t65e was slipping and shaking so bad my dashboard cracked in 3 places.. 2 bottles of lubegard and she's been fine for the past 5000KM.

[@jamesfriday5773]

Good video ! The series 2 had six cross bolted main bearings for added strength. The LeSabre evolved from year to year largely based on customer input. I can tell you each difference year be year starting in 1984. Through 2017. I asked our factory rep in the Chicago zone why they were dropping the 3800. He said nobody wanted a geriatric push rod engine 2 valve when the Cadillac 3.6 had 24 valves and dual overhead camshafts. That’s when the new guys came in and ruined GM by bankrupt in 2008

[@Whatdoyouthink.687]

What you said in your reply makes total sense. The new guys came in and ruined a good thing. Talk about planned obsolescence.

[@gordonwelcher9598]

Nowadays the only way they want to make an engine is a 1.6 later 16 valve DOHC turbo direct injection with 20 feet of timing chains and tensioners that only last 120,000 miles.

[@Daniel-pl9kx]

Which 3800 is best? The series 1,2, or 3?

[@ryancooper5647]

3 is best, but the cars built around the early series 2 are the better build quality cars.

[@c.mcdermo]

​@@ryancooper5647 plus it takes pretty minimal cost to make it just as good if better than the series 3

[@justisbartling5325]

Have a 01 park avenue, and living in South Dakota it gets COLD! Couple weeks ago we had a week of weather where it got -40+. One morning it wouldn’t start and tried the next day still wouldn’t start. Towed it to a shop on a Saturday and said it would start but hard and they didn’t know what was going on and the shop wasn’t open Sunday , had to wait till Monday and they called me Monday late morning saying it’s started just fine every time and they didn’t know what was wrong, they where baffled. They didn’t charge me for anything as they didn’t know what was going on. I just walked in with a smile and said “ ahhhhh, that’s my 3800”

[@healthrellnessllc6299]

Same thing happened with my Lincoln town car. 98, but I also had several Buick’s and loved them, I own a 2018 Buick tour x now

[@eddyram4932]

That undercarriage was dryer than the Sahara desert 💀

[@umakemerandy3669]

Love my series 3. Regular oil changes on engine AND trans. Will be drivin for a long long time.

[@blaketindle4703]

I own a 2001 Camaro with the 3.8 liter V6. Great engine! Has enough power, is reliable and inexpensive to repair, and I get 35 mpg highway!

[@c.mcdermo]

The only V6 camaro that shouldve ever been produced shouldve been the 3.8

[@darthdarthbinkss]

35 MPG my ass 😂

[@mathewparrett]

@@darthdarthbinkss its true jackass

[@picklebob3885]

@@darthdarthbinkss it’s not impossible if it’s a manual. I pull 30+ MPG highway in my 05 GP with a 4 speed auto

[@darthdarthbinkss]

@@picklebob3885 That's crazy, so many people on here talk about upper 20s with their 3.8 but all mine can get is around 24-25 max. Usually I get around 22

[@williamsuleyman3018]

A lot of these engines were made in Australia on Holden cars owned by GM ,some taxi drivers run them on Propane gas and run well over 1.5 million kilometers

[@danielmeyer4515]

My grandad had one well it wasn't the buik but it's the ecotec and it lasted well over 100000 km without a service and it was towing constantly in 40 plus deegrees C. It only does cause he overheated it and he got a new motor and hasn't had 1 issue

[@grumpyoldman-21]

and then they replaced it with the rattletech 3.6.....

[@danielmeyer4515]

@@grumpyoldman-21 there not that bad. The reason they suffer timing chain issues is that on the right side of the motor or the left if u are looking at it under the bonnet has a little pcv valve that dousent let the blow by out on that one side and it clogs up in there and it clogs the oil galleries and it douse the timing chain

[@DeagledSmeagol]

@@danielmeyer4515 yep, they changed them in 2013 to a larger size. I drill every older one I see to 7/32 on the top and 5/32 on the bottom 2 holes to match the new ones.

[@frankmarson2425]

Add enough boost you can easily make 800hp out of them

[@drawwithbeektor6329]

My wife has a Lucerne with the 3800 and it’s great. Super easy to work on. She went off a hill and into a ditch in the snow, had debris everywhere in the bay... I pulled it all out and then we took a 4000+ mile trip a couple months later and had zero issues. Lol

[@porkchop10]

I flipped my 96 Riviera off the hwy pretty badly. It sat for 18 months after half wrecking it, then became my daily driver again. Rock solid lol

[@boogitybear2283]

If it runs why get rid of it? You’re crazy not to keep it!

[@AyTimetraveler]

What year is it

[@digitalrailroader]

Just bought a 2006 Lucerne with the L26 3800 Series III a few days ago and I’m hoping to get years of comfortable and reliable service out of it!

[@empackmanmueller1725]

Nice my mother in law passed away sadly. She left my wife her buick lucerne v6 3800. My wife had wanted to get rid of it, I told her no way it's an excellent engine/car. We have kept it, and it runs so smooth. Any issues it's easy to work on. Love old people cars. The 06 cxl lucerne has remote start, comfy air shocks, leather seats, etc etc...excellent car/engine

[@stevanrozic4638]

I am bying a Buick Allure 2009 with the last year with the 3800 engine. Cheers from Canada

[@kareemmarshall6440]

Have 2006 Allure… Saskatchewan. Knock on wood, runs smooth… most basic maintenance I do myself.

[@RKrk-jj2li]

Damn I love you, Wizard. You've got a real Bob Ross vibe where not only is it relaxing to watch yr videos but I leave having learned something. Cheers!

[@lancelotkillz]

Right! Soft spoken and genuine love this guy

[@gregmertz1202]

Excellant knowledge. Thank you!

[@MrOnyxRaven]

I had a 2003 Buick Regal with the 3800. The body and electrical systems gave out long before the engine ever did.

[@stevecallachor]

Like a candle in the wind??

[@kftc1980]

Try a Lexus LS400 if you like affordable nice old cars that won’t die. They’ll be banned for polluting before the engines die.

[@ezequielalberto720]

@@kftc1980 lol

[@Bartonovich52]

That’s pretty much every GM car from 1985 to 2005 or later with the rare exception of just about anything with a DOHC (Quad 4/Twin Cam, 3.4 DOHC, Northstar, Ecotec, etc).

[@coreylahey3657]

@@kftc1980 I'll keep my Buick. Same difference.

[@aaronshensky9385]

Sister had Bonneville with 3800 and grandfather a 90s olds 98 with 3800 great engines and super reliable. Truth. Gm's closest engine quality to that of toyota honda.... agree

[@hm5142]

I had a 1980s version of the in an Olds 88. It had a plastic cam gear for the timing chain. Over time, it wore and jumped time, and a valve crashed into a piston. My son was in high school and had some time so he pulled the valve cover off. One pushrod was loose, so he took the intake manifold off the look at the lifters. On that pushrod, the lifter had been collapsed. He replace the lifter for $13, put a steel replacement gear on the cam, and drove that car to many years after that. Pretty heart-warming story. Always thought that was an amazingly good engine. So smooth.

[@anthonysmith830]

Chrysler did that with the Jeep got rid of the 4.0 Inline 6 for a 3.6 liter V6

[@lousbk]

When the majority of Wranglers started being sold to boomers and college girls who only do highway miles the 4.0 had to go. It was an amazing off road motor. But an absolute dog on the highway. So yeah, people wanting the Wrangler to be a mall crawler and road trip vehicle killed the 4 liter.

[@lousbk]

@Bob Desombre is this a copypasta or is your capslock stuck? Because you're kinda proving my point. The 4.0 was a beast off road, but in your own words "GOOD" on the road. The new motors will travel at higher speeds with less effort and better mpg's. That may not matter to you or me. But to the majority of people buying new jeeps who really only want mall crawlers, it does.

[@mikefox3939]

Yep, I still have my 86' Cherokee, 305k on and still runs like a top

[@jasonmgavitt2357]

Chris YaBoi ugh!you ain’t lying.those things are slugs going down the rd.

[@utistudent099]

Bob Desombre The 242 I6 4.0 is literally the same motor. The crank shaft is completely interchangeable. I had a 258 in my CJ7. I hauled 4x4 pickups out of the dirt more than once

[@matthewmonsour9802]

I love my 2003 buick lesabre custom. I had my fuel pump go and my friend was trying to get it to go by spraying tha "stuff" into the engine cause we didnt know the fuel pump went and the engine and the air filter boot started on fire! Damn! Well i replaced the fuel pump and filter then also replaced the air senson in the filter boot cause it melted it during the fire. Well after all that today i just brought her back to life! Im doing all these mechanical replacements for the first time in my life by myself with no other previous experience. My brother always fixed my car but i lost him 2 years ago. I hope he is looking down from heaven and smiling if not for my success then for the fact that i understand why he was pissed alot of the time being a mechanic by trade cause nothing ever went the way it was suppose to. So i say my 3800 is bullet proof as well as fire proof and newbie mechanic proof. I miss you bro God bless. I hope you are proud of me.

[@rayford21]

Speaking of the fuel pump replacement on LeSabers it might be noted that there is a covered "scuttle hole" in the trunk located above the fuel pump. No need to drop the gas tank to replace the pump.

[@stretchambrose8433]

What until you replace the water pump it’s so easy it’s hard to believe

[@matthewmonsour9802]

@@rayford21 thank you for the tip. I was already hip to the hole in the forward right corner of the trunk but I will be calling it a "scuttle hole" from now on thanks to your use of such colorful vernacular. Take care.

[@toolshed7652]

Best engine GM ever made. I was surprised they never put them in the pickup trucks of that era. Good torque, reliable, and way better on fuel than the 4.3

[@joelsimard1148]

Me too, in the S-10/Sonoma they should put the 3.8 V6 as the base engine and keep fhe 4.3 V6 as an option for more hauling capacity. Instead they put the underpowered 2.2 SFI as base engine.

[@meandthemrs7403]

I think they would have been good in an S-10 or Blazer. Not quite as much towing power as the 4.3 that is in my "99 Bravada. I'd like to see someone swap one in.

[@c.mcdermo]

I've seen videos of people hauling ridiculous loads with their LeSabre so I think they couldve done it

[@52BuickBoi]

Yeah but I was gonna say the 4.3 was a really good motor too it was up there with the 3800 they were like 2 of the top best GM made its really a shame they stop making both motors.

[@shannoncoffey4298]

@@c.mcdermo Yes. I towed a double axle U-haul filled with house goods from Florida to Northern VA at 65 MPH on cruse. Unfortunately I burned out the cat. Have replaced it twice now, but otherwise the engine and trans continue today at 210K miles on the car.

[@keanecoquete]

In 2016, I got my first car a 2008 Pontiac G6 coupe with the 3.5 V6. It has seen -45°C winters, nasty pot holes, 2 accidents in its life. Still runs like new after 15 years!

[@richmac918]

Have to agree with everything you said about the 3800. Was first introduced to it when the company I worked for got me a 97 Regal LS. I was shocked at how quite it was considering it was a pushrod engine and that I would routinely get 29/30 mpg on the highway. Got two more before I left the company. They weren't exactly fast but they weren't dogs either. Beat the snot out of each one for over 100K miles and never a hiccup. Such a fan of them that I'm looking at an older Regal for my daughter for her first car

[@utah133]

I've had two cars with this engine. They never burned oil and lasted until I got tired of the car.

[@porkchop10]

Had 3 of them, all over 200,000 easy before I moved on

[@jimeckenrode1271]

I have said the same for years. I had a 2005 Lesabre and on a long trip I could get a little over 36 mpg. The engine had 184,000 miles on it and still run like a top and never had anything except a sensor changed it still had the original plugs in it. The oil and filter were changed every 5000 miles and I never had to add oil to it. Great motor. To bad GM couldn't build a trans that good.

[@jalee6587]

36mpg going down hill at 55mph maybe

[@jimeckenrode1271]

@@jalee6587 70 mph on trips it would get 34 mph on a 200 mile trip to my cottage. I guess you didn't have one that could do it.

[@carhoarder602]

Ever changed the fuel filter ??

[@theewelder]

200r4?

[@turbosteelmeat2274]

Mine from 94 gets 22 mpg on a good day

[@davelowets]

10:48.. The Series III 3800 went to an aluminum intake because of that reason, OH, and the failing intake gaskets causing a coolant leak. It's a common upgrade to replace a failed plastic intake with the later aluminum one. Cures 2 problems at once.

[@waitwhat9689]

Excellent Engine, an iteration of it made it into Indy Racing. I loved my Olds with the 3800. Very Reliable. Only thing I did was swap out injectors.

[@matthewpeterson5281]

I had one of these in my first car at 16, Buick Regal GS 1996. Engine had a head gasket failure and I was too poor and young then to fix it. But, I regularly changed and added oil and the car kept on running even with virtually no coolant. This thing was an unbelievable beast of reliability never to be equaled.

[@ronkemperful]

When I drove my grandmother’s 94 Buick Park Avenue from Denver to Spokane, it cruised effortlessly @ 75mph and got 32mpg the whole way! Then my dad traded it in for an underpowered Lexus ES 350 which got 26mpg on the return trip?! Great video!

[@trevorchapman1694]

The 3800 v6 in both naturally asperated and supercharged was used in the Holden Commodore in Australia

[@angrypearentertainment9052]

I have a 99 park ave ultra with the 3.8 series 2 supercharged engine and it is a boat but i love it!

[@ronkemperful]

Great review of a great engine. My grandmother had a 1994 Buick Park Avenue that at 75 mph got 32 mpg (the same as my 79 manual shift Datsun!).

[@hey_buddy_waz_up]

I drove my 3800 buick regal till I could poke my feet through the floorboards, and the front end needed work. Ended up junking it at 250k. The motor still ran great.

[@Kauffman578]

Why you junked it?

[@abomgaming]

@@Kauffman578 Not worth fixing the frame problems. I got a free 2003 Bonneville as a gift with the 3.8 non supercharged v6. Frame was falling apart and I was told multiple times to scrap it and give up. Car still ran fantastic tho the whole year I drove it

[@maxpainmedia]

😂😂😂

[@mikerodgers44]

I have an 07 Buick Lacrosse with the 3800 series 3, 93000 on the clock great engine 30 mpg on the highway it's now 17 years Old and still going strong.

[@1XSTEALTHTWINTURBOX1]

I really wish you can ask the owner if you can go to dealership. If not with him, by yourself. That would make an insanely awesome video. But hidden camera or just record audio lol

[@buckeyesfan4700]

Damn rite wtf is going on in that shop!

[@CommodoreFan64]

I was thinking the same thing, and then afterwards confront them on camera TV news style with Hoovie as the camera man, and some backup crew in case there is a fight. Start exposing these creeps.

[@MusicConnoisseurian]

Had this happen at Lexus of Westport in CT. I was with my friend and they told him he had oil leak that was severe, but he was planning on getting rid of the car in a year and long story short, it would be a waste to put $2k to only 'reduce the lea but not eliminate because he has many leaks' (their words) to last one more year. They start hemorrhaging when we declined the work because we'd only drive the car another year. They claimed the engine would seize up. I could hardly keep from laughing. It's not that hard to add oil as needed. Anyways, drove his car to TN, WDC, and back to CT probably around a thousand miles and the oil level was the same as when we left. Lexus dealer in Omaha was great, but apparently that's an exception. Connecticut one was truly a "stealership"

[@DarthVader1977]

wish you could*

[@DarthVader1977]

@@buckeyesfan4700 right*

[@demetrisross17]

I had a Lucerne with the 3.8. Because of a cracked coil it misfired when it was rainy. I drove it like this for like 2-3 months. The engine never died. I got into a front end carwreck and it STILL ran no problem!

[@Thomas-lk9ok]

OMG!! I remember this engine from when I was in the trade! I have never been a fan of General Motors products BUT this engine ROCKED!!!!

[@dragan3290]

Scotty kilmer! Excellent teacher teaching us to repair everything! I too a honda civic in the 90s and the mechanic couldn't repair my running rough issue! 650 dollars later i drove out with so much blue smoke i couldn't register it. New rings and done. Btw the carb issue was my idle stop solenoid!!!! I fixed that issue in 10 minutes with electrical tape. I wasonly 20 years old. Subbed and liked 👍 cheers from Australia ❤

[@richardmerriam7044]

I'm in my mid '60s and love big cars. I'll be buying a similar car to the one in the video. Most have been owned by elderly folks who maintained their vehicles well and never abused them. Thanks for the great videos!

[@Wellsparrow]

I love your straight forward and humble, honest approach. Definitely a subscriber.

[@buttonman1831]

I agree man, I know lots of people with that motor and they last. When GM put there mind to it, they can build good stuff.

[@nickking1510]

Hung Lo gm should have kept it and put into CT’s and gave it aluminium heads . Do you know the 3.8 was only 55 lbs heavier than the 3.6 all aluminium high feature engine with its multi chain , 4 cams multi tensioner controlled by oil pressure and long oil change intervals

[@epasternak4206]

I worked with many engineering teams at GM for this engine, those were good days. Now they just fire everyone for no reason!

[@nickking1510]

Eric Pasternak gm had good motors years back 230 250 292 283 327 302 305 326 350 400 348 389 400 409 396 421 425 427 454 455 472 500 4.3 many more

[@ljohns9143]

@@nickking1510 that 4.3 was a great motor.

[@mikecastellon4545]

Gm engineers: 3.8 is the best engine we ever made and the 3.6 is the shittiest. Management says: great, put the 3.6 in everything we make

[@taylorgrounds1443]

Thanks Car Wizard for steering me in the right direction on purchasing a 2003 Buick Lesabre. I happened to find one with 55,000 miles and inspecting it on a lift it is practically a new car. It came with the grandma smell but it is practically a new vehicle and as you said, the parts are cheap and plentiful. One happy guy right here!

[@timmis15]

My 2003 VY Commodore has this engine but as a rear wheel drive version. I also use E10 fuel and works great and haven't had a major problem yet and it's at 195,000km

[@tonyrichards254]

They used the RWD version on 4th-generation Firebirds and Camaros here. Camaro were optional in 1995, standard then and before was the 3.4, which couldn't hold a candle to the 3800 in any way. I had a 3.4, I wished it had been the 3800.

[@EasyAchiever65]

@Edward Gross They dropped it in 2005 when they went to the VZ and onwards and replaced it with the GM 3.6 ltr 'alloytec'. Not sure what they are called elsewhere, but they weren't a bad replacement and are fairly reliable

[@alpha_au]

I've had over 20 vt vx and vy commodores. And only two VZ's, Aussies will understand why I've avoided VZ's....lol

[@scod3908]

VZ has the 3.6L... might be a variant of the one he mentions is garbage.

[@alpha_au]

@@scod3908 bingo

[@marshallthreats4643]

About time someone gives the 3800 some love.

[@LarsonFamilyFarm-LLC]

Agreed!..wonderful engine...can go 400k to 500k miles...just keep watch of that ERG pipe in plastic manifold burn through and update those other plastic elbows to metal ones.

[@marshallthreats4643]

@@LarsonFamilyFarm-LLC yeah those intake gaskets are a pain too. But i love the torque these engines make.

[@LarsonFamilyFarm-LLC]

@@marshallthreats4643 Yeah, they can hammer 0-to-60 really fast....been a few rare instances where i got caught up in a slow boxed-in dangerous ugly spot...and once i was able to break free of ugly...floored it...always an impressive get away from dangerous.

[@marshallthreats4643]

@@LarsonFamilyFarm-LLCyeah i did 0 to 60 in my 02 grand prix gt in the high 6 second range and all i have is a catless downpipe and wider tires all around. Not bad for an old pushrod v6.

[@warpig4942]

Buick 3800 and Grand Funk Railroad The only two good things to ever come out of Flint, Michigan

[@thisismagacountry1318]

Terry Crews

[@ScottClevelandmi]

They used to make Chevy trucks!

[@rikkivongossel1911]

Lol, having grown up there, I agree.

[@joshdomke5125]

@@ScottClevelandmi They still do

[@randolphtolbert3825]

I grew up two blocks from Buick City. My dad worked in pant 36 for 46 years.

[@justinbentleybse]

Absolutely the best engine, I had it from 167,000 mile to 254,000 (in Australia, in a Holden VT Commodore) and all I replaced was the water pump.

[@gwcrispi]

Had one of these in my 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix GTP. Supercharger went tits up at 100,000. Pulled the belt off and kept going. Engine didn't miss a beat.