Originally Posted By: mk378
My friend has one. The engine and transmission design has a very solid reputation. The rest of the car is not bad either. One known weak point is the plastic coolant elbows. Replace them before they break. This is simple to do while the coolant is out.
You know the tires are bad, also look for rusted brake rotors, which commonly result from infrequent use. Stuff like this is a negotiating point to lower the price.
Last June we bought a 2006 Buick Lacrosse 3.8l for $ 6250 out the door . Discovered the coolant elbow issue , so I changed them for metal elbows , akk heater hoses & all radiator hoses , plus thermostat . Added 1 gallon of new 100% Dexcool . Services fluids , filters , oil / filter change .
The car had 37,000 and change on the odometer . Very happy with the deal ( good tires , brakes , suspension , A/C , transmission , engine , interior & exterior ) .
Unless something is obviously wrong with the Lucerne , I would styart counting out the $$$ .