This has been my daily driver since June 2013. It's a 2004 LeSabre Custom with the Gran Touring package. This option is quickly recognizable by the rims - unique to the Gran Touring - and I haven't seen another one on the road since I've owned mine. It had about 41k on it when I bought it from my buddy's dad, and has almost 55k on the clock as of now.
Shortlist of features:
3.8L "3800 Series II" V6, 205hp/230lbft
4-speed 4T65-E trans
Auto-leveling rear suspension (air shocks)
Power windows, locks, cruise
Leather seats, power
Manual climate control
AM/FM/CD, no tape
The Y56 Gran Touring package added:
Unique 16" chromed aluminum wheels
225/60R16 tires
Rear stabilizer bar
3.05 final drive (compared to standard 2.86)
It was a trade-in at the Toyota dealer my buddy's dad drives the shuttle van for, with only 12k on it in 2009. He drove it for 4 years and babied it. He put brand-new Michelin Defenders on and flushed the trans within 3 months of selling - he only let it go because a 2010 Lexus ES350 came in on trade with 20k that was in showroom condition, and he got a smoking deal on it.
Typical GM idiosyncrasies aside, the 3.8 is a rock-solid motor, it drives great and is phenomenal on fuel on the highway. I only picked it up because I know my buddy's dad's ownership history with vehicles (garage-kept, waxed regularly, OCD with maintenance, always OEM parts etc.).
Work I have done, aside from regular maintenance:
- replaced both original front lower control arms with Dorman a few months ago when the bushings started developing play (clunk)
- replaced the original outer tie rod ends with Moog greaseable when the control arms were done
- replaced the block heater and coolant when the old one popped out on the highway (apparently a common issue on the 3.8 due to overtightening when installed)
- replaced flex section of power steering return line, was weeping at swage to hard line
I'd love a Panther daily driver again...but the mileage boost with the 3.8 and proven reliability make it hard to part with.
From last winter: driving in snow = twisted star rims! Unfortunately this is what it will look like here very shortly.
Shortlist of features:
3.8L "3800 Series II" V6, 205hp/230lbft
4-speed 4T65-E trans
Auto-leveling rear suspension (air shocks)
Power windows, locks, cruise
Leather seats, power
Manual climate control
AM/FM/CD, no tape
The Y56 Gran Touring package added:
Unique 16" chromed aluminum wheels
225/60R16 tires
Rear stabilizer bar
3.05 final drive (compared to standard 2.86)
It was a trade-in at the Toyota dealer my buddy's dad drives the shuttle van for, with only 12k on it in 2009. He drove it for 4 years and babied it. He put brand-new Michelin Defenders on and flushed the trans within 3 months of selling - he only let it go because a 2010 Lexus ES350 came in on trade with 20k that was in showroom condition, and he got a smoking deal on it.
Typical GM idiosyncrasies aside, the 3.8 is a rock-solid motor, it drives great and is phenomenal on fuel on the highway. I only picked it up because I know my buddy's dad's ownership history with vehicles (garage-kept, waxed regularly, OCD with maintenance, always OEM parts etc.).
Work I have done, aside from regular maintenance:
- replaced both original front lower control arms with Dorman a few months ago when the bushings started developing play (clunk)
- replaced the original outer tie rod ends with Moog greaseable when the control arms were done
- replaced the block heater and coolant when the old one popped out on the highway (apparently a common issue on the 3.8 due to overtightening when installed)
- replaced flex section of power steering return line, was weeping at swage to hard line
I'd love a Panther daily driver again...but the mileage boost with the 3.8 and proven reliability make it hard to part with.
From last winter: driving in snow = twisted star rims! Unfortunately this is what it will look like here very shortly.
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