Stumbled across an 89 or 90 Lesabre. I have not looked at it yet, but my sis and her hubby looked at it for me. (50 miles away). Seller says it has a broken camshaft, cellphone pic shows the motor still assembled though. Not sure how one could know that without taking it apart. If it is broken, what all could be damaged? I need parts for the twins pretty bad, so it probably wouldnt hurt my feelings to use it for a donor car. Thoughts appreciated!

I've seen it happen on a 1991 Bonneville SSE that was driven VERY hard. Have heard of it on a couple other occasions, but the 1991 went when the 18 yo driving it tried holding first gear until 60 mph.

It can happen..as anything..but it'* rare.

Seller probably has no idea what he/she is talking about. There'* things that can happen to the crank (like screwing up the main/rod bearings, having the balancer on the end screwed up, etc.) but a "break" in the crankshaft...I doubt it. To break a journal out of the crank requires a heck of a lot of force. If in doubt, pull the plugs and do a compression check and watch the crank nut while working the starter.