| Considered a '97, and bought it anyway.
I read the warnings before the purchase. I was going out of lease on my Copper Sunburst '03 CTS, and decided to get off the new car treadmill for at least one cycle.
In researching, I came to the conclusion that the most cars for the money in used cars were the XJ8 and the Catera with $10k seperating the two. Although the XJ8's were $50k off new and the Catera only $25k, the Catera presented better day to day drivability and reasonableness.
I found a car in as new condition with 25k miles. It was absolutely loaded. There is no other car in America that can cruise at 120, has full leather, heated memory seats, climate control, rudementary traction control, etc. etc. for less than $8000.00 in excellent condition.
After two weeks and 1500 miles, I am as pleased as can be. In many ways, I find the Catera a better and more user-friendly car than the CTS (although I did love the CTS). Definitely missing, however, is the "oooh" factor in appearance and useable cup holders.
For my 2 cents, I found the best kept secret in America. Despite the naysaying in the other threads, there must be others that agree with me? | 
