I just got a new 97 catera about a month ago , and i have no complain, best car fot the value, i also own a 2000 maxima and that is another great car...
Does anyone know if the catera has a body kit i can purchase? or any other GM kit that will fit on the catera with some custom work.
I've been lurking around here for a while. My wife has a thing for Caddies and I end up fixing them. She trashed her STS and not has a 98 Cat. Not too bad in terms of problems. The standard stuff. Heater Control Valve, tire wear, timing belt was replaced by recall, and last night I finished up the valve cover gaskets. It's still missing though. I'm afraid the wires need to be changed. Lowest price I found was $140 for the set at Carquest. Ouch.
If I can make a suggestion, it's search the archives. I'm constantly amazed at people who post stories of going to the dealer for an oil leak (obviously the valve covers 9/10 times) and end up replacing oil pan, head gasket, etc. and finally the valve covers. If you're a member of this forum and the Yahoo group, you can save yourself thousands of dollars.
I own a 98 Catera. The car has had a host of problems, mostly electrical. A portion of the trunk brake light went out, it cost $200. The airbag light came on one day, had to go in to be reset. Just had a remote starter put in, now I need a new radio. The horn fuse keeps blowing. The heated seats don't work right. After the timing belt recall work was done it smells like it's burning antifreeze all the time. I can't believe that there wasn't a total recall of this model. I am not the only one who has had this many problems with this "lemon mobile".
bought one on ebay. flying out at 7 am to drive it home. i found this website full of complaints after i made my non-refundable deposit
i have a 7 and a half hour drive tomorrow morning to get my catera (97) home. only good thing is that with 119k, hopefully all of the problems have occurred and been addressed already. we shall see.
Hey Fellow Caddy Lovers
Well I guess that I am very lucky I started in the Cadillac Family 30 years ago and I 39 years young I have been lucky enough to own about 25 Cadillacs thoughout these years My best one was A New 1980 Cadillac Deville Black on Black she was a beauty I have had so many of the beauties that I really can't tell you guys about eveyone of them Do you Guys Collect Cadillac Memorbilia Boy I do Have just about everything that you can think of let me hear form some of you I drive a 1999 Deville d"elegance All Factory color White Diamond I really can't get ready for the new Bodystyles I am of the old Cadillac Family where these beauties were Big Fat Long and Low Now thats a CADILLAC!!!!!
I have a 1998 with everything except seat heaters and rear curtain. The Boze system is awesome. Love it. Bought it with 58,000 miles on it a couple of months ago. Oil cooler had been replaced in Jan. 2003 at 51,000 miles. Timing belt, tensioner, water pump campaign done in 2002. New battery Jan. 2002. Camshaft covers and gaskets replaced Jan. 2002 at 39,000 miles. SAI hose campaign done July 2001 at 32,000 miles. Harmonic balancer campaign done Sept 1999. I have the original owners manual and both key FOD's. Clean Carfax. I have the dealer's warranty records. The one owner before me bought the car from the Cad dealer she worked for. All the service was done by them. I use all synthetic oils - Mobil 1 0/40 for engine, Mobil 1 synthetic ATF in tranny and power stearing, and Mobil 1 75/90 synthetic gear oil in differential. I get about 19 to 20 MPG in the city. The only problem I have is fueling. It likes to shut the pump off frequently. Have to fillup manually - slowly. It's handles like a dream, is quiet, and responsive.
I have had my 97 Catera for 4 days. 119K and runs/drives great. I do need a lower ball joint. I have the gas pump problem as well. I guess it is just the design of the filler tube???
Couple probably silly questions:
It didn't come with an owner's manual
I changed my oil. It took 6.5 quarts. Is that correct?
It looks like my front transmission seal may be leaking a little, but where/how do you check or change transmission fluid? I couldn't find a dipstick or filler tube. Is it underneath the car? I have ordered an owners manual and repair manuals, but I am curious
I got the car off of EBAY for $3400. It is the nicest car I have ever owned including brand new cars and a truck.
Even if I need to have some engine work done, I don't mind, I'll still have a real nice car for about $5000, but there is no antifreeze in my oil.
I own a 2000 catera ,,,,,,and believe you me its a lemon,mass air flow changed,secondary antifreeze pump changed,crank sensor,twice the valve cover's and gaskets changed,pcv seperator also !!!etc!!! whats gonna be next ???only has 122000 km to it,runs on sythetic oil,filters (air,oil and fuel) are changed every 5000 km,new brake disks and pads,exaust line,,, no lady could ask for more ,,,and what about 5x110 bolt pattern does not leave mutch choice for mags,,,,,,
Re: How many actually own one? 
