Consumer Report: What's YOUR opinion? We'd like to know...

[Texas Frank]

I have the 2001 and am happy. Well sort of. I priced the V8 Opel Omega and it would cost about $70,000 here in the states. With the premium BOSE, Ricaro seats, and other premium equiptment this car will never be cost effective here in the states. Too bad it would rival BMW and Benz. Now I need to replace the tires at 21,000 miles. Should I get some cheapies, since the front ends eats them ? http://home.anet.net.tw/bob_chen/Arm.../Arm_front.htm
This is the fix for the front end problem. The dealer/GM needs to address this as a class action item. As a group we need to fix the few remaining glitches that GM failed to do.
Texas Frank

[iteme1084]

i had the same wet floor problem in my 97. Wet leaves in the filter res.

[Kevin756]

Probably not the best time to add my opinion to this thread, but I will anyway. I have a 2000 Catera that I bought used in 2003 after wrecking a 1998 I bought used in 2001. The 1998 did not give me any trouble, so it seemed natural to replace it with a newer model since my wife really liked the car. By 2003, there was enough information out there to make the purchase of one of these cars something to seriously consider due to the high repair rate. Well, here I am three years later wishing I had bought an Acura instead. The latest problem is going to cost me over $2,000 to fix. It needs both the heat exchanger water leak repaired and the auxillary water pump replaced. Also needs the valve cover gaskets replaced. Then they can fix the electrical problems from the leaking water, which should just be a new connecter and fuse to the BCM. I know some are saying I could save a bundle by doing the work myself and not have the shop do it, but frankly, I do not have the patience (or time) to work on cars anymore. This car has stranded my wife when the crank sensor failed. The ignition cylinder broke and the car could not be started. Another tow bill. The rear passenger window is broken and we have to leave it up until I do get the time to take the panel off and see what part broke in there. It eats up tires like there's no tomorrow. And, I really am not impressed with the performance or ride. I had a Sedan DeVille before the 1998 Catera and it would flat out slaughter the Catera off the line. Much nicer ride for long trips also. Put 165,000 trouble free miles on it. This 2000 only has under 80,000 on it and I do not plan on keeping it to watch the 100K roll over. OK, I feel better now that I could rant about this car. I first discovered this forum three years ago when I researched some stuff. Back then, there was hardly any activity compared to now. I was surprised to see how many posts a day hit this forum. Almost all of them about problems too. I hope no one else has to have this many repairs all at once during a time when there is too much on the plate as it is.

Kevin

[Cat-a-Tonic]

Well Kevin, people without problems don't usually go out of their way to look for answers when there is no question! I think the saying may suffer translated from Polish. Hence the activity of this site . Which I say is a good thing! Anyway my Cat has 233,000 km. bought it with 163,000 km. fixed the door holders and other minor interior bits. Car ran fine. Then the plastic heater valve needed replacing. no sweat. replaced the rear shocks as they were leaking. No biggy. Then I wanted the serpentine belt, timing belt, idlers and tensioner replaced. Took it the local Caddy dealer. They checked their records and found the recall on the timing belt/water pump had not been done. Lucky me it cost me $65 to do the whole works. Life is good. Then just before the next oil change was due I blew up the motor. Connecting rods poking holes in the cast iron block from every direction.
Had a recycled (not overhauled) engine installed. Came with a one year warranty from the recycler, which paid off, cause I blew that engine too. Just before the next oil change was due. Huh! But didn't notice any block damage. Just wouldn't light up. Pitty it only had about 65,000 km on it. But I did learn to recognize the unmistakable "FRAP, frap" of the timing beld flying apart. So I got another engine but it had 107,000 km on it. Has the original timing belt/water pump. I'll think of changing it MYSELF when the one year warranty has run out.
Needs: new front end sway bar/idler arms, coolant reservour (sensors shot, sending low coolant signal, I just jumpered it out).
Wants : headers,(lol),, supercharger with magnetic clutch. New connecting rods to drop the compression a bit to accomodate the supercharger. Temp gauges for cold air intake, compressed air into/out of the cooler pack, xmission fluid temp/pressure. Humm, why not throw in a higher rpm torque converter and new higher ratio rear end w/posi'. May as well get that out of the way with the other mod's.
Other than that I'm scaring myself when I'm crusin' along and look down at the speedometer. The car handles soo well on all country roads or the expressways. It's nothing to find myself doing 110 mph. This car required that I utilize the cruise control on road trips.
I love the look and so do a lot of people who you'd think would find the body style aging. But classics never do age! People don't drive classics because they're reliable!! They drive them 'cause they love them!! And they don't tell you to take out the garbage, or lets go shoppin', cut the grass, etc.
Take car of the Catera. It's well worth the reward.
If anyone wants to walk away from their Cat, I've got a couple of parking spots here at home.

[cpttubbs]

cat,

I have a 2000 catera I'll let go for 5,800. it's not bad , the mileage is great...but the maintenance is looking scary. It doesn't leak coolant, but one of the valve cover gaskets leaks a little. I'm getting ready to replace the bcm because the left high beam won't work and the right one comes on randomly... let me know if you want more info or pics. it's 5,800 firm and delivery is on you. its currently in TN.

Take care

[Cat-a-Tonic]

Cpt. Tubbs, sir,

Like I said, " If you want to just walk away from the car, I have a parking spot here at home". Hell, I don't mind travelling t' Tennessee. But a handshake and a thank you's all I'm offerin' in exchange.
Good luck on the sale of your Cat.

[davis]

Want your opinion:
What would you Pay......for a 99 Cat in good aesthetic shape with 93k miles that has good service records from the local caddy dealership, including oil changes, back to 48k miles? It appears only thing out of the ordinary is an oil filter adapter that turned a routine $30 oil change into a $200 change. I don't mind taking it in every 7-8 months for minor fixes, but it is going to come off of the price of the car. Also, what should I ask when at the dealer. I read earlier about recall fixes, and if they have been done.
Thanks in advance!

[rinverso]

I bought an 01 ivory cat with the works, has 57,000 miles.... although i wish i had gotten the sport model. this one was in such awesome condition with all maintiance records and a lifetime florida car. i couldn't resist. i bought and extended 3 year 36,000 mile warranty which includes seals and gaskets. i paid $6,100 on ebay. i love the look, with the chrome wheels and profile. i painted the brake calipers red and installed a matching oem spoiler. the k&n air intake is coming and the tuning market black grill from germany, to get rid of that chevy lumina, corsica front end look. my wife drives it mostly, and reminds us of our previous mercedes 300e and c280. hoping to get 3 good years out of it.
thanks, robert

[usc2005]

I bought a 1997 catera for 6k. Had to have the oil cooler, and head gaskets replaced. Just replaced the heater bybass valve.


I dont care i love this car no matter the problems. Its fun learning about the car and maintaining her. Hope everyone has some good luck.

[Jen_Kenne]

I just inherited a 1999 Catera. This is my first non-Benz since 1982, and the Catera seems very nice and reminds me of a MB E-Class. It has 24,000 miles and an extended warranty. It gave the original owner 'almost' trouble-free service until I inherited it. It runs perfectly, and I have to decide to keep or sell.

[SD native]

I am really disappointed with the quality of our 2000 Catera. I had hoped for more out of a Cadillac. I bought the car used with low mileage and a service record of maintenance from either dealerships or ASE certified shops. The car looked to be in beautiful shape and well cared for. I thought it would be a safe and reliable car for my son to take to college. It has been towed off the highway at least once each month this winter-4 times total. Not really a safe thing to be stranded in a South Dakota winter. I have paid to have coolant leaks fixed, a number of oil leaks including rear main seal, intake gaskets, so many leaks I can't count. The starter went out, an expensive set of tires, the flywheel then broke and then the transmission torque converter. None of these are cheap repairs on a Catera. The latest is something that was supposed to have been repaired at a dealership under a recall--a timing belt problem that caused what the recall termed a "catastrophic engine failure". No kidding! The engine is now junk and needs to be replaced. It is again at a GM dealership in the town my son attends college at. I am waiting to see if Cadillac will step up to the plate and cover this since the recall in 2003 was supposed to fix this issue, but we were supposed to hear from them with-in 24 to 48 hours and that was last wednesday. It is now monday. I am hoping for the best, but not expecting much. My wife and I were intending to buy a new car this spring and have test driven a new CTS. I am waiting to see how Cadillac handles this to decide if I will ever buy another GM product or do what so many other Americans are doing and start buying foreign cars.

[Jen_Kenne]

Originally Posted by Jen_Kenne

I just inherited a 1999 Catera. This is my first non-Benz since 1982, and the Catera seems very nice and reminds me of a MB E-Class. It has 24,000 miles and an extended warranty. It gave the original owner 'almost' trouble-free service until I inherited it. It runs perfectly, and I have to decide to keep or sell.

Ok, I'm quoting myself. Sue me if you don't like it.

Car discussion groups seem to attract two types of owners. They love it or they hate it. The lovers come to talk about how they enjoy and to share their experiences. The haters come to complain and/or look for help with the problems they are having.

This is the second domestic car I've owned. The last one was a 1955 Imperial I bought for $35 when I was in college.

I've owned a number of S-class and E-class Mercedes. The Catera, based upon an Opel, is clearly targeted at the E-class Benz. The size, features, performance, etc. are very much in line with the E-class.

My car is in its tenth year, and has given trouble-free service. It's never stranded anyone on the road, and never been towed to the shop. When I had it in for routine service at Ed Morse Bayview Cadillac in Fort Lauderdale, I drove a new CTS. Interestingly, it had the same number of miles as my car. If one closed one's eyes, the differences would be subtle. Very similar feel, with an edge in streering to the new car. A very big edge to the sound of the 1999 car. The 2008 sounded harsh and tinny compared to the 1999.

It des everything it should. It's quick, quiet and reliable. It is a pity that Cadillac had such trouble with the 1997 and 1998, not the least being that they created a bad reputation for the car. Shame on you, Cadillac. you seem to have fixed the problems in 1999. Good for you, Cadillac. A pity you did not step back and take care of your customers in 1997 and 1999. Mercedes Benz would have in a similar situation.

Oh yes. One more item. The overall level of service quality at Bayview does not match that of the two Mercedes Benz dealers here. The loaner car policy is sub-standard. The service reps are outside in the tropics - not in A/C cubicles. The Cadillac service reps do not read their email. Finally, Cadillac's website does not match Mercedes, and does not have access to the full set of maintenance records.

In overall terms, I give my 1999 Catera 94 out of 100 points. I give Bayview Cadillac 85 out of 100 points. YMMV. Thanks for reading.

[SD native]

Boy, I wish we would be having a similar experience with our 2000 Catera. You do seem to be right about these forums though-- The owners either have had great luck or very poor luck. I have the misfortune of being in the latter group with this car. The things I mentioned didn't even count the small issues I have had with the car either. The car has so many nice features that I wish it would have been reliable. After the most recent problem, I did some extensive research and came across a site with the service bulletins and recalls listed for Catera and it seems there are quite a number of them. It seems also to have been my misfortune to have experienced most of them first hand. I guess for me the Catera concept was great...just Cadillac's execution of it seems to be lacking. The local dealer service manager seemed to agree with that assessment.

[Jen_Kenne]

Originally Posted by SD native

Boy, I wish we would be having a similar experience with our 2000 Catera. You do seem to be right about these forums though-- The owners either have had great luck or very poor luck. I have the misfortune of being in the latter group with this car. The things I mentioned didn't even count the small issues I have had with the car either. The car has so many nice features that I wish it would have been reliable. After the most recent problem, I did some extensive research and came across a site with the service bulletins and recalls listed for Catera and it seems there are quite a number of them. It seems also to have been my misfortune to have experienced most of them first hand. I guess for me the Catera concept was great...just Cadillac's execution of it seems to be lacking. The local dealer service manager seemed to agree with that assessment.

SD Native, I hear your pain. I wonder if it has anything to do with the day of manufacture, or is that an urban myth? I'm in tropical florida and if SD is South Dakota, I wonder if weather is a factor?

[investor74]

Originally Posted by Jen_Kenne

SD Native, I hear your pain. I wonder if it has anything to do with the day of manufacture, or is that an urban myth? I'm in tropical florida and if SD is South Dakota, I wonder if weather is a factor?

I have a '97 that we bought in fall '96. Just turned 100K yesterday on a 350 mile trip. The car has been more reliable the past 5 years or so than the first six years. However, there have been few periods of time when something wasn't leaking from the car - currently I have an oil leak.

I think some of these problems that second and third owners experience are due to poor maintenance before they got it. In some cases, cars that should be melted down - cars in bad accidents, cars in floods, etc, - are "fixed up" and resold. The unsuspecting new owner is in for trouble. Always buy a used car from a reliable dealer and do a Carfax.

Barry