Dear GM and Cadillac,

I am writing because I am very upset at my catera and upset at the way Cadillac has handle the way they have address these issues.

I finally saved up enough cash for my first Cadilliac and I bought a 1998 Catera in CASH. I working 60 + hours and a mom of 2 young kids and it was the car of my dreams. Fast forward to 3000 miles and 4 yes you read that right 4 weeks of no transportation because my car will not start. So 3 repair places including the dealership and 500 dollars in repair we found out it the the Key on my car. Lets not forget I live in Sunny Florida which now I am having to car pool to work which I have to beg for rides to work and to daycare to get my kids there on time and to work in which my friend god bless her takes me to work in a car which has NO AC which makes matters worst because both of my kids have Reactive AIrway Diease so between the heat which is in the 90's and having to open the windows just for some air movement now has cause me even more money because we now have daily breathing treatment. So I am over joyed and 500 dollars poorer but still happy because I got my Caddie back. Well let me tell you after 20 miles and 40 minutes later in a drive through line at the local fast food place when my car which should be FIXED makes a beep sound and then it DIES worst part the car will not even go into park finally get it into park and the car will not start or even make a noise one bit at all. Nothing Nada Dead !!!!!! So finally after 5 minutes we got it in N and push out of the drive thru and parked so in a space. One good thing out of this is the dealership is I called them almost in tears and told them what was going on and he towed it back to the dealership gave me a car rental. My complaint is the fact Cadillac knows that this car has a long track record of problems and now the fact I need help no one wants to help fix my car or even know how to fix it. It took them at the dealership 4 days to figaure out that my key was the problem with the car. And now that it is dead dead they do not know what is wrong with it now.
I am afread to know what is wrong now and the cost of this problem. What I do not understand is why is everyone acting like this is a Red Headed Step Child of Cadillac. I was going to buy another Cadillac but this car and the way I am being treated and the lack of help and just throwing parts at this car has turn me off Cadillac. I hope that the dealer will help as I have put in over half of the price I paid for this car in repair cost in less than 3000 miles.

This is the redhead step child of Cadillac. It was designed by Opel (a german company). Manufactured by Saab (a french company). GM pushes the car onto Chevy in South America and Cadillac in North America.

These cars are miles different then what a Cadillac technician sees in a day. Keep in mind that alot of technicians that where around during their release never even got trained how to work on them. A new technician probably has never heard them talked about in depth.

You might want to call your local Saab dealer, explain what you have been through so far and they might take it in. They have many cars with similar systems, engines....etc...if anyone can help you they will probably be it. My local dealership actually sent my Catera over to the next city. There is a Saab/Cadillac dealership over there and they have one guy who works on Saabs and any Cateras that come through.

I would suggest that next time you by a car find a forum site like this one regardless of the make or model and find out some insider information. Owners that work on their cars can at least give you a list of problems and what to look out for in regards to specifics. The first thing that would have came up with a Catera was a trip to the local dealership and pulling repair information to see if the timing belt had been done. (example)

I sorry about what you are going through. It seems that so many people jumped on this car as their first nice car, a Cadillac. They ended up with a bad taste in their mouth by the end of it.

My complaint is the fact Cadillac knows that this car has a long track record of problems and now the fact I need help no one wants to help fix my car or even know how to fix it.

I don't want to seem rude, but surely you must be the only one who didn't know this. And the problems aren't unique to just your car. And you might want to account for all the work you and/or your husband did on the vehicle....maybe....not being done correctly. I'm just guessing here but I'll bet I'm not far off.

I would suggest that next time you by a car find a forum site like this one regardless of the make or model and find out some insider information. Owners that work on their cars can at least give you a list of problems and what to look out for in regards to specifics.

This is absolutely elemental. For most people a vehicle is the second largest financial decision they make. Why would you just run out and buy a VERY used vehicle with pretty paint. And when you play used vehicle roulette, why are you surprised when the car turns out to be a lemon? Before I buy a vehicle (especially a used vehicle) I do hours of research online. And I always advocate paying a few bucks to have a real mechanic do a thorough check-up on any used vehicle before you buy it. Pull up the vehicle service records. INSIST on having the name of the previous owner and contact them.

I feel your pain, and I understand your circumstances are difficult. Live and learn, and next time do your research. If you MUST throw caution to the wind in order to get a "dream car," invest in a good extended used car warranty. :yup:





Sounds like things worked themselves out 2 days later anyway:


I have to say a HUGE thank you for the wonderful group at Dew Cadillac.

I have a 1998 Catera and it is the Famous Red headed Step Child car of Cadillac but still drives great and I love mine to Death !!!

Todd and the wonderful Service People at Dew took great care of me and my Catera. My car was out of service for 4 weeks trying to figaure out what was wrong. Dew Finally found out what was going on and got me on the road asap ! Then My Catera Died again the same day it came out of the shop and i called almost in tears and they got me a tow back and a rental car and my Catera Fix once again in no time all in a day turn around time. I would be lost with out them and they were wonderful help. Dew and the Team at Dew Cadillac has restored my faith in Cadillacs again.



Again Todd THANK YOU SO SO MUCH !!!!!

Great Job guys at Dew !!!