***Note: the Caddy I really want (and have been wanting for a while) is a 90-92 Brougham d'elegance...***

Now I currenlty have an 85 Fleetwood Brougham d'elegance and an 89 Brougham d'elegance...

Hey guys, this is just an idea, I have recently been looking at Caddys for sale in my area (So. Cali) and found 2 that might be possible candidates:

Caddy # 1) 94 Fleetwood Brougham w/ 80k, blue/blue, guy says it has every option except moon roof asking price is ~$4600. This one I plan on looking at in person tommorow.

Caddy # 2) 68 Coupe DeVille, tmu, blk/blk, this guy says the tranny was rebuilt about 1 year ago and it has less than 4k on it. He says the engine runs great, cloth interior, minimal rust under the viynal roof.

I wish I had the money for both, but if you had to choose one, which would it be and why?

P.S. My pop has a 68 Coupe DeVille sitting in the back yard (this car would need a frame off resto, or it would make an excllent parts car...)

I guess it depends on whether it's going to be a driver or collector. As much as I love a '68, the car will probably only get like 9 mpg around town and no matter how well rebuilt, reconditioned or restored it is, it will need more in the way of repairs, dried up seals etc. If your looking for a collector car, then it's got to be the '68. As often as we see these Broughams being advertised as "rare" and "collectable" most Cadillacs don't start to become seriously collectable until they're about 30 years old or more.

True, but the '68 is not a convertible.. so it isn't worth much more than the Brougham.

I agree though, if you want a driver.. buy the '94. The LT1 makes 16-19 mpg in the city and up to 27 mpg on the highway.

Definitely Fleetwood Brougham with LT1 ;)

I realize the '68 is not a convertible but it's price is on it's way up. Hate to say it (cause I own one) but the 90's generation Fleetwood prices are still on the downward track unless the car is in very good condition.

I looked at the 94 Fleetwood, and the car is in pritty good shape. It needs minor body repairs (a small dent on the hood on the pass side right about the head light, misc scratches, nothing too serious though, the gray plastic molding that is on the front bumper; pass side is missing, some of the chrome plated plastic trim is starting to bubble, etc). Also a good detail would really help out the interior, the leather was kind of dry but not cracking, just normal ware. And the carpets need a shampoo.

Mechanically, That LT1 has a nice pull to it considering how heavy the Caddy is! I was impressed! The only problem that I notice mechanically was that the car was pulling to the right, I don't know if just a front end alignment would take care of that or if the situation is more serious... But all acc. including a/c work.

The owner is not really negotiable on the price, and the excact asking price on the Fleetwood is $4800. It is below book, but out of my budget, so I will have to see.

Still waiting to see the 68, that will probabbly be over the weekend.

But as far as a second car/cruser the Fleetwood might be better as far as the gas milage goes. I did think about the 68 needing more issues as suggested by some members here, and I really would not have the money for that.

it looks like you're in California like me. Buying Caddies out here can be tough as the climate keeps the bodies rust free but the sun baking can kill the tops, interiors and paint. If the Fleet has over 100k on the clock, than definitely hold out on that guy, there's a real nice '94 in Redondo Beach (see LA craigslist) for $5500 but that guy has been sitting on that car for 2 months and needs to come down as well. I got mine for $5k, see pics under my other post, with 71k on the clock and really I felt like I was overpaying a bit but at the time I had NO car so I couldn't wait him out as well.

Hey what a co-incidence. I own both a 68 Caddy (sedan) and a 96 LT1 Roadmaster. Both are great cars.

LT1 is a reliable fuel-efficient driver. Even the higher mileage ones are keepers. Performance-wise it'll smoke the 472 all day long.

472 Cad is super-reliable. In 10 years I've probably averaged a few hundred per year in repairs. But the 3-speed and 472, while fuel efficient for its size, will bleed you at the pumps if you do a lot of city driving. I used my 68 as a DD for a few years and it costs.

I understand if you're younger you can't buy/insure/maintain both. But someday soon you can easily own both. If I could only pick one I'd go LT1. Easier to live with and more importantly, nice ones are getting more scarce. Prices on these will go up so get one now.

By contrast, in a couple years when you add to your collection there will still be lots of 472s out there at a good price.

Don't even look at that coupe. You'll end up buying it cuz they're sweet and he will be willing to deal. But if you look again in a year or two many will still be around... and ready to deal. Non-convertibles are a tough sell.

It depends what you want the car for. If it's a toy, get the 68, no question. Yes, it may need some work, but parts are dead cheap and they are so easy to work on. And, once the issues are sorted out, the car is near-bulletproof mechanically. But, if this is going to be your primary car, then the 94's the one to get, if only due to the better gas mileage. Either way, buy the best one you can afford, because it will save you big bucks and lots of headaches down the road. Happy hunting!

Craig (also in SoCal!)

With gas prices now at levels of summer a year and a half ago, it seems the price of oil isn't coming down anytime soon. It would be well worth looking more seriously at the later model Fleetwood. Being the car shares the chassis with many many GM cars (73-77 A/G cars, 70-81 F-Body front suspension, 77-96 B/D cars, and even some parts on the 71-76 B/C/D cars) makes them uber reliable and parts very readily available. Any issues are WELL documented.

Personally, with drivability, mpg, creature comforts (heated seats, decent handling, lots of high perf parts available) the 94-96's are a sweet deal. Considering they went for nearly $40K new (give or take $5K depending on options), $5K is 90% cheaper than new. Granted, it isn't new, but 90% depreciation sure gives you one heck of a great car for the buck. Love how people think their ricer "holds its value", yeah, nothing is better to replace it with, same plain brown wrapper to be stuck in....no more power, no more options, no better styling....

Flash cash with the guy (if you think that can help), if he really wants to move it, he might bend. Don't be a jerk with him, be honest and polite, by all means make sure he has you contact info if he changes his mind if he rejects your best offer. Check back every couple weeks too. I paid $3800 for mine, but it wasn't perfect, and the Wisconsin salt is showing its toll on the car this year (rear bumper and edge of hood and at the bottom of the B pilar).

You gots lots of good advice on this thread! Still, it is your $$, your ride, and if you choose something else and aren't happy with it, you may have lost $$.

I can say the 94 Fleetwood I have (94 Fleetwood Brougham with the 7000# towing package) has been one of my all time favorite cars that I have owned. Needs more work on the suspension (mine is getting pretty worn down, I have 238K miles now), but pulls like a freight train to almost any speed.