hello,
I am interested in purchasing a Cadillac STS, and I have come across a 1999 STS with 116,000 Km (72079 miles) it is black on black leather with the chrome rims but no sun roof. I am very interested in purchasing this car. It has a minor oil leak is this a major problem?, and maybe a rough driver before me but other than that it is excellent shape. Any comments? what should i look for before i buy this car? any concerns or past experiences?

any information from ppl will

You might want to have the car checked out at the cadillac dealership. Oil leaks can be small problems or large ones. To know how serious it is you need to know where the oil is coming from. You can check for codes by pressing up/info on the hud. Northstars are a high-rev motor and like to be driven hard, and this prevents carbon build up in the engine.
E

Whats the asking price??

asking price is $9,000 (canadian)

Maintenance is a major concern although a '99 should not require too much routine work except for oil changes. Does he have any records to go with it? Any major work done to it?

no major work done to it. im gonna get a compression test done on it. but what else do you mean by "maintenance"?

For that price, I wouldnt even worry, as long as there is no head gasket work needed, which costs between $2000-$5000. I HIGHLY suggest you take it to a Cadillac dealership to find out where the leak is coming from, have them give you an estimate, then negotiate your price from there. If your estimate is less than a couple thousand, I would probably say to go ahead and buy the car if its clean.

I bought my '99 STS for a good price, come to find out both head gaskets were blown. Under warranty, the Cadillac dealership installed a new Northstar engine. If I did not have that warranty, the job would have costed me $7,800. This is why I HIGHLY recommend you get a $90 estimate before you buy the Caddy. Or, get the GMPP Warranty when you buy it. Other than that, it is a beautiful car. And between me and you, the '98-'04 looks a HELL of alot better than the new STS.

-Mike

Ya man, the 98-2003 look much better than the new ones.

whats the GMPP warranty?

General Motors Protection Plan. It is the name of the warranty you get when you purchase from a GM dealership. There are 3 different levels of protection. I got the middle level, which covered my engine replacement, in addition to covering almost anything else major. 24 months/30,000 miles. $1,985. WORTH EVERY PENNY!!!

-Mike

what about 3rd party warrantys?

I was going to get one of those because they were cheaper, but my Cadillac dealerships wouldnt deal with those warranties. They deal directly with GMPP. From my understanding, with a 3rd party warranty, YOU are solely responsible for submitting ALL necessary documents, paperwork, receipts, etc... in order for them to start the claim process, and HOPEFULLY reimburse you/pay for it. GMPP is direct, and I know that they back up their product.


-mike

im buying my cadillac from a used car lot the warranty they offered me is a 3 year 60 k, for $1500 CDN .. it covers everything even high tech stuff (odometer and meters)

I suggest you research the warranty company thoroughly.
-mike

Great cars, I've had my 98 for over 4 years now with few problems and lots of enjoyment, pride of ownership.

But, head gaskets seem to be an important concern. It would be great if you could verify if the Dexcool has been changed (although it's probably unlikely it has, unless you get a really carefully maintained car). Your dealer can do a check for hydorcarbons in the coolant. If you're getting a compression check, have the tech watch for any coolant on the plugs.

Test drive the car carefully and gradually go through the 60-70 mph range on a smooth Interstate to check for vibration.

Don't be afraid to keep shopping. There are lots of these cars available around metro areas and they are cheap considering the performance, finish and creature comforts you get. You can get a really nice one for little, if any, more than an average one.

Good luck to you.