My DeVille with 47,000 miles has developed a rear engine seal leak, minor for now. My dealer tells me in order to repair it, the transmission must be dropped. Total repair cost "about $2,500.00." Does this sound right? And even though it's out of the warranty time period, should a well maintained vehicle with 47,000 miles on it leak? Think there might be a chance to recover some of the costs under warranty?

That is wierd for a rear seal to leak! Usually it's the case half seal that leaks on the Northstars. Did you get a second opinion? And that price is about right, it's quite the labor intensive operation to get the engine/transaxle assembly out of the car. It's something like 10 hours to remove and install! So I'm sure most of that quote and any quote you get is going to be labor costs.
I really doubt you can do anything warranty wise, because it's going on 8 model years old! Unless you have an extended warranty, I don't think Cadillac will do anything for you, since it's an "old" car.
Good luck though, hope the leak stays small.

How bad is the leak? For $2500, it would have to be dripping like a leaky faucet.

How bad is the leak? For $2500, it would have to be dripping like a leaky faucet.

As of now the leak is minor - my dealer called it a "minor residual drip." But you know how wive's are - even a little drip on the driveway is upsetting. Actually, it's upsetting to me, too. I don't feel a well-maintained, mildly driven luxury car with 47,000 miles should leak. I never had one that did previously, but I guess I was due.

Think of it as lower engine rust proofing.