Considering a 2002 SLS -- Opinions wanted

gdwriter · #1 (**permalink**) 02-16-09, 08:00 PM

OK, I need some sensible advice here. I periodically like to surf eBay and Craigslist for used Cadillacs to see what's out there when it's time to replace my '91 DeVille. I still love my car and especially love that it's paid for, and while it runs beautifully, with 256,000 miles on it, I know it won't last forever.

I've been tempted in the past, but never acted on it. However, I am seriously tempted by this blue beauty:

2002 Seville SLS, 81,000 miles, and here's the amazing part: $5,975. Kelly Blue Book retail on the car is $8,950. Clean retail according to the NADA Guide is $7,150. Edmunds True Market Value is $7,619.

The listing on the dealership Web site has a Carfax button, and I can get a free Carfax report should I come test drive the car, so that's reassuring.

I do not need a new car, but I've always loved these Sevilles; not only is the price incredible and the mileage reasonable, it's also in a gorgeous and rare color combination. Most of these cars seem to come in white, black, silver or red.

As I understand it, most of the Northstar headgasket issues were resolved in 2000, and I know I can check the forums for things to look for in a test drive, including driving it long enough to get the temperature up to what should be normal operating range.

So, should I even go test drive the car? And if it's in good condition, has a clean Carfax, there are no major error codes, and of course, if I like it, should I buy it?

What I really want is a second-generation CTS, but they're still way out of my price range for at least a couple of years on a used one. This could certainly fill in until then.

hueterm · #2 (**permalink**) 02-16-09, 08:21 PM

Of course, I'd try to get them down another few hundred, but it looks good if everything checks out.

ryannel2003 · #3 (**permalink**) 02-16-09, 08:31 PM

Even though mine is a '00 STS... I adore it. It's been extremely fun to drive, comfortable, good gas mileage, and still gets looks. Sure it has had typical 9 year old car issues, but I still wouldn't trade it for the world. Here is a typical list of what could possibly go wrong:

*Headgaskets had pretty much been solved with the 2000 revision. However, mine went at 54k. It is still a tossup though the possibility of it happening on the 2000+ is slimmer than ever.
*The Seville's have an annoying shimmy, typically in the range of 60-75MPH. Sometimes a road force balance helps, and sometimes it does nothing. Mine has a moderate shimmy at 67-73MPH right now. It doesn't bother me because it's 9 years old, plus it can be expensive to diagnose every thing in the suspension. However (as I'm sure you know) it won't ride as well as the Deville.
*The crankshaft position sensors die often on these cars, often leading to hard hot starting and random stalling. There are two located near the oil filter adapter, at around $50 apiece. I spent a total of $268 at my dealership to get them replaced. Car has been great ever since.
*Suspensions love to crap out between 60k and 100k miles. Best (and least expensive) choice is to go aftermarket. Arnott seems to be the best solution. New shocks/struts around $600 a piece.
*Interior trim breaks pretty easily. My console latch just broke off in my hand two weeks ago, and the dashpad loves to warp around the windshield. The latter is a pretty easy fix.

Overall my car has suffered from what I think pretty normal things. Still drives great, handles decently, and looks spectacular. At that price, you're getting a pretty great steal. In the long run it will most likely cost you more than the Deville, but still a great car to own.

hueterm · #4 (**permalink**) 02-16-09, 08:52 PM

Question -- on the crankshaft position sensor problem -- is this pretty much on any N*? Sometimes my Concours struggles to start when hot. I replaced the battery, and was wondering if my starter was going bad or if I have a fuel issue...

FYI -- no codes.

Yaemish · #5 (**permalink**) 02-16-09, 08:52 PM

Double check, but I don't think that could be an 2002. I thought the SLS got a body colored grill in 2002 as well as fog lights.

gary88 · #6 (**permalink**) 02-16-09, 08:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Yaemish

Double check, but I don't think that could be an 2002. I thought the SLS got a body colored grill in 2002 as well as fog lights.

Looks to be a 2002, since that's the year Cadillac updated the badge design.

ryannel2003 · #7 (**permalink**) 02-16-09, 09:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hueterm

Question -- on the crankshaft position sensor problem -- is this pretty much on any N*? Sometimes my Concours struggles to start when hot. I replaced the battery, and was wondering if my starter was going bad or if I have a fuel issue...

FYI -- no codes.

I have been told that pretty much every single N* between '00-'03 will have them fail eventually. Mine did at 65k. Your problem sounds more like a fuel pressure regulator. There is a thread in the tech tips section about checking to see if it leaks gas.

I don't believe the '93-'99 N* had the crankshaft position issues. GM switched suppliers in '00 that turned out to be crap.

**Ranger** · #8 (**permalink**) 02-16-09, 09:19 PM

I had an '02 SLS and I believe the grill is body colored. I'd check it closer. That may be why it is such a good price.

It did have a shimmy and I had to eventually change tires to get rid of it. While it was a nice car, I was to used to the size and ride of the Deville. My daughter now has it as I went back to Deville. I think it is still under 45K.

gary88 · #9 (**permalink**) 02-16-09, 09:20 PM

My SLS is at 81k, HGs still in-tact. Must be a problem with those dumb STSs

ryannel2003 · #10 (**permalink**) 02-16-09, 09:25 PM

I believe the body-colored grille was coupled with an option package on '02's that also included fog lamps. Possibly option code TX3?

Either way, the body colored grille and foglights became standard equipment on '03 SLS as the last Seville STS's were assembled.

SPreston2001 · #11 (**permalink**) 02-16-09, 09:31 PM

It looks like a wonderful car to me and that price looks even better!! I say go test drive it, check out the carfax report, and hopefully you can have it parked in your driveway by nights end! That is a rare color on these cars so you will definetely be unique. You atleast owe yourself the luxury of test driving it! Oh and hey ryannel2003 I just got your email. I've made some slight changes to my ride since that vid, so once the weather breaks I will post another video showing off the updates. Thanks for the compliments.

hueterm · #12 (**permalink**) 02-16-09, 09:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ryannel2003

I have been told that pretty much every single N* between '00-'03 will have them fail eventually. Mine did at 65k. Your problem sounds more like a fuel pressure regulator. There is a thread in the tech tips section about checking to see if it leaks gas.

I don't believe the '93-'99 N* had the crankshaft position issues. GM switched suppliers in '00 that turned out to be crap.

The dealer said it was probably the fuel pressure regulator.

Anyone know how $$$ this is???

**Ranger** · #13 (**permalink**) 02-16-09, 10:07 PM

Quote:

I believe the body-colored grille was coupled with an option package on '02's that also included fog lamps. Possibly option code TX3?

Hmm, that could well be. Mine was optioned out and did have fogs.

Quote:

The dealer said it was probably the fuel pressure regulator.

Anyone know how $$$ this is???

No, but check Rockauto.

ted tcb · #14 (**permalink**) 02-16-09, 10:54 PM

I've never seen a 2002 SLS without fogs and body colour grille.
I have the 2002 dealer brochure in front of me ... according to Cadillac, all 02's had the same exterior lighting pkg,
except for HID's, which couldn't be had on the SLS.
The other option which couldn't be had from the factory were the TPM or 17"rims.
Also, road sensing suspension 2.0 wasn't available.
Every SLS in the brochure has a body coloured grille ... could this car be a 2001 with the newer emblem?
The 2002 brochure only lists one blue colour ... Blue Onyx, and the mettalic chip is a very dark navy colour,
and it wasn't available at the start of the year.
This car looks to be a lighter shade of blue ... it is gorgeous, but I'm intrigued.
Definitely the only 02 SLS I've ever seen with that front end treatment ... 1st thing I would do is respray the grille.

gdwriter · #15 (**permalink**) 02-16-09, 10:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SPreston2001

It looks like a wonderful car to me and that price looks even better!! I say go test drive it, check out the carfax report, and hopefully you can have it parked in your driveway by nights end! That is a rare color on these cars so you will definetely be unique. You at least owe yourself the luxury of test driving it!

That color is one of the reasons I'm attracted to it. I love dark blue (see my current Cadillac), and it is rare on these cars.

I still have to check on a few things. First is with my credit union to see if I can get a loan, then with my mechanic to see if he works on FWD Northstar Cadillacs. I've heard some mechanics don't, and I've been going to the same shop for several years; I trust them and their prices are good.

The other problem is the car is an hour away in Portland. I can't get up to look at it until Saturday since it would be dark by the time I got up there anytime after work, and I won't buy a car at night; the darkness hides too many potential flaws.

I did call the dealer and the car is still there. The ad on Craigslist said the price was a three-day special, but the salesman I talked to (Rueben) said if I brought in a printed copy of the ad and wanted to buy the car, he'd honor that price.

So we'll see.