Should i buy this Caddy? All input is appreciated... - Page 3

ga_etc · #31 (**permalink**) 08-07-09, 12:57 AM

If you buy it you will love it. I bought my '99 a little over a year ago and gave $6K. Worth it to me though. I still love getting in and smelling the leather. Never gets old.

vegascaddy · #32 (**permalink**) 08-07-09, 03:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by N*Caddy

4 x Struts, A/C, full paint job (including underbody), Rack and Pinion, most of the rubber body seals and lots of plastic trims, HID, Battery, OEM Chrome rims, CD Changer, EBTCM, BOSE sound system (installed this year but bought last year), Denso NAV unit + attachments (not installed yet), Windshield (stone chip), dog bones, gold plated emblems, woodgrain steering wheel, couple hundred white LEDs (LED interior), sway bar bushings, sway bar rods, upper struts mounts (might be 2 years ago), FL Wheel Hub, rear brakes (rotors and pads – also possible 2 years ago), some $30 sticker…ok I give up, lost count already.

omg too funny...some of those are aftermarkets so that makes it easier too understsnd. got pics of this lil jewel???

SPreston2001 · #33 (**permalink**) 08-07-09, 10:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by N*Caddy

I read a lot of “head gasket” in this thread, fact: I know 5 ’96-‘97 Cadillacs in my area (STS/ETC) and only ONE had the head gasket issue.

Those arent good odds. 1 in 5 is pretty high considering those are the only five you know about. I never try to defend the headgasket issue when it comes to these cars. The odds are higher than we think they are. I bet everyone on this forum either knows someone with a Caddy that needed the headgaskets done, or knows of a Caddy that needs the headgaskets done. If you still dont agree with me ask yourself this, what is the first thing you check for when buying one of these cars? Temp spikes, overheating, coolant loss etc. Shocks, struts, bearings, bushings etc are things that we all know will eventually need to be replaced and thats fine. But nowhere in the manual does it say "Timesert the Heads at 100K" I knew this before I brought my Caddy and its a risk im willing to take for such a fine automobile. Plus the price on these cars have hit rock bottom, partially because of the reputation. Im not saying that you will have problems with the car, but know its a Cadillac and no repair is inexpensive when it comes to a Cadillac. So all in all if you like it and its as clean as you say, go for it! Just know these cars can be kinda expensive to maintain but thats the price you have to pay for beauty lol.

MrEldo97 · #34 (**permalink**) 08-07-09, 10:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Playdrv4me

Why would he have to put a reman motor in it? Outside of the headbolt and case half issue the Northstar block is an incredibly durable piece of machinery. There should be no reason to junk it over some pulled headbolts.

Even with a full price H/G repair at the dealer, assuming around 4k, he should be well under 7000.00 on this car. I know there are plenty of dealers who would still try to sell a cherry '97 like that for over 7k if they could find someone to pay it.

As far as the case-half repair, I have never seen one of those fail again after being repaired properly. I believe Jake also offers that as an optional service when doing the heads.

I only put the suggestion on the table. And as a worst case he'd be into a very nice car for very little money. Jeez

vegascaddy · #35 (**permalink**) 08-07-09, 12:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SPreston2001

Those arent good odds. 1 in 5 is pretty high considering those are the only five you know about. I never try to defend the headgasket issue when it comes to these cars. The odds are higher than we think they are. I bet everyone on this forum either knows someone with a Caddy that needed the headgaskets done, or knows of a Caddy that needs the headgaskets done. If you still dont agree with me ask yourself this, what is the first thing you check for when buying one of these cars? Temp spikes, overheating, coolant loss etc. Shocks, struts, bearings, bushings etc are things that we all know will eventually need to be replaced and thats fine. But nowhere in the manual does it say "Timesert the Heads at 100K" I knew this before I brought my Caddy and its a risk im willing to take for such a fine automobile. Plus the price on these cars have hit rock bottom, partially because of the reputation. Im not saying that you will have problems with the car, but know its a Cadillac and no repair is inexpensive when it comes to a Cadillac. So all in all if you like it and its as clean as you say, go for it! Just know these cars can be kinda expensive to maintain but thats the price you have to pay for beauty lol.

i know of only one person who owns one..a 99 Edlo...and he had his done at 30k! it is very clean n im gonna go ahead n pull the trigger on it. i did noice after futher inspection that a lot of the panels inside are warping/coming loose. the dash, and towards the rear on both sides...is this common as well??? i figure is cause of the heat out here in the desert....

MrEldo97 · #36 (**permalink**) 08-07-09, 12:30 PM

The warping/separation of the dash, door panels and rear interior panels is common. Though they look good but they just don't hold up. Use a sunshade in the winshield to protect the dash. The door panels? I was able to repair the rear interior panels on my Eldorado with strong adhesive. My repair came out a 7 of 10 if I were to qualify it. The covering shrinks and separates from the base. I'm considering a custom upholstery job of repairing (as much as possible) and covering the door panels with a high quality vinyl or leather ($$). And I imagine there is always new...($$).

**Playdrv4me** · #37 (**permalink**) 08-07-09, 03:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by N*Caddy

I paid an average of $1100 a month last year in the car

Christ, that's dedication! You could lease an "entry level" Aston Martin for that much sometimes.

N*Caddy · #38 (**permalink**) 08-07-09, 08:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vegascaddy

omg too funny...some of those are aftermarkets so that makes it easier too understsnd. got pics of this lil jewel???

NOPE, NO aftermarket (except HID and gold plated emblems witch are probably something that could be called replica - i.e. exactly like the original just gold plated instead of chrome plated), everything else is brand new Cadillac stuff, is a Cadillac I am pretty rigorous in keeping the car Cadillac. The sound system is something never seen in a ’97 STS, is a BOSE from a ’98 – ’02 Eldorado, the steering wheel is also a ’02 Eldorado, but no Mickey Mouse stuff, only parts that fit 100%.
The pictures can be accessed here.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Playdrv4me

Christ, that's dedication! You could lease an "entry level" Aston Martin for that much sometimes.

Yup, an Aston Martin it is a nice car I would not mind to have a Vantage (but that's not entry level sadly). But first the '66 Dark Blue V8, Manual, Black Pony interior, Coop Mustang.