Broken '94 Eldorado: What's It Worth? How Much to Repair?

[zackwatt]

My dad came across this 1994 Eldorado with 70,000mi. He is thinking about buying it from a friend. I believe it is a touring model. It is in really good condition, but it is suffering from a bit of engine trouble. It's got milky white oil, so we are guessing a head gasket has gone bad. What's a repair like that likely to cost? Or could it be something worse?

My question is, How much is it worth in its current state? And how much is it worth in running condition if we were to fix it?

Here are some crummy pics. Sorry for the quality, but they are all I have right now.

[submariner409]

Milky white oil means a complete engine overhaul. DIY, parts, tools, manuals, time, $3000. Dealership with new Cadillac short block + labor = $5500 - $6500.

70K miles and engine blown, probably little maintenance, so throw in some transmission work, too.................

Hmmmmmmmm...............What engine is in this car ????

[zackwatt]

Its got the N* in it.

I was just assuming the oil is "milky white". Neither I, nor my father have looked at it. The owner just said it had signs of water in it.

So, maybe it's not that bad...

[GOT2B GM]

$2000, then ship it to Jake have him fix it, fly there, drive it home. All for a total including purchase price of $5-6000

[00 Deville]

Originally Posted by GOT2B GM

$2000, then ship it to Jake have him fix it, fly there, drive it home. All for a total including purchase price of $5-6000

That would take care of the blown HG. But if it actually has milky oil the engine is more than likely going to need to be overhauled or replaced.

[GOT2B GM]

depends if they stopped driving it right away after the HG let go.

[creeker]

I would walk away from it, if only for the sake of the friendship, but if they have the problem analyzed and then come up with a price in consideration of the cost of repairs, then go for it, it is not a simple fix.

[zackwatt]

I believe the asking price is $1800. I am sure he could get it for less. I think my father is maybe considering flipping it. But this is not sounding very attractive.

[the recluse]

If the car was run with water in the oil, the bearing faces will have almost no wear protection which in turn will destroy both bearing and journal; that is why most suggest complete overhaul.

You might be able to get an engine from the boneyard, but finding one with low miles is tough, not to mention you will NEVER get the return out of that investment.

Walk away...

[creeker]

Originally Posted by zackwatt

I believe the asking price is $1800. I am sure he could get it for less. I think my father is maybe considering flipping it. But this is not sounding very attractive.

You made a good decision to ask for advice from this forum,it's not worth getting involved with, for your dad to sell it in "good faith" he is going to have to put out a lot of $$$ first.

[zackwatt]

Originally Posted by creeker

You made a good decision to ask for advice from this forum,it's not worth getting involved with, for your dad to sell it in "good faith" he is going to have to put out a lot of $$$ first.

Thanks.

I'm no stranger to the internet forum world. I don't even know how many forms I belong to, haha. I have been hanging on here lately because I am considering an '03 STS. Then, my dad came across this Eldorado. It was really a strange coincidence. I thought I check in here first, to see what we'd be getting into. Obviously not a fun little project.

[zonie77]

The engine normally comes out to do the HG's. Then you either use studs or inserts to repair the threads that are corroded. It is a lot of work. If you are a decent DIYer and have perseverance you can do it. There is a guy on the forums that will travel to you and do it for a very reasonable price.

It is not a "flipper". Probably worth around $3000 fixed.

[ga_etc]

If it is the car that you or your dad want, and want to keep it and drive it for years then I would consider it. Otherwise, no. I found a 1996 ETC the other day with 5X,XXX with sunroof for $5K, if that gives you a little indication of the value to be had.

[johnny kannapo]

Its a $300 car. Take a look on craigslist. Mid 90's eldos/sevilles are going for far less than $5000 in good running/looking condition. For some reason I see the caddy's w/the HG problem listed for $2000 and more, so you know there are fools out there buying cars based on the looks. The condition doesn't really matter if it needs $5500 in repairs to fix. Its a junker no matter how beautiful it is. Even if it starts, runs smooth, it won't run for long with the HG issue. A expeirienced Cadillac mechanic would walk away fast. He would rather spend $300 to $2000 on a fish finder for his boat. You really need to be infatuated with this car to spend $2000 so you can spend another $5000. then end up with a $3500 car.

[00 Deville]

If all it needed was an HG you might make a little $$ on it or break even. With water in the oil I wouldn't touch it with a 10 foot pole.