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No wonder the resale on these cars is crap (although I still love mine)

2K views 13 replies 10 participants last post by  Seafunk99 
#1 ·
With the known headgasket problems, $800 shocks (ea.), P0741 codes, electronic gremlins, etc. it is very easy to see why even a clean example of a $50k car can be had for next to nothing. I could get more for my 91 Mustang GT Vert which stickered at around 19k than my nearly perfect condition $50k STS!!! I mean really, I see these cars for sale for 1500 day in and day out!

My STS is now showing classic signs of HG failure and I intend to fix and keep it. But what if I get the dreaded P0741 code the following month after putting the car back together???!!!

Already went through the shocks issue a few years back.

It really is absurd, however I still love this car and I'm not aware of another vehicle that could be bought for the accumulated cost of repairs that would be a worthy replacement. I really want a low mile clean G8 GT, but at approx 20-25k+ right now, I think dumping a few grand into the STS every handful of years is still an attractive option. At least I know what I have now moving forward.

When I do throw in the towel on this car sometime in the future, I'm not so sure I want another Caddy though I do love them.
 
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#4 ·
I agree, and ready to draw up a list of other things to do while everything is apart. Feel free to contribute to my list. The car has 107k on it and nothing has been replaced under the hood except new plugs/wires this year. All still factory accessories, tensioners, w/p, alt, etc. The car has been quite reliable thus far, but I have a bad feeling things are going to start failing. I intend to drive it to at least 200k.
 
#3 ·
yes Wished I had gotten a late 02 sts, for the its upgrades. but I favored the 92 to 97 lines better. I had wanted an STS for a long time and finally got one ... Did the studding the block thing.. wished I had used the better head gaskets whatever the hundred dollar a side ones are called. I Love all the bells and whistles.

Can't beat a 300hp lazy boy on wheels that handles great, sadly with my lead foot its not great on gas mileage in town but its does well on the interstate. All in all, after the HG change and being able to use on board system to check for problems and open my FSM to find the fix and having the knowledge base of this forum and its users, I am very happy with my car. And dropping money in to fix it here and here is OK cause minus the cluster..
95 percent of the problem I could face I know I can fix it and there are alot in the junk yards for the parts if some random odd part is needed (keyless entry box) loved it stop in got one from a deville plugged in, programmed remotes right there drove home.

But yes, to see a 45k plus car sold for 1.5k hurts
 
#5 ·
^^^ Welcome tot he wonderful world of "luxury" automobiles! Why are luxury cars so deeply discounted when the are use? Because of all the "luxury" parts and components that can go wrong and need to be replaced as these cars age. It doesn't make any difference what make it is the luxury cars are complex and their are fewer of them being made all of which adds up to higher unit cost and higher repair bills for complex systems maintenance.

There is a saying that goes something like "If you can't afford one new, you can't afford one used!"
 
#9 · (Edited)
There is no pro or con to be discussed. If you want to drive a Cadillac, accept the expenses of maintenance that accompany, and always have accompanied, the marque. For that matter, drive any sort of upscale Mercedes, Lexota, Jaguar, Datfiniti, whatever: Stick "luxury" on it and zip open your wallet. It was no different in '59 - or any other year.

If you want to cheap out, drive an Escort or a Camry.

The only difference between men and boys is the price of their toys.

EDIT: For the flip side, consider that a "car" is now generally thought of as a disposable item. Like a computer, cell phone, TV - many of today's vehicle attractions are fleeting and eminently forgettable. Yes, there are a few exceptions - and you'll pay dearly for the privilege of owning a used example. Name ONE Cadillac since the ? 80's ? that is "collectible" (worth anything close to original sticker price)............. Now, if one of you guys finds a 2003 STS with 14,000 miles in mint condition in 2053, then ............
 
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#10 ·
It really is absurd, however I still love this car and I'm not aware of another vehicle that could be bought for the accumulated cost of repairs that would be a worthy replacement.
...and that's the reason we're all here :)

I am in the same boat. I'm considering it lesson learned. I bought an 03 STS from a dealer that I didn't know but sort of innately trusted (mistake #1). The car drives great, body in very good condition for an '03 with 168,000 km, everything *seemed* to work. I took it to a Cadillac dealer yesterday to have the OnStar switched over to digital and I had mentioned to them that the front right brakes were squealing a little when coming to a full stop.

Well... $2,000 later.....

I need:
New front brakes (pads & rotors)
Tie rod
Engine Mount
Tail light connector (one bulb is out so they have to replace connector & bulb)
Both cigarette lighter outlets not working

It's totally my fault for not having it inspected before buying it but in Canada it has to be certified before it can be registered and that was done for me prior to delivery.

Anyway the dealer who sold me the car has agreed to reimburse me for $500 of the cost, which I think is very fair...again, considering it's a 10-yr old car. I'm hoping that the HG and rear shocks don't go.

Oh the other thing, and this isn't a defect, is that the headlights are yellowing, as they all do after a while. I asked about fixing that and there are two options: 1) replace from Cadillac for $918 each (plus tax and labor), or 2) TRY to sand them and polish them with no guarantee that they'll be brought back to showroom quality. I just found some interesting videos on YouTube for some other options too.

Bottom line; I *LOVE* my car.

----------

P.S. Don't give up on Cadillac. The ATS was just named Motor Trend NA car of the year.
 
#11 ·
Every luxury car will depreciate (percentage wise) much faster than any other vehicle. They word luxury suggests that the features are comforts that are more that necessary. When you buy a luxury car new, you are buying more than needed, you are paying extra for new and untouched. Once it is used, the luxury tag becomes a class of car and less of a luxury item.

That being said, the rapid depreciation is a nice thing about luxury cars. You can get a much better car if you let it depreciate. You put a Cadillac next to the mustang and you have a much better car for the price. There are all kinds of market factors that make the price what it is. It comes down to the perceived value. I personally find value in being able to buy a high end luxury car, for the price of a new low end car.

I guess in summary, look at a 8 year old Mercedes that was once $90k. It happens to all luxury cars. It has nothing to do with the thread gaskets.
 
#12 ·
Yea the depreciation is large for hgher end cars. My 99 park avenue was 35k new I paid 13k out the door at 2 yrs old with 70k miles in almost perfect condition. I'm ok with higher maintenance parts costs possible from Cadillacs because 99% of the time I fix myself. I think people get sucked in by low prices on Cadillac's and don't realize what they're getting into.
 
#13 ·
That is funny about the g8 because the one I had my wife buy new just turned 71k and 5 years old. We just had gm cover new lifters and a cam. I hoping that car will make it 10 to 12 years before we need to replace it. Since my ext got bought back I am curious how long my denali hd will last. If you think repairs on a n* are expensive try a duramax or Allison.
 
#14 ·
You all made some good points in response to my original post...Indeed the luxury items on these cars contribute to the lack of resale. Most folks who can afford to maintain or repair these machines correctly and keep them factory fresh most likely can afford a newer model with a warranty. The average guy looking for a $2-4k car will find themselves way over their head when something needs attention.
I was just making an observation out loud that most of you already knew. I am not complaining, as I stated my 99 has been pretty reliable and looks better than just about anything next to it when I come out of the mall or store. That is impressive to be able to say that with a 14 yr old car.
I am just a little disappointed that if I were to sell the vehicle for any reason I would have to basically give it away. Not going to happen!
 
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