[Jed95fwb]

Greetings,

I am seriously considering puchasing a 1980 Seville in my area. I am going to look at it soon. I believe it has the 368, but I am not sure if it is the V8-6-4. '80-81 are the only years of the bustle-back Seville to have a good engine possibility, as I have heard many tales of woe about the HT 4100, as well as the other bad engines Cadillac made in the 80's. (My uncle had a pristine '84 Eldorado convertible that blew its 4100 at 26k.)

My question to you Seville Experts, is what should I look out for in particular with an 80-81 Seville? I have always thought it to be one of the best looking Cadillacs, but I have never owned one. Does the 368 have particular problems? are there any other things to watch for? If it is a V8-6-4, can it be converted if needs be to run on all 8 without too much trouble?


Lastly, what do you think these are worth?

Thanks
Jed

 

[the APEMAN]

'80 Seville will not be 8/6/4. Look for other posts on this board using 80 Seville or similar wording for search. It should show some useful info. Also look for posts on similar year Eldorado and ignore the HT4100 comments.

 

[davesdeville]

If you for some reason really want a modulated displacement car to run 8 all the time, you can cut (or splice a switch into) the systems trans. cable. The only really bad engine Cadillac made in the 80s was the highly troublesome 4100. The 368 is a solid, reliable engine for the mostpart. Not everyone shares your opinion of the bustleback styling so these cars are usually fairly cheap.

 

[EcSTSatic]

I sure wouldn't give more than a grand for a 25 year old car. Not unless it is collectable or classic. Which this one isn't.

A car this old will need more attention than just the "particulars". Look it over real good for rust, hidden damage, mechanical and cosmetic defects etc. You could easily get way more into than it's worth. Heck, a paint job alone will do that!

 

[Jed95fwb]

The 1980 Seville that I am looking at has a 368 with DFI. It has 34k and nice original paint. The transmission selector appears to have "play" in it. It will go through the gears, but has to be in the right postion within drive to actuate. the power options work, as does the A/C. The seller wants $2,600. I believe the tires to be original, with no dry rot. They are mounted on the finned 15" mags. Do you know what brand these came with so I can verify it? It is navy with blue leather, not an Elegante. with that retro thing in full swing, I would think more people would like the retro-styled Seville. I definitely think it is sharper than the boxy '70's car.

Jed

 

[91TexasSeville]

The 1980 Seville that I am looking at has a 368 with DFI. It has 34k and nice original paint. The transmission selector appears to have "play" in it. It will go through the gears, but has to be in the right postion within drive to actuate. the power options work, as does the A/C. The seller wants $2,600. I believe the tires to be original, with no dry rot. They are mounted on the finned 15" mags. Do you know what brand these came with so I can verify it? It is navy with blue leather, not an Elegante. with that retro thing in full swing, I would think more people would like the retro-styled Seville. I definitely think it is sharper than the boxy '70's car.


Jed

Well, this body style does have appeal to those who happen to like them, and I am one who does.

The car is worth what you think it is worth to you. It has no real value other than salvage. It is not a collector car "yet".

Just my 2¢ on what to look for. If the car has been inactive, out of service, there is a reason why, old age of the owner, or car itself is not a sufficient reason. People who stop driving generally get rid of their car soon afterward or before they stop driving. Dead owner’s estates generally get rid of a car when it is considered an asset. Seller must have on hand ALL maintenance records dating back to new or the car is salvage. If the car has not been in a protected environment such as a garage or climate controlled enclosure, it is scrap metal.

I know the prior statements may seem harsh but be prepared to spend no less than $1,000 to twice the purchase price to bring the car up to inspection standards and/or become reliable transportation. I personally would not purchase that car for myself with "your" money. Just this year I purchased a 1992 fully loaded Eldorado that just had all four OEM shocks and tires replaced. The car has all service records from new and had only 72K miles on the clock. I paid the same price as what the owner is asking for the Seville you posted about. The bottom line is, you can do better for the same money.

Other than those items I have pointed out, it should be a nice older Caddy.