[Boombottz]

I just saw a 92 Eldorado for sale on my way home today. Asking price is $2500. It looked like there may have been a carfax report in the window. I only got close enough to get the price and phone number. I may call to look closer and maybe test drive. My question is.... can anyone tell me of any inherent problems to this particular model and year? Other than the obvious mileage, wear and tear items, what should I look for in problems and desireable options. Also, what engines were available in that car?

Thanks, any input appreciated. I don't really need this car, but I thought for the price it might be a nice second car.

Vince

 

[Ranger]

The engine was a 4.9. While it is no Northstar, at 200 HP it is no slouch. It is tough and relaible. One of Cadillacs better engines.
Some 4.9's are prone to "Main Bearing Thump". Annoying but not fatal. Do a search.

Be sure it has had a coolant change every 2 yrs/30K.

 

[SteveThefolkie]

I've got a '92 Seville that was well maintained - it's a great car - but I've run into a couple issues (not fatal, not even really damming, just a pain at the time) -
The displays for current mileage information (left side of the instrument cluster) and climate control (right side of the instrument cluster) seem to come and go as they please. I keep threatening to pull everything apart but just haven't had the time.
On occasion my dash lights don't come on when my headlights do - an irritation but messing about with the dimmer switch seems to cure it - for a while.
Other than that, it's a great car. The engine is no slouch (as previously mentioned) and the gas mileage isn't bad. I get about 21 around town and 24 on the highway (70-80MPH steady state) - IF (and only if) I run premium gas. If I run 87 octane my mileage drops to 17 local 20 hwy (and I can hear just the hint of a ping on uphill on-ramps - which considering how well insulated the car is - probably sounds like ball bearings in a tin can under the hood!) -
And for 2500 bucks - with a carfax - you might have found yourself one heck of a nice second car!

Steve

 

[Boombottz]

Thats what I was thinking, it could make a nice second. I will be sure to check for the dreaded main bearing thump. I will keep everyone posted as to my findings, and please keep the suggestions comming. Great forum.
Thanks,
Vince

 

[RGNoon]

Keep us up to date on your findings. I'm particularly interested as I just inherrited my grandfather's well-maintained '92 eldo. So far no major problems found, and am hoping that I won't. Hope all goes well.

 

[Boombottz]

I just called and got some additional info. It is not a carfax report in the window, but a blue book report. An older gentleman owned this vehicle, passed away and it sat for awhile so his daughter wants it sold. The farmer I spoke with is selling it for her. He had it DE inspected, it needed brakes and wipers to pass. He said it reads 'low pressure' on the dash and thinks the AC doesn't work, but compressor runs, it probably needs a charge. He also said all power options work except for maybe the heated seats. Paint is peeling and fading on roof. I haven't looked at it closely yet, I am only going by what I was told. It has 108K miles and he says it runs strong. Also I don't know yet if it is a coupe or a touring coupe or what the difference is. I suppose there is some type of emblems to desiginate this? Which one is better or worse, different options, I guess?

 

[Guymn.usa]

I own a 92 Eldorado Touring Coupe. We love the car. Brakes at Autozone will run 200.00 to do fronts and rear with New rotors and pads..top of line stuff as I did mine. My big out lay was tires at 500.00. Also I put in Plugs 55.00/fuel regulator 70.00/Idle speed control 80.00 with a grand total of 4000.00. I just got the car 2 months back...I paid 3000.00 for it. It was garage kept, no winters, own by an sweet 70 year old women who really loved her car! She loved the car so much that there was a 2002 ETC in the garage next to the 92....the 92 was absolutely mint, it looked as great as the 2002. I know they sold it because the front tire's cord(Goodyear rs/ra's prone to this) had split causing the car to drive funny...and also the way the car would re-start. The Touring Coupe has a 3:31 gear(lower gearing) and is rated 25 more ft lbs of torque, same 200Hp as the standard. Touring coupe is spelled out on the doors if you want to know if it is one. My car's paint is Diamond gold....it's flawless eveywhere....love it!

 

[Guymn.usa]

one more thing...our first trip netted 28.2mpg at 72mph.

 

[RGNoon]

I'd definately suggest trying to get the guy to drop the price a bit, that is if the paint issue on the roof is that bad, and the heated seats and AC issues are in fact the case. As I found when figuring the value of my '92 Eldo, the KBB is of course a bit unclear on certain aspects like the body and paint condition. Minor, Major, poor, fair...it's somewhat subjective. Anywho, I believe that the N* wasn't put into the ETC until '93, but otherwise in addition to the difference in gearing from the Eldorado, the ETC had tighter suspension, some different trim options and a few other modifications. '92 was probably the year where they were the most similar, same 4.9, until later on when Caddy dropped the 4.9 entirely. I Am going to look for more specifics for you and get back asap.

 

[Boombottz]

I'd definately suggest trying to get the guy to drop the price a bit, that is if the paint issue on the roof is that bad, and the heated seats and AC issues are in fact the case. As I found when figuring the value of my '92 Eldo, the KBB is of course a bit unclear on certain aspects like the body and paint condition. Minor, Major, poor, fair...it's somewhat subjective. Anywho, I believe that the N* wasn't put into the ETC until '93, but otherwise in addition to the difference in gearing from the Eldorado, the ETC had tighter suspension, some different trim options and a few other modifications. '92 was probably the year where they were the most similar, same 4.9, until later on when Caddy dropped the 4.9 entirely. I Am going to look for more specifics for you and get back asap.

I appreciate it. I may take a closer look this weekend. I know what you mean about KBB. They list the private value at $2850 for 'fair'. I'm sure that is where this guy based his $2500 asking. He did say he needed to recover his costs, I don't know what they are beyond the stated brakes, wipers and DE inspection. Of course the inspection does me no good at all since I will need a MD inspection and if he knew someone he could have gotten it for free.