[mark1982]

I am looking at getting my first Cadillac I am wondering if the later model dts and sts that had the North Star engines were not as common for the problems like the earlier models with the northstars had

 

[Submariner409]

Re: first cadillac questons

Study some of the threads in Deville and in DTS. Also, in Engines, Northstar.

What problems ? Cylinder block bolt hole problems tapered to essentially nothing from 2000 to 2003.

By and large most of the Deville/Seville/Eldorado Northtsars are stlll out there, putting around day in and day out. You see all the warts because this site is a "How do I fix it "" site as opposed to an "I love it !" site.

EDIT: Welcome to CF !!! :highfive: (You want horror stories ? Go into the "current models" here in Cadillac Forums and look at the litany of engine nightmares compressed into those forums. Everyone homes in on the Northstar and neglects to look at the whole picture. Several of the "newer" engines have more problems than the Northstar ever thought of.)

 

[orconn]

The problems with the Northstar engine were not nearly as numerous as comments on these Forums would have you believe. And even the comments were really just those of most high performance aluminum engines from other so called luxury car makers. If the potential for costly repairs on a used car scares you, then I would suggest you stick with the less complicated basic transportation cars.

 

[Byrdman]

you can find plenty of horror stories about head gasket/cylinder head bolt issues, I haven't experienced that at all on my 03 with 110,000 miles. Other problems? Sure, but that's why most of us are here, to get help from others with more experience. If you're a dedicated gear head, buy the car you like in the best condition possible. Keep in mind, you will be looking at a car that originally cost $50K or so, so you'll be buying parts and service for a car of $50K, not the used car price you're paying.

 

[ben.gators]

I am looking at getting my first Cadillac I am wondering if the later model dts and sts that had the North Star engines were not as common for the problems like the earlier models with the northstars had

Please notice that the later model DTS and STS have two different types of N*. The STS (2005+) models, which are RWD cars, have longitudinally mounted N* engine that produces 320 HP, whereas the DTS is a FWD car that has a transversely mounted engine that produces 300 HP. The 320HP N* in STS has received more updates and upgrades compared to the N* in DTS, and based on what I have heard and read so far, they are very good, reliable engines. No weak point, or special problem! The N* engine in latest model DTS are better engines compared to previous N* engines.

I personally wouldn't worry at all about the N* engine in STS (or even 2006+ DTS) assuming it is maintained properly.

 

[Lord Cadillac]

Welcome aboard! Thank you for signing up!