[sflrainmaker01]

Hello,
I have been wanting to buy an STS, SLS or Eldorado for some time. What years seem to be the most problematic? I am not too concerned with the little things. More of
things like oil leaks, Head Gaskets etc. Please help!

 

[basscatt]

Hello,
I have been wanting to buy an STS, SLS or Eldorado for some time. What years seem to be the most problematic? I am not too concerned with the little things. More of
things like oil leaks, Head Gaskets etc. Please help!

----------------------
I wouldn't even consider ANY pre 2000 Northstar powered car -

MANY improvements were made to the 2000 motor -
including longer head bolts - which helped -
but didn't quite cure the head gasket problem -

and that is NOT to say that ALL Northstar motors are DOOMED to head gasket failure -
in actuality - the number of Northstar head gasket failures is overstated -
UNLESS - of course - YOU are one of those suffering the problem -
-----------

the other VERY expensive item is suspension related -

the cost of ELECTRONIC - or ACTIVE suspension parts
on the Seville STS and ETC Eldo - are staggering

when compared to the PASSIVE suspension
on the SLS and ESC/base Eldo -

shocks and struts run into the THOUSANDS for the ACTIVE systems -
compared to HUNDREDS - in the PASSIVE systems -
------------------

oil leaks - unfortunately - are NOT uncommon on a Northstar motor -
model - year - doesn't factor in -
--------

the other expensive - and NOT uncommon problem is the P0741 code -
this is a transmission related fault code -
where the torque converter doesn't go into lock-up -
due to worn seals deep inside the trans -
this problem is also not model or year related -

 

[Submariner409]

What years seem to be the most problematic?

It's all posted in threads using about your same title - in here, Deville, Northstar Performance and Discussions; Item Specific, and in each of those forums, in the sticky posts at the top of the main threads page. To re-type it all would take a volume the size of a NYC telephone book.

 

[Ranger]

I agree with Bass. 2000+

 

[sflrainmaker01]

Thanks for the replies! What is interesting is I found a 1999 STS and an Eldorado with under 90k miles. Yesterday, prior to posting this, I did a google search and saw several reliability surveys and the 1999 faired WAY better than a 2002 (for example) according to MSN and a couple others. Based on previous research on this site, seems like I was getting conflicting information. So, sorry for the duplication.

 

[Submariner409]

You might want to go to Engines, Northstar Performance and read through the sticky post at the top of the threads forum - the informal survey on head gasket failures by model year. 1998 and 1999 are (non-scientifically) the worst years for problems in that department.... and for the non-mechanic that's a $3,000 - $5,500 repair.

Then look at the Northstar compatibility sticky and figure out the timetable for head bolt length and thread pitch as well as block casting and metallurgy changes.

 

[stoveguyy]

A 99 Sts is more reliable than a 02 Sts? Well, statistically it will have 3 more years of avg miles so add 40k miles. But you are buying both cars today. I would put my money on a 02-03 Sts being in better shape.

 

[sflrainmaker01]

You might want to go to Engines, Northstar Performance and read through the sticky post at the top of the threads forum - the informal survey on head gasket failures by model year. 1998 and 1999 are (non-scientifically) the worst years for problems in that department.... and for the non-mechanic that's a $3,000 - $5,500 repair.

Yeah and that is why I thought that info was interesting. 44 reviews and a 8.9 rating on the 1999! Here is the link:
http://autos.msn.com/research/vip/Reliability.aspx?year=1999&make=Cadillac&model=Eldorado

I have a friend that works at Cadillac. He also said 96-02 were the most problematic. Of course, the problem is if you want an Eldorado, you are pretty much out of luck, unless you go for a pre-96 based on what he said. The 1999 I am looking at is a pearl white base model (not esc or etc) with 75k miles. According
to the seller/dealer, he just drove it to Miami and back this week with no issues. No leaks, everything 100%.

----------

A 99 Sts is more reliable than a 02 Sts? Well, statistically it will have 3 more years of avg miles so add 40k miles. But you are buying both cars today. I would put my money on a 02-03 Sts being in better shape.

Luckily, this is snowbird country! There are alot of low mileage Caddies around here! In fact, I talked to someone yesterday who had a garage kept 96 Concourse wih 51k! Problem is, it's got oil and coolant leaks..... Like I said, the 99 Eldorado, 75k miles and the 99 STS (nice, its black on black) has 90k.
I did find a 2002 SLS, but it has 125k on it. It's priced at $5,000. Seems a little steep.

 

[Submariner409]

Hah ! If you put it all in context, there are FAR more 1998 - 2002 Northstar Cadillacs putting around in great condition than there are in the junk heap. When you're in an internet forum where people come for help, all the nasties are compressed and it appears that ALL Cadillacs are junk - not so.

BUT, forewarned is forearmed.............. I would have absolutely no qualms over buying a decent 2002 ETC.

 

[Ranger]

As mentioned, the '99's have the worst HG failure record from what we see here. If you go for the '99, just be aware of the possibility. If you can live with an expensive HG job (should it happen), then go for it.