Newbie, prospective buyer, few quick questions

784 Views 9 Replies 4 Participants Last post by Pinkerton, Mar 29, 2009

Pinkerton

Discussion Starter · Mar 29, 2009

Been lurking a few days, hesitant to join since I don't own a Caddy, but wanted to ask a question I can't find an answer to.

First, I'm looking at 2000-2003 seville/eldo. I've read enough to avoid anything older than 2000 because of the HG issue. Since I'm unemployed at the moment, I won't be buying until working again, but I might might might get that good news soon and I want to be prepared for a purchase. Lost a company car with the layoff, so looking at reliable, fuel efficient and comfortable rides that are affordable AND can handle a ton of mostly highway commuting miles. Caddy seems to fit the bill better than any other I've found (can't see myself in an econobox since the Caddy's seem to get damn near the same mileage from what I've read). The Caddy's I've seen for sale have 60-85k miles on them, anywhere from $5k-$8k asking price, which is right in my target range.

Question, now that you know my story (lol), I've seen photos of several Seville's where the rear bumper has 4 or 5 round "things" spread evenly across it, almost look like plugs for holes. One car even had one missing and it was just an open hole on the bumper. What the heck are those? It's been bugging the crap out of me!

Second question, any appreciable difference between the STS and the SLS for commuting and daily driving around town?

Thanks for any feedback. I'm hoping to be a full fledged "owner" member someday soon!

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timothyr

· #2 · Mar 29, 2009

the bumper plug things are the backup sensors...designed to warn you with a beep before you go crunch. As far as STS vs, SLS the STS is the sportier of the two cars (although neither is a slouch). STS has slightly more HP, and firmer suspension, and a shorter FDR, they were usually also better equipped.
As far as which one is better, they were designed for two slightly different buyers, drive them both and see which you like. Only because you asked about commuting, an SLS should (at least in theory) achive slightly higher (1~3) milage on the freeway, in town they will be about the same.

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Ranger

· #3 · Mar 29, 2009

It's called URPA (Ultrasonic Rear Parking Assist)

There have been several explanations on the differences between an SLS and an STS if you do a search.

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iowasevillests

· #4 · Mar 29, 2009

Tim's right on, its the ultrasonic backup sensors you're seeing. It's got a 3 light display in the roof over the back seat that is visible in the rear view mirror, and also chimes. I didn't think much of it when I got mine but have actually grown to like it. Far as STS or SLS I think it would depend on what your commute is and how you like to drive, if you've got lots of twisty curvy roads I would really lean towards a late 02 or 03 STS with the F55 Magnaride suspension, otherwise its probably going to be more based on what you find available.

Sorry to hear about your job, but good luck in finding a new one and your next car.

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Pinkerton

Discussion Starter · #5 · Mar 29, 2009

Many thanks. STS or SLS, guess when the time comes I'll go for whatever I can get the better deal on. I don't think the insurance cares since I'm 44 with a spotless record.

Other than the two extra doors, any "issues" or differences with the Eldo vs the Seville, or are they basically 2 and 4 door versions of the same car?

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Pinkerton

Discussion Starter · #6 · Mar 29, 2009

Ranger said:
It's called URPA (Ultrasonic Rear Parking Assist)

There have been several explanations on the differences between an SLS and an STS if you do a search.

I've read the differences as far as specs go, I was just asking about real world functional differences that may be apparent. Perhaps I need to spend more time reading, huh? Because the SLS is a bit less expensive to buy, I just wanted to be sure I wasn't missing out on some big advantage of the STS if i went the SLS route. If I wind up getting a Caddy, 80% of it's life will be commuting, and 2/3 of that will be interstate with the rest town/bypass roads.

iowasevillests, thanks for the condolences. Been wearing jammies til noon since November, starting to go stir crazy. Several friends are in the same boat here. Tough to take some days, especially when you look your kids in the eyes and think about it.

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Ranger

· #7 · Mar 29, 2009

The SLS will give you a somewhat softer ride and better mileage. STS has 25 more HP, but that is at top end and how much time do you actually spend at 6000 RPM. Really depends on what you want. Other than ride and mileage, they're pretty similar except for trim and such.

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iowasevillests

· #8 · Mar 29, 2009

The main thing to me was the suspension difference, the late 02 and 03 models had Delphi's new MagnaRide suspension system, which in my opinion greatly reduced the body roll, acceleration lift and nose dive when standing on the brakes. After driving an SLS vs an STS, the price difference wasn't much of a difference and it was easy pick....hence the 03 STS in the garage right now. To me the slightly stiffer ride and loss of 1 or 2 mpg was worth it for the better handling and extra horses under the hood.

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Pinkerton

Discussion Starter · #9 · Mar 29, 2009

Ranger said:
The SLS will give you a somewhat softer ride and better mileage. STS has 25 more HP, but that is at top end and how much time do you actually spend at 6000 RPM. Really depends on what you want. Other than ride and mileage, they're pretty similar except for trim and such.

Thanks Ranger. Ride doesn't matter to me on the interstate, butt hugged by leather seats is nice no matter what.

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Pinkerton

Discussion Starter · #10 · Mar 29, 2009

iowasevillests said:
The main thing to me was the suspension difference, the late 02 and 03 models had Delphi's new MagnaRide suspension system, which in my opinion greatly reduced the body roll, acceleration lift and nose dive when standing on the brakes. After driving an SLS vs an STS, the price difference wasn't much of a difference and it was easy pick....hence the 03 STS in the garage right now. To me the slightly stiffer ride and loss of 1 or 2 mpg was worth it for the better handling and extra horses under the hood.

Duly noted. Seems to be a few more STS's available around here, may wind up going that route!

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