[Patrick427]

I used to own a 98 STS and enjoyed it quite a bit. I am interested in buying a newer STS and had read that GM had improved the engine and Stabiltrak in the 2000 model year. I am hesitatnt to buy pre 2000 anyway, but was wondering if there was much difference between the 2000-2002 STS? From what I have read there wasn't much that changed in this timeframe. But what better place to make sure of this than right here?

Also, I noted that GM has an extended warranty website to obtain an extended warranty. Id much rather buy a GM warranty to makesure everything is covered over a third party warranty that may cost marginally less. Is there a way to obtain the GM warranty on the average lower mile 2001 or 2002, or will I be forced to go with the 3rd party insurance? Since Im not going to be buying from a certified GM dealer, I was just curious if the GM warranty was even possible at such a stage.

thats for any buying specifics of what to look out for in regard to what is most likely to go wrong with this period of STS.

Many thanks!

 

[Ur7x]

2000 Cadillac Seville: Northstar engines now ran on regular fuel, not premium. Both Seville models also gained a revised version of GM's OnStar emergency communications/assistance system. The Continuously Variable Road Sensing Suspension now selectively varied shock absorber firmness for both up and down wheel motions, working with StabiliTrak to minimize body lean and front-end "plow" in turns. The StabiliTrak system could now briefly increase steering effort when needed, and brake the front wheels to recover from a 4-wheel-drift type of skid. A new front-seat sensor could deactivate passenger airbags when the presence of a child--or no occupant--was detected. New options included an onboard navigation system and Ultrasonic Rear Parking Assist, which warned of obstacles while the car was backing up
2001 Cadillac Seville: Seville got an optional e-mail system and auto-reversing power front windows. HID headlights optional, as were tire pressure sensors. SLS versions were upgraded with the monochrome appearance introduced at midyear on the short-lived TX7 variant
2002 Cadillac Seville: GM introduces new Caddy logo "without balls" A new DVD navigation system with voice recognition was added this year. Newly standard were heated seats and a rear-obstacle-warning system. Added during the 2002 model year was a satellite radio that played commercial-free programs for a monthly fee. Mid year, STS model cars built after Jan 02 receive suspension upgrade to magnaride (F55).
2003 Cadillac Seville: Appearance alterations include a body-color grille for the SLS and standard chrome wheels for the STS. The SLS also gains a standard driver-seat memory and, like the STS, now comes with a power tilt/telescoping steering wheel. All STS now are magnaride
2004 Cadillac Seville: Northstar gets new redesigned head bolts and Nodular Iron Crank for reduced noise and vibration. STS available in Canada only. Michelin tires replace Goodyears as OE equipment. However, speed (w) rated tires no longer an option; all cars limited to a max of 120MPH.

GMPP Warranty... GM will sell a GMPP on just about anything... But expect to pay much much more on a car that is off of the original 4 year 50K Mile factory warranty... But of course we all know that extended warranties are a waste of money (on average) anyway!

 

[bundy]

Here's some more info on the engine

http://www.babcox.com/editorial/us/us100232.htm

 

[rfishing]

Im not convinced GM has fixed the blown head gasket issue with Norstar engines. I say this because while my 94 STS was being repair for blown head gasket, we were shown a 2002 Norstar engine with blown headgaskets. My personal oppinion, stay far away from Norstar engines.

 

[addison_ii]

Im not convinced GM has fixed the blown head gasket issue with Norstar engines. I say this because while my 94 STS was being repair for blown head gasket, we were shown a 2002 Norstar engine with blown headgaskets. My personal oppinion, stay far away from Norstar engines.

While the NorthStar does have it's share of problems, the same can be said for a lot of other engines/cars manufacturers. Staying away from Northstar engine would basically mean staying away from every Cadillac car powered by a V8, with exception of the CTS-V and the Escalade trucks.
The problems with the headgaskets can mostly be attributed to one thing and that's not enough knowledge of the maintenance of aluminum engines.
Cooling systems must be maintained properly, those filled with the regular green antifreeze must be changed every 2 years or those types of problem will happen. Of course the Dex-Cool can go 5 years in between changes but irregular maintenance will cause problems in any vehicle. While it is your personal opinion, I think more investigation needs to be done before making that claim, like what was the reason behind the headgaskets failing on the 02 STS??.

 

[91TexasSeville]

While the NorthStar does have it's share of problems, the same can be said for a lot of other engines/cars manufacturers. Staying away from Northstar engine would basically mean staying away from every Cadillac car powered by a V8, with exception of the CTS-V and the Escalade trucks.
The problems with the headgaskets can mostly be attributed to one thing and that's not enough knowledge of the maintenance of aluminum engines.
Cooling systems must be maintained properly, those filled with the regular green antifreeze must be changed every 2 years or those types of problem will happen. Of course the Dex-Cool can go 5 years in between changes but irregular maintenance will cause problems in any vehicle. While it is your personal opinion, I think more investigation needs to be done before making that claim, like what was the reason behind the headgaskets failing on the 02 STS??.

I must agree with addison_ii
There is no such thing as a known problem, hidden problem, or shameful problem with the NorthStar engine. It is an amazing piece of engineering. Proper care and maintenance go hand in hand to provide longevity with any vehicle. The NorthStar engine is NOT a run of the mill Chevrolet V8, it is an exlusive engine provided only for Cadillac. As good as it is, it can not perform routine maintenance all by itself. The customer must provide the opportunity.

 

[rfishing]

I called every engine rebuild shop in my area, and they all say the same thing. They will not touch the Norstar engine because it is a problematic engine, and they have too many unsatisfied customers. National seach for a rebuilt engine comes up empty also. Basically I am stuck with a 94 STS that blows head gaskets, and nobody will work on it. Even the local Cadillace dealership says, get rid of it, that these engines are not worth keeping. Sure there are good ones out there, but lot of bad ones. Not everyone goes on internet to post messages, but lot of blown headgasket cases in here.

By the way, my engine was properly maintained, as per recommendations of dealerships and owners manual. I even tuned up at 60k miles, rather then wait till 100k.

 

[91TexasSeville]

I called every engine rebuild shop in my area, and they all say the same thing. They will not touch the Norstar engine because it is a problematic engine, and they have too many unsatisfied customers. National seach for a rebuilt engine comes up empty also. Basically I am stuck with a 94 STS that blows head gaskets, and nobody will work on it. Even the local Cadillace dealership says, get rid of it, that these engines are not worth keeping. Sure there are good ones out there, but lot of bad ones. Not everyone goes on internet to post messages, but lot of blown headgasket cases in here.

By the way, my engine was properly maintained, as per recommendations of dealerships and owners manual. I even tuned up at 60k miles, rather then wait till 100k.

Okay....

Here is the reason why most engine rebuilders do not want to work on NorthStar engines:

They either use the wrong method, don't understand the problem, or are flat incompetent. I can not speculate which reason for their failure. These engines are not the same as the run of the mill V8 engines of which they are most familiar. Come-backs, or unsatisfied customers are bad for their business making it much easier for them to deny any NorthStar repairs, placing the blame on the manufacturer as opposed to their lack of skill.

A time-sert block (all fasteners) combined with new head gaskets WILL end the blown head gasket problem. The procedure must be performed to specification, not done the best time efficient way.

If you don't know the complete history for your car, you are, at best, speculating on maintenance. That is far worse than assuming it was completed according to manufacturers scheduled maintenance plan. If you must speculate, assume nothing was ever done. Thay way you start with a clean slate.

Of course the dealership would suggest that you dump the car....that is their business!

Ur7x gave the most descriptive answer anyone could hope for regarding the original question.