[Katshot]

Think about this.. The ETC was the most technologically advanced production American vehicle in the year 2000 - along with the STS and other Cadillacs.. Things are going to go wrong...

I would think that the STS USUALLY carries that crown. True, MOST of what goes into the STS also goes into the ETC but not everything.
(Side air bags, R/F seat "smart air bag", rear parking assist, upgraded Stabili-trac just to name a few.)

 

[Astronomer]

Thanks for the pessimistic view Sal, but; I'm betting that you have shaded the the reliability statistics too much towards failure. I did not get an EW for three major reasons.

1.) I happen to believe that the majority of components in the building of the year 2K automobiles have been tested for at least ten years in a real world environment.

2.) If the number one maker of automobiles in the U.S. can't be trusted to put its flagship product in the field while at the same time competing with the rest of the world on the quality of its components, lets all get ready to love eating rice and monkey brains.

3.) Not a single warranty company could detail for me the extent of components it would cover for my $3K plus making me believe I'm better off putting money in the bank than rolling the warranty dice. :burn:

 

[Katshot]

posted by Astronomer:
"I happen to believe that the majority of components in the building of the year 2K automobiles have been tested for at least ten years in a real world environment."

You REALLY don't have a clue on this one dude, sorry.
:rofl:
If you only knew how wrong that statement was

 

[BeelzeBob]

Not a single warranty company could detail for me the extent of components it would cover for my $3K plus making me believe I'm better off putting money in the bank than rolling the warranty dice. :burn:

I was under the impression you bought your Cadillac from a Cadillac dealer.. If that IS indeed the case, then you should have nothing to worry about. Everything can be covered and you pay practically nothing to get anything fixed. I think I paid $35.00 to get a $3000.00 oil leak repaired. Plus, I had a free loaner car while my car was being repaired. Of course, they're paying for that loaner so your car is usually fixed the same day. AND, you get treated like GOLD at the dealer...

On the other-hand, if you're looking at aftermarket warranties - I don't know all that much about them. But, I know for the most part they're pretty good. Just be sure to go to a good company, call them up - and ask questions... That's all.. Or, get a printout of what they cover - bring it to a local Cadillac dealer - or mechanic of your choice (that can work on the Northstar) and ask them what it covers..

A Cadillac is an amazing car to be driving.. You get a lot of respect just for having one...

Also...

If the number one maker of automobiles in the U.S. can't be trusted to put its flagship product in the field while at the same time competing with the rest of the world on the quality of its components, lets all get ready to love eating rice and monkey brains.

America can't be the greatest at everything.. People have been buying things from soda machines with their cell phones in Europe for years now, for example... We aren't the leaders in technology - every country has their scientists and intelligence agencies... But, America makes great automobiles that compete on every level except for:

1. Interior quality - which will be changing
2. Build quality - which will be changing
3. Reliability - which I would hope will be changing..

We've cut corners here in America for years - regarding interior and build quality.. That we can change.. Reliability is another story and we'll have to work on that. For God's sake if we must, do what Bill Gates did... Send a limo over to other companies, take out their employees - and hire them...

 

[Astronomer]

Sal,

I bought my car at a GMC, Pontiac, Chevrolet dealership that wants to be a Cadillac dealer as well. It had 48K miles on it when I got it and is now out of warranty. However, that does not release GM from responsibility of their design and in keeping this car operating satisfactorily far enough into the future to allow me to enjoy it (I'm not sure what the law says on this its just an opinion). So far, no warranty company would put their cards on the table pertaining to exactly what they would cover, so I chose against getting one. I will battle this dealership, GM, and anyone else who wants to put up a fight to get responsible service after the sale for this car. And this is not because it is a Cadillac...but because it is generally accepted as good business practice for them to keep me thrilled with this car. The dealer has to rely on repeat business in order to sell vehicles, keeping customers like me happy is all part of their strategy. I'm not going to be happy with them if this car has expensive repairs. I paid too much money for this car not to be reliable transportation. I appreciate your comments about extended warranties....but I'll stick to my belief that they come up short in relieving you of anything but your money.

 

[BeelzeBob]

Actually, I have this really crappy aftermarket warranty that came with my 'ole Vette.. It's saving me about $1000.00 this month.. Even the crappy ones come in handy..

But you're right.. The dealer should definitely keep you happy so that you'll buy another car from them. But, they certainly will not repair things without charging you.

More than likely if you maintain the car perfectly - it's going to be fine.. Of course, there will be things that go wrong - as with any car... You can't buy a luxury car like a Cadillac and not expect things to go wrong.. It feels wierd saying that but it's true - and that's what most people will tell you. However, they'll tell you the same thing in regards to Mercedes and BMW.. Cars like these are not only expensive to buy - they're expensive to maintain..

I have a 1989 Dodge Shadow. It rarely breaks down - even replacing the tranny only costed $300.00 (used tranny with installation). But, I don't want people I graduated high school with seeing me driving that car around. I'd look like a failure.. If I didn't want to look successful - or a reward for all the effort I've put into my career, I'd just go and buy anything...

 

[Astronomer]

Sal,

Ok; for the sake of discussion, let's say you're right and there are even crappy warranties out there that are worth the money you spend on them. Certainly then it must also follow that there are some that are even more Cadillac friendly than the crappy ones and we here at Cadillacforums should be promoting those. Now I'm going to be asked to shell out about $3400.00 dollars over the next two years to buy one of these warranties to cover me untill 100K miles assuming I put 25K miles on in a year. Is it reasonable to assume that some Cadillacs will go those 50K miles without incurring anything other than regular fluid maintainence? Or should I automatically assume because this is a Cadillac and a luxury car, that I should expect to pay a lot more money above and beyond what I paid for it, just to get it to go 50K miles? I appreciate your wisdom on this because I'm just an old greenhorn when it comes to Cadillacs.

 

[BeelzeBob]

Well, I think it's more than likely you wont have any major problems within the next 50,000 miles - if the car has a good maintenance history and you maintain it well. The only problem is, if there IS a problem, it could be very expensive... There's an oil leak that's not exactly uncommon - it happened on my '95 ETC at about 100,000 miles - and that alone would have costed me about $3000.00... Besides the engine and transmission - which I highly doubt will go - that would probably be the most expensive repair. I hear the shocks/struts aren't costing that much anymore - people are buying aftermarket parts now. Someone may want to chime in regarding that...

Maybe you should just save the money and put it to the side in the event something happens - and if it doesn't, the money is yours to keep.

There IS a thread somewhere around here that Wes started regarding aftermarket insurance companies... It's a worthwhile search...