1991 Cadillac Allante review from North America

When you are out to buy a Allante, watch out for these areas:

1. Oil leaks. Make sure you look under the car and check there are no oil leaks. Best if the oil gasket has already been replaced oil as it's expensive to replace.

2. Check the Bose radio speakers for static (may run 50-300 a speaker) sound.

3. Check the soft top mechanism pull down motor. Don't assume it work (front and back side).

4. Coolant leaks. Watch out for rust inside the radiator.

5. ABS brake master cylinders: make sure to check this as it will cost you $1000-$3000 to replace.

6. On high mileage cars, check the steering shaft is OK. You might not pass the safety inspection as it might need replacing.

7. Check the information center lights to see any paint chips (you can only see at night when you turn your headlamop on). Some buttons go bad and you can see the back light through them.

8. Make sure you get a nice pair of tail lamps. These are very costly. $500-$800 new.

Very good solid engine with good torque.

A bit noisy and has a shaky ride.

No other convertible will have this much seating space, except very old cars.

Absolute head turner, yet what can I say, it's a Italian exotic.

Watch out when you buy it from auctions on the web. All the cars look nice in pictures. Make sure you send the inspector (worth an extra 100 or so) to inspect the car in and out, up and down), so you're sure it hasn't been in any accidents and and that it has no oil leaks etc. It's worthwhile. Best if you are present.

Don't trust the mileage. Look at the mileage with the condition of the interior and exterior, and check under the body for rust. Rust may indicate an odometer discrepancy.