Faults:

List of repairs -

- Timing belt recall work completed and tires replaced with no unusual wear in year 2002.

- Cracked windshield replaced in 2004.

- Ignition coils, main computer, spark plugs, timing belt, fuel filter in year 2008 (very expensive repair - 3500 Euros).

The number 2 spark plug was rusted with the ignition coil connection. The electric pulse was stopped and grounded to the main computer. After the parts were replaced, the mechanic, a former Formula 1 team mechanic, tuned the engine for the best performance possible.

After the repair to the engine in the year 2008, the performance to the engine improved by 30%. The benzine usage improved from 16 miles / gallon to 21 miles / gallon (ca. 9.7 L / 100 km)

- Replaced tires with no unusual wear in year 2009.

- Replaced oil gaskets on header covers to stop leaking oil, accessory belt and "belt tension" flew off the engine (700 Euros).

** All parts had to be shipped from the US to more than one auto repair shop in Germany!! The paper work in the shipment through Customs / Zoll is evident that the parts originate from the US. According to the US auto repair shops working on Catera repairs, that all parts must be shipped from Europe. Where is the "misrepresentation" in parts supply for the Catera?

I have lost confidence in General Motors. GM "dumped" the Catera in the year 2001, and that any reference to the model under the Cadillac is referred to as the "other" model. The issue with the replacement parts source is particularly inconsistent, with auto repair businesses on both sides of the Atlantic claiming that the parts are sourced from the other continent.

General Comments:

The interior and environment functions of the car are superb.

The "ride" of the car is smooth on the German roads and autobahn.

Extreme road handling is superior when maneuvering from other driver's potential accidents.

Motor and external repairs are a severe failure, because an owner requires a high qualified mechanic and patience to deal with the provision of parts.

Faults:

-2008- ca 76800km (47k miles)

- Ignition Coil

- Spark plugs

- ECU - Electronic Control Unit

- Timing Belt (replaced in 2003 GM recall, possible dealer mistake using timing belt for 2.6 Liter engine)

- Single CD player is kaput.

- Driver side door rubber and "open control" replaced.

-2006- 60000km (37k miles)

Right front side body work and front bumper due to accident.

-2004- ca 50000km (32k miles)

- Windshield replaced due to weather "stress" crack in one corner of the windshield.

- Front axle - brake pad replacement.

-2003- ca. 35000km (25k miles)

All tires replaced.

GM recall - timing belt.

-2002- Auto shipped to Germany and certified for operation in Europe. No mechanical problems.

-2000- Auto bought in the USA.

General Comments:

- General Comments-

Good performance of the engine, road handling in all weather conditions, and interior comfort of the 2000 Catera.

Difficult to order parts for the Catera in Germany. Many Cadillac specific parts must ship from the US.

Difficult to locate quality Cadillac service in Germany.

Some operators are technically proficient to perform service on the auto. The average customer service is a (3,5) in a scale of 1 to 5, 1 is the best rate and 5 is the worst rate.

Car performance is responsive in all acceleration conditions until speed exceeds 150km/st (93mph) on the Autobahn - highway.

Excellent breaking controls in all driving conditions! Accidents were definitely avoided with the break systems controls.

Engine petrol consumption rate is lower than advertised by Cadillac: From 200 miles/14 gallons to 255 miles / 14.5 gallons - 13L/100km.

Premium benzine is used in the engine operation.

Average driving condition is equal between city and autobahn conditions.

All interior controls performed without problems. The environment controls must be set to high fan flow with 3 or more passengers are traveling together in the Catera.