1998 Cadillac Catera

Summary:

If they would make a newer model in 2009 or 2010, I would go and buy one so I would have 2 Cateras

Faults:

The A/C line cracked for some reason, and I believe wherever the previous owner took the car to recharge the A/C or service it, they put too much freon into it, and when I turned it on, the line just blew up. It's fixable, and it's not too expensive either, I think I've been just acting lazy and have never taken care of it.

Also the CD player doesn't work on the car. Every time I put a CD in the player, the whole STEREO system turns off. And I have to stop the car and turn it off. And when I turn it back on again, the CD comes out automatically.

General Comments:

I been taking care of my babe from day one. I always changed the oil before it hits 3k miles, I use the Castrol GTS full synthetic oil, I add a full bottle of stabilizer, and I buy the oil filter from the dealer.

I put Chevron gas in it, and I have always (ALWAYS) put grade SUPER in it. Even when gas was around $5 in California.

I have done all the services and maintenance on the car. Next thing I have to do is a transmission flush.

The car runs like a champ. It has almost 108k miles on it. No oil leak, the engine is clean as hell.

Everything works on the car except the A/C and the CD player.

I love my 98 CATERA, and I'm planning to keep it forever, and drive it and take care of it.

And for all you people out there who talk bad about the Catera, take care of the car and she will return the favor.

I have travel everywhere with this car all around the California. Vegas, and I've been to Vancouver. Never gave me a hard time.

I drove from Sacramento to Vancouver in 12 hours. Stopped only for gas. Drove non-stop. I wasn't even tired when I got there.

It's the smoothest car I have ever drove, and the sound system is making me crazy about this car.

Overall it's a really great car, you just have to take care of it. And do all the services on time, otherwise it gets mad at you and screws you up. Hahaha.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 24th March, 2009

25th Mar 2009, 12:07

From California to Vegas and back with no Air Conditioning

... sounds like a blast.

13th Apr 2009, 21:09

I have a Catera 98. Last year I spent a lot of money just on repairs, oil cooler seals, radiator, head and gaskets, just a nightmare. I will not recommend this car thank you.

12th Feb 2010, 00:40

Hello; well I read about all comments and complaints about the Cadillac Catera 98. I just got it today for a reasonable price. I was so nervous, because the repair costs are too high. I had before a Toyota 01 Corolla, which is so light, but great on gas, no lights on nor leaks. When I sat down into the Cadillac, I felt so comfortable and safe. Hopefully, I will not be disappointed with this car.

I will let you guys know. Thanks.

1998 Cadillac Catera

Summary:

It costs too much to own one of these cars new or used, due to all of the reported problems

Faults:

Had to fix the cup holder when we first bought the car $230. Wow.

Timing belt done at 140K, and that cost $1200.

Had the spark plugs and wires done at 150K, and that cost $1100.

Took it in for valve cover gaskets, head gasket and heater control valve at 220K, and that was $5000.

Now it needs shocks. Non air ride cheap ones are over $1000.

General Comments:

Very nice car when it runs. Cockpit type interior made for sport drivers. Very smooth ride, like a Cadillac.

I used to do all my own work myself. It is way too expensive to own one of these cars, even if you know how to do it. This is a German car with a Saab motor and higher than normal Cadillac prices. Almost no after market parts for this car, and that sucks.

Expensive to repair, and not many can or will work on it.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 27th February, 2009