1987 Cadillac Allante review from North America
"A really fun car"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Transmission was rebuilt by the previous owner, cost $1800.
ABS accumulator was replaced by the previous owner, cost $600.
Radiator and water pump was replaced by the previous owner.
I replaced all four struts, cost <$600.
Replaced the soft top myself, cost <$500.
Rebuilt the CPS module myself, cost $0 (cold solder connections on pcb)
Rebuilt the top pull-down mech myself, cost $0, made a new latch pawl.
Replaced the intake manifold gaskets myself, cost $70 for a retrofit kit.
Replaced the cat converter myself with a universal replacement, cost $100.
The seats are badly worn (are you surprised at 185,000?).
Other minor problems with the windows and switches, all easily repaired myself, cost $0.
General comments?
I purchased this car as a project car and intended to rebuild it entirely. I can't believe how well it runs. I yet await the time it needs a complete rebuild. It has proven to be the most reliable car I ever owned.
As a computer engineer, I am intrigued by the internal computer network. As with all Caddys, the diagnostics are run from the dashboard via the onboard computer.
Replacing the tires with Michelin Pilots made a huge improvement in handling and road noise. Previous tires were Mohawk.
The previous owner tried to take good care of it, but had it serviced by untrained personnel. Therefore things were fixed at a best effort method, but not properly.
The car has good performance, handles great and is very comfortable. A true luxury sports car.
A truly unique, rare car, certain to become a collectable.
1987 and 1988 are the best choice for the "do it yourself" since they do not use electronically controlled struts or traction control systems.
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| 1988 - Allante Convertible 8 cylinder Nice for the price I paid, but will sell her |
|
| Fabulous! |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| Year of manufacture | 1987 |
| First year of ownership | 1997 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2001 |
| Engine and transmission | 4.1 multiport fuel injection Automatic |
| Performance marks | 8 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 10 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 10 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 4 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 130000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 185000 miles |
| Previous car | Cadillac Eldorado |
| Date of Entry | 26th October, 2001 |