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.
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.
From California to Vegas and back with no Air Conditioning
... sounds like a blast.
I would have a hard time justifying the extra cost of premium gas for a car whose A/C does not even work. Having to drive with windows down in hot weather is one of the hallmarks of a beater.
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.