2000 Cadillac Catera STD review from North America

The brakes were bad when I purchased the car. The rear power sunshade was broken when I purchased the car. The windshield fliud washer was not working when I bought the car.

I was originally in the market for an early model Cadillac Seville STS. I came across my Catera online at a private dealership, nothwest of Dallas. It was in great condition and was absolutely stunning to look at. I took it for a test drive and was shocked at how wonderfully it handled every curve of the road. Not only that, the engine was tight and powerful. I kid you not, I had to pull over and check under the hood again. I couldn't believe this was a V6.I took it back to the guy and told him,"let me think about".I immediately went and pulled up everything I could find on this car including comments from this site. The horror stories were and still are awful. But it became clear to me that ANY Catera made before 2000 was a bad choice. From 1999.5-2002,the Catera seemed fixed of whatever its shortcomings were. I took a chance on this car for $6900.I bought it AND purchased a 36 month 36000 mile warranty. But as soon I got the car, I took it straight to my mechanic and told him to go through this car tooth and nail. He fix, inspected and serviced everything from the brakes to the windshield wipers. Total cost was $700.It's been 3000 miles since and I'm pleased to say, this car is spectacular, underrated and under-appreciated. If you take care of this car it will take care of you. The car is fully loaded and spared no expense. The only problem (minor as it may sound) is that I'm 6'0 tall. Small zips around town are fine. But long trips of an hour or more are terrible on my right hip and leg. Not a whole lot of room for me to get comfortable for long drives. Thank goodness for Lincolns! If you decide to buy a Catera, I urge you to get a 2000-2002 model. And do your preventive maintenance early. Maintenance and PREMIUM GAS are luxuries this car can't afford to be without.