Comments: 1-15, 16-17
The alternator died (75,000 miles on it) during my drive home from purchasing it. The used car dealer that sold it to me was nice enough to pay for the repair (about $250).
The driver's (power) window stopped working. I had this repaired for about $75.
The left front wheel hub (not the hubcap, the actual hub) needed to be replaced at about 100,000 for about $250.
The catalytic converter started making an annoying grinding noise at about 105,000. The Cadillac dealer told me this would cost $950 to fix. My local mechanic told me it would be $350, if I wanted to fix it at all.
The oil pan is dripping oil at a rate of a quart per month.
There's a problem with the idle (probably computer related) that either causes the car to stall, or surge, after re-starting when warm. I haven't had this checked out. I usually just let it level out after re-starting before putting it in gear. This is mostly just annoying and the condition has been present the entire time I've owned this car.
The A/C has stopped working, and now recently so has the heater. Actually I believe it may be the thermostat, since the "Coolant Temp" light has been coming on.
A friend of mine as dumped over $3000 in repairs on his '93 De ville. I've also heard that the water pumps often go out on these.
I like Cadillacs. I like the room, the comfort, and the ride that they offer. I also have enjoyed the powerful V8 it has and the smooth transmission.
I'm really tired of the repairs, though, and I think I'm going to switch to buying imports.
I think this person's expectations for an 11 year old car are a bit out of whack. When you can plunk down a few grand to own a nice older car outright, occasional repairs and preventive maintenance should be expected. Think of the monthly payments you're missing!
Cadillacs are every bit as reliable and robust as any crappy import, which people mysteriously seem to love so much. Cadillacs also have auto-leveling suspensions, automatic climate control, big V-8s with more moving parts, more electronics to draw on the electrical system, more weight to support, start and stop, and plush interiors with automatic and power everything. Guaranteed all these things will cost more to keep up than a chintzy, uncomfortable four cylinder box from third world "X". It's not called "unreliability", it's called luxury, and there is ultimately a price for it. A used car that sold new for $40,000 is going to cost more to keep up than a used car that sold new for $12,000.
Having said this, I would recommend that you don't buy a nice car if you don't have the money to keep it up. Leave them for the rest of us while you tool around in your econo-wheels.
Having owned two Cadillacs and talked with many other miserable owners in the service dept. I can say without hesitation that Cadillacs are maintenance nightmares. This is (by the way) the reason you can buy a used one for cheap. Even if you are loaded with $$$ your life will begin to revolve around getting your overpriced junker serviced. Go buy a Lexus and get luxury AND quality.
Also, selling a used Cadillac is like gettring rid of warts.. be ready to give it away- or consider donating to public TV for a tax deduction! At least you will be free of the nightmare! Broke, but happy! The only one who won't like it is the mechanic who loved seeing you!
I spent $5000 in one year on my 1991 Eldo (back in 1994) This was all major stuff- I replaced a lot. When the tranny blew at 78,ooo miles I sold the car in the "rebuildable wreck" section of the newspaper.
I suppose if you're 90 years old and drive 3000 miles a year you might do OK. IF you just have to have a Caddy buy it new and get an extended warranty- you will need it. Or, with the brutal depreciation just lease it and then dump it before it eats you alive.
I bought a 92 Coupe De Ville and love it. With the exception of general maintenance, the car has been a joy.
I own a 1991 Cadillac Sedan De Ville with a personal knowledge of its history from new (family car). It is a pleasure to drive, even after 12 years and 125,000 miles. Some imperfections have been expected to appear with its age, but I think there are also a few inherent flaws.
There have been 3 water pumps and 2 alternators replaced in this car. I think these parts may have been inherently defective (or I suppose not designed well enough for the car) since 3 of 5 of these servicings were under new and part replacement warranties (done at different places across Canada). A rough idling noise was cured (well - 75%) like mentioned by other postings across the web by replacing the computer (under warranty).
The most unexpected repair was the weird "death" of the daylight running light sensor on the front dast which when it died left the headlights on even with the ignition turned off and the key taken out! The heat exchanger (expensive) and windshield de-icer have also been fixed, the latter also has died again. The most significant of fluid leaks is the power steering fluid - about 100 ml every 2-3 weeks). I suppose the total cost for running the vehicle over the last 4 years has been about $1200 USD.
I feel this car is best used for long distance travel on highways since the mileage can get up to 33 mpg vs 12 to 15 mpg in the city - albeit with a heavy foot. The 4.9 L V8 engine still purrs at cruise (>60 mph; and might I say a great cruise control system too) and yet gives a guttural roar when you need a rapid acceleration. Power in this sedan is great and slips the tires under the pressure of a heavy foot. It's a little unfortunate to have the auto-limiter set for 108 mph.
Driving conditions are harsh in my area for 6 to 8 months of the year. It's a fantastic winter car when combined with quality snow tires. It is an over-performer to newly purchased SUVs and mini-vans in the hands of "average" drivers. Without the block heater plugged-in, by necessity I have started the car at temperatures below 0F (minus 22 C). Snow and ice are not obstacles for the power of this front wheel drive car. The ABS works perfectly. Hills and curves are handled easily in all weather conditions- great for trips to ski in the mountains. The seals around the doors and windows are slowly decaying so wind noise has increased, but still quiet compared to a lot of old vehicles.
In total, I like this car. With a reliable knowledge of a service history I'd say it's worth a couple of thousand dollars in the local market that it would cost to buy it.
Last summer I bought an '89 SDV for a cross country trip. I found it to be not only comfortable, but also reliable and reasonably efficient. Granted, I only drove it about 10,000 miles, but I never had anything to complain about. Great car (except for all the computers...), I wouldn't even think sending my money overseas to buy some pos import, even if I had to buy a late-model car again.
About 2 years ago I purchased a 1991 Cadillac Fleetwood. Has been a rewarding experience. I expected to shell out maintenance money, and I have. But the car had 140,000 miles on it when I bought it and have 153,000 on it now. Cost me $2400 at purchase, 2700 tax & title and have put around $1100 in it mostly at purchase on the recommendation of my mechanic. Some of that money was spent on good tires. It is wonderful, luxury and great ride with great gas millage on the open road, about 31 mpg. Around town I get around 16. It uses premium gas, but it is a Cadilac and looks like new in and out. I figure if something major goes wrong with it I can junk it and buy a new car and not be out anything, it has already paid for itself in my eyes. I love it and am proud of it, get many complements, and I just smile to myself, was a bargain for luxury. By the way "everything works on it" and drives and rides like a dream.
My husband purchased me a 1992 Cadillac a couple months ago.I've never enjoyed a car as much as I have this one. We purchased and extended warranty for a years coverage. So far we have had no problems after reading some comments in this forum I am glad we went for the warranty. We also purchased a new Dakota 2003 and a 1987 Fire bird give me my Cadillac, it's comfortable, and beautiful I'm just sorry I didn't purchase one years ago. Judy.
My Dad always wanted a Cadillac. He was very sick in late 1989, and decided to buy himself a 1990 Coupe deVille. It was a medium blue beauty with the full carriage top and dark blue leather interior. He ordered it with every option, even the insta-clear windshield which was very rare on those cars. I can still smell the leather!! He LOVED that car more than anything. After driving it for three years and almost 50,000 miles, he was no longer able to drive. My Mom kept it in the garage, in case he was able to once again drive it. He passed away in 1993, but was proud to have owned the "Caddy" he had always wanted.
My Mom decided that because it was so cherished by my Dad and it was such a nice, reliable car, that she would sell her car and keep it. She did for another 6 years and loved it! Well, as of January 1999, the Coupe had only 70,000 miles and Mom decided it was time to sell. A gentleman from Florida came up the east coast to buy it. It was sad to see it go. That car will always be cherished by our family.
We purchased a 4 year old CADILAC lease car. An executive v.p. drove it. It had 50,155 miles. It is a 1993 CADILAC sedan deville with a carriage convertable top roof. We have had very good luck with it. We have perhaps spent about 2500. dollars in genral and preventative maintenace. We now have 127800 miles on it. We replaced the water pump and heater core about 21/2 years ago. They are now gone again. The air-condtioning was just recharged and still not working. It will soon be repaired. My main pet peeve is that the electronic struts are ver expensive. The dealership said last year it would be about $700. each, but they would do it for $2400. complete for all four. This year I inquired if it could be done, but at a cheaper price. They told me that they have a relacement which they call a passive strut. Then they say it is another word for manual struts. They would have to cut the wires and the service light for struts or suspension light would stay on my dash. The price for this job would be about $800. total. For another $200. they could rewire something up to the dash to stop the light from staying on. I'm perplexed at this time what I will do. If anyone has any ideas pertaining to this problem I would be much obliged. My e-mail is transitservicene@charter.net We love the car and also find it great in winter driving. If we do install manual struts, I'm concernrd about as good a ride than with the original electronic struts. Thank's/ Maury
The initial woman said she'd switch to imports, next time. I love Cadillacs and have had next to no trouble with them. However, if a person feels as does this woman, why would they not switch to either Chrysler or Lincoln? Why go to foreign products with our American economy so in need of support??
I purchased my 1992 Caddy Coup Deville this year and I am elated with it. Lucky for me that the prior owner had many repairs done to it plus added the extra tire to the trunk that makes this car look even better. The only problem that I am having with this beautiful vehicle is that at when I insert the keys into the ignition it does nothing to start even though all the electric gadgets work, after awhile or the next day I reenter the vehicle, insert the key into the ignition and it starts up like a champ, only to do the same on any other given day. Thank you for this site, you can email me with any answers.
What a joke the first comment on the cadillac was! CADILLAC DEVILLE NORTH AMERICA... EXCUSE CADILLAC AN ALTERNATOR WENT OUT AT 70,000 MILES... get a grip. How about those interference engines those wonderful imports have... blow the timing belt blow the engine. Never heard of interference engines... well you better see if your trashy import has one! My wife found out the hard way with her $18,000.00 japenese junk pile. It's worth squat on the salvage auction now. Acura and lexus... includung Integra... are all 80,000 mile wonders... I worked for 3 dealerships over the years and I know! Toyota has lost dependability ratings now. And BMW's are engine replacement dreams... `That guy's mechanic must send him champagne for what he charges him for repairs!
Line mechanic for over 27 years...
In answer to the person who has problems starting his/her car: I have a 93 Cadillac Deville (a family car bought new) and I occasionally have that problem (mainly because I forgot and left the lights on after turning the motor off in daytime when sunlight prevents me from seeing that my lights are still on) -- what I do is to always push the gas pedal down before starting the motor and that takes care of it every time.
By the way, does anyone know anything about installing daylight running lights on a '93 Cadillac Deville? I live in south Florida where the drivers are so lousy I figure I'd improve my chances of surviving on the road if I could make my car easier to see. Bluespan@the-beach.net.
I bought a 1992 2 door De ville from a neighbor who passed away. The car only has 27,000 miles on it. It ran great and then I got a check engine light. Took it to the local gas station and have replace the catalytic converter, muffler, oxygen sensor and the power steering module. When reset the light goes off, but after driving a few miles the light comes back on, but the car is running great. Does anyone have any ideas?
I own a 1992 Cadillac Coupe DeVille. White, with white top
and white leather interior. The car has 93,000 miles on it. The car has a gorgeous appearance and I receive compliments on it almost daily. The car is extremely comfortable. Has a heavy, cushy and confident ride. The interior is still like new, although I am very meticulous about keeping it clean, and the leather moist. The engine is silent with ferocious acceleration. I live in the metro Detroit area and deal with snow some of the year. The traction control and front wheel drive make this car a dream to drive in inclement weather. I own three Cadillacs and love them all. This Coupe DeVille is my favorite though. This car will treat you well if it is taken care of. I am amused at the reviews I have read. I notice a lot of whining about having to replace expensive parts. Did you really think that parts for a luxury car of this caliber would be cheap? If you can't afford to keep it in good repair then buy an econo-box. The bottom line is, a car is a machine. Machines break down. Machines break down much less if they are cared for. Follow your PREVENTATIVE maintenance schedule in the back of the owner's manual. Take good care of it and it will take good care of you. The DeVille isn't America's #1 selling luxury car for no reason. As for problems with my car I have replaced the water pump twice ($650.00 each time). I do believe this is an inherent design flaw in the pump itself. I have also replaced the heater core ($925.00). The cruise control unit has been replaced ($425.00) I have had all four computer ride struts replaced to the tune of about $3,000.00) Also I have had to have the interior headliner and visors replaced due to delamination (meaning the fabric pulled away from the inside of the roof). This was quite annoying because the parts are no longer available from Cadillac in the white color. Don't ask me why. There were other colors available, but not white. Since the carpet and dash board are burgandy, the dealer actually asked me if I would like to replace the white headliner with a burgandy headliner. I finally ended up going to a independent trim shop (not the dealership) and payed almost $1600.00 to have it "custom done." The dealer said that the delamination process began because I cleaned it too often. My reply was "It's white! It has to be cleaned often!" In either case, the car has been great. I will continue to drive it for years because I like it.