On Topic (32) | Off Topic (1) | All (33)
30 Yrs old I bought a 97 Seville STS, 115000 miles the car is burning oil and anti freeze like there's no tommorow! I took it in to a mechanic and was told that Cadillacs' value dropped because of weak Northstar motor... Ant truth to that? Can anyone give me info?
I have a 97 cadillac sts, has always run great, had a check engine light on took it to sewell, they said intake gaskets were leaking... I said OK fix it. next day I happend to mention it was useing a bit of coolant, the guy said"Oh no, that could be a blown head gasket," next day they say it is a blown head gasket, get car back, its leaking everywhere! Get surge tank, water pump, etc replaced, heats upto 248 degrees, I pull over, call mechanic. He fixed thermostat, an hoses, driving fine now, but will go upto 230 degrees... is this normal???
Hello, 1998 Cadillac STS owner here. I was a master tech before, but not on cadillac- however, I now know more about true repairs on the Northstar engine than most dealers. Here's the deal... Yes they are known for bad headgaskets (like mine had) GM ran steel bolts into a all aluminum block from the factory. The bolts just don't hold up, they start to pull out. Anyone who has had good luck with these has been just that (good luck) Also, the heads start to warp once the headgaskets go... GM came up with a solution to fix this-But, it doesn't work. They are heli coils installed in the block called "time serts" Believe me, they don't work. TimeSerts are too short and will pull out almost as easy as the block alone when re-tightening the head. Cadillac also no longer sells new or replacement Northstar engines. Mainly because they know they won't last. Until just a few months ago there was no repair- But... now there are aftermarket Monster inserts avalible, they are longer, wider and have a more agressive "bite"- they also go into the virgin aluminum so the head bolts won't pull out again. Some are available on e-bay- just don't forget to mill the cylinder heads at a machine shop before it goes back together to give it a true flat surface again. I guess the main trick is finding a shop who knows what the heck they are doing... most dealers won't install aftermarket parts... God forbid they don't make the usual 150% mark up on the parts on top of the wacky labor rates.
I am a 65 year old male and I purchased my 1997 STS in October of 2001. It had 35K mileage and was in excellent condition. It now has 165K and is still in excellent condition. The only problems I have had are replacing water pump at 110K and coolant reservoir (cracked) at 150K.
I get regular oil changes at 3000 - 4000 miles. After oil change I need one quart of oil at about 2000 miles and again at about 3000 miles.
The car's performance is still strong. I can't notice much loss since I bought the car. I plan to keep this car until it dies and then I will be in the market for another Cadillac.
My wife has a 1996 STS which she bought used from a not so reputable dealer and she has had a few problems with her vehicle. The only major problem was a need to replace the transmission. Fortunately, it was still under the dealer's warranty.
I also own a 97 Cad Seville STS. It had 40,000 miles when I bought it. I love the beautiful lines, the smooth ride, and excellence power. When I bought the car I purchased the extended warranty with a $100 deductible. I have spent a lot of money $100 at a time. The dealer in Provo, Utah wouldn't stand behind my purchase. I had all of the same issues as has been previously posted. The main engine seal leaked, I replaced the a/c twice and all of the a/c parts (fan motor, hoses, valves, etc.) at least once. The front struts where replaced, the battery replaced, radiator replaced, radiator reservoir replaced, fixed a water pump leak. Even after the oil seals where replaced and radiator replaced, and A/C replaced, I still had oil leaks, radiator fluid leak, and the a/c fluid has leaked out 5 times now. Of course I had the usual spark plugs and wires changed twice and yes I have to add oil often. GM told me that adding 2 quarts of oil between every 3,000-mile oil change is normal for the Northstar. My car is in the shop right now needing the front struts replaced again, a window switch, new rear shocks at approx $700 a piece (they have been leaking.) The main computer needs to be replaced at over $1,000. I had 9 computer codes. The car now only starts in second gear because the stability control warning comes on all of the time. Passenger power seat motor doesn't work, etc, etc… The bottom line is it is going to cost far more to fix my car than it is worth. (The estimate is approx $5 to $6,000.)
I love the smooth ride, the power of the Northstar, and the beauty of Cad. But I simply cannot afford to drive a Cad and will not own another until I can buy new from a dealer with a good reputation and sell when warranty runs out. I am going to just scrap my 97 STS.
The cadillac seville was an excellent car when it was first introduced in 1975 as a 1976 model. The engineering on it was so stellar, people couldn't tell it actually came from a chevy nova. It used a port fuel injected oldsmobile rocket 350 and all the way up to its restyle in 1980,it was bullet proof in terms of quality and reliability. In 1980-81 the big block caddy 6liter was used with 1981 having the v864.Although the v864 had some problems, the engine construction itself was rock solid with cast iron block, heads and intake. Many people had the v864 feature turned off so it ran as a regular 200,000+mile caddy v8.When the HT engines came out in 1982,that's when the seville and the rest of cadillac lost its reputation. Gm designed an engine that they knew would have internal coolant leaks over short periods of time.That's why they mandated the use of their seal tablets (block seal) in the antifreeze. The Northstar also mandates the use of the seal tablets;which means it also will blow a head or intake gasket. You don't have to overheat these lousy cadillac engines to blow a head or intake gasket as they will do it anyway. When I removed the heads off my 1986 seville with an Ht4100,I saw that the block seal had become the head gasket and it blocked the coolant passages in the process of doing so. I had an overheating problem that no one could figure out and that's what it was. I don't recommend any northstar or Ht powered cadillac to anybody unless you have between $3k-7K to replace one of the many leaky engines used in cadillacs starting in 1982-2007 and beyond. Although if you love cadillacs so much and you can afford a new one, lease it don't buy it. If you want a good trusty used one, get a brougham 1986-1992 or fleetwood 1993-1996 or any 1981 and previous (except diesels).
I purchased a '97 SLS with 165k miles on it. I've had it for about a year now with no major problems (had to replace the radiator due to a coolant leak in the plastic neck and had the plastic fuel rails replaced with stainless steel rails - there was actually a recall for this and the dealer did it at no charge). It does use a little oil (about 1 quart per 1,500 miles). Overall it is an excellent car. Very comfortable ride and very responsive when put your foot in it. This is the first Caddy I've owned and it won't be the last.
I purchased a 1995 STS when it had 45k miles about 7 years ago. This is the quickest thing on the road when you put your foot in it.
It also is the quickest way to go broke if you even approach a dealer. Had most of the ride, oil, overheat and electronics bugs mentioned above and it's cost me thousands.
The most fun car I've ever owned, but no more caddies for me when this one dies. 71 year old whose going for a new Lexus when that happens.
Oh, yes... I did own six in my driving liftime including a 1978 Eldorado Bieritz that I sold 23 years later and the guy that bought it drove home that night over 500 miles away.
Shame on you Detroit for letting a legend die with a bad reputation.
Hello, Have had a 1999 Cadillac Seville since November of 2006. GReat car until about april. I had a mysterious overheating problem, my temp gauge would tick up to H then tick back to the middle. When it got hot it would say engine hot AC Off. Engine Hot, Idle Engine. I finally got the thermostat change and so far so good. Haven't drove it on the highway yet though, and that's when it mainly overheated.
I bought a 1997 SLS in April of this year. It had 105k miles on it, but it was well taken care of inside and out. It is now 6 months and 10,000 miles later and I absolutely love the car. Plenty of power, excellent fuel economy, and no issues. I wanted some cheap transportation with creature comforts - and that's exactly what I have.
I'm 48yrs old and I've had many Cadillacs over the years. Yes, Cadillac has built their share of crappy motors... the HT 4100 motor was a disaster, thank goodness the V8-6-4 nightmare only lasted 1 yr, and (I hesitate to even mention it) the mid 80's GM diesel. And all were a result of Cadillac trying to "push the envelope" and maximize fuel economy while retaining the big, heavy coachwork Cadillac owners have demanded. This kind of engineering doesn't translate well into mass-production. Kudos to Cadillac for waking up in the late 70's and giving it a shot.
Here's my take on the Northstar motor. It's not perfection... far from it. But it is an excellent example of Cadillac pushing engineering and manufacturing technology to the leading edge - maybe the "bleeding" edge! When it's done right, it's a thing of beauty. Mine is smooth, quiet, clean, efficient, and impressively powerful. Remember that this is a late 80's design first introduced in very limited quantities in the Allante. Judging from the number of average to high mile Northstars still on the road in 2007 (and not the number of negative comments on the 'net), I think Cadillac did quite well.
If you want to comment on Cadillac's ability to build fine cars, please, judge them on the merits of their latest offerings. I am blown away by the powerplants Cadillac has introduced in the past several years. Dealerships and service centers will always be a mixed bag and a used car is more than just "pre-owned", it truly is used. You don't know how it was used - you can look for evidence of abuse and look at a CarFax report. Even if you buy from someone you know well, chances are there are things about the vehicle you would like to know, but won't be told. What exactly is "normal use" or "highway miles" or "regular maintenance"?
To conclude (sorry for the rant), I am a Cadillac man and I'm proud of it. I've had other great cars, too. I usually buy used cars and accept the risk. If I wind up with a car that has issues, then too bad for me. Caveat emptor.
My Cadillac ownership history: 1966 Coupe Deville, 1974 Coupe Deville, 1977 Brougham, 1981 Coupe Deville, 1983 Brougham, 1984 Seville, 1985 Sedan Deville, 1987 Sedan Deville, 1988 Brougham, 1990 Brougham, 1993 Sedan Deville, 1997 SLS.
I just had a bad 6 weeks with my 1997 DeVille. The dash would remain black and the car would not start. Once in a while the dash would light and then you knew it would start.
$3000.00 later and having been at my local mechanic, a dealer diagnosed the Dash module (IPC) as the cause. Since Cadillac does not support 1997 vehicles, I had to go to the junkyards for the IPC. Initially I was told the 1996 would fit, but after the dealer sent one I purchased for reprogramming, it came back and I was told only a 1997 cluster would work.
The car runs good now, but I am experiencing cold start problems and must crank the engine at least 8 short burst in order to get it running. Once running, it runs very well. The car has 101526 miles on it.
I bought my 97 Seville from my grandmother 2 years ago. It had 82,000 miles on it and was stored for several years due to her having a stroke and stuck in a wheel chair for the rest of her life. I've had some repair bills (IE alternator, blower motor, ac condenser) but mostly expected from sitting for so long. I have 124,000 miles on it now and am finally getting my first tune up. The car has more power than I need, but I love it. My car eats oil once in a while,, but not on a regular basis. I'm sorry to say that this will probably be my last Cadillac that I own. NOT because it's a bad car, but because of the more expensive repair costs and I happen to live in northern Michigan and an SUV is better suited for the climate. One of the BEST cars I have ever owned.
Still searching very happy so far.
I bought a 1996 Cadillac STS with 66,000 miles about 3 years ago. Now have 142,000 miles and issues to go with it. First oil leak, put in 1 quart bout every week... but does not smoke. Have to top off radiator bout once a week but no anti freeze on ground or in oil. Brake fluid needs topping off bout 2-3 weeks. All inside electrical goes off and on at will. Need to replace a/c blower motor. Seems like a bug in electrical system circulates thruout. Other than that plenty of power and satisfaction from my STS.
I'm a 33 yr old with an '00 deville. Extremely comfy and fast, but that does no good when its overheating from a combustion leak. At 140k I used Thermogasket to seal and it worked for about 9k miles (I drive about 100 miles per week day). Now I have a cadillac that is not worth much, but not worth enough to spend 5k on an engine swap. I'm going to try Thermogasket again and if it works trade it. It's a shame that my 66 galaxie has to take me to work and back now b/c my caddy can't perform. Man this sucks...