Talk me out of it?

[unstable bob gable]

It's getting to the point where my Cavvy is just getting too long in tooth and not worth putting any money into. It's got some electrical glitches and the A.C. is bypassed, so I think it's time to move on, or just keep it as strictly a winter beater. Anywho, I'm hankering for a Caddy DeVille with the notorious Northstar engine. Seems like they are either really good or really bad as far as head gasket problems. I found a few with decent mileage for a decent price so my concept is to try and find the classic old man car with low miles. I want a pimp ride for my commute.

[BonzoHansen]

Do what makes you happy

[V]

Avoid them! I tried it, twice('95 sts in 98-00, 99 STS in '17). I bailed. Way too many issues. Check out some cadillac forums and see all the problem threads. Those northstar cars have like 20+ computer modules, and they don't age well. I fixed the headgasket issue with a top end build involving drilling and tapping, and adding head studs. Between that, the liquid cooled alternator, failure prone engine mounts, and unavailable exhaust parts, just not worth it. Oh and then there are the common water leaks. Plus, my friend has a '00 deville and the sunroof is stuck open 3-4 inches, for the past year or so, and he just ignores it. he keeps the sunshade closed and ignores it.

[sweetbmxrider]

Yeah I agree, terrible idea. Maybe a buick or something with a 3.8/3.6? Pretty easy to work on and in many platforms/brands so parts are cheaper and plentiful.

[V]

Buick Park Ave Ultra. Find one and buy it!

[unstable bob gable]

Thanks guys. Hey V I thought you were the guy who had bad experiences so I'm listening up.

[V]

Thanks guys. Hey V I thought you were the guy who had bad experiences so I'm listening up.


The biggest problem comes down to sources for aftermarket parts. Since they are old enough now, most parts are no longer available through GM and there is practically no aftermarket support for many of the unique pieces.
A single front strut for a car with "road sensing suspension" is $650+ from GM if you can even find one. Replacing heater cores involve pulling the entire dash, console and front seats. just swapping in an aftermarket radio can cause issues if not done with the proper adapter harnesses since it will trigger the security system and disable the car.

Now, the Park Ave Ultra I mentioned, has the comfort and old man status of a large caddy, but with the 3.8L S/C that's also in the Grand Prix GTPs. There are many more companies making parts to support the 3.8S/C than the Northstar.

It also all comes down to the specific car though with caddys. If you know the history of the car, and its cheap enough, it may be worth taking a shot. But once head gaskets get involved, or the computers start to get funky, you gotta be ready to bail and move on. I had about 2500 total invested in my 99 STS. It then needed a gas tank so that's where I cut my losses. I sold the motor and a few other parts and have so far made back about 1400. I still have the transmission and the rest of the car with a clean interior that I will continue to part out in order to make back my other 1100 and then some.

[ThoR294]

get an old toronado. They are amazing winter cars I miss mine

like mentioned though, parts would be an issue.

avoid the northstar as well like V said

[maroman88]

Buick. Roadmaster.

[deadtrend1]

if you really want a Cadillac, try and find a Cimarron. Not too many of those around.

[unstable bob gable]

Thinking more about timing chain equipped V6s more. Going to check out a Century and Grand Am this weekend

[BrandonDrecksage]

any interest in a 2002 buick regal gs?

[unstable bob gable]

any interest in a 2002 buick regal gs?


Gimme some Info. I'm still looking

[ThoR294]

Regal would be a great car!

[maroman88]

regal GS could be very nice!

[edpontiac91]

regal GS could be very nice!

I owned both of these models. Had a 2002 Grand Prix GT and a 1990 Buick Regal GS. The Grand Prix had a harder ride and the 3.8 was fine. The Regal GS had a Much Smoother ride and the SuperCharger gave it some balls.