Quote:
Originally Posted by MrBottomTooth
I like Cadillacs too, but if you're looking at an older STS you're just asking for trouble.
You know how expensive those get when sensors and shit start going, or worse, the inevitable head gasket / coolant problems? And the original Northstars are horrible oil burners. GM basically had to come out and say the massive oil consumption (1 quart per 1000 milles) was just part of the engine design.
I don't think you could pick a worse car if you are looking to keep repair costs down. Probably not what you need in your current situation.
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I do know to check the head gasket and maintenance before buying. If they've used the wrong coolant or not changed it (most common) the gaskets fail. Also the bolts themselves aren't great and aren't always repaired properly. You have to timesert them or better yet buy a stud kit (either option costs hundreds for parts alone)
The oil burning doesn't bother me. It's not enough to make any smoke. They sure do hold alot, too, what is it 8 quarts?
The GOOD part about these cars is that the engine and transmission are built to be BEAT ON. They LIKE when you drive the fucking fuck out of them!! They LIKE IT! And what else can you buy for a couple grand (since they have 0 resale value) and get 28mpg highway yet be driving around 300hp? Not a racecar, but they do move
And the handling, it's pretty great for a huge car...
Plus they're pretty safe
Consider this.. Say I buy an STS for 2000... it'll be very likely to last me a year or more since I am careful about checking everything out.... After that it's paid for itself and I still have probably 50 parts on there I can sell for some pretty decent change. I saw a guy sell a 1997 STS with a blown engine for $1200 last year.. Headlight assy sell for at least $100 each, Cadillac chrome wheels there's another $50 each, seats bring $100 each
I VERY rarely end up into something more money than I can get back out in worst case scenario