Might have an opportunity to buy a 1997 Cadillac Deville from a family member. Original owner, 69,000 miles. Would pay fair market value, probably 3k - 4k. Car was parked under a carport for most of its life and is in good condition. The service schedule wasn't followed perfectly, but it wasn't abused either.

Would you make this purchase? What kind of work can I expect to do on this car over the next few years beyond tires and standard maintenance? If the air conditioner goes, what will it cost to repair (I'm assuming it will need a conversion)?

Stock photo for reference

Depends on what you're buying it for.

Devilles are nice cars for FWD, but Cadillacs of that vintage are electrical nightmares when they get older.

Window Regulators, Transmission electrical gremlins, never ending Check Suspension warning, etc.



[This message has been edited by 1agswitchin4lanes (edited 10/12/2009 8:57a).]

my father bought a 97 buick a few years ago with mileage less than that. Transmission blew up, shop said it was a machining defect and they saw many of them back in the day with the same thing. AC controls went out multiple times, power seats broke, and other stuff that shouldn't go out on a vehicle with that mileage would break.

I realize its not a buick, but its still a GM.

I wouldn't touch it unless it was free or a hell of a deal and you needed transportation.



[This message has been edited by robertf03 (edited 10/11/2009 11:12p).]

I drive a '99 and have no problems with it.

nm

[This message has been edited by sts7049 (edited 10/12/2009 7:35a).]

You wouldn't need to convert the a/c. R-134a was the only thing used from 1994-on.

My mom has a '98 Park Avenue (dunno if they're similar) and hasn't had any big problems with it.

I'm sorry. But there isn't a single thing that would compel me to buy that car.

You might be popular at the nursing home.

Spice and his obvious love for Caddies...

I would buy it if I knew the history like you do. I also wouldn't pay more than 2000-2500. I don't care what kbb says, those cars are not uncommon w/ those miles b/c of what spice said. Kbb has and always will overvalue cars like that.

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Spice and his obvious love for Caddies...

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I like certain Caddies - like the CTS-V. And really old and distinctive ones - when owning a Cadillac was something to aspire to. But not living rooms on wheels.

Just giving you a hard time...

My dad's 94 is still kicking...though it hasnt aged too well. His A/C finally went out completely a few weeks ago.

Thanks for the input guys. I'm leaning towards passing on the opportunity based on your feedback and the higher than expected value of the vehicle. The purpose behind this was to find a cheap car that could be driven into the ground, delaying a new (or newer) vehicle purchase for a few more years.

wait till the ole northstar gives you a oil leak...

I've heard of these engines leaking oil before but don't know the details. Is it hard to repair, or something that's just impossible to stop once it happens?

Look here... Results 1 - 10 of about 59,300 for northstar oil leak. (0.28 seconds)

[This message has been edited by 1agswitchin4lanes (edited 10/14/2009 8:45a).]