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Reviewing my 1996 Dville


rockfangd

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I figured that I would type a review on my 1996 Deville, Enjoy

shale metallic exterior with chrome trim, shale landau topp with limousine lighting, shale and cherrywood interior.

I bought my 96 Deville just over a year ago from a person who clearly didnt see the value of such a classy automobile, It was dirty, missing some interior pieces, and had nasty 15" rims that didnt even fit properly.

As soon as I got it home I immediately fell in love, I brought the whole car back to stock according to the original RPO list.

i bought the car for cheap because The owner was told that the master cylinder was bad and it would cost too much money to fix. Well long story short all it was was a hole in the left front hose, lol, So I replaced both front hoses, calipers, pads and rotors and all was well.

The car runs wonderful even with 190000 miles. It starts every day and never ticks or misses. The ride quality is wonderful and the interior is extremely spacious. I need a big car that I can stretch out in and drive without my knees on the dash lol.

The seats are very comfrtable other than the fact that the trim on the front seats seems to be a bad idea, They improved thiss 10% in 97 by moving the recliner control to the door panels. My left seat was sagging on the outer edge so I just added some cushion and It is like new again. I love the leather because it is soft yet tough and durable.

Also the trunk is huge, (to give an idea I can get 4 rims and tires in the trunk and still close it lol)

When I bought the car I headr a lot of wind noise and found that it was caused from the inner seal on the body around all of the doors had shrunk so all I had to do was give the seals some slack as they are adjustable and voila the doors shut easier and no more road noise.

I would say my main drawback was the audio system because of the inability of interchangability. Basically on all of the GMs that I have owned It was easy to change the stereo to a factory Cd player, But I came up with a diagram and Installed a factory 12 disc changer that is wired exactly as the factory would have and a slightly different stereo with the cd option, so now The audio is great..

The whole car is very classy all the way around. To me it looks like a limousine without the extended center. No matter how it looks it always looks classy. People are forever asking me how I can afford such a classy vehicle.

The Deville is the ultimate luxury car with a performance engine and a ride quality that is unbeatable.

The other drawback is the Keyless entry system which unfortunately has poor distance(almost have to be touching the car to get it to work) but I say it is nice to havve the feature.

The car itself is huge, when I park my Deville next to my 97 SLS It towers over the SLS, lol.

It is hard to say but the sensation of driving a big car that rides so nice and has so much class is all I need to make me happy. Every time I drive my Deville I lose any irritations because It is just so fun to drive, plenty of power with a smooth ride.

I could not understand how someone could send such classy vehicles to the cash for clunkers knowing that they would never be driven again, sorry but to me that is the kind of person who does not know the true class of a wonderful automobile.

I feel in my Deville like If I ever got into an accident It wouldnt even phase me as I am completely surrounded by a solid built vehicle. I am very familiar with todays newer vehicles and to me the quality is no comparison.

So I end with Saying god bless to all with their classy Cadillacs and I would like to enjoy cadillacs forever.

GM FAN FOREVER

Nice, clean, luxury= fine automobile

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I agree, my 96 Deville was the best.

Do you have the owner's manual from the glove compartment?

Pre-1995 - DTC codes OBD1  >>

1996 and newer - DTC codes OBD2 >> https://www.obd-codes.com/trouble_codes/gm/obd_codes.htm

How to check for codes Caddyinfo How To Technical Archive >> http://www.caddyinfo.com/wordpress/cadillac-how-to-faq/

Cadillac History & Specifications Year by Year  http://www.motorera.com/cadillac/index.htm

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I know just what you are talking about with that trim. Mine was 100% and my drivers seat (cushins & all) look and feel 100% new. I attribute that to me being "scarry skinny" my whole life (that people stare at me). that all changed when I took my car in for service a few years ago. I go the car back, and a few days later I noticed that piece of trim broke away from the screws. I managed to melt metal supports into the inside of the plastic & perform cosmetic repair on the plastic & it is stronger than new & looks the same as new. The last year of any car design is uaually the most reliable in the long run. seems the '96 has many new internal designs that lasted till '99. externally it looks like the 94-95, but internally(under hood & behind the back seat) it looks just like the 97-99.

BTW I still am saddened that BBF had to depart with his Deville.

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Me too, Winter

Pre-1995 - DTC codes OBD1  >>

1996 and newer - DTC codes OBD2 >> https://www.obd-codes.com/trouble_codes/gm/obd_codes.htm

How to check for codes Caddyinfo How To Technical Archive >> http://www.caddyinfo.com/wordpress/cadillac-how-to-faq/

Cadillac History & Specifications Year by Year  http://www.motorera.com/cadillac/index.htm

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I agree, my 96 Deville was the best.

Do you have the owner's manual from the glove compartment?

Yes I have all brochures, manuals, and keys

GM FAN FOREVER

Nice, clean, luxury= fine automobile

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I agree, my 96 Deville was the best.

Do you have the owner's manual from the glove compartment?

Yes I have all brochures, manuals, and keys

Do you have the cassette tape that came with the car detailing its features? (Gold Key program)

Pre-1995 - DTC codes OBD1  >>

1996 and newer - DTC codes OBD2 >> https://www.obd-codes.com/trouble_codes/gm/obd_codes.htm

How to check for codes Caddyinfo How To Technical Archive >> http://www.caddyinfo.com/wordpress/cadillac-how-to-faq/

Cadillac History & Specifications Year by Year  http://www.motorera.com/cadillac/index.htm

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Yes I do and the funny thing is I have the tape for my 90 Scottsdale custom too, also all original.

Ny cadillac has a gold set of keys, a black set of keys, but very unfortunately thee one thing It is missing is the keycard that is usually located in the trunk. Maybe someday

GM FAN FOREVER

Nice, clean, luxury= fine automobile

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That sounds a lot like how I got my Eldorado a little over a year ago, from someone who obviously didn't know a good car when he saw one. I only paid 500$ for it in great condition. If you don't mind my asking, how much did you pay for it?

P.S. I noticed on your profile you are 24. It's nice to know I'm not the only "young" person who appreciates a nice Cadillac! No, I'm not calling anyone here old...I promise.biggrin.gif

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Yes I do and the funny thing is I have the tape for my 90 Scottsdale custom too, also all original.

Ny cadillac has a gold set of keys, a black set of keys, but very unfortunately thee one thing It is missing is the keycard that is usually located in the trunk. Maybe someday

Oh good, I was going to send you my tape or manual, I have it from my 96

Pre-1995 - DTC codes OBD1  >>

1996 and newer - DTC codes OBD2 >> https://www.obd-codes.com/trouble_codes/gm/obd_codes.htm

How to check for codes Caddyinfo How To Technical Archive >> http://www.caddyinfo.com/wordpress/cadillac-how-to-faq/

Cadillac History & Specifications Year by Year  http://www.motorera.com/cadillac/index.htm

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That sounds a lot like how I got my Eldorado a little over a year ago, from someone who obviously didn't know a good car when he saw one. I only paid 500$ for it in great condition. If you don't mind my asking, how much did you pay for it?

P.S. I noticed on your profile you are 24. It's nice to know I'm not the only "young" person who appreciates a nice Cadillac! No, I'm not calling anyone here old...I promise.biggrin.gif

Hey Carla I got my FIRST CADILLAC in 1984... a very well kept 1976 Sedan deVille Claret(red) with a white top and matching white leather interior and red rugs/dash...I'm 45, google the 76's and do the math... SCOTT

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I had a 66 Coupe Convertible in 1975 when I was in college at 22

Pre-1995 - DTC codes OBD1  >>

1996 and newer - DTC codes OBD2 >> https://www.obd-codes.com/trouble_codes/gm/obd_codes.htm

How to check for codes Caddyinfo How To Technical Archive >> http://www.caddyinfo.com/wordpress/cadillac-how-to-faq/

Cadillac History & Specifications Year by Year  http://www.motorera.com/cadillac/index.htm

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I was just saying that nowadays, most people in their 20's buy a Honda, throw some shiny wheels and a fart can on it and think they are cool. It's not very often that you see someone my age who appreciates a nice luxury car...that can outrun any Honda, I might add.wink.gif

big4870885.jpg

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I was just saying that nowadays, most people in their 20's buy a Honda, throw some shiny wheels and a fart can on it and think they are cool. It's not very often that you see someone my age who appreciates a nice luxury car...that can outrun any Honda, I might add.wink.gif

I have always taken pride in fine automobiles and laugh as I drive by rigged up hondas and such. I never saw the point in wasting money on parts for ricers when A luxury car retains iits value, even sentimental value in my case.

Bodybyfisher, could you please send me a picture of the tape and manual you have I may be interested for sure

GM FAN FOREVER

Nice, clean, luxury= fine automobile

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Will do, when I get an opportunity

Pre-1995 - DTC codes OBD1  >>

1996 and newer - DTC codes OBD2 >> https://www.obd-codes.com/trouble_codes/gm/obd_codes.htm

How to check for codes Caddyinfo How To Technical Archive >> http://www.caddyinfo.com/wordpress/cadillac-how-to-faq/

Cadillac History & Specifications Year by Year  http://www.motorera.com/cadillac/index.htm

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  • 2 weeks later...

below are pictures of my Deville when I purchased it and tomorrow I will post my current pictures in the next post.

Take note of the aweful rims. Ha to go on the first day

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GM FAN FOREVER

Nice, clean, luxury= fine automobile

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below are pictures of my Deville when I purchased it and tomorrow I will post my current pictures in the next post.

Take note of the aweful rims. Ha to go on the first day

th_100_1881.jpg

th_100_1882.jpg

th_100_1883.jpg

th_100_1884.jpg

th_100_1885.jpg

th_100_1886.jpg

th_100_1908.jpg

th_1127091408.jpg

th_1127091408a.jpg

th_1127091409.jpg

th_1127091409a.jpg

th_1127091409b.jpg

GM FAN FOREVER

Nice, clean, luxury= fine automobile

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mod please delete this and the last reply to tis post, somehow a duplicate appeared. I cannot figure out how to edit or remove the post.

Thank you

GM FAN FOREVER

Nice, clean, luxury= fine automobile

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  • 5 months later...

had to share my thoughts.

I have to be honest, before I got my SLS fixed I thought (not much) about parting with my Deville to the right persn.

I must say I was wrong. I still love my deville way too much to part with it. My deville has been extrordinary and I would surely regret partig with it.

So my decision is final and I am happy. I have decided to keep all 3 of my vehicles. My 96 deville, my 97 SLS, and my 90 Scottsdale.

I have lost count on how many people have been trying to get my Deville, and for some reason people thought because I bought a new car I would part with my old. Well I dont. I still drive my Deville nearly every day and love it.

another thing I have to add is the term (money talks) but that also doesnt work for me, a clear example is the many offers I have gotten on my other vehicles. I always say I dont need money, I need to fulfill my passion of owning and maintaining fine automobiles.

At least god forbid someday if I really needd the money I can part but definately dont plan on it.

So I say for anyone who doesnt understand my ways they dont know me very well.

I am still truly amazed on this Deville as it has been extremely reliable and has had no major flaws at all. It is truly a fine auto

GM FAN FOREVER

Nice, clean, luxury= fine automobile

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I loved my 96 Deville also, even though I longed for an STS. The Deville was nimble for a big car, comforable, quick and never labored. It was great on long trips, the back seat area gave a luxury feeling to my passengers and my 120 pound chocolate lab rested comfortably on the seat. I had similar problems to what you have experienced but every time I did something she ran better and better. Truely a great car

Pre-1995 - DTC codes OBD1  >>

1996 and newer - DTC codes OBD2 >> https://www.obd-codes.com/trouble_codes/gm/obd_codes.htm

How to check for codes Caddyinfo How To Technical Archive >> http://www.caddyinfo.com/wordpress/cadillac-how-to-faq/

Cadillac History & Specifications Year by Year  http://www.motorera.com/cadillac/index.htm

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Just saw your post about the rims & wanted to comment.

back in '96, adding chrome wheels over the aluminum alloy was ~$900.00 Reviews stated "it is a waste of money". BUT the chrome does stand the test of time. Unfortunately, I wore the chrome off my wheels to the point it annoyed me, but luckily I was able to get a set from a '99 "Clunker" that really look brand new (not even the finest scratches can be found).

My point is that I have seen 3 year old cars with aluminum or chrome wheels that are starting to bubble & are all pitted. Not sure what GM did to the '96 - '99 chrome wheels that make them last. Other amazing part is the chrome around the car. it never peeled or yellowed. I guess the formulation of the plastic was perfect.

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my 96 rims are amazing, only 1 is just starting to have the clear coming off. But there is no bead problems at all or any leaks.

I run into numerrous problems with the newer rims. especially chrysler.

Now this is a weird one, when I had my 96 ETC with the premium wheels the right rear looked perfect but I found a sharp 2" crack going from the corner of the bead to the center. Why Idont know, I saw no damage or scuffs, didnt even leak or shake. Anyone else heard of this?

GM FAN FOREVER

Nice, clean, luxury= fine automobile

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  • 7 months later...

just thought I would update this review.

Another year gone by and my deville is still wonderful. This car has not once left me stranded.

I recently replaced the heatercore and installed new dexcool coolant. I also retrofitted my set of seats from my 96 eldorado ETC (wiring was not easy) so I now have captains buckets with heating and lumbar. Did all of this without modifying anything on the car itself so if my mind changes I have the original seating to put right back.

I still drive my deville hard and it still loves it. I do no idle time though. on a cold start as soon as the rpms drop to 950 I am gone.

The body is starting to show some bubbling in a few spots like the hood over the headlights and just over the trim. I am not really worried though because given its age and mileage it still runs flawless.

other than 2 oil changes, some coolant, a heatercore, and gas I havent had to do anything to this car mechanically.

I finally replaced the front hub assemblies this year which were both cake. So now the ride is as quiet as it is smooth.

Every 6 months I run a bottle of Chevron techron fuel system to 20 gallons.

I use pennzoil oil and acdelco filter. I have no cold tick and very little oil consumption. also a very minor leak (looks like possibly crankcase)

NYSI will get done this week. since egr code a few years ago when I? bought the car. the light has never come back.

I have had a few offers this year and have refused to part with it. I drive my Deville every day and use it for everything. So what is the point in parting with a reliable paid off vehicle. The previous owner sure did not know what he had and i have by far gotten my $800 worth.

I actually like to drive this car more than my seville.

So overall I plan to drive my Deville til I cannot anymore. I am amazed at how smooth everything is with the mileage but it just goes to show that miles doesnt mean a thing .

GM FAN FOREVER

Nice, clean, luxury= fine automobile

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I feel pretty much the same way you do, about my car.

I use it for everything I need to do.

I have a lot of miles on it, (109,750) compared to most people, but that is what i bought it for... to drive. :) :)

It still runs and drives about as good as a new one.

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