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Buying a Florida Eldorado


WarrenJ

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This Thread, Global Warming & My Eldorado, at http://caddyinfo.ipbhost.com/index.php?showtopic=15886 went all over the place and we had some fun.

Somewhere around the middle of the thread I mentioned I'd like to grab one of those (relatively) inexpensive Florida Eldorados. In the NYMA you simply can't find one; no matter the price.

I'm looking for a "mint" 2002 fully loaded ESC (although I'd take an ETC if it absolutely bowled me over). "JimD" suggested the Naples-Fort Meyers area. "ted tcb", my hero, actually suggested a dealer: http://stores.ebay.com/carscarscars67_W0QQ...0QQftidZ2QQtZkm .

I'd be interested in any eBay tips.

Now with rare exceptions I can't take time off from work on short notice. That precludes my answering a Florida ad and flying down to make a quick purchase with a drive-back. The second choice is to take a week off and fly to Florida, rent a car, drive to various dealerships and hope I'll get a "flucky" find. Third choice is to buy "blind" and have it shipped here to me on Long Island.

There are no appealing choices here. Suggestions??????

Regards,

Warren

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There is no means of avoiding the final collapse of a boom brought about by credit expansion. The alternative is only whether the crisis should come sooner as the result of a voluntary abandonment of further credit expansion, or later as a final and total catastrophe of the currency system involved. - Ludwig von Mises

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You seem to be between a rock and a hard place Warren. Of those choice, I would only attempt #3, and then only if it where a certified car from a dealer.

Yes, you'd think folk would line up to take my money. Not so here in the N.Y. Metropolitan Area (NYMA). I simply can't find the car I'm looking for (NOT BLAAAAAAACK!).

When I bought the current steed in September of '06, I paid an additional $400 for a bumper-to-bumper warranty. It covered all systems not that were not part of the standard used car drive train warranty. A waste I know, but something a potential Northstar owner might want to take advantage of. Some Northstar systems can be expensive!

Any Eldorados down there in Texas? Flight plans are flexible. :P

Regards,

Warren

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There is no means of avoiding the final collapse of a boom brought about by credit expansion. The alternative is only whether the crisis should come sooner as the result of a voluntary abandonment of further credit expansion, or later as a final and total catastrophe of the currency system involved. - Ludwig von Mises

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Here is what I would do:

I used to go to the Marco Island - Fort Myers area quite a bit in the 80's on vacation and business. I took my kids to Marco Island and they loved it, it has changed quite a bit, but I am sure its still beautiful. Sanabel Island is amazing. Fly into Fort Myers and drive down to Marco Island stopping in a few places along the way like Sanabel, Naples, Marco Island, etc. Stop at every Cadillac dealer along the way with money hanging out of your shirt pocket. If they don't have one, put them on notice that you are interested in one, and you will buy it pronto when it comes in. If you focus on one, make sure you have the NAPA combustion by products tester with you and make sure you romp the s hit out of it when you take in on your requisite long test drive. If you don't find anything, you have spoken to EVERY used car manager in the area and they will look out for you, PLUS you have just had a great vacation!

In addition, if I were you, I would go to www.cadillac.com and find every Cadillac dealer in that area and see if they have a used car section that you can peruse. My friend at Ruggerie General Sales Cadillac in West Chester, PA has a used car section, check it out >> <a href="http://www.generalsalescars.com/preowned.php" target="_blank">http://www.generalsalescars.com/preowned.php</a> as a matter of fact, he currently has a 2002 Red ESC on sale, go look at it, it made me pitch a tent! :lol: I don't know if he is still there, but I have spoken to Bruce Bartman, my parents bought all of their cars from George Ruggerie and I bought a 74 Eldorado from him, Good Luck.

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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Warren, this low miler has about 10 minutes left on her ... 2002 ESC, 28k.

Are you bidding?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/2002-CADILL...1QQcmdZViewItem

1989 FWD Fleetwood, Silver

1995 STS Crimson Pearl on Black leather

1997 STS Diamond White

1999 STS Crimson Pearl

2001 STS Silver

2003 STS, Crimson Pearl

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My retired status could be an opportunity for you and a something-to-do for me, Warren. Perhaps I could be your eyes so you are not negotiating a potential purchase unseen.

Your next Eldo could be in the metro Atlanta area.

I am ~~ 800 miles from Naples with several Florida 'retirement' cities between me and there. The Eldo you are looking for might be sitting on a dealer's lot in Jacksonville, Gainesville, or Tampa.

Any interest in a discussion?

Jim

Drive your car.

Use your cell phone.

CHOOSE ONE !

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Nice offer, Jim.

Looks like the link I posted had the car ending at $11,700 ... didn't meet reserve.

Warren must really like two doors ... checking my local Autotrader, model year 2000-02 Eldo's

go for about a $5000 premium over STS' of the same year and mileage.

I'm guessing there's nothing wrong with your 1998, its just not as sharp as your last Eldorado.

That, and the chances of picking up a nice version of the last Eldorado ever made are lessening

with each passing year.

Me ... I'd probably google the local Florida Autotrader and Craigslist, focusing on Jacksonville, Gainsville, and Tampa.

Jim's offer is too good to pass up.

1989 FWD Fleetwood, Silver

1995 STS Crimson Pearl on Black leather

1997 STS Diamond White

1999 STS Crimson Pearl

2001 STS Silver

2003 STS, Crimson Pearl

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Warren, this low miler has about 10 minutes left on her ... 2002 ESC, 28k.

Are you bidding?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/2002-CADILL...1QQcmdZViewItem

Nope. Didn't get home 'till 8:30pm. Besides, I'd need a little more time to think on it.

Thanks for keeping me in mind though. It looks like you plan on continuing as my hero. :D

Regards,

Warren

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There is no means of avoiding the final collapse of a boom brought about by credit expansion. The alternative is only whether the crisis should come sooner as the result of a voluntary abandonment of further credit expansion, or later as a final and total catastrophe of the currency system involved. - Ludwig von Mises

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When I lived in Texas some of the used car people (not the new car dealers) imported cars from the rust belt because they were worth next-to-nothing there after a few years. They would bondo up the rust holes and paint them, then sell them to unsuspecting locals at the price of a Texas car. Frist rain and some of them wouldn't cast a strong shadow. Don't forget CarFAX.

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My retired status could be an opportunity for you and a something-to-do for me, Warren. Perhaps I could be your eyes so you are not negotiating a potential purchase unseen.

Your next Eldo could be in the metro Atlanta area.

I am ~~ 800 miles from Naples with several Florida 'retirement' cities between me and there. The Eldo you are looking for might be sitting on a dealer's lot in Jacksonville, Gainesville, or Tampa.

Any interest in a discussion?

JimD!!!! You are my new best friend!!!

Okay, I've now calmed down. :rolleyes: Yes, any help would be appreciated. Of course, I would find a way to return the favor.

Will send you a PM.

Regards,

Warren

Posted Image

There is no means of avoiding the final collapse of a boom brought about by credit expansion. The alternative is only whether the crisis should come sooner as the result of a voluntary abandonment of further credit expansion, or later as a final and total catastrophe of the currency system involved. - Ludwig von Mises

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You seem to be between a rock and a hard place Warren. Of those choice, I would only attempt #3, and then only if it where a certified car from a dealer.

Yes, you'd think folk would line up to take my money. Not so here in the N.Y. Metropolitan Area (NYMA). I simply can't find the car I'm looking for (NOT BLAAAAAAACK!).

When I bought the current steed in September of '06, I paid an additional $400 for a bumper-to-bumper warranty. It covered all systems not that were not part of the standard used car drive train warranty. A waste I know, but something a potential Northstar owner might want to take advantage of. Some Northstar systems can be expensive!

Any Eldorados down there in Texas? Flight plans are flexible. :P

Regards,

Warren

If that was for me, I don't know. I'm in Northern Ill. Only my DHS is a Texan.

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If that was for me, I don't know. I'm in Northern Ill. Only my DHS is a Texan.

Oops, got you confused. :o

Well, more accurately, I got me confused. :wipetears

Regards,

Warren

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There is no means of avoiding the final collapse of a boom brought about by credit expansion. The alternative is only whether the crisis should come sooner as the result of a voluntary abandonment of further credit expansion, or later as a final and total catastrophe of the currency system involved. - Ludwig von Mises

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Warren, did you see that Eldorado I referred you to above? You seemed to skip over that post. Are you aware as to who General Sales is? General Sales is known as one of the best if not best dealer in the area. There service department is second to none. They are honest. You will be plesantly surprised by them. If you think about going down there I'd meet you there. I would LOVE for them to put aside a higher mileage vehicle for me that they wholesale vs sell.

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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How about these dealers

DEVOE CADILLAC

4100 TAMIAMI TRAIL N, NAPLES, FL 34106-3197

GM Certified Internet Manager: Paige Caligiuri

Phone: (239) 263-3219

Fax: (239) 384-5177

VAL WARD CADILLAC, INC.

12626 TAMIAMI TRAIL S, FORT MYERS, FL 33907-3898

GM Certified Internet Manager: Tony D'Alberto

Phone: (239) 939-2212

Fax: (941) 939-2685

Website http://www.valwardcadillac.com/HomePage

ED MORSE SAWGRASS AUTO MALL

14401 W SUNRISE BLVD, SUNRISE, FL 33323-3202

GM Certified Internet Manager: Ann Feinberg

Phone: (888) 319-5276

Fax: (954) 858-6102

Website http://www.edmorsesawgrass.com/HomePage

ALAN JAY CHEVROLET-CADILLAC, INC.

441 US HWY 27 N, SEBRING, FL 33870-2151

GM Certified Internet Manager: Pete Dupriest

Phone: (863) 385-0186

Fax: (863) 402-4259

http://www.alanjaychevroletcadillac.com/HomePage

BLAKE CHEVROLET AND CADILLAC, INC.

30401 S FEDERAL HWY, HOMESTEAD, FL 33030-5097

GM Certified Internet Manager: Bismark Colombiet

Phone: (305) 247-2121

Fax: (305) 247-3491

http://www.blakechevy.com/HomePage

VERA CADILLAC

300 S UNIVERSITY DRIVE, PEMBROKE PINES, FL 33025-2236

GM Certified Internet Manager: David Williamson

Phone: (954) 517-7825

Fax: (954) 517-7991

http://www.veracadillac.com/HomePage

WILLIAMSON CADILLAC COMPANY

7815 SW 104 ST, MIAMI, FL 33156-2630

GM Certified Internet Manager: Michael Penn or Ed Miller

Phone: (305) 670-7100

Fax: (305) 670-7392

http://williamsoncadillac.com/HomePage

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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Warren, did you see that Eldorado I referred you to above? You seemed to skip over that post. Are you aware as to who General Sales is? General Sales is known as one of the best if not best dealer in the area. There service department is second to none. They are honest. You will be plesantly surprised by them. If you think about going down there I'd meet you there. I would LOVE for them to put aside a higher mileage vehicle for me that they wholesale vs sell.

You're right Mike, I did skip over your previous post. I'd intended to return to it, but got distracted.

And Crimson Pearl . . . be still my heart! (And those of the State Troopers).

I didn't find too much info on their site regarding this car and I still think Florida prices are better. Oh, what to do . . .

Regards,

Warren

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There is no means of avoiding the final collapse of a boom brought about by credit expansion. The alternative is only whether the crisis should come sooner as the result of a voluntary abandonment of further credit expansion, or later as a final and total catastrophe of the currency system involved. - Ludwig von Mises

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I have to admit, that the only red car I ever owned was a nightmare, I had three accidents in 2 years and blame the color, I drove that car very aggressively

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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Ed Morse Cadillac on Fletcher Ave in Tampa usaully has well taken care of and clean Eldorados for sale. You'll pay top dollar but it may be worth it. I know everytime I go there for one reason or another they either ask me if I want to sell mine or do I know someone looking to sell theirs. There is still a fairly active market for the final series Eldorado.

In any case watch their inventory and if you see something you like I would be willing to check the car out for you and advise.

Fly into Tampa Airport and Morse is perhaps 10 or 12 miles north of the airport just off the Dale Mabry Highway.

DON"T BUY AN ELDORADO FROM THE RUST BELT!!!!!!!!!! They do rust badly! Buy one from down here - they still look like they just came out of the showroom. :D

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Here are a few 2002's in the Tampa area.

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?car_...superSpotlight=

(Ok, this one is a 2001, but it looks like your old "Beauty", and its from the dealer I suggested on your other post)

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?car_...superSpotlight=

Same dealer, this one is stunning!

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?car_...superSpotlight=

Once again, same dealer ... they really do find exceptional cars.

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?car_...superSpotlight=

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?car_...superSpotlight=

The above car is the first gold colored 2002 I've seen.

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?car_...superSpotlight=

The above car is just for fun ... a high mileage, 2002 for under $7k!

Bottom line .... Warren, you should be in contact via email with Dolphin Automotive of Pompano Beach, Fla.

Website: http://www.autotrader.com/dealers/dda/inde...aler_id=8311522

post-1542-1195832146_thumb.jpg

1989 FWD Fleetwood, Silver

1995 STS Crimson Pearl on Black leather

1997 STS Diamond White

1999 STS Crimson Pearl

2001 STS Silver

2003 STS, Crimson Pearl

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Did a search ... that one dealer has 16 late model Eldos.

Its kind of like going back in time to a new dealer, circa 2002 ... just pick your color and options.

1989 FWD Fleetwood, Silver

1995 STS Crimson Pearl on Black leather

1997 STS Diamond White

1999 STS Crimson Pearl

2001 STS Silver

2003 STS, Crimson Pearl

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Fellas, I'm coming to you live from Punta Gorda FL.... My Dad lives here. I am 30 miles north of Fort Myers, on the coast...

This is Used Cadillac Heaven down here, no doubt... Ranger will be sick when he hears this, but it's already 72 degrees outside, going into the 80's today, nice sunny day... I freaking have to get outta wisconsin....

But anyway, Warren, I personally would stick to dealers... I would get the zip code for tampa - Fort Myers, and run autotrader searches... I do it all the time. Or, if you do 33955, and go like 200 mile radius, that will give you all of Tampa, all of Fort Myers/Cape Coral....

I am here for the week. I have my new digital camera with me. And obviously, I am sitting at my Dad's PC. So, if there was something I could do for you while I'm down here, let me know.

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