What job Posted November 16, 2010 Report Share Posted November 16, 2010 Hey all, Came across a 97 De ville that has 92k original miles . The car is a one owner that appears like it has been garaged most if not all of its life. No body damage to speak of and if it was damaged and it was repaired at some point, it was done very well . It all looks to be original paint . It is missing the center trim piece from the back bumper , has a couple of minor scratches on the corners of the front bumper , and a plastic piece is hanging down from the left front fender well near the bumper . The interior is about perfect as well . Problems...the car has been sitting for a couple of years , or not used very much at best. There's a host of codes showing in the PCM , Suspension , and the ABS systems . The engine isn't running smoothly , and it has what feels like an out of round tire , but the tires are about 3/4 tread left . The cooling system has signs of rust , which I don't understand at all . The computer is putting the MPG @ 13.5 . With fuel @ $4.00 a gallon...this would be a very expensive car to run here . Is this car worth $300. or should I walk away ? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bruce Nunnally Posted November 16, 2010 Report Share Posted November 16, 2010 I'd pass. You might offer to take it away for free, and then part it out. Bruce 2023 Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing Follow me on: Twitter Instagram Youtube Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rockfangd Posted November 16, 2010 Report Share Posted November 16, 2010 If it were me I would buy it because minor problems like you are describing could be solved by doing what a cadillac needs, driving it. Even if you part and scrap it you should get at least 300 or if not more. Is it a base, concurs, deelegance, Headgasket issues, If it doesnt have headgasket issue it is worth that much in itself GM FAN FOREVER Nice, clean, luxury= fine automobile Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BodybyFisher Posted November 16, 2010 Report Share Posted November 16, 2010 The computer is putting the MPG @ 13.5 . With fuel @ $4.00 a gallon...this would be a very expensive car to run here That is one of the most nieve statements I have ever heard. Ask yourself this When was the MPG system reset? What kind of driving was done by this person to obtain 13.5? Aren't you aware that if ANY car is ONLY driven locally at an average of 30 MPH in typical local stop and go driving you will get the WORST MPG? What kind of driving are YOU going to do? Local, Highway or a blend of Local and Highway? Looking at someone elses MPG means squat Next, if the car has been sitting, the battery has probably been DEAD, many of the codes you see could be related to a bad battery You say the car has been sitting, its possible the tires have a flat spot from sitting or they need balancing What you are seeing in the cooling system COULD be that the cooling supplement tablets have fallen out of suspension, it may just need a coolant change Is this car worth $300? The tires are worth $300. A junk yard gave ME $300 for my 96 Deville This is a project car, and you are NOT likely to lose anything on it 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 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KHE Posted November 16, 2010 Report Share Posted November 16, 2010 The 13.5 MPG is probably due to all the idling the car has done over the past two years... those cars are rated 17 city, 26 highway. The tires should straighten themselves out after a few miles of driving. Even if the headgaskets were shot and you had to replace the headgaskets yourself, you'd have $1100 invested in it ($800 in parts plus $300 purchase price) and have a very nice car for the money. Why is the car being sold? Where is it located? Kevin '93 Fleetwood Brougham '05 Deville '04 Deville 2013 Silverado Z71 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
What job Posted November 16, 2010 Author Report Share Posted November 16, 2010 Thanks for the replies, The car was used as winter driver for a couple of snow birds . At this point the car is part of the estate , so the history is not clear . I was told that the car sat for 6 to 8 months out of the year. I'm not sure how it even has the amount of miles it does if the story is true . It isn't clear if this car was once on the Mainland , or if the car was on Maui since new . If it was on the Mainland at one point , that would explain the miles . Not that the miles are high for a car of that age on Maui , but the miles are hi if the car was only driven half of the year by a retired couple that drove it to the local golf course . I guess it could have started off as a rental . I'm sure that a good drive and service would do wonders for the car , and cure many of the issues that it has . It is at that major 100k service point . I wouldn't be surprised if it still has the OEM plugs in it . Of course... the service records are missing . I suppose this will make someone a great car , but I think I'll pass on it. Maybe if it was an SLS , or an STS , but that De ville...If it isn't , it has got to be one of the ugliest cars that Cadillac ever made ! Sorry to anyone that likes that look , but that's MHO of that model . Thank's again for the input . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BodybyFisher Posted November 16, 2010 Report Share Posted November 16, 2010 I had a 96 Deville and on long trips it was amazing, nothing beat it, looks or no looks, comfort, power and safety 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 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scott y Posted November 16, 2010 Report Share Posted November 16, 2010 Maybe you should consider the car BBF aren't you looking for a fixer upper project,still?? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BodybyFisher Posted November 16, 2010 Report Share Posted November 16, 2010 Maybe you should consider the car BBF aren't you looking for a fixer upper project,still?? The thought crossed my mind. I will visit craigslist and find something one of these days to play with I have been thinking about starting a business, repairing Northstars for owners who love their Cadillac, knowing that they will never be able to duplicate it 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 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scott y Posted November 16, 2010 Report Share Posted November 16, 2010 Man, I wish we could be neighbors Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BodybyFisher Posted November 16, 2010 Report Share Posted November 16, 2010 Man, I wish we could be neighbors Who knows we might be where are you? 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 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scott y Posted November 16, 2010 Report Share Posted November 16, 2010 Oshawa, Ontario Canada Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BodybyFisher Posted November 16, 2010 Report Share Posted November 16, 2010 Oshawa, Ontario Canada I am 551.1 miles away, on Long Island, NY 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 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ranger Posted November 17, 2010 Report Share Posted November 17, 2010 The cooling system has signs of rust , which I don't understand at all . Impossible. It's aluminum. What you saw was sealant tab residue. It turns Dex a rusty brown color. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rockfangd Posted November 17, 2010 Report Share Posted November 17, 2010 If I can say one thing it is that the Deville is very classy and when maintained is a world of luxury. I suppose I havealways had the upmost respect for cadillacs whatever model they may be. But everyone is entitled to their own opinions. I wish the car was near me and I didnt already have a cadillac project right now. GM FAN FOREVER Nice, clean, luxury= fine automobile Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
adamconklin Posted November 28, 2010 Report Share Posted November 28, 2010 what job, on Maui too (Kihei)...is this the white one with tan interior currently listed on craigslist? http://honolulu.craigslist.org/mau/cto/2039358008.html Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mike5514 Posted November 29, 2010 Report Share Posted November 29, 2010 300 bucks wheels alone could be worth 300 bucks the only problem i can see is a place to put it. mike Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Archived
This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.