nishnob616 Posted February 10, 2012 Report Share Posted February 10, 2012 hello, i am looking to buy a cadillac. NOTHING NEW...something early to mid 90s. sedan. i have general car knowledge (no mechanic) but i kinda know what to look for when buying a used car. but i was wondering if i could get some feedback from people that love these cars and know them well...im interested in knowing what to look for, what to stay away from, etc...PLZ HELP??? thanx Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BodybyFisher Posted February 10, 2012 Report Share Posted February 10, 2012 I would do these things in the purchase of a Northstar Cadillac Extract all DTC codes, see the bottom of this post as to how to do so, write down all codes and post them here. There is also a link to what the codes mean, post the meanings also. You do not need a code reader, there is an on board diagnostic system that will provide P-powertrain, N-Network, C-Chassis, B-Body, and S/R suspension codes. A reader ONLY provides P codes. Before 1996, diagnostics were OBD1, 96 and after the OBD2 system is used From 96 on, Dexcool was used as the factory coolant fill I woulld check the coolant for combustion by products due to a breeched head gasket, or I would NOT buy the car I would take the car on a hard ride, with long hills where the engine labors for long distances and watch the temp gage I would take the car on a bumpy ride and drive it into curb cuts to see how the springs and struts perform I would insist upon getting a car that has ALL maintenance records, I would especially want to know that the coolant was changed as per the recommended change interval. A car that has been "driven to church on sunday's" may have just sat with no maintenance done to it, and the coolant may never have been changed I would like to know that the brake system was maintained properly, meaning that the fluid was flushed to get out the moisture that rusts the insides of the master cylinder and wheel cylinders Look at the brake lines, they have been known to rust Look at the bottom of the engine, Northstars can have wet bottoms from oil but look at where the car has been parked to see how bad If there is a sunroof, feel the carpet in the rear seat area and in the trunk, spare tire well I would run a CarFax report I would know the difference between STS, SLS, ETC, ELC in terms of engines and suspensions I personally would not buy older than a 2004 at this point due to changes in the Northstar but thats me These are fun cars, great engines and a great buy if you can diagnose and fix problems yourself, if you plan to take the car to a mechanic or dealer, you should have deep pockets. Get a good one. Good Luck, Welcome aboard, let us know what you decide to do and come back we have a lot of information to help you, others will chime in. 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 February 10, 2012 Report Share Posted February 10, 2012 Early to mid 90s will have the 4.5 or 4.9 engine if you're looking for a Deville. Sevilles got the Northstar in 93 for the STS and 94 for the base Seville. The Deville went to the Northstar in 96 for the base model but the Deville Concours got the Northstar in 94. The 4.5/4.9 are reliable engines - they just do not have the power of the Northstar. If the seller has the service records, that would be a big selling point in my opinion. As BodybyFisher said, check the coolant for combustion gasses with the kit from Autozone if buying an older Northstar. Kevin '93 Fleetwood Brougham '05 Deville '04 Deville 2013 Silverado Z71 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rockfangd Posted February 11, 2012 Report Share Posted February 11, 2012 my best recommendation. buy a Deville, if possible. rides the best and is big, roomy, and powerful. Whatever you find look it over with a fine toothed comb. I prefer not to buy one that has been sitting. One that is driven daily is best. and driven hard. If you find someting you are interested. post any questions here and we will be happy to answer them. Welcome to caddyinfo GM FAN FOREVER Nice, clean, luxury= fine automobile Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
marshall Posted February 12, 2012 Report Share Posted February 12, 2012 Also keep in mind the year to milage ratio,dont get talked into a high mileage car just because it's a caddy, check for water pump issues in the deville and rust or water in the tail lights for sevilles. Also be leary of aftermarket alarm systems you didnt install yourself. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KHE Posted February 13, 2012 Report Share Posted February 13, 2012 check for water pump issues in the deville and rust or water in the tail lights for sevilles. Also be leary of aftermarket alarm systems you didnt install yourself. Why would a Deville have a "water pump issue" over a Seville? Same engine, same waterpump. Kevin '93 Fleetwood Brougham '05 Deville '04 Deville 2013 Silverado Z71 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BodybyFisher Posted February 13, 2012 Report Share Posted February 13, 2012 Also keep in mind the year to milage ratio,dont get talked into a high mileage car just because it's a caddy, check for water pump issues in the deville and rust or water in the tail lights for sevilles. Also be leary of aftermarket alarm systems you didnt install yourself. Any aftermarket alarm system is not recommended and is the source of problems Water pumps are not a problem in an Northstar platform, regardless of Deville, Seville, Eldo. I have never seen a water pump go bad on a Northstar, the body seal, yes Also have not seen water in tail lights 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...
lothos Posted February 13, 2012 Report Share Posted February 13, 2012 Also have not seen water in tail lights My 1995 STS had a problem with fogging and water condensation in the tail lights. The cure is to dry them out and reseal them, or drill some very small holes for drainage which is what I did. I was under the impression it's a fairly common issue. WARNING: I'm a total car newbie, don't be surprised if I ask a stupid question! Just trying to learn. Cheers! 5% discount code at RockAuto.com - click here for your discount! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scott y Posted February 13, 2012 Report Share Posted February 13, 2012 Yes I'm afraid that is true...I seem to only have this condensation problem in the fall/winter tho. If you remove the taillamps and bring them inside for an overnighter they will clear(dry) out, only to return at the next car wash But who in the hell(other than me)is that anal??? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BodybyFisher Posted February 13, 2012 Report Share Posted February 13, 2012 Oh I agree, condensation is one thing WATER is another. I have heard about drilling the holes also 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...
nishnob616 Posted February 14, 2012 Author Report Share Posted February 14, 2012 Thank you everybody for all your input! I purchased a 95 Deville. Has 148 on motor rear shocks have just been replaced, the body is mint! The bad is I realized my blower motor is on the Fritz (didn't know when purchased) and front driver stab arm (I did know) the exhaust has a voice, but that disentangle bother me and is not cracked, jus a replacent resonator. I paid 1200 with a 600 trade on my honda civic, which was on its last leg. So 1800. I feel u got a good deal...except the gas. :'/. Any feedback abt my blower? Thanx! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
adallak Posted February 15, 2012 Report Share Posted February 15, 2012 Thank you everybody for all your input! I purchased a 95 Deville. Has 148 on motor rear shocks have just been replaced, the body is mint! The bad is I realized my blower motor is on the Fritz (didn't know when purchased) and front driver stab arm (I did know) the exhaust has a voice, but that disentangle bother me and is not cracked, jus a replacent resonator. I paid 1200 with a 600 trade on my honda civic, which was on its last leg. So 1800. I feel u got a good deal...except the gas. :'/. Any feedback abt my blower? Thanx! Congratulations! 4.9 liter engine is a nice one. Replacing the blower motor should not be a big deal unlike the same procedure on a Northstar. First things first. Coolant. You can siphon out more than a gallon of it out the radiator neck with a 1/4" PVC tube. Just fill the tube with water, plug one end with a finger and push the other end all the way to the bottom. Before refilling with 50% green coolant, put into the neck a tube of Bar's Leaks golden seal powder you can buy at a local Wal-Mart for less than two dollars. It is a GM recommended coolant supplement. You might want to flush and backflush the heater core while you are playing with coolant. If it has never been done and teh core never been replaced it is most likely plugged and will not provide any heat. The saddest thing in life is wasted talent Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rockfangd Posted February 15, 2012 Report Share Posted February 15, 2012 which eengine does it have? I think some 95 models of the deville got the N*. Congrats. It is a huge difference going from a honda to a Cadillac, especially a Deville. 1200 is a steal for a fine cadillac.Can you post pics? I love pics of hot Cadillacs GM FAN FOREVER Nice, clean, luxury= fine automobile Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BodybyFisher Posted February 15, 2012 Report Share Posted February 15, 2012 The only 95 Seville that has the Northstar is the Concours See this for history on this year Deville http://motorera.com/cadillac/cad1990/CAD95D.HTM 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...
rockfangd Posted February 15, 2012 Report Share Posted February 15, 2012 thats what I meant. if it is a concours or not. They are out there. GM FAN FOREVER Nice, clean, luxury= fine automobile Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scott y Posted February 15, 2012 Report Share Posted February 15, 2012 Too bad there's no 95 Seville Concours tho!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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