common problems to look for in a 2003 Deville

[Donuts Kill]

Hello all,

I have a chance to buy a 2003 Deville DTS. Im just looking to see what some of the more common problems are when I go look at the car. I personally know the guy who has the car and suspect it is from an auction. Im told it runs and drives fine but had bumps and scratches on it cosmeticallyhes only had it for a really really short time. Far as my caddy background I had a 94 deville concours that ended up sending to the junkyard. I loved driving that car but after having a local shade tree mechanic replace the starter in it the car started blowing smoke out the exhaust and would fill the block with smoke. Was told it was oil blow by but i didnt think that was it but couldnt afford to put anymore money into it (high miles 163k and paint was trashed).

talking to the guy he said under hard acceleration like up a hill/grade it seems to run like its on low octane gas-the way he told me. Im guessing maybe fuel filter.

I will test drive the car on 3/13. Is the anything else I should look for besides fluids and see if its throwing any major codes.

[KHE]

GM had a bad batch of catalytic converters in the '01-'03 timeframe - I would test that as well as the fuel pressure when the problem occurs. It could be a furl pump on its way out. Fuel pumps are easy to change on this vintage of car - there's a access panel in the trunk so the tank does not need to be dropped.

I would test the coolant for combustion gasses with the kit from Napa or Autozone before buying...

[Texas Jim]

I agree with KHE...

I would test the coolant for combustion gasses with the kit from Napa or Autozone before buying..