benvw99 Posted June 30, 2016 Report Share Posted June 30, 2016 Hi internet. I am new here, and am not sure if this is where I post or not. but, I just came looking for information about the 1995 Seville, more specifically the STS. There is one for sale in my town and I was thinking about buying it to repair and either use or resell for more money. It is a 1995 STS in black with 95,xxx miles. I just sat in it and it feels super nice. Is there any known problems with this car's engine that I need to look out for, like a head gasket issue? or any interior or exterior bugs to watch for? That is basically it, and if any of you know this information, I would also love an in depth comparison between the SLS and STS of this year. This cars only known problem as of now is the AC doesnt work. It has a crack in the windshield. And the driver fender is dented. Here are the pictures: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bruce Nunnally Posted June 30, 2016 Report Share Posted June 30, 2016 . Have you looked at the carfax? Does it have maintenance records or do you otherwise know its history? Are you a capable mechanic or do you have a mechanic? The STS has more pickup, the SLS gets slightly better mpg. I would go w an STS. I owned a 96 STS for a while. Bruce 2023 Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing Follow me on: Twitter Instagram Youtube Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
benvw99 Posted June 30, 2016 Author Report Share Posted June 30, 2016 im not a great mechanic, but i have a scan tool and can do basic work. its been a one owner and he has the paperwork. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bruce Nunnally Posted June 30, 2016 Report Share Posted June 30, 2016 I would deduct $1,500 for the A/C not working, and I'd have to get a quote for the windshield. Be aware the windshield will be extra cost if it has rainsense, and the shop needs to use GM part number adhesives. One can do a test of the coolant for exhaust gases to determine if the head gasket is blown or head bolts are not maintaining compression. Otherwise it is always a good idea to have a mechanic service to a pre-purchase inspection. After that it would depend on the price, and what you find find from climbing in out and around the STS. It looks like a good example, but it will be a 12 year old car soon. Bruce 2023 Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing Follow me on: Twitter Instagram Youtube Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BodybyFisher Posted June 30, 2016 Report Share Posted June 30, 2016 Yes, you can buy a Balkamp block tester at Napa and its an easy test to perform. At that mileage and given its 22 years old do NOT buy it without doing the test. Ask the owner if the head gasket has has ever been repaired and get the details. On a test drive drive at highway speeds and find an incline if you can. Check for DTC codes that might be set, you can extract the codes directly from the dash. 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...
benvw99 Posted July 7, 2016 Author Report Share Posted July 7, 2016 i got to test drive it yesterday. took it to a mechanics and they said they didnt do too extensive testing but from what they checked it all looked very good. i found another problem though - the rear driver window doesnt work. we also checked out the ac unit, which maintains pressure so there is no leak. one of the mechanics thinks it may be just a compressor switch. he is asking $2500, and is pretty firm. he says he will call back with a lower offer but it wont be much lower. if i do buy it, what do other STS's of this era go for around your area? thanks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BodybyFisher Posted July 7, 2016 Report Share Posted July 7, 2016 54 minutes ago, benvw99 said: i got to test drive it yesterday. took it to a mechanics and they said they didnt do too extensive testing but from what they checked it all looked very good. i found another problem though - the rear driver window doesnt work. we also checked out the ac unit, which maintains pressure so there is no leak. one of the mechanics thinks it may be just a compressor switch. he is asking $2500, and is pretty firm. he says he will call back with a lower offer but it wont be much lower. if i do buy it, what do other STS's of this era go for around your area? thanks. If you check for CODES, you would get a LOT of information and that problem with the AC may become clear. DO NOT buy this car WITHOUT checking codes. Below is the method on the 95, but here is a link to how to check codes http://www.caddyinfo.com/readingcodes.html DTC display 1989-2000: 1. Turn the ignition switch ON. [Bruce notes: interestingly, the engine can be on or off] 2. On the cars up to 1995, on the Climate Control panel, press the OFF and WARM buttons simultaneously Read codes and post here BEFORE buying. Did he check for combustion by product gases in the coolant to test for a blown head gasket?, if not have that test done, BEFORE buying it. To determine what it is worth go to KBB.com, and input all info to find out what a used car is worth in your locale. It looks like a beautiful car, but PLEASE do the testing and pull the codes. There are codes that can be VERY costly to fix and STOP you from passing the state inspection. 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 July 7, 2016 Report Share Posted July 7, 2016 Looks like a very nice car. Black on black is very sharp. Not too common. One important thing you must remember is that you are considering a car that is over 20 years old. Regardless of price you must expect some kind of repairs to be needed, up to and including head failure. 2,500 is not a bad price if the body and interior are in good shape. Keep us posted. GM FAN FOREVER Nice, clean, luxury= fine automobile Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OldCadTech Posted July 7, 2016 Report Share Posted July 7, 2016 I agree with Bruce Mike & rockfangd... Price seems high to me BUT I'm not in SD soooo ..... THERE IS ALWAYS ENOUGH TIME TO DO THE JOB RIGHT - THERE IS NEVER ENOUGH TIME TO DO THE JOB AGAIN !!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
benvw99 Posted July 8, 2016 Author Report Share Posted July 8, 2016 i got a call back today. he said he would drop the price, albeit not by much. he is now at 2350 vs 2500 it was to start. i plan on going to check for codes today. is the price difference any better? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BodybyFisher Posted July 8, 2016 Report Share Posted July 8, 2016 As I said, go to KBB.com and do the used car analysis for your zip code It really depends on what codes and the results of the head gasket test 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...
benvw99 Posted July 8, 2016 Author Report Share Posted July 8, 2016 i got 2 codes. I am not sure what "area" they came from, i know it said no pcm codes and no tcs codes though. a047 s036 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BodybyFisher Posted July 8, 2016 Report Share Posted July 8, 2016 A047 is a low refrigerant charge, the reason why your AC isnt working S036 is related to the rear level control compressor either open or shorted to ground. The rear would be low and soft. Both items should be and I say 'should be' easy to fix. See this link for OBD1 codes for 95 and older: http://z-cut.de/US/dtcobd1.html If you buy the car, consider joining here as a supporting member. And I will say it once more, do the head gasket test! 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...
benvw99 Posted July 8, 2016 Author Report Share Posted July 8, 2016 im going to napa to get the gasket tester later today. it should be pretty easy to use and understand right? and when the mechanic checked it he said that the refigerant was actually full... im not sure why it says its very low :/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BodybyFisher Posted July 8, 2016 Report Share Posted July 8, 2016 It could be a bad low pressure sensor, had one myself, it will give a false reading and turn off the compressor, replace the low pressure switch Its easy, but you may need to order it, I am not 100% sure if NAPA stocks it, but good for you...... its easy read the directions, the only caution is to keep the coolant level in the tank at least 2 inches from the top to stop it from being sucked into the tester. 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...
benvw99 Posted July 8, 2016 Author Report Share Posted July 8, 2016 you were right - napa had to order it. will be here tomorrow. would you recall how much your switch was for the ac by chance? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BodybyFisher Posted July 8, 2016 Report Share Posted July 8, 2016 Very cheap, about $20 via rockauto.com. i may have a 5% discount number for 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...
benvw99 Posted July 8, 2016 Author Report Share Posted July 8, 2016 sounds good. if i didnt add before the rear driver door window doesnt work. up or down. from what it sounds like, the windshield may be the costliest of all its problems!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BodybyFisher Posted July 9, 2016 Report Share Posted July 9, 2016 I am not really a window guy, we can get you a schematic and you can so some testing at the switch, if you are lucky its a bad switch. 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...
OldCadTech Posted July 9, 2016 Report Share Posted July 9, 2016 I can help with the window problem if you get the car AFTER you do the block test..... THERE IS ALWAYS ENOUGH TIME TO DO THE JOB RIGHT - THERE IS NEVER ENOUGH TIME TO DO THE JOB AGAIN !!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Logan Posted July 12, 2016 Report Share Posted July 12, 2016 Car on....try slamming the door while holding the window 'down' switch. The window will often start working again. Logan Diagnostic LLC www.airbagcrash.com www.ledfix.com www.ledfix.com/yukontaillightrepair.html www.ledfix.com/ledreplacements.html www.ledfix.com/j42385toolrental.html Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rockfangd Posted July 12, 2016 Report Share Posted July 12, 2016 they go for that in my area if you can find them. Seems the Seville is the rare model. Funny thing is I probably would have bought it. I have a very soft spot for the Deville and the Seville. I love them. GM FAN FOREVER Nice, clean, luxury= fine automobile Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
benvw99 Posted July 14, 2016 Author Report Share Posted July 14, 2016 alright, so my headgasket tester came in yesterday. i went to the car and tested it today and it checked out good. the fluid stayed blue. his price is still at 2350, and if he doesnt come down on it i will let him sit on the car for a while, because nobody around my area will buy one with broken ac. final thoughts? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BodybyFisher Posted July 14, 2016 Report Share Posted July 14, 2016 Good, glad you did the test. Easy huh? Keep in mind that if as you said the mechanic said its fully charged, the AC is an easy fix. You can screw out the low pressure switch without depressurizing the system, its a 5 minute fix. I had one go bad in a 96. 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 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
benvw99 Posted July 14, 2016 Author Report Share Posted July 14, 2016 Thanks everybody! This site was a great help with all the information and advice I needed. Hopefully I can look here in the future if I buy the STS and i have more questions. Thanks again! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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