BMWburner Posted November 25, 2005 Report Share Posted November 25, 2005 I’ve been so busy that I haven’t been on here much in the past week. Work, school, and car shopping have consumed too much of my time. Where the hell have I been. Mike has retired the “Scotty” name, we’re all up in arms over the fate of GM, crazy. Remember the 80's and the Chrysler corporation? Markets shift, things happen. I for one am not all that worried. At long last I believe the search may be complete. I found a ‘99 STS in polo green at Bette’s Cadillac with a meager 44K on the clock in pristine condition for around 13 grand. A nice elderly woman named Marlene traded it for a new ‘05 STS. What she needs that caliber of vehicle for I couldn’t tell you, but it’s good to know she’s out there depreciating it so one of us can buy it on the cheap. I was there the second it came in and upon seeing the mileage and driving it I asked to reserve it until the reconditioning process is complete. I didn’t want to chance losing it. It needs new tires and some chips repainted on the bumper which they were happy to take care of. The sale is pending the final test drive after I see the final results next week. It’s a little more money than I wanted to spend, but provided my loan is approved I will buy it. Hell, it will keep me out of the bars and from eating out too much. Unless someone else is buying. So I’ve got to ask the ‘98+ STS owners how their ownership experience has been. I have a pretty good idea what to expect, but it would help to know what to save for. As always, any replies of validity would be appreciated. Best regards, –Ben By the way, I drove a slew of other vehicles, some of German decent. I guess I knew I’d be back all along. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BodybyFisher Posted November 25, 2005 Report Share Posted November 25, 2005 Good Luck Ben, it sounds like you got car! I will keep my fingers crossed, Mike 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...
JimD Posted November 25, 2005 Report Share Posted November 25, 2005 .... So I’ve got to ask the ‘98+ STS owners how their ownership experience has been. I have a pretty good idea what to expect, but it would help to know what to save for. As always, any replies of validity would be appreciated. Best regards, –Ben By the way, I drove a slew of other vehicles, some of German decent. I guess I knew I’d be back all along. Mine has been a satisfactory ownership experience with no failures and only scheduled maintanence; currently 145,000 miles. It's a safe bet the engine in that beast has never seen WOT therapy so have fun correcting that situation. If the seller can provide a maintanence history, double check that the coolant has been refreshed. Otherwise I would plan on changing the coolant and oil ASAP. Hope it works out for you. Enjoy. Jim Drive your car. Use your cell phone. CHOOSE ONE ! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohnnyG Posted November 26, 2005 Report Share Posted November 26, 2005 I have a '99 that I bought with 28,000 on the clock. It has been trouble free except for normal wear items, namely brake pads at 65,000 miles (not rotors mind you, just pads) Total cost of ownership since 1/2002... under $1000.00 and that includes a set of round tires. 71,000 on her now. Seems the Goodyears that came on it were more square than round, and as I told Ranger before he bought Ruby, when the dealer fails to fix the 68 - 72 MPH wiggles, get the tires road force balanced for $50.00. I think it may be the best model STS made in the new style. I like the cruise control stalk better than the later models. Be careful that the seat heaters work, mine were bad but covered under warranty, and make sure that heat and cold can be controlled on both driver and passenger sides (another warranty repair). Be sure to get any tire issues solved quickly, tire imbalance causes wear on suspension parts, particularly those $500.00 each shocks, which you do not want to buy. Get the engine fully warm before you do the WOT repair, expect clouds of grey soot to come rolling out from the exhaust. Use only Havoline 10w-30 in it winter and summer. If you get really cold out there in Iowa(?) switch to Havoline 5w-30 for winter, otherwise change oil by the GMOLM to save a little cash. OH, I almost forgot...change the coolant unless you have documented proof that it has been done. Good for 5 years only. Use only Dexcool with the sealant tabs added for insurance. Never underestimate the amount of a persons greed. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohnnyG Posted November 26, 2005 Report Share Posted November 26, 2005 One other thing, don't let the "Premium Fuel Only" thing scare you, it'll run just fine on 87 octane! Remember this is the flat tappet version of the Northstar, don't fool around with poor quality oil. Never underestimate the amount of a persons greed. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ranger Posted November 26, 2005 Report Share Posted November 26, 2005 Seems the Goodyears that came on it were more square than round, and as I told Ranger before he bought Ruby, when the dealer fails to fix the 68 - 72 MPH wiggles, get the tires road force balanced for $50.00. Roger that. I am not impressed with the Goodyear Integrity. They seem to flat spot every time they sit overnight. I can feel it in the first mile or two. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tjtjwdad Posted November 26, 2005 Report Share Posted November 26, 2005 There good looking cars & I get a lot of compliments on mine . In my opinion another perfect example of poor marketing on the part of GM . To me the whole Seville/SLS/STS line of cars from 1992 thru 2004 were "the" best looking Cadillacs ever produced, and the Eldorado's and Devilles' didn't look have bad either. But rarely did I ever see "any" of them in commercials or magazine adds . Enjoy the new ride and do check that coolant! Jim Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BMWburner Posted November 26, 2005 Author Report Share Posted November 26, 2005 Thanks for the replies, everyone. I've got a customer that I deal with at work who has a car lot, among other things that he owns. Upon hearing of my potential purchase he is determined to make me a better deal. He has an '02 SLS in black that needs some body work due to a minor collision, he's willing to do the work and sell me the car for 10 grand (my original budget). It's got about 48K on it, and provided that it runs as well as he says this might be a better option for me. I'm curious if anyone has had trouble with the HID headlamps on newer Caddys. I'm to understand that they are pretty reliable, but that's the kind of thing that seems expensive to deal with. --Ben Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tjtjwdad Posted November 26, 2005 Report Share Posted November 26, 2005 I'm curious if anyone has had trouble with the HID headlamps on newer Caddys. I'm to understand that they are pretty reliable, but that's the kind of thing that seems expensive to deal with. I have them on my 2001 STS and they are nice. On the other hand I've passed folks only to have them flash me when I get in front. As long as they're not being anal about it I just let it go. Jim Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thu Posted November 26, 2005 Report Share Posted November 26, 2005 I also have the HIDs. I love them and haven't had an issue with them. I really really like the sharp cut-off that are characteristic of the Xenons. I've had a couple people flash me. I just flash them back. No big deal. You'll love them. 2003 Seville STS 43k miles with the Bose Sound, Navigation System, HID Headlamps, and MagneRide 1993 DeVille. Looks great inside and out! 298k miles! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ranger Posted November 26, 2005 Report Share Posted November 26, 2005 I have them on my "new" '02 SLS but haven't had it long enough to have any problems yet. Haven't been flashed yet so I guess they must be aimed right. In all honesty, I haven't noticed any difference between them and the halogen on my previous car. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tjtjwdad Posted November 26, 2005 Report Share Posted November 26, 2005 Ranger, Where i really see the difference is I'm out on a dark road at night. I've only been flashed on the the long, dark stretches of the freeways. Also as these lights have become more predoment the flashings have defiently decreased and they really aren't that bad, only two instances where the other drivers started getting aggressive. Jim Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ranger Posted November 26, 2005 Report Share Posted November 26, 2005 I drive dark two lane highway every night. I'll have to pay a little closer attention tonight and see if I can notice a difference. Guess I'm not really sure what I am looking for. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Archived
This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.