1989 Cadillac Brougham 5.0L Olds 307

Summary:

This is among the best of its class and can compete with most new cars on most levels

Faults:

Previous Owner: Automatic Day/Night mirror fails to adjust automatically.

Previous Owner: Cruise Control button difficult to engage.

Lockup solenoid had to be replaced.

A/C needs recharging; may have leak or bad Power Control Module.

Service Engine Soon light is on all the time; ALDL port has failed, but ECM (computer) does not indicate any problem with the engine. It is an electrical problem which has yet to be diagnosed.

Mileage has dropped from 15 MPG in town to 9 MPG.

General Comments:

This is one of the most wonderful vehicles on the road today, despite the fact that it is now over 16 years old.

The leather interior is nearly flawless, but the bench-style seating is not as supportive, especially during cornering.

The size and bulk of the vehicle ensure a smooth, quiet and comfortable ride.

The styling remains among the better in Cadillac history, provided you enjoy it! The 1970's appearance combined with the 1980's conveniences makes this one eye-catching car you're proud to drive and show off.

Everyone agrees: the Olds 307 is weak, but VERY reliable.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 4th April, 2005

18th Apr 2005, 00:55

This review was meant for the 1989 Brougham, NOT 1988. They are nearly identical, however, so the review holds true.

1989 Cadillac Brougham D'Elegance

Summary:

A truly museum-quality car, in every way

Faults:

I purchased the car the last week of 12/02.

At purchase, we knew that it needed work on the sun roof and air conditioner.

At purchase, an unknown leak needs fixing.

The sunroof doesn't close well and the interior sunroof cover gets stuck.

The rear window gets dangerously foggy in cold weather and does not offer good visibility.

The first time I used the car was to drive it to the inspection station. It failed inspection due to the emergency brake not working. I set an appointment with a mechanic for the following week.

The second time I used the car that week, the transmission went and had to be replaced - 146000 miles and $1000. This delayed the mechanic visit.

Without an inspection sticker since the grace period is long past by now, I was trying to drive the car to the mechanic today (in cold weather.) When I left home, it started fine. On the way to the mechanic, I stopped for a moment at the drug store. When I returned to the car, it would not start. Lights worked and battery worked. Cause unknown. A friend came up to jump start the car. He tried it several times and eventually it started. We also learned at this time the the hood sticks. My father feels there is an electrical problem with the car, we're unsure of what and will be happy to update this later.

General Comments:

The car is beautiful in appearance, comfortable, is certainly generously sized, and has a lot of quality features. Everyone feels that the car looks great and is made well.

I've read other entries on this page re. their beloved Broughams, and one person mentioned it's museum quality. I couldn't agree more; a museum is precisely where my car belongs - where it can be looked at and enjoyed by all the people that say how wonderful it looks, yet will not be asked to move from it's space. Perhaps they can entitle the exhibit "The Little Engine That Couldn't"

In seriousness, I don't know yet if I'd recommend this car to someone. It's a good sized car and I still feel it's well built, but if your vehicle is high mileage, do not expect it to be immune from repairs just because it's a Cadillac. Get a good tow insurance policy and some good jump cables, and expect the transmission to go. Prepare to spend anywhere from $1-$4000 on repairs on this vehicle depending on the condition and mileage. I purchased mine for $2400 which I suppose even with the repairs is still reasonable for the quality car you receive. However, be prepared for some initial and possibly on-going inconvenience.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 23rd January, 2003

8th Mar 2004, 00:24

Anyone who buys an older 80s car with high mileage is a fool to think they are not going to have to spend a little to fix it up. If you replace the engine and transmission in this car, it'll be like new. No motor runs forever. Personally, I've never had a huge problem with my Brougham. It is beautiful and reliable, like most of the well cared for broughams out there.