Faults:

Radiator failure at 34000 miles.

I bought the car with 26000 miles on it from a HORRIBLE dealership (they treated me like crap). That aside, my 2000 Catera was pretty much immaculate. Even to this day, the engine looks brand new, no rust anywhere on the car. Honestly I had no idea of the car's reputation before I bought it, as I got it on a whim (needed a second car). That being said, the radiator sprung a crack on the intake. Cadillac wanted $400 for a replacement. Found one new in the box on eBay for $80.

Crankshaft position sensor failed at 35000 miles. The sensor failed while I was on the interstate on my way home one day. After some finagling, I made it home. It cost $25 to replace it with a new one.

Front bearings failed + tie rods.

Other than those two main issues, one other has sprung up, both front bearings went bad pretty much at the exact same time, along with the tie rod. Another $100 bucks to fix.

General Comments:

Overall, I guess I got lucky. I take very good care of my cars, and this one has for the most part been an awesome vehicle. It handles awesome, is comfortable, and just plain looks nice.

In almost 3 years of ownership (2nd owner), the money I've spent on the above problems compared to its reputation are reasonable to me. I basically stole the car from the dealership. Now I know why. It is now going on 12 years old, and for the most part still looks and smells new. Like I said, I baby my vehicles. Other than some minor cosmetic things I want to add (i.e. in dash GPS, rims, rear headrests) I am very happy with this car. Not to mention it's paid for. So if any of you have a Catera and want to get rid of some parts (just in case), please email me at brutus-maximus@stillwagner.com and I will take them off your hands.

Faults:

The valve covers started to leak about 3 years ago. So I had those replaced, and that's when I started having trouble with the car.

Then the MAF sensor was bad, the shop said; they put one on, and it was not cheap.

About a month later, the shop said the MAF was out again.

Then a week later, the knock sensor goes bad; it wasn't cheap either. And before I could drive home from the shop, the light comes on again.

Except for the valve cover, all the above was not the car's fault, it was the diagnosis that was wrong, and sloppy workmanship in the shop.

It was the switching valves that were setting the MAF code. The tech had broken the ears off 2 of the 3 switch valves that control the air induction.

The knock sensor wire was tightened under the valve cover and shorted it out.

Now the sport shift isn't working; haven't tried to fix it.

One of my speakers isn't playing.

Had to replace the radiator; something hit it on top and made a crease on it, and it finally cracked this summer.

And now I think my oil pump going to have to be replaced; going to do that when I replace the timing components.

It does have a little oil leak under the car; rear main seal I think.

And noticed my rear wheels leaning out at the bottom.

General Comments:

I love my Catera, it's been a good car, and still is.

Love the ride and feel of the car.

Handles like a dream.

Easy on gas. I get 26 mpg on the highway.

It's no Viper or Vette, but I'm pleased with the performance, it will run 135 mph and do the 1/4 mile in 15.60. That's as fast as my old 71 Mustang Mach 1 can do with a 351 Cleveland 4 barrel and a 4 speed. Comfort and handling wise, and even performance, the little Catera is hard to beat.