2000 Cadillac DeVille DTS 4.6L Northstar

Summary:

Extremely comfortable, reliable car for the last 16 years

Faults:

Driver's seat heater replaced under warranty.

TCC solenoid in transmission went bad after about 7 years.

Front motor mount replaced at 97K miles.

Replaced leaking water pump.

All other things have been normal maintenance, like brakes, tires, etc.

General Comments:

This particular Cadillac went together very well. Maintenance costs over the years have been very minimal. Paint and interior, including the leather seats remain in excellent shape. Gas mileage has averaged just under 20 MPG, even though I never fixed the TCC solenoid.

Oil consumption has been in the normal range, meaning it does use a quart every 2500 miles or so. Only Mobil 1 oil and filters have ever been used.

I have test driven new cars like the Audi A8, BMW 7 series and MB S550. Only the MB was as comfortable to sit in, but it cost $130,000 and I didn't think it added enough to my driving enjoyment to replace my DTS. Anyway, it doesn't come in red.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 20th July, 2016

2000 Cadillac DeVille Base model 4.6L V8

Summary:

Basic transportation and a money pit

Faults:

Traction control light when purchased.

Check engine light on - codes for intermittent misfire cylinder 1, O2 sensors, air/fuel mix error when evaluated by AutoZone after purchase.

ABS light on intermittently.

Driver's side inside door handle doesn't work.

Rear passenger tire bad (dry rotted), replaced after purchase.

Low coolant light on after purchase - topped off coolant at oil change around 202,000 miles at local shop.

General Comments:

My wife and I bought this car for 1600 dollars (US). Always wanted to own a Cadillac. I have owned 20+ cars in the 20 years I have been driving. Always GM, Ford or Dodge cars. With the one Nissan I had briefly being the exception.

These Cadillac Devilles have their issues, and since buying this one, I have researched all the headaches with these cars. Surprisingly this one has lasted to over 200,000 miles. The front brake pads just started grinding right before I come to a complete stop. Money pit of a car... the GM quality shining thru I am afraid. Dodge and Ford are above the quality of this junk.

I can say now I have owned a Cadillac, but I won't be buying another Northstar powered one. These cars are lemons. I cross my fingers the car holds up til my wife and I can get into a better car.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 11th June, 2014

11th Jun 2014, 12:19

A 14 year old car with over 200K miles on it for $1600.

Really, what were you expecting?

11th Jun 2014, 13:59

"These cars are lemons."

No, they aren't. You bought a half run into the ground junkbox.

In reply to 11th Jun 2014, 12:19

11th Jun 2014, 17:26

LOL, I know, right? He was expecting a "Miracle-Whip"... :)

11th Jun 2014, 22:00

Like others said, if you want to buy a car that will be reliable, it is not a good idea to buy one with over 200,000 miles and 14 years worth of wear. These cars do have their problems, and they aren't examples of GM quality at its best, even though they should be, since it was the flagship of their flagship line.

If you wanted a good idea of Cadillac quality, you probably should have bought one that was 5 years or newer with under 75,000 miles. Don't knock the entire brand just because you can't afford to do so.

11th Jun 2014, 22:59

Wow! So a fourteen year-old $1,600 car with 200,000 miles on it didn't have that elusive lifetime warranty? That does not make it a lemon. It makes it used up.

In reply to 11th Jun 2014, 22:59

12th Jun 2014, 17:02

A well-built car shouldn't be having the problems he's talking about, regardless of age. I don't think the previous owner took very good care of this truck or did routine maintenance. Maybe it was taken off road a few times and roughed up.

13th Jun 2014, 23:25

Really can't expect much with ANY car with over 200K. I have a gently used 02 Deville with 72K, and it drives and looks like new. Probably the best car I've ever owned, bought when 2 years old.

The ridiculous trade in values I've encountered aren't much more than the $1600 you paid for your car. I'll try to keep mine until it reaches 200K, but I probably won't live long enough to reach that mileage.

Good luck with your Cadillac.

In reply to 13th Jun 2014, 23:25

14th Nov 2014, 22:48

200,000 miles is nothing if it's a reliable car to begin with. I wouldn't hesitate to buy the following cars with 200,000 miles:

1990-1999 Nissan Maxima.

Any Toyota Avalon.

Any Lexus LS.

Cadillacs, especially ones with Northstar engines, are absolute money pits.

In reply to 14th Nov 2014, 22:48

15th Nov 2014, 16:19

You forgot Lincoln Town Cars.

In reply to 13th Jun 2014, 23:25

5th Jan 2015, 04:03

I bought a '97 Deville five years ago. Water pump and a new battery. Now my exhaust blows white smoke, stall chugs, and will not start at all. I'm a senior and desperate. 6400.00 dollars.