1998 Cadillac Seville STS V8 Northstar

Summary:

Muscle car dressed in a $3000 suit

Faults:

This 1998 Seville STS is my 7th cadillac. By far it's the best of all, but I have learned that it comes with let's say BAGGAGE. I previously owned a 1994 Eldorado. Needed something bigger so the Seville was the choice. The brakes warp.

The speakers make a weird kind of sound at times. These are problems that are common for this vehicle I have read.

The case seal inside the engine that usually goes bad and causes massive oil leaks was repaired by the previous owner "thank God", that's a $3500 bill usually. I am happy with the vehicle though.

General Comments:

This is an outstanding machine. The brakes, and possible oil leak can be dealt with. The vehicles performance and luxury out weigh the small negatives.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 14th June, 2005

1998 Cadillac Seville sts 4.6 litre V8

Summary:

A love and hate relationship

Faults:

The Check Stability light comes on at different times

Uses 1 quart of oil every 1,000 miles or less.

General Comments:

I love the car, I have always wanted one and love the powerful V8 performance.

It is very comfortable and handles very well.

It is expensive to operate, but worth the cost.

Seems to have a few things wrong with it, took it to dealer and they handed me a 4500.00 estimate to fix everything.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 18th August, 2004

6th Apr 2005, 08:20

In February of 2005 when I took this car to get general maintence of transmission fluid change and wanted them to look at why the car started having problems with overheating, I was horrified to learn that the car had a problem with the bolts in the head gasket and was given three choices, it could be repaired, which consisted of replacing the bolts by a Cadillac dealer at the price of 4500 dollars or I could have it replaced with a used motor for 4000 dollars, or a new motor with a gm warranty for 6600 dollars. I drove it right to the Pontiac dealer in town and traded it for a new Grand Am GT. I always wanted to purchase a Seville, but have learned watch out what you wish for. I will never own a Cadillac again. It only had 95,000 miles on it.

14th Dec 2010, 08:49

I had the same experience with a 1994 Eldo ETC with 104000 miles. Leaks all over the place and dealer estimate to fix was $3600 to pull motor to do estimate only. Not to fix the leaks. Traded it in on a 2004 3.6 liter V6. The perfect car!

In reply to 6th Apr 2005, 08:20

16th May 2015, 05:53

The bolts in the heads on the Sevilles are fine thread going into the block. With the normal heat of the aluminum engine block - and the heads also being aluminum separated by the head gasket - they expand and contract at different rates. This causes the fine thread bolts in the block to actually strip themselves and lose their torque. There is a kit that will put steel inserts into the block that will accept coarse threaded bolts, which along with new head gaskets, will get these Northstars up and running again as long as they haven't gone too far and seized. Well worth the price, and I've put over 75,000 miles on the same engine with this upgrade.

1998 Cadillac Seville STS 4.8 Northstar

Summary:

Absolute best car ever

Faults:

Recently had to have dealership replace the thermostat gasket.

One of the remotes died a few months ago.

The rims are beginning to corrode where the tire meets the rim, but I expected that with a bi-metallic wheel. They will still hold the tire bead so I'm good for another year or so.

And just recently a door speaker blew, but I suspect it had some help from one of my kids.

General Comments:

This has been the absolute best car I have ever owned. The ride is impeccable (with the right tires). It has been reliable and ultimately has cost me much less than any of my other vehicles. I live in Germany and I get to peg the speedometer on a daily basis. This car loves to go fast and I still feel very safe at 120+ MPH. We'd buy a new one, but we can't get a US spec one here in Germany - and I'm not crazy about the styling of the 2005.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 4th August, 2004

12th May 2011, 04:57

I own a Deville over here in Germany and, yeah these North Stars love speed.