1988 Cadillac Allante 4.1L V8 from North America

Summary:

A car in a class of its own, combining performance, luxury, and style

Faults:

I spent a little over $500 on brakes a couple months after the purchase last June.

The radiator had a leak. A new one was about $200 which I put in myself.

I just found out that the original oil plug had been stripped out and an expansion plug was used in its place. I had a new plug tapped since the expansion plug was beginning to leak. The cost was $40.

The convertible top pull-down motor broke. Dick Hussey from AllanteSource charges $200 for a rebuilt unit, which is an excellent price.

The paint is showing bad signs of weathering. The clear coat is all, but gone on the upper right edges by the trunk and hood. The hood itself is losing its luster badly.

General Comments:

Owning an Allanté was always a dream, and when I found mine for the price I couldn't resist. The engine performs like it hasn't lost a beat, and the handling is unsurpassed from any other car I've been in.

My transmission has seen better days since the shift point at 40 is a little slow, but I was still able to beat an 86 Mustang 5.0 in a 1/4 mile.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 13th August, 2002

24th Nov 2005, 08:56

I recently purchased an '88 with 16k, and I must admit, I have never driven a car as comfortable, reliable, powerful, and as performance oriented. Every where I go, not only do heads turn, I'm also asked to sell. No! The car has the analog dash, which I much prefer. Cadillac had a winner with the Allante, and I am happy they stopped making them, as I can see this car becoming one of America's most desirable classics yet. I wish I could find out how many total cars were built.

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1988 Cadillac Allante Convertible 8 cylinder from North America

Summary:

Nice for the price I paid, but will sell her

Faults:

Needed a water pump when first acquired, the electronic system is a nightmare and the panel is constantly saying my turn signals and brake lights are out which they are not. Also says I need washer fluid which was filled. I'd like to take a hammer to that panel! And I can't read the digital speedometer, it comes on when it feels like it. Sun visors are loose.

Seat-belts are a horror story! Motor for the top does not work, you have to manually push it down and hope it locks in place.

General Comments:

So many problems for a Cadillac that started out at $65,000.00. Thank God we got it in a trade deal and did not pay much for it. I will have fun with it for awhile then dump it and get a Corvette Convertible, much faster but not as comfortable.

What I feel is that the original owner did not take care of this car as it should have been taken care of and it probably wouldn't need much done. I would fix it, but the cost from a Cadillac Service Dept to do so would bankrupt me!

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

Review Date: 30th April, 2001

23rd May 2001, 01:09

13 year old car with problems, gee, that's odd. You don't know what kind of people had the car before. Cadillac is as good as cars get, you just need a new one.

1988 Cadillac Allante V8 from North America

Faults:

The electrical system is a nightmare.

The windows go up and down by themselves.

The horn blows randomly.

The oil light is on, constantly.

The anti-lock brakes have been repaired... but still are not working. The convertible top does not work.

General Comments:

THIS CAR IS A NIGHTMARE!!!!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 3rd June, 1999