Faults:
Problems at purchase:
FUBAR emissions system and vacuum hoses.
Radio/antenna did not work.
Differential and oil pan leaked oil, needed tightening.
Problems while owned:
Water pump failed catastrophically.
Pinion seal needed replacing.
Y-pipe gasket needed replacing.
General Comments:
To be blunt, I adore my 1990 Brougham. I don't think you can own a car like this and not fall head over heels for it. For those of you reading this because you're thinking of buying one, let me tell you it will be worth whatever maintenance it may need.
It took a while to learn my way around the car, but after two months of driving, all new fluids and a bit of maintenance the previous owner neglected, I began to grow very fond of it.
Being a Cadillac its relaxing and comfortable to drive. Handling is what you would expect from such a big floaty car, numb to the road and soothing. It took some getting used to, but after driving my Cadillac exclusively for several months, I took my moms '07 Mustang out and found myself complaining about the terrible ride.
My ONLY gripe is the horsepower. It weight almost 5000 pounds and clearly needs more than what the 307 can muster, but it gets by. Despite this, torque is certainty not lacking, which makes up for the anemic horsepower if you can adjust your driving style.
DO NOT beat on the transmission. The transmission that came with the 307 is quite delicate. I try to be gentle with the throttle and it hasn't given me any grief. If you have the money, get it replaced for something more robust. If not, just remember that you're not driving a race car and it will be fine.
This is a very reliable car, I would take it on a cross country trip any day. Only the worst of weather keeps me from driving.
Parts are readily available for the inevitable needs of an old car, and it's not all that hard to work on. Any shop will work on. Everything about this car is pretty straight forward.
If your looking at a Brougham, do yourself a favor and try it out. Just bear in mind that you're not driving a sports car and you won't be disappointed.
27th May 2009, 17:16
Yes, you are correct - excluding the most loyal customer base by virtually doing away with their most traditional models was a huge risk.
However, I must say that changing the Cadillac image to compete more with the European marques might have actually saved Cadillac. However doing away with the traditional models in favor of those hideous SUV's was a mistake.