11th Oct 2015, 22:08
Where is the major oil leaking? Is it coming from the crank shaft seal on the left side?
1st Oct 2016, 23:33
I own an 04 Seville since it was new.
253000 miles and I have bought the parts myself when possible and had them installed. All oil leaks have been fixed over the last few years and the maintenance has been thorough and quite involved. The hardest things were the motor mounts, which involved replacing the front and rear several times until I finally got the OE front directly from GM. The aftermarket front mounts are not made the same and are not strong enough.
The other recurring problem baffled everyone and had to do with tire balance, which is so typical in the 55-70 mph range and can drive people crazy with unnecessary repairs. I could help a lot of people with this problem. There is a yellow or red dot on some tires that must be lined up with the valve stem for proper balance. Nobody seemed to know this and I had experts balance my tires five times, and the tires appeared to be balanced, but were not.
Now, they are and the car has had complete suspension replacement three times from so many miles and every bushing and mount gone over meticulously. It rides and handles like new. But it was a long process to get it all in proper order each time with so many unnecessary alignments and mounts etc.
The list of parts that have been replaced over the years is too extensive to list here.
But keep in mind there is a reason why they can fly airplanes for fifty years. It is only because of maintenance, and that maintenance is much, much less than buying a new one. The advanced technology may be a reason to buy a new car, but the Northstar was and is the best of the best in cost effective, advanced automobile production. Fuel consumption is included in that statement. Gasoline consumption is only one part of the overall picture. For the highway traveler it don't mean much at all when a Northstar cruises with authority and gets 27 MPG. OK I can get a hard ride with more fatigue in a BMW and accelerate faster and get 35 MPG. It sure doesn't feel as stable and smooth as a Northstar V8.
Stick your yuppie Beemer. I chose the more advanced and beautiful Cadillac Seville for $20,000 less which has far superior leather seating and gorgeous Zebrano wood interior trim. A BMW feels like a cold machine shop inside when you compare the two.
My Seville has 253000 miles and uses about a quart of oil every 1000 miles because it is supposed to use it like that.
It is designed to use oil like that and it may be why I can run it hard regularly and it has lasted this long. Be grateful your Northstar uses oil. No engine design was more advanced than the Northstar and they use oil by design.
The engine has gradually gotten louder over the years and has some ticking sounds, but the power is not noticeably different from new.
These are exceptional cars and just need good old fashioned maintenance, which requires a commitment in order to enjoy such a fine ride. I do not believe that Mercedes or BMW ever made a better ride or design than the late model Northstars (2000-2004).
PS. The heads have never been off my Seville.
The head bolt problem must have been solved on the later model Northstars. The rear main seal never leaked either on this work of art. It took 14 years of a separate Northstar engineering staff to fine tune it all and they did a fabulous job right down to the advanced higher density pressure cast aluminum used to make the block.
Aluminum block, pistons, heads, even the power steering pump is aluminum. This car was the most advanced of its time and still is up there with the best.
The average new car cost three times what you pay to keep a Northstar running tip top and riding smooth.
GM still sells brand new Northstar engines for replacement and I would not hesitate to get one installed when needed.
That could be a while from the way it looks.
Jerry
26th Jul 2017, 17:10
I've owned a 2002 Deville for over 12 years, the best car I've ever owned. Foolishly, I traded it on a new ATS. I'm getting older, and just wanted a new Cadillac sedan.
The Deville still looked and drove like new, with 78K on the clock. I bought it "certified", and I doubt it ever sat out. It didn't the full time I owned it.
All I can say, I proved the old adage, "A fool and his money are soon parted."
DPC
27th Jul 2017, 12:50
I have retired relatives well in their senior years. They do one year car leases. At first I thought it was foolish. But with no kids or grandchildren of their own, it was a pretty cool idea. They own everything but the car. They get to enjoy the latest vehicles and technology. Closed end lease with a loaner car and factory warranty. They spend 6 months in Michigan and 6 months in Florida. And make stops to visit friends on the way.
I have new vehicles myself and don't keep mine long. But I buy. Selling privately has negatives and isn't always easy with those in need of financing etc. So I get it. You could lease a new Cadillac and move on easily.
I am middle aged and really do not enjoy working on cars anymore. Even waxing and detailing isn't fun. When I was younger I had very few tools only for basic auto repair. Now being older I have 2 tall rolling tool boxes with every imaginable tool, compressor etc. But barely used. I use a wall mounted shop vac with a long hose more than anything else in my garage. That's how it works as you age. And you find you don't enjoy using tools as much. I now pay someone. The lease option may be an alternative idea for us that are in a similar age range. Keep it simple. Drop it off. Spend time for recreation.
31st Jul 2017, 20:50
Complaints, it's just not a "real" Cadillac. The ride is firm and hard, drives like a sports car, not a luxury barge. I drove the CTS and the XTS, along with the ATS. All three cars are out of the same mold. Look and drive the same.
I actually really like my ATS, fit and finish is excellent. I can't imagine any Cadillac being around in 15 years, like my Deville. All the doodads and junk can't last. The most stupidest thing is the auto stop feature, which shuts the car down at stop lights, etc. I can imagine that feature driving someone insane when it malfunctions years down the road.
DPC
24th Jan 2014, 20:33
Yes, I am considering purchasing a low mileage used one, one of the final model years when the lease is up on my 2012 Enclave. It is such a shame you can't buy a true American full-size luxury car new any more, with distinctive styling and a smooth suspension. Don't get me wrong, I like my Enclave. I just don't like it enough to keep paying $500 per month for it, and I have always preferred big cars over anything else.