5th Aug 2010, 19:49
I purchased a 1996 Deville with 58k miles. At about 68k miles, replaced the transmission after finding metal shavings and rubber seal fragments during fluid and filter change. The service transmission light did come on just prior to the change.
At about 70k I replaced the rear air struts and the front brake pads. I did not find the transmission and struts were a common problem; just appears to be something gone wrong with this one vehicle.
I do my own work, so I am satisfied that the car is a good deal at least long term, and will be fine.
The 32 valve Northstar gives great highway gas mileage. Absolutely a great long distance comfortable ride.
9th Aug 2010, 19:38
I have a 96' Deville that I purchased from a used car lot in 2007 for 4k. The car is having a hard time starting throughout the day. I took it to the Cadi dealership today, and they are still trying to figure out the problem. I am also having a problem when I hit a bump the whole back of the car shifts. Any suggestions? The car has been good to me and still rides smoothly besides those problems. It is a great family car and I love it. If I had to get rid of it, at least I had the experience.
1st Feb 2011, 11:36
I'm looking at purchasing a 1996 Caddy DeVille with 134k miles on it for 3k.
The current owner just replaced the blower for the heater and says nothing needs to be done except an oil change and new spark plugs. It's in beautiful shape and looks very well cared after, but after reading all the negative posts about these cars I'm now having doubts.
Is this a good car to invest in? I need a reliable car that will last me at least 3 years.
2nd Feb 2011, 11:31
To Feb. 1st, 11:36,
In my opinion, I think for $3,000 you could find a better car than a '96 with 134,000 miles. Especially if you need it to be reliable for another 3 years.
My father bought a '93 Cadillac STS with about 150,000 miles on it for $1,800 at an auction. Within 20,000 miles, every warning light on the dashboard was lit up, the anti-lock brakes were not working, it was using oil, and the transmission was slipping. Now, for what he paid, he got his money's worth out of it by driving it a couple of years, then turned around and sold it for a thousand, so no harm done. But if he'd paid 3 grand, and had to drive it to work every day for three years, and worse yet had to contend with a vehicle inspection that required everything to be working, it would have been a lamentable money pit. Just something to ponder.
On the other hand, if you have your heart set on owning a Cadillac and everything else is secondary, then you'll have to find out for yourself.
28th Jul 2010, 02:15
To the July 2010 DeVille shopper. I just bought (June 2010) a super clean one owner, woman driven 96 Sedan DeVille for $700 (130,000 miles). It had a tranny issue. I had the trans shop put a new solenoid in the bottom end for $300. I'm $1,000 into the car and just took it on a 2,500 mile round trip to FL last weekend. Nice road car. I only got 20 MPG, but have not looked at the plugs. I would guess I'll sell it for $3,500 this week. I would say that the price is good on the car you're looking at, only if you can do the work yourself. Having top end work done at a shop is going to outweigh the price benefit of buying it broken.