8th Dec 2008, 06:02

I have a 97 SLS and I love it. This car looks great in pearl and runs like a race car. I bought it with 75,000 miles in 2005 for $8K.

The only work I have had done was regular maintenance:

The front brakes at 90K miles and the rears at 108.

I put new Michelins on it at 93K and wish I had gone for Vogues because it looked better with them but it rides and handles great.

It uses a little oil but I get it changed every 2,000 miles. The dealer I bought it from gave me this good advice.

A tune up at 100,000 was costly because they require platinum tipped plugs and wires but it runs like a top.

100,000 miles was also the lucky number to have the transaxle fluid and filter changed for $125.

I have to get the engine fuel rail replaced but its a recall item and will only cost me some time

I should admit that I am a fan of Cadillac. The first car I ever drove was my Dad's 65 coupe. The first I owned was a 70 coupe with a great back seat. Later on I had a 70 Fleetwood with an even better backseat. The newest, nicest was a triple white 78. I sold it to buy an engagement ring, but then my new wife let me buy a 68 convertible, which I have had ever since.

8th Mar 2009, 12:17

I just bought a 1997 Cadillac SlS, for $2800. It has 116,000 miles on it. It needs new front shocks and the "Problem with Auto Theft" warning keeps coming on and I cannot find anyone to reset the computer. Besides that, it seems to run like an absolute dream. Gas Mileage, it lacks in comparison with all these small cars driving around here in Indiana, but for a 97 and after a week of driving it around without new shocks mind you, I feel like I've done really well. Did I get a good deal? Please let me know.

16th Apr 2009, 18:50

I bought a 97 STS Cadillac about 1 year ago. It had about 120,000 miles on it when I bought it.

Although the exterior had some blemishes, it seemed to run fine and the inside was great.

After about a month of owning it, I had to do a tune up on the car because of arching in the plug wire. $500 later I drove it home.

Since then I have had to replace the water pump, the brake fluid sensor, mass air flow sensor, brakes/rotors on the front, the key less entry, and recently the oil leak that they are known for was fixed. This design from Cadillac is really a disappointment as they come in two halves and they didn't put enough bolts around the engine to properly seal the two halves. It is a costly repair as it requires the entire engine compartment and tranny to be pulled. Once it was pulled, I had to replace 3 out of 5 motor mounts, several gaskets, and some pulleys. Might as well fix it right if you're going to do it at all.

I agree with many of the comments on the excellent power and smooth ride. I think there could be more interior room, but it isn't bad.

The last repair is the gaskets for the water pump housing. Make sure you replace them when doing the water pump... even if it isn't required. It costs more, but you won't be paying for the same job twice.

Overall I like my Seville. I have found that I have put about $4000 into it and this last repair will be the last one. I certainly won't be buying another one with the two half Northstar. From what I gather this has since been replaced with a one piece block and eliminates the problem.

If you're looking to buy one, be careful and do your research on it. They are nice to drive, but very expensive to fix.

I've always loved Cadillacs, and have owned 3 of them. Unfortunately I'd agree with other comments that the older ones are the better ones! Too bad Detroit doesn't take more pride in their supposable "flagship" of a luxury car. I can't say not to buy one, but I also can't say to buy one. Just beware!

17th May 2009, 12:12

I have a 1995 Cadillac SLS. It has been in the repair shop for a new water pump, thermostat, and 3 times to figure out why it is overheating after about 5 hours of highway driving. No one has been able to figure it out. I had it tested for bad head gaskets at the Chevy dealership and they said it is not a head gasket issue, thank god. I have only had this car for 2 months and I don't know what else to do.

16th Jul 2009, 14:26

To 17 May 2009 Comment:

I, too, have had similar problems. My car continually leaks coolant. About half every few days. Not leaking on the ground as far as I can see. There is no condensation on the passenger side of the vehicle so I don't think it is the heater core.

I had a one year warranty but did not realize it was the engine thought it was a slow leak in the radiator. Wrong. Replaced head gaskets but still leaking. Replaced water pump, radiator, etc.

I am wondering if it could be the water pump gaskets, I haven't checked that yet. I just put dye in the radiator and going to take it to a different mechanic and see if it is something minor. If it is major, I am going to trade. However, it is hard to find a newer model car even that has the ride, safety and luxury of the 97 Cadillac Seville STS. I love this car. It is the Touring Sedan and it is just perfect except for this coolant issue.

Does anyone have any suggestions? Are there any retired Cadillac mechanics that might have some insight to this issue? I find that I am not the only one with this problem.

One more question. My oil looks fine, it is not milky and it appears to be normal. One mechanic over the phone said that doesn't mean there isn't a leak of coolant into the engine. Is that true?

Help.

27th Jul 2009, 12:00

I have a 1997 SLS and am having the same problem with my coolant system. Have already replaced the water pump thermostat and the belt for the pump, and bout two weeks later got the check coolant message. Brought it to 2 different mechanics, and both could not find a problem. Went on a trip this weekend of 140 miles and it overheated; had to get towed home. Someone looked at it and said maybe head gasket, but just had an oil change and it's not milky and the spark plugs don't have the white junk around them. Don't know where to turn.

Also dash cluster electrical problem; still trying to solve as well.

Don't want to have to get rid of the car, like the car, but need reliability.