HOT..."half-price" Cadillac STS

[GnatGoSplat]

<< Listen, I used to work for a cadi/olds dealership. Northstar is not in any oldsmobile. Northstar which is a 4.6 liter V-8 is only in the cadis. You get two choices with that engine, either a 275hp version which is in the base deville, dHS, base seville, SLS, and the ETC. The aurora doesn't have a northstar engine and neither does the intrigue. If I remember correct those cars have the twin cam engines and are v-6, unless u move up to the the V-8 on the aurora which is a 4.0 liter. THe aurora uses the same engine as the those ugly saturns. THe only cads that don't use northstar are the escalade and the catera, which is replace by the CTS. THe escalade uses a Vortec 6000, which is enhanced and finetuned for more horsepower and i beleive u get 375 horses. The catera uses the standard 3 liter engine which i beleive is a V-6.
>>



Ummm, not exactly, Northstar DID make an appearance in the 2nd version OSV Intrigue. Info Link The Caddy 4T80-E tranny was in that car as well. The Aurora 4.0L V8 *is* a Northstar with smaller bore, although it is not called a Northstar, it's basically the same engine. All parts (except the pistons of course) are interchangeable between the two. Aurora has been using this engine since its intro in '95 or so. The V6 option didn't appear until the 2001 redesign, and it is the 3.5L DOHC V6 named "Shortstar" because it's essentially a Northstar with 2 cylinders lopped off. It's the same engine used in the '99+ Intrigue GLS. It's a 90-degree block, it shares NOTHING with the 3.0L DOHC V6 used in the Saturns. The Saturn V6 is an import from Opel. The Saturn 3.0L V6 is the same engine as the Catera 3.0L V6, however the Caddy version has higher compression to produce more HP.

All Cadillacs are also built on existing GM platforms, FYI. There are Buick, Olds, and Pontiac built on the same platforms.

 

[gtd2000]

<< Some range rovers are fords just $10,000 more >>



Yes this is incorrect - as mentioned above.



<< no caddy is a chevy >>


This is not strictly true - there is one Caddy - maybe the Catera? Which is just a rebadged Opel/Vauxhall from Europe (GM Europe)

 

[GnatGoSplat]

<< being a car salesman dont make you an expert either.. the aurora eng has nothing to do with saturns, nor is it in any saturn, it's a really nice eng actually.. so nice that when carrol shelby built his new limited edition handbuilt roadster he chose to power it by the aurora v6. The denali isnt "alot" nicer than the escalade either, they're the same inside except for badging, tho the engine does differ just alittle.. >>



Actually Shelby's Series 1 uses the Aurora V8 which is just a smaller bore version of the Northstar.

 

[rubenswm]

Uh, can you say Acura RL? that would romp all over this any day.. price, performance, reliability.

 

[Snyder81]

I've owned a 1990 Cadi DeVille since it had 18,000 miles on it. It has 125,000 on it now and it still runs like a champ. The only repair I've ever had to have done was when the power steering pulley froze up and broke the serpentine belt. It cost about $150 to have it fixed. It is the smoothest car I have ever ridden in, and just plain rules for driver/passenger comfort and a smooth ride. When the engine finally dies, I'm putting in a new one

 

[JamesSki]

<< Uh, can you say Acura RL? that would romp all over this any day.. price, performance, reliability. >>



Maybe the Acura RL wins in price because it has a whole lot less features?
Performance? hehe, the RL needs 100 more horsepower just to get close my friend.......Also get better gear ratio then 3.11 , hehe
Reliablility? Probably, but I would prefer to buy an American car , especially after 9/11........

 

[dukee]

Honda S2000 is not any thing else but a Honda yes they american sports can go fast in a straight line but through in a curve the SUCK this is the S***
With a 240 hp engine that screams rapidly up to a 9000 rpm redline and 50/50 weight distribution, the S2000 is an invitation to get friendly with traffic court judges. The choice of fat 16" Bridgestone S-02 tires is an excellent one since they stick like rubber cement to all types of pavement yet offer good wear and excellent foul weather handling.

Even on the most challenging and rippling roads, there was almost no twist or shake in the structure. Although open, the body is highly rigid and complies with Honda's strict front and semi-side impact crash test specifications which exceed all current legal regulations. This is due to an X-configuration frame that departs from the norm in being situated at midriff height at the top of the center console rather than at the lowest level of the structure. Thus the strongest part is in the center of the body/chassis and ties to the top of the suspension mounts without bends and curves. Not only is it stiff but weight conscious.

At 2809 pounds, the S2000 is lighter than almost any car on the market and that aids the performance. This is especially remarkable since the S2000 is not a performance stripper, including all the power convenience items like electric top and air conditioning. The older sports cars we all hold as reference examples were lacking over 3000 lbs. in safety, emission and convenience items that are expected or required on modern cars.

 

[Coolava]

Those looking for Cadilllacs should try GM BuyPower. Very good site.

 

[thenew3]

Those prices are okay for the average person I guess.

But if you know someone who works for GM, or suppliers for GM then you should ask them about the GM employee/supplier employee discount.

To give you an idea of the discount... two years ago I helped my parents buy their second cadillac. It was a 2000 Deville concours custom ordered with every option box checked. The total sticker came to just under $50k. My supplier employee discount out the door of the local dealer including tax and registration fees........ $31,000!!!

brand new car, fresh from the factory.

The only thing is the car had to be registered under my name for the first 6 months. then after that I could just simply transfer it to my parents name (pay $100 extra for new plates at that point).

I've done this for a few close friends as well. So if you know anyone who works for GM, or anyone who works for a company that supplies goods or services (doesn't have to be related to auto manufacturing), then there's a good chance they qualify for this discount.

Most dealers will be more then happy to sell you a car with this discount. The reason being GM pays them a fat handling commission. Which my dealer told me, is usualy more then what they would've normally made on the exact same car if they sold it normally.

I had to talk to 3 different dealers though because the first two were not aware of the program. It wasn't until after I had bought the car from the 3rd dealer when the first two all of a sudden call me back to tell me they found out the specifics of the program and wanted to help me order the car.... too late!

 

[all168]

Someone said a Acura is a honda, like a CL/TL is a Accord, I don't think they are same, 3.2CL/TL is a 3.2L engine with 225/260hp engine, a accord is 3.0L 195hp engine. A RSX is a 2.0L 160hp engine, and a civic EX is a 1.7L 127hp engine. A odyssey 3.5L engine is a little smaller than 3.5TL engine. Even the Lexus, even the engine & trans is same as a Toyota, I heard Lexus used better material than a Toyota, like 24K gold electrical wire connector, and I got a chance to seat in a friend's 1991 Lexus LS400 with 200K+, the car is super quiet, powerful, trouble free, no oil leak. I really don't think a 91 Caddy can do it.

 

[LittleWolf]

<<

<< Well if you donot want the above cheap junk(kidding), get a Volvo, Bentley, RR or Audi. >>



Audi is volkwagen just $10,000 more

I feel part sharing is one thing but selling a toyota corola as a lexus es300 and adding $10,000.00 to the price is just wrong as are the idiots who pay it! >>



Eh!, Audi doesn't share much with VW except for the Passat. Audi has got an entirely different line-up. Only things shared are the the 1.8T and the now defunct in Audi 2.8V6 in the Passat.


And the Corolla doesn't share anything with the ES300 either. The ES300 is just a shinier version of the Camry not the Corolla. Camry and ES300 are same down to the engine,tx and even many interior and exterior. Real suckers buy the ES300. :disgust:


-j

 

[rubenswm]

You mention you'd like to buy american after 9/11

May I ask why? Is it because GM employs a large number mexican and canadian workers?

Is it because Acura only exists in the united states, and cars such as the TL and CL are assembled and built by american workers in the usa?

In this day and age the differences between american and domestic cars as far as production and "american labor" is very subtle..

 

[rubenswm]

<<

<< Uh, can you say Acura RL? that would romp all over this any day.. price, performance, reliability. >>



Maybe the Acura RL wins in price because it has a whole lot less features?
Performance? hehe, the RL needs 100 more horsepower just to get close my friend.......Also get better gear ratio then 3.11 , hehe
Reliablility? Probably, but I would prefer to buy an American car , especially after 9/11........ >>




FYI- HP Doesn't determine "how fast" a car is. Acura/Honda is known for their lack of HP and TQ but lightweight bodies that are pretty quick.

 

[salsal]

And the Corolla doesn't share anything with the ES300 either. The ES300 is just a shinier version of the Camry not the Corolla. Camry and ES300 are same down to the engine,tx and even many interior and exterior. Real suckers buy the ES300.

ES300 has a VVT engine not in Camry V6. The common parts of Camry and ES300 are 25%. I don't think a generalization of such statement will show an intelligent mind.

 

[bolido2000]

ES300 is not a more expensive Camry (go and check the specs for the camry V6 and ES300), but a more expensive Avalon.
Audi is almost the same as VW except for the A8. the TT/Jetta/Bettle are pretty much twins.

I am cool with the idea that Lexus is a more expensive Toyota or Infiniti a more expensive Nissan. You pay for the luxuries, engine, features, dealer service, etc. If you know cars you will see which is the best value.
If not you are just looking for something to boost your ego/self esteem. Otherwise why would someone buy a Range Rover?

If you want exclusivity in engineering BMW is the only one that doesn't share parts with the "cheapo" brands.




<<

<<

<< Well if you donot want the above cheap junk(kidding), get a Volvo, Bentley, RR or Audi. >>



Audi is volkwagen just $10,000 more

I feel part sharing is one thing but selling a toyota corola as a lexus es300 and adding $10,000.00 to the price is just wrong as are the idiots who pay it! >>



Eh!, Audi doesn't share much with VW except for the Passat. Audi has got an entirely different line-up. Only things shared are the the 1.8T and the now defunct in Audi 2.8V6 in the Passat.


And the Corolla doesn't share anything with the ES300 either. The ES300 is just a shinier version of the Camry not the Corolla. Camry and ES300 are same down to the engine,tx and even many interior and exterior. Real suckers buy the ES300. :disgust:


-j >>

 

[NLE]

<< [Some range rovers are fords just $10,000 more
>>



more like 30,000 more

 

[XeonTux]

For the most part I agree that Caddys are their own seperate vehicles. Aside from platform sharing like the Escalade, Caddy whatever Avalanche, early 80's Elderado/Riviara/Toronado E-Body platform, etc.... there is ONE exception that comes to mind: anyone remember the Cadillac Cimmaron? biggest POS Cadillac ever made. It was a Cavalier and everyone knew it.

 

[SpecialK411]

I don't own a caddy but I drove a 98 deville for about 5-6 months and I must say that it was impressive. The leather is very soft and when I drove over a median at about 50mph (my fault entirely) all that happened was a slight bump..bump noise. The noise that occured was small and there was no damage. When I took my accord over the same median (lighting struck twice) it was no longer driveable. It is a tough but smooth car and hopefully I will be able to afford a nice new one in the future......but not now.

 

[TurboMan]

I own both domestic and foreign (jap) cars. There is no comparison between the quality of a Honda and a GM car. A good friend of mine's brother was a manager at one of the plants in Detroit. He is eligeble for the full corporate GM discount. You know what he buys for his family? Top of the line GEO's because they are made in Japan. He said if you saw what goes on in the plants over here, the lack of care in the production, you would never buy a car here. Now I know some Honda's are made here in the states, but I believe they are non union shops.

Another friend is a Pontiac dealer mechanic. He recomends staying clear of most every GM car as well.

I still love both of my GM cars (1989 Pontiac Turbo Trans AM & 87 Buick Grand National) but they are what they are - GM cars.

 

[GnatGoSplat]

GM cars are a lot better reliability, durability, and safety-wise than Ford and Chrysler though.
Japanese cars are also usually only trouble-free until 100-150k miles when the engine takes a dump and/or the body rots out.
GM cars have their common, recurring problems (alternators especially), but when taken care of, will last a LONG time. My '89 has 196k miles and the compression is perfect. No annoying timing belts to have to replace every 60k miles. GM FWD transmissions are much more reliable than FWD Fords, and WAY better than that of Chrysler, although admittedly not as good as Toyota.
The bodies on the passenger cars have also been 2-sided galvanized since sometime in the mid 80's, so they don't suffer body rot like my sister's '93 Accord is going through.

Anyway, it seems nothing lasts as long as an 80's Mercedes 300SD S-class turbo diesel.

 

[TurboMan]

<< No annoying timing belts to have to replace every 60k miles >>

Maybe not, but most GM engines have plastic timming gears. I know the tubo engines have them and most everyone recommends changing them at around 50k. I'd much rather have to do a 1 hr timming belt change over a 8 hr timming chain/gear change.

 

[GnatGoSplat]

I'm pretty certain that was just a 3.8 thing, and just for that era. I've never heard of nylon teeth getting chewed up on the later versions that were named 3800 Series I and 3800 Series II. Definitely not a problem on any other GM engine other than the 80's 3.8 that I'm aware of.

On most FWD cars the timing belt is a lot more than a 1hr job since the engine is sideways with not a lot of room to work. I know on a Nissan Maxima it's about an 8hr job.

 

[SLEEPER5555]

Ok first off i meant to say these edits (sorry i was tired and the brain was shutting down)

Some (edit i menat to say land rovers) are fords just $10,000 more

I feel part sharing is one thing but selling a toyota (edit i meant to say camry sorry) as a lexus es300 and adding $10,000.00 to the price is just wrong as are the idiots who pay it!

On the land rover comment i meant the new little rover (don't know name) It shares alot with fords and other brands owned by ford. Another case of ford killing a formerly good name plate!





<< no caddy is a chevy, but the CL and TL are accords and the RSX is a civic, es300 is a camry, i35 is a maxima, and a lincoln used to be a ford but not anymore.


bentley and the current rolls factory are owned buy VW, but the funny thing is that VW and BMW were really bidding for rolls royce, and neither of them realized that rolls royce is actually a trademark of the jet engine maker, who came forward after VW outbid BMW for the rolls factory. VW then didn't have enough money to outbid BMW for the license to the name rolls royce, so BMW will produce cars under that name. >>



Bzzzz "sorry but you are incorrect" the Caddy Escalade is a tahoe with different headlights and grill! The interior is almost exactly the same. and dont forget the EXT opps i mean avalanche!

 

[SLEEPER5555]

<< Anyway, it seems nothing lasts as long as an 80's Mercedes 300SD S-class turbo diesel. >>



Yep you are correct thery were ugly and smelly and now are very old, but this car will go forever, It is trully an engeneering marvel

 

[GnatGoSplat]

You really think the 300SD's were ugly?

I think the 300D's and 300TD's (W-116 body) were ugly, but the 81-91 300SD's (W-126 body) are pretty classy looking, IMO.
There's a guy in town with a W-126 body sedan with glossy black paint, limo tint, and 20" chrome rims. Looks real slick.
I wouldn't mind having one as a unique and super-reliable beater, but even the 81's run about $5-7k. A true testament to Mercedes resale value. In contrast, an '81 Caddy costs about what, $200-500?