Friend of Mine is Looking For A Car

[Cory Wolfe]

My (non-car-guy) friend is looking for something to replace his 2002 Hyundai Accent. This is the friend of whom asked me to sell his 70s Ford LTD for him. Basically, he feels his car is way too small and way too basic, which is quite understandable. It is a lowly Accent, afterall. He also had to cough up $1k when the timing belt snapped and bent some valves at the end of last year. Otherwise, it's been a relatively good car to him. He's looking to move up into something thats more liveable and will be reliable. One of his main critera is that he doesn't want to drive something that everyone has.

My point of posting is... We came across a 2001 Cadillac Catera with only 35k miles and they're asking $6k for it.

I've heard both good things and bad things about these cars regarding reliability, but I've never paid too much attention as to what the case was. How reliable would one of these be? Also, what sort of fuel mileage will he be looking at? The latter question is guaranteed to have an answer that's considerably lower than what his Accent gets, regardless. I told him I would guess it to be around 20-25. Looking at it, it's a very nice car. I saw not one blemish anywhere. Its in excellent condition with low miles, as mentioned. We have not yet had a chance to test drive it as they weren't open yesterday, but we may do so today after I go to work.

We also looked over a Volvo S40 1.9T for the same price and sadly, that's all I know about it. I don't recall what year it was or what the mileage was. It was the previous generation.

* Pictures of what he bought are on page 3 *

Edited March 6, 2009 by blackviper8891

[Croc]

2nd-gen Cateras are fine. The first-gens were notorious for problems, and it did not help that dealerships weren't used to the completely different assembly practices in Europe.

[regfootball]

what's his budget?

[daves87rs]

Junk.

Yeah, they got better, but you'll still be spending some money.....

[Croc]

Junk.

Yeah, they got better, but you'll still be spending some money.....

Really? That's not what I've heard at all. 1st-gens were very hit-or-miss, but the 2nd gens were consistently good.

[Robert Hall]

2nd-gen Cateras are fine. The first-gens were notorious for problems, and it did not help that dealerships weren't used to the completely different assembly practices in Europe.

Not sure what you mean..there was only 1 generation of the Catera. It had a mild facelift at some point, but was still the same car it's whole run. Supposedly, though, the 1999 onward had improved reliability.

[Intrepidation]

Not sure what you mean..there was only 1 generation of the Catera. It had a mild facelift at some point, but was still the same car it's whole run. Supposedly, though, the 1999 onward had improved reliability.

That's what I was trying to figure out.

[Croc]

Not sure what you mean..there was only 1 generation of the Catera. It had a mild facelift at some point, but was still the same car it's whole run. Supposedly, though, the 1999 onward had improved reliability.

Meh...the 2000 restyle is often referred to as the "2nd gen" because of all the changes, as well as the much-improved reliability.

[ocnblu]

Those first-gen S40s were a Mitsubishi/Volvo collaboration. Pure crap.

I've never heard of a "2nd gen" Catera either.

[Brougham-Holiday]

I work with a girl who's parents own a 2000 Catera, and its a total nightmare. Right now the electrical system is a screwed up.

[Intrepidation]

What about an Olds like an Intrigue? Or a 300M?

The Catera from everything I've heard is full of reliability problems.

I don't consider there to be a 2nd gen one because outside they're almost identical and inside saw only moderate updates.

[daves87rs]

Really? That's not what I've heard at all. 1st-gens were very hit-or-miss, but the 2nd gens were consistently good.

Everybody I know who has/had one hated it....all kinds of issues...

My local repair shop loves when those drive in.....

[Blake Noble]

Sonoma: $3200.

(Please, someone buy it. Please?)

[Intrepidation]

NEVAR!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Blake Noble]

Fine, I shall incur the wrath of the sludge upon your 2.7L V6 Intrepid, muhahahahahahahaha!

Now you shall drive no more!

[Intrepidation]

Well if that happens I'm just replacing the engine with a more powerful one.

[Blake Noble]

Well if that happens I'm just replacing the engine with a more powerful one.

Then I'll curse your engine with a thrown rod.

You can't win!

[ocnblu]

Briggs & Stratton???

[Intrepidation]

Those will never die...lol

[caddycruiser]

1st gen Catera's (yes, I call them by gen too...as an ex Caddy forum frequenter) are a horrible nightmare, and 2nd gen's were improved nicely...but still not the absolute best in terms of reliability. Here's the best place you could ever go to read more, from people who know them inside and out:

http://www.cadillacforums.com/forums/cadil...cimarron-forum/

I really like them, especially the '00-01 Sport models (hmm...a-la an earlier version of my G8 Sport?), but if repair cost is one thing you're concerned about, they're not exactly, say, GM W-body, etc. like. They're more German import like, in every way.

[Intrepidation]

A little off topic but, caddycruiser, post some photos of the G8 you got!

[Satty]

How about some EXCITEMENT!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[daves87rs]

Fine, I shall incur the wrath of the sludge upon your 2.7L V6 Intrepid, muhahahahahahahaha!

Now you shall drive no more!

[daves87rs]

A little off topic but, caddycruiser, post some photos of the G8 you got!

[Robert Hall]

What about an Olds like an Intrigue? Or a 300M?

The Catera from everything I've heard is full of reliability problems.

I don't consider there to be a 2nd gen one because outside they're almost identical and inside saw only moderate updates.

Yeah, I consider generational changes like when the CTS went from the '07 to '08...or the Malibu from the '07 to the '08. Serious changes. The Catera went thru an MCU/MCE.

Edited February 24, 2009 by moltar

[Cory Wolfe]

So, basically, the Catera would not be a smart purchase decision. We didn't get a chance to check it out today, but we will tomorrow. I want to atleast get a test drive out of it.

Test drove the Volvo. Turns out its an '00 with about 70k. It ran pretty good.

Also test drove a bright yellow 2nd gen Neon SXT and a PT Cruiser. He liked those two the most and the Neon worked the best financially out all of them. It ran well, didn't seem to have any issues besides non-working foglights. The Cruiser ran alright, but had higher mileage than he would have liked and was at a dealership he's not a big fan of. It doesn't help that theyre trying to screw him on trade in.

[fightingbee]

I know Saturn L81's were still needing oil cooler re-seals done into the '03 range, which were the same parts as the Caddy. That repair alone can go over $1K depending on the cooler itself needs replacing or not.

[Intrepidation]

So, basically, the Catera would not be a smart purchase decision. We didn't get a chance to check it out today, but we will tomorrow. I want to atleast get a test drive out of it.

Test drove the Volvo. Turns out its an '00 with about 70k. It ran pretty good.

Also test drove a bright yellow 2nd gen Neon SXT and a PT Cruiser. He liked those two the most and the Neon worked the best financially out all of them. It ran well, didn't seem to have any issues besides non-working foglights. The Cruiser ran alright, but had higher mileage than he would have liked and was at a dealership he's not a big fan of. It doesn't help that theyre trying to screw him on trade in.

While first gen Neons are piles of crap, the 3nd ones are actually pretty good reliability wise, and the cars themselves aren't bad for what they are either.

[ocnblu]

[Teh Ricer Civic!]

Oohh S40s are fun cars... plus they got the whole Volvo safety thing going for em. Not cheap to work on though if you run into any problems. If its a turbo 4, or one of them fancy turbo 5s they will be fun cars to drive.

Course uh... volvo quality tends to be either hit and miss or nickel and dime to death when they get older.

[Croc]

Yeah, I consider generational changes like when the CTS went from the '07 to '08...or the Malibu from the '07 to the '08. Serious changes. The Catera went thru an MCU/MCE.

The Catera was very heavily revised, both inside and out. If you put the two side-by-side the differences would be obvious.

I'm not really trying to continue an argument on this or anything, but from the numerous Cadillac owners and dealership employees / service technicians I know, they all refer to them as different "gens" because the driving dynamics, amenities, and most importantly reliability, are like night and day between the two iterations--pretty much the only thing unchanged were a few exterior body panels; the mechanics were thoroughly reworked.

[Cory Wolfe]

Neon is out. Transmission is leaking. Catera and Volvo are out, as well due to being slighty more than he wants to spend.

Currently in the running are two Chrysler 300M's (one of which I wouldn't mind owning myself), two PT Cruisers, a previous gen. Sonata, and a few random others.

Edited February 25, 2009 by blackviper8891

[Teh Ricer Civic!]

Neon is out. Transmission is leaking. Catera and Volvo are out, as well due to being slighty more than he wants to spend.

Currently in the running are two Chrysler 300M's (one of which I wouldn't mind owning myself), two PT Cruisers, a previous gen. Sonata, and a few random others.

Well PT cruisers suck, sonata is a hyundai and the previous gen wasnt terribly attractive. SO i guess i'd go with the 300M in that spot.

[ocnblu]

How about a shortie Caravan? They can be had cheap, insurance should be low, and he'll have room for lots of boys. Plus, the back seat can come out for camping and such.

[Teh Ricer Civic!]

Could always find an old 90s Volvo wagon, excellent insurance rates, classic box designs and plenty of storage space.

How about a used focus? I dont think those things hold resale value very well so one could probably be had on the cheap.

[caddycruiser]

Neon is out. Transmission is leaking. Catera and Volvo are out, as well due to being slighty more than he wants to spend.

Currently in the running are two Chrysler 300M's (one of which I wouldn't mind owning myself), two PT Cruisers, a previous gen. Sonata, and a few random others.

We had a 300M, hmm, 8 or so years ago now. A 2000 in Deep Slate with dark charcoal interior and every option except for the Performance Handling Package.

Pretty good cars, for sure. Not without their common bugs, but nothing big either, and like a garden variety Intrepid, but quite a rung upwards--yet also just as cheap to maintain as an Intrepid. I know someone still in the 300M Club who has nearly 400k miles on his 2001 and continues to drive it daily with a lot less maintenance/fixing than people would presume. Very careful about when & what is done, of course, and it just keeps on going.

http://300mclub.org/index.php

Otherwise, the Sonata isn't bad, but probably still too similar to even the tinier Accent he has now...I'd still give it a look, though, especially if it was in great shape.

[ocnblu]

I agree with Teh, a Focus ZX3 or ZX5 would be good, too. And we know he's got Ford experience since he had an LTD II.

[caddycruiser]

I agree with Teh, a Focus ZX3 or ZX5 would be good, too. And we know he's got Ford experience since he had an LTD II.

Very good choices, too, and with very strong driving dynamics. Still small, but larger than an Accent.

[Robert Hall]

I agree with Teh, a Focus ZX3 or ZX5 would be good, too. And we know he's got Ford experience since he had an LTD II.

I actually saw one of those today in traffic..hadn't seen one in years...a LTD II 2dr, blue, vinyl top, lowrider.

[Intrepidation]

Wow, 400k miles on the 300M! Good for your friend!

[cobaltSSwrecked]

Well,

I remember when one of my friends (whom i disliked at the time) car broke down in November or December (I forget which though). They had a 2002 Hyundai Accent. He was going to trade it in to get a newer version of the car that was nice and affordable.

I say that your friend should look into buying or trading in the car he has and get a newer make of the car.

[Cory Wolfe]

All roads are leading to H-to-the-I-to-theE-to-the-A. Later today shall tell us whether these roads speak the truth or if there will be another detour to travel.

Edited March 3, 2009 by blackviper8891

[Cory Wolfe]

Snapped some pics of his new car. It's a 2002 Hyundai Elantra 5spd with 69k miles. Bought it for $4999 before taxes and whatnot. It isn't perfect, but it runs pretty well and is quite clean in and out. Not much to complain about. They seem to be good little cars. My grandma's has been good to her, so I 'approved' of his purchase.

Don't ask about the last pic. I was bored and wanted the sun to be in it, despite the picture having no real focal point.

[Intrepidation]

Stick or not I would have rather had the 300M. Oh well, hope it's good for him.

[Cory Wolfe]

He's not a car guy. He actually liked his cheap-ass Accent, but it was too small.

Plus, the 300M had double the mileage and would likely get half the gas mileage. That little mpg readout they have tells a telling story. I don't think he liked that, either.

Edited March 6, 2009 by blackviper8891

[Intrepidation]

At least I can take heart in the fact that even with a new engine I'll still have spent less that the Hyundai.

Good luck to him though.

Are those photos taken with the Canon?

[Cory Wolfe]

Indeed they were. I've haven't been using it much lately. Sort of been indifferent to anything and everything lately.

[ocnblu]

Picture #2, is it me or is the previous owner seen sleeping in the car?

[caddycruiser]

Snapped some pics of his new car. It's a 2002 Hyundai Elantra 5spd with 69k miles. Bought it for $4999 before taxes and whatnot. It isn't perfect, but it runs pretty well and is quite clean in and out. Not much to complain about. They seem to be good little cars. My grandma's has been good to her, so I 'approved' of his purchase.

Nothing cool or special, but a very good choice nonetheless--sounds like he got what he wanted. Should go for a very long time, with little in the way of problems.

Wow, 400k miles on the 300M! Good for your friend!

Actually, he's now up to 485k, at least as of 02/09, and still counting;) Unless something more has changed, he replaced the trans with a salvage one at about the halfway point to now and at the end of last year replaced the engine with a salvage one after 444k. Seems incredible, but all true, and certainly the highest mileage M anywhere.

[daves87rs]

It looks to be in pretty good shape...