Cars my step-son is considering to buy...

[GMTruckGuy74]

http://southjersey.craigslist.org/cto/2412894602.html

Beautiful Cadillac DTS 140,000 miles fully loaded with heated leather seats in the front and rear, Bose surround sound, onStar, and very clean interior and exterior. I have lowered the price to 3500 which I think is very fair. Call or text 609 372 3655 if interested. Thanks !!!!!

My 17 y-o step-son will be getting his driver's license in early September... he has been "car shopping" for a little while now. His "wants" include the Jeep Wrangler, Cadillac DTS, and Pontiac Grand Prix ('97-'03) - and the price range he's in is around $2500 now (however I think one of the grandparents may contribute, and he recently took on a 2^nd job). He sends me the DTS above that he found on CL, asking me what I think about this one. I know from here that the Northstar engine is not a recommended engine, but what other issues may this year DTS suffer from that might make this car not a great purchase?

On a funny note, after the abuse I took for buying a '96 Fleetwood Brougham, I'm surprised he loves the DTS. We went out for dinner Sunday night to a Mexican restaurant that borders a Cadillac dealership. He made us go over and look at the certified used DTS ('06-'10) on the lot. I reminded him how he called my FWB a grandpa car and said that the DTS is no worse than my FWB!!

Edited June 13, 2011 by GMTruckGuy74

[Drew Dowdell]

Where did you get the idea that the northstar is not a recommended engine?

It just takes 8 quarts of synthetic... but other than that, it's a $3500 car.

[GMTruckGuy74]

I meant that many here would recommend say the 3800 V6 over the Northstar V8...

[Drew Dowdell]

depends on wants and needs. A 3800 V6 would be better for me than my 307 but it doesn't come in a car I want.

[Justin Bimmer]

The Northstar is not the problem, it is the transmission that is the problem. A transmission repair/replace on that Cadillac is going to cost as much as the car does. 140,000 miles is ripe for transmission issues too.

[GMTruckGuy74]

The Northstar is not the problem, it is the transmission that is the problem. A transmission repair/replace on that Cadillac is going to cost as much as the car does. 140,000 miles is ripe for transmission issues too.

That's good to know, thanks!

Personally, I'd like him to consider a 3800 V6-equipped W-body for their reliabilty and availability of parts. He is into the '97-'03 Grand Prix models, though it seems that many are out of his price range. I have seen a few decent '99 GT sedans going for around $3k.

I've suggested to him Buick Regals of that vintage too ('98-'03), though he seems less interested in those. Here's a 2002 LS I found recently that looks to be in good shape:

http://southjersey.craigslist.org/ctd/2420551626.html

At least it's black - he's a Steelers fan and black & yellow are his favorite colors. I also found this '94 Roadmaster that looks good, but for some reason the only B-body he likes is the '94-'96 Impala SS (that he can't afford):

http://southjersey.craigslist.org/ctd/2420698753.html

However, it's as old as he is and I'm not sure he'd go for it

Edited June 8, 2011 by GMTruckGuy74

[Drew Dowdell]

tell him to get the Roadmaster and a set of wrenches, he'll be good for another 10 years.

[Justin Bimmer]

Both of those Buicks appear to be in decent shape. When I went W hunting, any and all were fair game. Grand Prix, Regal, Impala, Monte Carlo, Intrigue

[GMTruckGuy74]

I looked up Bonnevilles (another favorite Pontiac I never got to own) and found this one, though I would say it's a '93 or '94:

http://southjersey.craigslist.org/cto/2426844033.html

I like the color and the rims, looks sharp.

[vonVeezelsnider]

As for the DTS just remember that the more complex something is, the more complex it is to fix. For a first car I'd shy away from the Northstar Caddies, especially the higher mileage ones, just too many things to go wrong. Lots of electric doodads to take a dump at an inopportune time. The head bold problem that kills head-gaskets on this engine wasn't properly fixed until about model year 2003, although the 2000 model engine is very much improved and runs on regular fuel. Repairs on the Northstar require lots of special tools and is generally a very labor intensive engine to do repairs on. While engines like the 3800 Series II have their problems I think it's a safer bet to go down that avenue. On smaller cars the Ecotec engines have a pretty solid reputation for durability as well.

tell him to get the Roadmaster and a set of wrenches, he'll be good for another 10 years.

Yeah, I'd rock that Roadmaster. You can tell him that even though it's a "grandpa" car, he should drive it before he judges it. With the LT1 and high 6s 0-60 (perhaps something that you as a father figure don't want to think about him doing), it has the ability to convert critics. Sure my grandpa lusted after the Roadmaster when I was a child (I'm serious), but these old codgers still have red blood and know their cars/appreciate the power.

Also relatively easy to maintain outside of the Optispark (not as problematic on the Roadmaster, Caprice and Fleetwood as the Camaro and Vette, perhaps because of the way they were driven), but even this can be done by a relatively wet behind the ears shadetree mechanic if the time and proper sockets are there.

Both of those Buicks appear to be in decent shape. When I went W hunting, any and all were fair game. Grand Prix, Regal, Impala, Monte Carlo, Intrigue

The W is also a safe bet but I'd aim for the Regal, Century Limited (maybe too anemic for him) and higher-spec Intrigues as they tend, in my experience, to have been more rigorously and properly maintained, gently driven, lived in garages, etc... due to their higher cost when new. The Buicks (Century, Regal, even LeSabre) have significantly lower insurance rates tied to them than their Pontiac, Chevy, and even Oldsmobile counterparts for some reason. This factors into the cost considerations as well.

Our Regal was previously owned by a visibly wealthy petroleum engineer and his wife, was only driven about 6000mi/yr, and while there have been some issues with the car since we purchased it, it was generally well taken care of and not cheaped out on.

The Regal, especially the later models (I think 2002-04) where even the LS got FE3 suspension (our is one of these), it's not a bad driving car at all. Certainly floats less than my Impala, with a nice controlled ride and good road manners. The 3800 Series II also has a nice power band that doesn't starve as bad at the top end as my 3500 VVT does although around town they feel about the same.

[Drew Dowdell]

Tell him this about the Roadmaster. It's a great way to embarass his fart-can Civic driving friends.

and someone already put pipes on it.

[ocnblu]

I really like the tin-top Roadmaster with tailpipe extensions, but if he doesn't like the car now, being forced to drive it will only be bad for the car, as it will likely get beat.

The green Bonneville appears to be in decent shape, maybe he'll go look at it with you before he gives his verdict.

The black Regal, imo, is the best choice out of all the ads. If it's been taken care of, it should be golden, plus, it is not much of a fogeymobile.

[Justin Bimmer]

Let's not forget that the Buick Regal has some racing history:

[GMTruckGuy74]

Oh, he wants a Regal alright, a Grand National one

Based on the pictures provided in the CL ads, he said no to the '02 Regal, '94 Roadmaster, and was so-so on the Bonneville. I also sent him ads to a '00 Intrigue GL that got his thumbs up, but lost him on a '96 88 LSS. He really wants that DTS, though I reminded him he doesn't have enough cash for that plus the extra needed for title, tags & registration, and extra for maintenance/repair items needed.

The problem is that his one friend got a 2006 Ford Explorer SporTrac and has summer use of his step-dad's '99 Wrangler, so he wants something newer too (like a 2008 DTS he fell in love with Sunday night at a Caddy dealer) or something fun to play with (like the Wrangler). The good thing is that he still has time to save up money, as his driver's license test isnt't until September 8. School ends on the 20th for him and I told him to ask for more hours between his two jobs.

We'll see what he ends up with. The wife loved her '00 Pontiac Grand Prix GT Sedan, so she wants him to find one of those. I told him the coupe version would be a great first car

[GMTruckGuy74]

1996 GMC Jimmy SLS 2-door 4WD

- 127k miles

- Well equipped, 4WD

- $1,995 (in his price range)

- minor rear bumper damage (stated in CarFax)

Craigslist ad:http://southjersey.craigslist.org/ctd/2434202866.html

More pictures here: http://www.nissanofturnersville.com/detail-1996-gmc-jimmy-used-7230767.html

*Advice???

Edited June 13, 2011 by GMTruckGuy74

[Intrepidation]

Owners of S-10's and Blazers and the GMC counterparts are constantly coming in for parts to fix them, right behind the Taurus as the car most people get parts for.

Coworker had his 4.3 destroy itself one night on the highway. Punched a hole right through the block.

[Justin Bimmer]

Owners of S-10's and Blazers and the GMC counterparts are constantly coming in for parts to fix them, right behind the Taurus as the car most people get parts for.

Coworker had his 4.3 destroy itself one night on the highway. Punched a hole right through the block.

What car comes to mind when somebody walks in asking for help where you have to think real hard about the last time somebody needed help on that kind of car?

[ocnblu]

It is also possible that people who own an older S-10 Blazer or Jimmy are more likely to do their own repairs to keep them on the road than some other makes of SUVs, hence, when they need something fixed, they head to the auto parts store instead of the dealership or independent garage.

[Bimmer325]

1996 GMC Jimmy SLS 2-door 4WD

- 127k miles

- Well equipped, 4WD

- $1,995 (in his price range)

- minor rear bumper damage (stated in CarFax)

Craigslist ad:http://southjersey.craigslist.org/ctd/2434202866.html

More pictures here: http://www.nissanofturnersville.com/detail-1996-gmc-jimmy-used-7230767.html

*Advice???

[SAmadei]

My experience with S-10s and derivatives is similar to what DF is seeing. Not the best reliability.

I'm shopping for cheap-cheap S-10s and every one has a fatal flaw.

I know some of you have enjoyed many miles of S-10 bliss, but I've seen many more die out of the blue over the years.

[vonVeezelsnider]

I know a few who had the earlier S-10s and Jimmys who had non stop problems. The later ones towards the end of the production seemed to have most of the bugs worked out IIRC.

[Intrepidation]

Owners of S-10's and Blazers and the GMC counterparts are constantly coming in for parts to fix them, right behind the Taurus as the car most people get parts for.

Coworker had his 4.3 destroy itself one night on the highway. Punched a hole right through the block.

What car comes to mind when somebody walks in asking for help where you have to think real hard about the last time somebody needed help on that kind of car?

Strictly speaking GM, W Bodies, especially Impalas. Later model full size trucks and SUVs.

[SAmadei]

I know a few who had the earlier S-10s and Jimmys who had non stop problems. The later ones towards the end of the production seemed to have most of the bugs worked out IIRC.

I dunno. My old neighbor had a low mileage 1998-ish S-10 Blazer... blown head gasket. I probably should have bought it for dirt cheap and fixed it, but I didn't want a little SUV.

I see 3-4 '94-'02 on CL going for dirt cheap... each one needs an engine or tranny. Not always high mileage, either.

[vonVeezelsnider]

I know a few who had the earlier S-10s and Jimmys who had non stop problems. The later ones towards the end of the production seemed to have most of the bugs worked out IIRC.

I dunno. My old neighbor had a low mileage 1998-ish S-10 Blazer... blown head gasket. I probably should have bought it for dirt cheap and fixed it, but I didn't want a little SUV.

I see 3-4 '94-'02 on CL going for dirt cheap... each one needs an engine or tranny. Not always high mileage, either.

I was referring more towards the electrical and other gremlins that they had... The 4.3 wasn't the bestest by far

[GMTruckGuy74]

I looked up Bonnevilles (another favorite Pontiac I never got to own) and found this one, though I would say it's a '93 or '94:

http://southjersey.craigslist.org/cto/2426844033.html

I like the color and the rims, looks sharp.

Now my step-son is interested in seeing/checking out this Bonneville (not sure of the year, but it appears to be a SLE-trimmed model, figuring 1993, 1994 or 1995). The seller's text now contains more information too:

garage kept 140k miles inspection good till 11/2012 tires and brakes new just gave it a tune up oil change new plugs and wires body and paint in grate condition tan leather interior 2 minor cuts in front seat ac works but it needs a charge $1550 firm call 856 882 9045 "PLEASE NO TEXT"

Advice?

[GMTruckGuy74]

I had him take a "break" from car shopping to save up more $$$ from working at his part-time job. His driver's license test is scheduled for September 8 and of course being less than a month away he's itching to find a vehicle. Anyway, his latest Craigslist search brought this:

http://southjersey.craigslist.org/cto/2512805947.html

1999 olds bravada platinum edition - 130k miles, $2,750

Since he works drive-thru (Boston Market), he's been eyeing up cars left and right that he likes. The Bravada has piqued his interest, and he already likes the Jimmy & Blazer but thinks the Bravada looks more 'upscale'...

Any advice on areas to check if we go see this one in person?

Edited August 11, 2011 by GMTruckGuy74

[Justin Bimmer]

Bravada = air suspension = $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

[smk4565]

I think a Cadillac at 17 is a bit nuts, it may seem like a good idea at first because of features/horsepower per dollar, but it's just too tacky or flashy for a 17 year old. Plus the DTS is really big, and thirsty. The Northstar will run a long time, but on my Aurora I've replaced every engine mount, oxygen sensors (and they need replaced again), and if something breaks it is usually costly. Plus my car takes 7.5 quarts of oil and burns at least 2 between every oil change. Working part time at 17 he isn't going to like $100 oil changes and buying oil in between unless you go to a place with free top off.

I do have the air suspension on my car, never a problem with that, and the original battery lasted over 9 years, so I was impressed with those aspects.

[smk4565]

I think it better to look toward a Grand Am or Grand Prix, although Pontiacs of 10-15 years ago tend to fall apart easily also. The Buick Regal I think is a good option because it is basically the same as the Grand Prix, but you have a better chance that it was a grandma car that was garage kept and better cared for.

I think you could find an Olds Alero or 2000-2001 Chevy Monte Carlo also and it would be a bit more youthful of a car.

[Northstar]

I wouldn't recommend a high mileage Alero or Grand Am. My sister's Alero started falling apart at 100k miles. Constantly repairing that thing.

How about an old Wrangler? There's got to be tons of used parts out there for them, and with a young driver only having 2 seats that anyone would want to use for very long is good to limit the number of people in the vehicle and reduce distractions.

[Drew Dowdell]

The air springs for the Bravada are $86 each.... not terrible. Unless he is consistently putting heavy loads in the back, it is unlikely he'd even notice something was wrong.

[Z-06]

Not a bad Bravada. I think the price is reasonable for that mileage and age. Honestly no matter how much a fixer upper the used car is it steal beats depreciation and payments of a new car.

[GMTruckGuy74]

The Bravada seller is not teturning email or phone calls... so that one is off the list.

My step-son actually likes the W-body '97-'04 Buick Century and Buick Regal... a small used car dealer down the road from us has these two for sale that he's bugging me to take him to see:

2001 Buick Century: 134K MILES, $1,800

http://southjersey.craigslist.org/tid/2547319089.html

1997 Buick Regal: 119,409 miles, $2,300

http://www.theautocorral.net/vehicle_pages/2G4WB52K1V1403525-1997-Buick-Regal.shtml

Thoughts?

[z28luvr01]

The Regal should have the 3800. I'd jump on that.

[Drew Dowdell]

Skip the Century completely. Regal will have 3800 goodness.

edit: Yikes, but that one is rough.

[smk4565]

Agreed on Regal over the Century. The Century has the 3.1 liter, I drove one years ago, and it was pretty poor. Plus it even look more like a car for the elderly than the Regal does.

That black Regal isn't the answer though, the leather is all ripped, and the car looks beat. I'd look for another Regal. The Grand Prix or Grand Am/Alero of the same era are good options also. Depends on how big a car he wants. My guess is insurance rates are low on a Buick, so that could work in your favor.

[GMTruckGuy74]

The Buick-GMC dealer I leased my first Envoy (2005) at and bought the G6 (2008) from has in the local newspaper advertisement a 1998 Buick Regal for sale. It has 124k on it and is within my step-son's price range ($2995), though I'm hoping they can give us a break as previous customers (I still get the vehicles serviced there). We're going tonight to see it, so I'll post about it more later.

[Cory Wolfe]

Get him an ex-cop car.

[GMTruckGuy74]

It still had its original window sticker in the glovebox:

It will be coming "home" on Saturday

[Justin Bimmer]

Good pick! Sometimes I wish I would have gone with the Buick over the Grand Prix.

Soon he will be rollin and sportin this face:

[GMTruckGuy74]

It's a one-owner car, purchased from a Cherry Hill Buick dealer (dealer owner retired and closed in '07) on 9/2/1998, recently traded in at the Buick-GMC dealership I've been purchasing from (Marlton, not far from the closed Buick dealer). Overall the car is in really good shape for being 13 years old... the exterior has some dings & one small dent, but nothing extremely noticable... the interior (leather) is in great shape, with the steering wheel rim being in the worst condition out of the whole interior (I've noticed this on a bunch of '97-'01 Regals where the color seems to wear off). The engine runs good, it stops great with no squealing or pedal vibrations, has a ton of owner's notes on gas mileage in the glovebox, along with the pictured original 1998 winow sticker. It needs to be detailed - they took it in as a trade on 8/3/11, so it's going through the shop today for the safety inspection then to the detailer. We asked to take delivery Saturday morning.

[Drew Dowdell]

You could do worse.

[Cory Wolfe]

Indeed, it looks fairly nice for the price.

[GMTruckGuy74]

Well, it came "home" on Saturday! I'll add it to the garage soon, and to the members ride section once I've had the chance to take some of my own pics (the one above was taken by my wife & her iPhone).

[Drew Dowdell]

but what does he think of it?

[GMTruckGuy74]

but what does he think of it?

He's in He's already making plans for his first "trip" when he gets his license (driver's test is scheduled for 4:00 PM on Thursday, September . For a congratulations gift, the wife and I picked up a new steering wheel cover, air freshner (his wish!), Meguier's premium headlight restoration kit, and new wiper blades. He wasn't very excited Saturday morning (I think he was more nervous), but once we left the dealership with him behind the wheel, I saw this in my rear viw mirror the whole way home:

[vonVeezelsnider]

Congrats on the Regal, I'm sure your stepson will love it as much as my brother loves his 2003 Regal LS. Seeing the pictures there just reminded me that I need to re-glue the rubberized part of the drivers armrest to the door panel as it's peeling off and the power window switch won't seat properly in the door like the one on yours does. It seems that even for a 39k mile cream-puff, ours has some rattles that felt tape, a dab of teflon grease and some Dynamat will fix when I get around to it.

They're a good first car methinks, It's really forgiving, and pretty reliable.

[daves87rs]

Congrats!

[ocnblu]

It's good to see a smile on a new driver's face.