Used 1997 Cadillac Catera Consumer Reviews
Used Catera for sale
Run, don't walk away from this one
Vinman, 12/24/2002
1997 Cadillac Catera 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This was by far the worst vehicle I have ever owned. I constantly had the car in the shop for nuisance repairs to the brakes, electrical system, and finally a completely dead engine. Anyone considering buying one of these cars MUST have an extended warranty because you WILL use it. Unfortunately the first engine gasket blowout that I had leaked oil onto the spark plugs and wires. Those parts are not covered under warranty because they are maintenance items, yet cost $800.00 to replace. Whatever happened to $5 plugs and $50 wires? In addition, I thought that Cadillac (Opel) engines should at least last more than 60,000 miles before deemed DOA.
Iffy
Mike43, 12/25/2002
1997 Cadillac Catera 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The day after I bought the car at 43,500 miles the transmission went out. The dealer did fix it, but still lags on a cold start from 1st to 2nd gear. The handling of the car is good and the power is sufficient. The car engine sounds great and the car loves to purr and hum at highway speeds which the Catera thrives on. The car is fun and exciting to drive. I just had the right tie rod replaced and there is a rattle on the left side, the repair place said its fine. I hope it will last 100,000 miles with low maintenance costs????
1997 Cadillac Catera for sale near you
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- Base SedanMSRP: $7,500146 mi away
The Money Pit
Charlie, 07/18/2008
1997 Cadillac Catera 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Since the purchase, this car has broken down once a month. Each time we take it to the dealer (usually via tow truck) the repair costs range between $1500.00 & $2000.00 We bought it for $22,000.00 in 2000 and have spent $16,300.00 in repairs since. GM will not even talk to us about this car, and parts are now hard to get. This is by far the worst car we have ever owned. We looked around to see what they are selling for now, and see that top dollar is $3000.00. We are donating it to the Kidney Foundation, and the tax receipt deduction for our income tax will be more than what we can sell the car for!
Great car, but lots of problems
hoosierdaddy, 06/07/2002
1997 Cadillac Catera 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I was excited when I purchased the Cadillac that "Zigged when other cars Zagged", but the car has spent so much time in the shop I haven't done much Zigging or Zagging. I've gone through two alternaters (They say I'm hard on them...I guess that running the A/C and CD player at the same time is a no-no), two stes of brake pads, a new fuel pump, and a number of minor problems in my three years of ownership. This wouldn't be too terrible if each repair wasn't so incredibly expensive. This is my second Caddy, and definitely my last.
Fun Car, But needs more
BRice, 01/06/2003
1997 Cadillac Catera 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car is fun to drive w/ its V6, 200hp engine, but its lacking in not having an option to purchase as a manual instead of the dreary automatic tranny.
LLLLLLLLLLLemon
phy, 08/04/2002
1997 Cadillac Catera 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Waste of money big time. Last 8 months I spent $13,500 for repairs. Total time the car spent in the dealership- 71 days. Final result- I have a car with non-working transmission (after 3 transmission repairs in Cadillac of Las Vegas and total cost for them about $3,000) staying in my garage. I am tired of all this.
Replace car before Timing belt gets you
TheeWhitehouse, 01/21/2003
1997 Cadillac Catera 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Yes a great driver but unscheduled repairs will double the cost of ownership. With less than 35K miles, this car has had the following problems. Failed ignition coil, lost break lights twice, once was all the lights the other was just the $360 one on the truck. $230 wheel speed indicator to TCS/ABS. $2600, yes $2600 to repair/replace timing belt/tensionor and associtated damages. Ask Your Deaaler about it and pick out another car while you are there!!! Driver door leaks air and is annoying at highway speeds.
lousy
a.nicol, 02/19/2003
1997 Cadillac Catera 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
this car was great to drive, however i had to install two timing belts, one transmission, the previous owner also rebuilt the transmission. The drivers side heat and heated seat did not work.The price and convience of repairs were ridiculous. So much for German engineering and quality, stay away.
Cadillac Catera
ronjc, 06/09/2002
1997 Cadillac Catera 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought this car as a dealer demo with 5000 miles on it. The dealer delivered the car in mint condition even repairing small dings on the doors. I have not had any major problems with the car. I drove the car in excess of 20,000 miles a year and found the experience to be wonderful. The timing belt went out after the suggested 60,000 miles and was a covered item under my extended warranty. The dealer was great and took care of me and the car with uptmost service. The car has 80,000 miles on it and I have not had any other major problems with it.
Don't get caught
Mad as Hell, 08/31/2002
1997 Cadillac Catera 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
My father has purchased nothing but Cadillacs for as long as I can remember. You can imagine how excited I was to purchase my first. Low mileage and every feature I wanted. Well, it would be nice to drive the car instead of repairing all the time. Leaks in power steering, ABS, Traction control and to top it off $400 for brake pads. This car has been a nightmare. I want out and can't get enough for it to pay off the loan!