Used 1999 Cadillac Seville Sedan Consumer Reviews
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Northstar engine bad design
The Northstar engine until about 2002 had lugbolts that were too short. So it blows a headgasket climbing hills. $3500 to repair with new longer bolts. No old high mileage Northstars ,only dead ones. Engine not considered rebuildable. A Cadillac engine design mistake (30 yr Cad owner)
Thinking of buying 1? Research gaskets
Worst motor ever. I've spent over 5k at the dealer and now it needed a new engine.
engine breaks fast
owned the car 3 years had engine rebuilt ($5k at 50K miles), followed 2 years later by a cracked casing which was going to cost another 2k. this car is a money pit. avoid at all ALL costs.
10 years running
I bought mine new in 1999. 10 years later it's still going strong. 142,000 miles on it now. It had a few issues in the first 50,000 miles, all of which were covered under warranty, a leak in the trunk, the seat heater broke and a leak in the sun roof. right now the only issue is it needs a quart of oil between oil changes and the ABS needs repair.
Love My New Caddy
I had an accident with my previous 99 sts. I missed it so much I purchased the exact same car. Its a great car it drives identically to my previous cadillac. which was a suprise because I bought with 115,000 miles. My best advice in keeping a car running well is Change The Oil Every 3,000 miles! I put synthetic in my car and never go past 4,500 miles never. In this car the most expensive repair was a steering rack$500, I put in a bose door speaker $230 worth every penny, and had to replace a motor mount $110 installed. It helps to work for a dealership and get employee price. I burn 3/4 of a pint of oil between oil changes not bad. although these cars are known for drinking oil.
High Miles
I got my STS when it had 95,000 miles on it. I paid $9,500 and it was in great condition. I had some concerns about it breaking down and being expensive to repair. I put 20,000 miles on it this year and I have only had small problem. It needed new spark plugs and wires at 10,500 and a new water pump at 114,000. I had a small problem with the heater core getting clogged up, but I used some cleaner and it was fine. I keep blowing the speakers listening in music very loud, but I replace this with great after market speakers. It rides great and performs wonderfully. I rough idea and oil burning is to be expected. O love this car and I paid pocket change for it. Everyone thinks I spent $30,000
What a Let Down
I have had this car for about a year and a half. After having it for only two months it started over heating and burning oil like crazy, so I took it to two different Cadillac dealerships and neither of them could tell me what was wrong with it. So I took it to Pep Boys and had them look at it and they told me I had blown head gaskets. Seven months later I had the same problems again so I took it back to Cadillac and they said they had to do an engine decarb. Now I'm having electrical problems, my reverse lights dont work and it is not the light bulbs. I will never buy a Cadillac again.
Better with each passing mile
Love this Caddy! Bought it with 167K on the clock. No leaks! Runs strong and 18.5 mpg city and 26 hwy! Can you beleive it? Great inside and out. I have never loved a car this much! Slate Gray exterior on light beige leather. Every conceiveable option except a sunroof. North V8 best engine around! Deep throaty sound upon acceleration. Still a head turner...
Seville "Gamble"
Took a chance at the auction on a '99 Seville. She had 44k miles so I hedged my bet with at least a couple of months of factory warranty left in case there was something seriously wrong. Much more of a car than I would of bought had I not gone the auction route ( had been looking at $20 -$25 thousand new vehicles)
Watch out for that "service stability track/ abs" warning
Just purchased my 99 STS 2 months ago after my 94 Eldo was backed into by a raised pickup; I had the Northstar oil leak controlled in the Eldo - it only had 88K miles on it - just loved the style/ ride; the STS has 1 previous owner; actually a "little old lady from Pasadena"; carfax showed 30+ entries for ALL services at dealer in Pasadena area; she even bought the tires there! No evidence of any major probs in the records; but then again, surprises do happen!
Bad luck..Poor quality..or Lemon?????
I bought the vehicle with 49k. Within the first 2-wks I replaced the gear shifter, thermostat, power steering pump, passenger door speaker, struts, condensation build up in front and back lights, and one of the ac vents (all covered under wrnty). At 55k, the radio started to turn off on occasion and passenger heated seat doesn't work..never fixed..at 60k (all within one week) my service air bag light came on, water pump and battery went bad, cylinder needs replaced. I just replaced the brakes/rotors...I'm finished with Cadillac and trading the vehicle in.
Cadillac not so great
Bought the vehicle with 25K on it. Had to have speakers, fog light assembly, fuel pump and driver side interior door pannel replaced all within 6 months. It was still under warranty so there was no cost. At 51K miles, the engine went out and had to be replaced at a cost of $8,000.00. They ran tests and could not determine why the engine blew. At any rate, Cadillac and the dealer refused to help with the replacement cost or any portion of it since it was over the 50K mile limit.
"Should I" or "Shouldn't I" ?
Like many other car buyers I like to do a little research. I checked on the vehicle recall list (nothing). Checked "carfax" (nothing). I read quite a few reviews, and for every review that gave it favorable remarks, there were 2 comparing it to foriegn cars, and knocking the Caddy. I like the style, but didn't want something I would be dissatisfied with-in a few months ("should I" or "shouldn't I")? This voice kept playing over and over in my head. I figured with only 26K miles, it was still under warranty, so I took the plunge. I am glad I did, I am very happy with the car.
Excellent Car, minor problems
Love the car, well made, handles great. For a V8 has good MPG.
99 STS
I drove a Concurs prior to the STS. I GOT OUT OF THYE CONCURS AT 235,000 miles. The STS is a delight in every way an automobile should be, however be prepared for a lot smaller car, especially in the rear seat and trunk. Every Northstar owner I have talked with will agree these things drink oil. It does not show up on the garage floor or the tail pipe, but always carry two quarts in your trunk.
STS
Had to get things replaced like an airbag light came up on the dashboard. When speed up to 60-70MPH it would rattle (got fixed) After a long drive shut it off and then you try to start it up again and it takes about 2-3 tries. Overall a good ride.
Better Wood Would Be Good
I bought my STS in Nov. Super smooth ride , I will only buy a car with a V8 engine or larger...I like the 300HP ....The way it handles is great...(got me out of more then one sticky situtation)...But cornering could be better.....I like it better then the 1999 E-Class and I dont even consider BMWs.....The wood in the interior could be improved....and I need to buy a new fan for the drivers side heating system....Other then that Iam thrilled.....$53,000 NEW....Paid $26K...1999 is 99% identical to 2003 Model
The Truth about my STS
Let me just say that as a German car enthusiast first I was reluctant to give this car a chance but after persistance from my son I did and I'm greatfull to him I will remain loyal to this 99 Cadillac STS at a whopping 300 horse power I find myself effortlesly passing people on the freeway as if they were sitting still I am won over forever with this car do yourself a favor
Pretty good
This is my 4th Cadillac now and so far ive put 3,000 mi on it and its doin really good. Hope that it will go for quite a while with no or little problems I really think it will. Northstars are great motors last forever and 27mpg on the highway.
What are you waiting for . . .
If you've never driven one of these beauties, I suggest you do so. They are so awesome, you might never sit on your couch again. I feel like royalty cruising in this machine. The worst part is arriving at your destination.They are one of the best cars for the money. Buy it used and you wont get the beating. These cars are priced to sell when they get turned in. Most of the original owners didnt know how to smoke the tires, so they are barely broken in. My STS loves to go, and you don't even feel like you are moving. Despite the rumors of the faulty engines and bad transmissions, i've never had a problem with either!
PrincessSLS
Bought used and have owned this auto for 6 years now. 2 set of tires, 1 set of brakes, oil sending unit, front engine mount, center console lid, minor coolant leak and of course the extra quart of oil between oil changes. She has been a great car. Exceptional power to gas mileage ratio. Very quiet on the highway. Leather is the best quality that I have seen. Styling is still head turning. I have recently noticed that in turns the steering is sluggish and between 65 and 75 mph the car trembles. I have not had this trouble investigated. Occasionaly the computer system acts up with a variety of curious issues. Overall dependable, enjoyable, powerful well worth the price I paid.
Love my Caddy
I bought my STS in 2004 with 51,000 miles on it. I paid 13,000 which is a bargain. No other luxury car that came out in 1999 can even come close 2 matching the features for the price. Its not been without its problems. I replaced the brakes and rotors, and a power steering hose. My left side mirror is loose and the right passenger door molding fell off. There was a little bit of vibration between 70 to 80 mph but a good set of Michelin tires fixed that. There are a lot less problems than I would expect out of a 8 year old car. The car has never broken down on me. It only did not start once but the battery was completely dead.
Dream car! Well, When It runs right...
I absolutely LOVE the feel of sliding in my car, turning that key (steering wheel, Seat AND mirrors adjust accordingly) and feeling that sexy piece of Northstar purr. But on the honest note, It has it's problems. I bought it used w/ 130,000. I've had one episode of overheating. Aside from that, It'll go to 3/4 temp gauge, drop and run nominal from there... If anyone has an answer for that, Feel free to holler at me! Anyway, INCREDIBLE car. Totally worth the money as long as you're willing to put some more into it!
Seville
I love the gas mileage for a big car. Weird right. I bought it at 93,000 miles i put 30,000 on that. I love the design the luxury the creature comforts (which today's cars are just putting in) & of course the power of the north star V8 engine oh my. The things i hate the most are repairs, parts & reliability. The car runs smooth feel great but cost to much money to repair. I had my water pump replaced for $400 worn O ring almost ruined the entire engine. Left rear shock for $1,000 it burst. Still got to get the internal oil/coolant leak fix that will be an arm & leg. Brakes for $500. Molding on door for $120. Its like a girl who wants a sugar daddy to be pampered.
Dies when cornering
I have a 99 STS. I love this car but have had some trouble with it. Noise on left side in engine area when turning left (was fixed). Tray under drivers seat came loose several times. Heater in drivers side had to be replaced. The car dies when corning or slowing down. It has had Super Tune up and crank sensor replaced. Cadillac has been called they know of the problem but don't know how to fix it.
I have owned 3 and I will buy another
Sure it looks cool and 300 horsepower sounds good...but you must drive one to fall in love.
The people from government moters should be sued for producing a bucket of junk
I will never buy another Cadillac for as long as I live they are a hunk of junk and the people that make them know it...JUNK
American Flagship?
Great engine, transmission, and heating and A/C, then GM has always done that well. Poor fit and finish, part of dash separating, back of drivers seat has always been loose, under seat tray never has worked. Too many major things gone wrong in 50 K miles. Power seat replaced, front struts replaced, electrical problems, poor braking. Handled under warranty but VERY expensive. Scared to death that I'll have to eat one of these whopper bills before the lease is up. If I'd gotten a 99 Lexus LS400 (the price was the same)it's tradein value would be many thousands higher than the STS. Would not buy again!
Love THis Car
My SLS is the first luxury car I've owned. It has 109,000 miles on it.This car is quick, responsive and performs very well. I've had it for about 9 months and love driving it. Since I bought it I have only had to take care of mminor maintainance. Since moving to Colorado I notice that it starts running much warmer when going up steep grades. The Temp control unit for the heat and a/c has recently gone out and the trunk leaks. I get great gas mileage with this car and have gotten it as high as 26 mpg avg.
under trial
one week after purcrshase my ABS AND TC red lights came on,also my A/C STOPPED FUNCTIONING PROPERLY,distribution of air came down and heat instead of cooling was distributed....my car is at the dealer carage since a week and Iam awaiting the report for repairs. I will keep you unformed of interested
Seville is the top O' the Line
This was a birthday gift to me after a Nissan Altima. I wish it had the extra 25HP like the STS but it seems strong and dependable. I am not afraid to take curves at any speed and the ride is silky smooth. After months I still receive compliments from strangers! Everything works as advertised especially the Bose stereo! It is the best radio/CD/CD changer that I have ever used.
Bad Brakes
I think this is one of the nicest looking cars on the market. Engine performance is great. Problems: Brake rotors, brake rotors, brake rotors! I'm tired of getting them replace and turned. Cadillac doesn't seen to care about this problem and their customer service is powerless therefore useless! Also the goodyear tires have to go.
1999 cadillac sls seville
Very noisey on long trips. Body vibration at times between 60 and 72 miles per hour. Not enough front seat leg room for a 6 foot person.
Princess Caddy
2 years and 20K miles later. I find the styling to be exceptional inside and out. The cars power and handling are also very impressive. My SLS is missing a couple of options I would have ordered if buying new such as memory seats and heated seats. Interior leather quality is superiror. Ride is exceptional but could be a bit softer on the freeway. Problems with part of the steering mechanism which was repaired,the Goodyear tires were trash, and the brake rotors are not wearing evenly which makes for sluggish stops. A few minor rattles have popped up and the leather covering over the seatbelt housings is coming apart. Service department has been OUTSTANDING!
response
I would like to know what the problem was with your car "aboalgab". My car does the samething. It was brought into the dealership today. The service rep pressed a couple buttons and pulled the error codes from the computer. All I know is sometimes when the car is started the ABS & Traction light will stay on. When that happens the compass won't work, the heat option won't work for the front seats, the e-brake won't disenguage, the speed sensitive steering gets tight and the climate control malfunctions. This could last 1 sec or 10 min. Then when the lights go out everything works fine. Has this happened to anyone else.
A Wow Car for 1999
I purchased this automobile from a dealership in July 2007 with only 19700 miles on it. My first used car, been driving Buicks for years. This car turns heads, mint condition with black on black. Rides better and has options that the 2008 Buick Lucerne still does not have. A wonderful ride and great power. Gas mileage is poor, but I already knew that. Have put 4000 troble free miles on it. Trying to keep it mint. Was able to pick up a two year $100 deductable policy due to low mileage. Never will buy a Buick again. Love this machine.
Poor
I thought that the name Cadillac meant reliability but everything big and expensive has gone bad on this car. Just recently I had to replace the Briggs and Stratton steering system. Poor, poor, poor. I'll never buy another Cadillac.
Fantastic Fun
I've owned many GM vehicles and several Cadillacs but this STS is the best yet. It's incredible to drive with it's 300hp and tight road huggging. I love stomping down on the accelerator and flying. Mine is a black on black color and it turns heads and get comments everywhere I go. Fit and Finish are great, no problems at all other than faulty gas guage.
Just Bought It!
I have only owned this vehicle for about a month now, but I can already say that I enjoy it very much. It has a smooth ride and is very comfortable. What I like the most about this particular Cadillac is it's simplicity to operate the fancy features.
Great Car
I had a 1999 Cadillac Seville for four years without any problems. The sound system was great and it was really fun to drive with lots of power. There is nothing like that Northstar system in cars of this price range. I will definitely buy another one.
WHOA CADDY!
I've only had the SLS for about a month it now has 30,000 miles on it. I love the handling and traction control. I stereo system is remarkable (10 speakers). This is a 50K+ car & I got it used for about half that. The body style compared to a brand new one is extremely hard to distinguish. This car really moves & I get lots of complements but mostly by middle age men. So far so good.
ED39206
My mother bought this vehicle after my dad died in '99. Thank God for warranties. When it ran out, let the fun begin. They use cheap quality parts and is not equal to the price you pay. Last night, March 20, 2008, the bolts and lug nuts broke off the front tire, leaving only one to hold the tire on, the other one that was on was loose. Today they tell me the hub assembly for the opposite wheel needs to be replaced. WHAT! This car only has 60,000 miles!!! Not to mention the oil leak that was reported back in December '07. That will cost about $6,000. The price you pay for a cadillac is not worth the value.
You have to buy one of these!
I bought this car used a few years ago. It had around 90K miles on it got it for $7500 a steal. Actully got this and a Deville both 1999 these are great cars if you take care of them. If you don't do proper maintance you might as well not buy a car at all no matter what type of car you get you will have problems if you don't take care of them. This car has had issues to take care of just like any used car the biggest mistake to make with this car is to buy it brand new unless you have an extra $50K laying around that you don't care to throw around all in all this is a great car.
american made/built quality???????
Traded my 96 STS for the 99 with 27000 mi. Lost room in the back seat and trunk. Lost 6 mpgal in fuel economy. Keys don't work on seat memory, exterior trim falls off, console cover fell off, power port cover fell off, seat belt unit came off, rear seat pass through not working. Ride is not quality. Dealership blames the tires, says they will replace them but it won't help, need to get a different brand. Shimmies at 62mph. This is probably my last Cadillac; imports offer better quality.
Unbelievable Quality
I bought this car new! I formally had an Acura Legend. This car has been more reliable than the Acura, nicer to drive and has only had to have a water pump in the first 100,000 miles. My mechanic tells me that the engine should be good to 300,000 miles. My cadillac dealer has been awesome. I would buy another.