Thoughts: Cadillac Seville SLS?

"Zohaibman72" (zohaibman72) 09/19/2014 at 14:07 • Filed to: Cadillac

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Does anyone know much about these? I've seen them for low-range prices ($1000-$5000)with 200,000kms range on kijiji and autotrader. They have interested me because I really like the looks, but I'm not sure how I feel about FWD V8.

Does anyone know if they are good at all? I imagine they are not so good because of GM, but there's always hope.

They are very good looking in my opinion, very american, but I feel like they aren't reliable, or good at anything else. V8, FWD, 4-Speed Auto...

sm70- why not Duesenberg? > Zohaibman72 09/19/2014 at 14:08

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Seville STS is better

Zohaibman72 > sm70- why not Duesenberg? 09/19/2014 at 14:09

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Honestly I thought so, but the looks bore me. I'd rather just get a Lexus or something.

Sweet Trav > Zohaibman72 09/19/2014 at 14:10

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Avoid the Northstar V8 like the plague, unless you make sure the starter has been replaced recently. Otherwise when it does fail, you'll have to remove the intake to change. IIRC early motors has big gasket issues leading to engine failure.

DancesWithRotors - Driving Insightfully > Zohaibman72 09/19/2014 at 14:10

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They aren't bad cars, but the head bolts have a nasty habit of pulling out of the block, because of GM using fine thread head bolts on an aluminium block...

Zohaibman72 > Sweet Trav 09/19/2014 at 14:12

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Oh really? I know nothing about V8s, nobody in my family has ever had more than a V6. Would a swap for something better be possible?

ACESandEIGHTS > sm70- why not Duesenberg? 09/19/2014 at 14:15

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I'll second that. That was Shaun Palmer's ride up Pike's Peak in the open class i believe. But damn, 200K+?

Sweet Trav > Zohaibman72 09/19/2014 at 14:16

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Here's a tip. If its a Transverse mount engine (East-West Engine), In any car. You probably don't want it, there are few a exceptions but generally Longitudinally mounted engines (north south) are the ones you want. Either they are an interesting FWD car, or they are RWD. If you want a big V8 and a luxury car, get a Buick Roadmaster or a Chevy Caprice, even a Crown Vic will be better than this turd of a Caddy... In my opinion. others may tell you different.

Milky > Zohaibman72 09/19/2014 at 14:16

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FWD V8

IMO a similar Lexus GS would be better.

GeorgeyBoy > Zohaibman72 09/19/2014 at 14:18

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I would prefer a similarly priced Lexus LS. Such a better car.

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > Zohaibman72 09/19/2014 at 14:18

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I agree with Travis that the Northstar is a bitch to work on/maintain.

I'm not anti east/west engines though. I'll say typically V8's that are sideways are a problem, they just don't fit great.

V8's can be great in general. The northstar is incredibly over engineered and barely fits. Changing the belt could be an all day event

Jake - Has Bad Luck So You Don't Have To > Zohaibman72 09/19/2014 at 14:18

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The STS model makes more power. I drove one, it was insane fun. Not going to out-perform a BMW in the corners or a muscle car in the straights, but the engine makes a great noise (even Jeremy Clarkson thinks so), and its downfalls just make it more fun. A shift kit and tune will go great lengths to helping with the lethargic transmission, and the ride is smooth as hell.

Zohaibman72 > Milky 09/19/2014 at 14:26

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GS 300 is my other option actually, I posted a thread about it a while back
http://oppositelock.jalopnik.com/thoughts-lexus…

Zohaibman72 > Sweet Trav 09/19/2014 at 14:29

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Thats disappointing to hear :/. I might just go Straight 6 Lexus GS 300 then.

Zohaibman72 > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner 09/19/2014 at 14:30

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Reliability is a big thing for me right now. I'm know alot about like cars, but I don't know much technical stuff, so having something that requires alot of work could be a bit problematic. Also I don't have a garage and I have a public parking lot, so that can also have problems. I might skip this then.

Sweet Trav > Zohaibman72 09/19/2014 at 14:31

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Lexus IS300. 2Jz Swap.

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > Zohaibman72 09/19/2014 at 14:31

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I would pass on this, as much as I want people driving Caddy's over Lexus. It's just not the car for you.

Remember ANYTHING AND EVERYTHING with a luxury badge costs more to maintain/fix/insure and generally keep on the road.

Zohaibman72 > GeorgeyBoy 09/19/2014 at 14:32

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I'd probably go for the more direct competitor, Lexus GS. Full-size is a bit too big for me right now.

Zohaibman72 > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner 09/19/2014 at 14:33

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You are right about the luxury badge part, but the Lexus will probably make the visits and stuff less frequent than the caddy.

itschrome > Zohaibman72 09/19/2014 at 14:35

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thats my girl! A 2004 SLS, shes my 5 SLS. And i love her dearly. Sure shes "wrong wheel" drive and the repairs are pricey at time. But honestly thats true for a lot of cars. Shes got plenty of power and is very competent on the road. The ride is wonderful, very comfortable and is a great long distance runner.

Sure other will say" should have got thw STS, 300hp bro!" Well yeah thats true. Sure it has more hp and fancey suspentions. But your gonna pay for that. The self leveling air suspention breaks and that will run you around 800 a corner. If you got lucky and scored one with magnaride you're blessed with a great ride, good handling and 1300 a corner when that fails. Oh and the 300hp bro, well you pay for that at the pump. My SLS gets about 25mpg average with mixed highway and city. And thats basically doing 75mph every wherw. She loves to run hot. You almost can hear her aigh when i drive 55.

The laste model northstar is rock solid, be weary of pre 2001 models. You will need to pay extra care of her too. She aint a honda civic. But generally nothing more than average maintance and they can run high mileage all day. Pick up is great, throttle response will make you smile. They are beautiful cars and the cabin is just a really nice place to spend your time.

Its not a sports car, its not a BMW 7 series but when it comes to american luxury its the tops. The quality of meterials aint top shelf but they did good all the same. Execpt some minor build quailty issues. But again its old gm. But over all the 02 to 04 are very reliable as long as you love them. If you neglect thwm though they will bite you!!!

Do your self a favor and drive one!

GeorgeyBoy > Zohaibman72 09/19/2014 at 14:35

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Ehh never liked the first or second gen.

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > Zohaibman72 09/19/2014 at 14:37

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Yeah I can agree with that. At least in this price range. Now with the current gen Cadillacs vs current gen Lexus, I think the Caddy would do better.

If you want to steer clear of repairs: Buy a Mercury!

Noah - Now with more boost. > Zohaibman72 09/19/2014 at 14:38

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i think what you need is a lexus ls400. Same price point, rwd, toyota solid

Zohaibman72 > itschrome 09/19/2014 at 14:43

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Thanks for the info! I'd definitely take one for a test drive if I ever get the chance.

Goshen, formerly Darkcode > Zohaibman72 09/19/2014 at 14:49

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Both cars look the same.

Zohaibman72 > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner 09/19/2014 at 14:52

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Outside of the Lexus RC, I'd probably take the caddy over the current Lexus lineup. The IS is very common here and bores me, The GS looks amazing now, but I'd still have a CTS.

I'm always afraid of getting a ford/mercury/lincoln. In my entire family history, even extended, we have never purchased a Ford. It surprised me because it's the only mainstream brand they have not owned, we have had BMWs, Mercs, Toyotas,Nissan etc. But never a Ford.

On top of Family, I don't know anyone with a Ford, so I don't know very much. I've driven the new Fusion and it was pleasant, but Ford/Mercurys have very tiny interiors from what I've sat in. I haven't liked any fords/mercurys in my "year range". I like 60s/70s and the current line-up only.

Zohaibman72 > Noah - Now with more boost. 09/19/2014 at 14:53

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Lexus GS300 is my other option. The LS is very big and I only like the first gen tbh. The First Gen is very difficult to find here, and is a bit too old.

Zohaibman72 > Sweet Trav 09/19/2014 at 14:54

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If I had the money. Finding a 2JZ here is next to impossible.

Zohaibman72 > GeorgeyBoy 09/19/2014 at 14:55

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Looks have always been mixed opinion for some, but the First 2 gens where much less bulky from what i've heard.

Zohaibman72 > Goshen, formerly Darkcode 09/19/2014 at 14:57

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Not at all.

Goshen, formerly Darkcode > Zohaibman72 09/19/2014 at 14:57

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It's good at being what it was made for. Engine has known issues as Travis said, and if you're not mechanically inclined, loaded or end up with an exceptionally good one it will be a problem. The handling is typical Cadillac drone, but if you want a Cadillac Seville I assume you don't care for that. Ride is excellent if a bit too soft, the interior is not quite well put out but it defintively feels luxurious, unlike many contemporary American saloons. If you're looking for a barge, there are better choices out there, but you won't go wrong with this.

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > Zohaibman72 09/19/2014 at 14:59

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1. where are you (region at least, I'm not looking for an address hahaha!)

2. I daily drive an 07 Mercury Milan V6. It's a great car.

3. Just because no one you know owns a Mercury doesn't mean it's a bad car.

4. The 60's once are great, I have a 68 Mercury Montego MX (hence my name)

Zohaibman72 > Goshen, formerly Darkcode 09/19/2014 at 15:00

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Looking at what everyone is saying, its an option but I should keep looking. Thanks for the help!

Goshen, formerly Darkcode > Zohaibman72 09/19/2014 at 15:01

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Dude, the guy said Seville STS. The Seville had 2 trim levels: SLS and STS. The STS name was afterwards used for the Seville's replacement.

Zohaibman72 > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner 09/19/2014 at 15:06

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1. Ontario, Canada.

2. & 3. Oh I don't doubt they are good, but its very hard to find information about ownership and all since nobody i know acknowledges them :/
My family was very Pro-GM until the early 2000s when they started breaking all the time on them. Then my grandpa followed his dream to buy a Mercedes. He says its the worst purchase hes ever made and will never buy a merc again. Now its all Japanese-only. I guess they lost the taste for American cars before they even tried Ford.

4. I love the Montego, Meteor, and S-55. I also like the Ford Galaxie, Fifth Gen Country Squire, and a few others.

Zohaibman72 > Goshen, formerly Darkcode 09/19/2014 at 15:07

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oh my bad. It's very confusing the way they made the names. Autotrader people just list it as Seville SLS, even if its touring.

Noah - Now with more boost. > Zohaibman72 09/19/2014 at 15:10

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gotcha! Makes sense. They are huge. I like the first gen too, down here in the US they are such a bargain and very plentiful. I think there is even a white/beige (with the gold badging of course lol) example parked outside my dorm right now haha. Lots of carefully driven/maintained (rich elderly orig owners) sub 100k examples for around 5k

Zohaibman72 > Noah - Now with more boost. 09/19/2014 at 15:12

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I LOVE the gold badging that Acura/Lexus used to have. It looks very classy on black. Despite having similar cars, US and Canada seem to have different buyers.

Moves-Like-Senna > Zohaibman72 09/19/2014 at 15:20

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I'm guessing someone else mentioned it but AVOID it due to the Northstar V8. Run from anything with that in it. Most of them have gasket and starter issues and replacing the starter is an expensive and pain in the rear!

Noah - Now with more boost. > Zohaibman72 09/19/2014 at 15:21

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Yep! Totally different buyers. Must be the weather? I've only driven a RWD car through one winter and it was an adventure. That may have had something to do with 80s bmws' lack of traction control, but still lol

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > Zohaibman72 09/19/2014 at 15:21

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Mercedes are definitely a horrendous maintenance challenge.

My Mercury Milan is actually shared across this whole giant list of cars:

Ford Edge, Fusion, Lincoln MKX, MKZ, Mazda 6, Mazda CX9

it has quite a few Mazda touches to it. They have a tendency to run past 200k without major issues. I've put over 40k miles on my Milan V6 in the last 2 years with just oil changes and new brake pads.

Zohaibman72 > Noah - Now with more boost. 09/19/2014 at 15:25

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Canada defintley has more hatchbacks than the US. In my area (near Toronto) its mostly city cars, and compacts.

It could be the weather, but the prices also make a difference. The Camry is the USA's best selling sedan, but over the border the Camry is more expensive by almost $2000 more. Canada's best seller is the Civic, and has been for AGES. Canadians buy compact cars more than the US does, and It's probably the price, since Canadians (Major Cities) have similar roads and stuff.

One thing that is very noticeable, I visit new york yearly, and have been to Detriot, Florida, and Chicago. Americans keep older cars more than Canadians. Classic cars like muscle cars, or old japanese/european cars are much much much more common than in Canada. In Toronto you only see them in old rich neighborhoods, and its uncommon. In the US, you even see beater old ones.

Noah - Now with more boost. > Zohaibman72 09/19/2014 at 15:34

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interesting re: the proliferation of hatchbacks. Ill have to keep an eye out next time i venture up north. And i bet the lack of classics is at least in part a road salt thing? Killing off older metal/making nice examples rare and therefore expensive. "Cali" cars command a premium here in new england so i imagine that's true in canada too, maybe to an even greater extent?

 > Zohaibman72 09/19/2014 at 15:38

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Early STS was GM's failed attempt to compete with European's at their own game. They tried to compete with BMW 5 series but everything on the Caddy was worse. Fit and finish, quality of materials, etc.

Repairs are expensive too and being that you are in Ontario these things will be full of rust.

Zohaibman72 > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner 09/19/2014 at 15:40

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My grandpa actually owns a Mazda CX9. He loves it so much, it may seem forgettable to some, but he says the build quality, ride, handling, power, and luxury beat the ML350 he owned 100 times over. Hes owned many cars, and says the CX9 was the best thing he ever bought. My uncle knows more about cars, and agrees, it has a good amount of power and handles like a car. I'm not allowed to drive it, my Grandpa thinks its too expensive and powerful for me to drive. Though my Camry goes 0-60 .2 seconds faster.

I do like the Milan honestly, It is a Twin to the Fusion, but I think it's better looking. If I could own 2 cars, I'd get the milan as a DD. I love my Camry but the hybrid battery replacement if it breaks is going to cost 5000, which is why i'm looking for a fully-gas replacement.

I want mid-size because I drive freinds around alot and I need the room for other things, but I also want something stylish that would attract a crowd. I didn't like the Focus until current gen, and even that has barely any interior space.

Lexus GS 300 has all the good things, but i'm not sure. I'm a very "Japanese" car person, but not like titejdm civic type, more like 80s RX7s, GTRs, Supras, stuff. But growing up in Canada has made me realise that awesomeness American cars can bring. I love every current Ford, Every current Cadillac, and the Challenger, Durango, Charger.

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > Zohaibman72 09/19/2014 at 15:45

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well if that's how you feel about the CX9 imagine how it would feel as a CAR.

Sportier handling, lower to the ground, same engine and suspension.

If you get a Premier you can get all the luxury leather and etc you would expect.

Just did a search on CL in Toronto (I guessed based on Ontario) and no milans, lame

Zohaibman72 > Noah - Now with more boost. 09/19/2014 at 15:46

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Road Salt is probably a big thing here, Cars rust alot and very easily because of the weather, but there are alot of owners who don't take care of their cars also. My 2008 Camry has rust of the trunk lid. 2008!

Most of the Classic cars here are half-done restoration projects that people give up on, and its always American cars. I have never seen a classic BMW or Toyota or Nissan outside of the Toronto Autoshow.

What do you mean by cali cars?

sm70- why not Duesenberg? > Zohaibman72 09/19/2014 at 15:50

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As somebody already pointed out to you, the Seville came in SLS and STS trim. The firstwhite one is actually a Seville STS.

Zohaibman72 > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner 09/19/2014 at 15:51

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Woah I just noticed that I actually haven't seen Mercurys here in a while.

And I found the explaination via google

"n 1999, the Mercury brand was dropped in Canada, although the Grand Marquis was still marketed there wearing a Mercury badge through 2007."

That explains alot. I do remember seeing Milans and Mountaineers in real life, but that was probably in Buffalo, NY.

I learn something new everyday.

(I do live near Toronto)

Zohaibman72 > sm70- why not Duesenberg? 09/19/2014 at 15:53

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yeah I just realised, my freind sent me a few links yesterday that said "Cadillac Seville SLS Touring Trim" and then "STS" in the description. I always was confused. I feel dumb, but you have to admit SLS/STS do sound similar.

sm70- why not Duesenberg? > Zohaibman72 09/19/2014 at 15:54

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it's an easy mistake to make

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > Zohaibman72 09/19/2014 at 15:57

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damn that's craaaaazy.

I had no idea. It's funny because Canada used to get old Mercury Pickups and they NEVER sold a Mercury Pickup in the US.

best available in your budget:

http://toronto.craigslist.ca/tor/ctd/461543…

Zohaibman72 > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner 09/19/2014 at 16:00

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Honestly thats not bad, I'm not a fan of the colour, but its pretty good for 186,000 kms.

I'd also look at Ford Crown Vics, but just like the US, those things are cop pullover bait.

The great thing about driving a Hybrid Camry is cops never acknowledge you. Its grey too so its even more invisible.

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > Zohaibman72 09/19/2014 at 16:02

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haha in the US everyone gets out of the way of the crown vics thinking they ARE cops, cops dont typically seek them out here.

This Fusion I sent actually has more options than my Milan. It's pretty much as high as you can go before hitting Sport.

It's a tough budget you're in man.

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > Zohaibman72 09/19/2014 at 16:04

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heres a mazda 6, but while its a lot less miles, its a 4 cylinder and probably not as high optioned as the fusion

http://toronto.craigslist.ca/tor/cto/464469…

Zohaibman72 > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner 09/19/2014 at 16:06

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I know someone whos selling a Mazdaspeed 6 for 7000, which i have looked at alot. I might get a Mazda 6 sedan or hatch honestly. Its Japanese, its a great car, its mid-size, etc.

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > Zohaibman72 09/19/2014 at 16:07

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you keep saying japanese.

remember that fusion IS LITERALLY A REBADGED MAZDA 6

also, unless you guys got something we didn't there isn't a mazda 6 hatch

If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent > Zohaibman72 09/19/2014 at 16:13

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You don't buy an American luxury car for the driving dynamics. Yes, if you push it or otherwise drive it like a sports car the FWD-V8-ness will be an issue, but for the type of driving the car was designed for the drivetrain will be indistinguishable from any other car.

I've ridden in one and it was easily one of the most comfortable cars I've ever been in.

If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent > Zohaibman72 09/19/2014 at 16:13

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Here's a tastefully modified example of the generation prior to the one you posted:

Zohaibman72 > If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent 09/19/2014 at 16:25

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I always hear cadillacs are like driving on clouds that dont turn very good lol

TFen > Zohaibman72 09/19/2014 at 17:15

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My dad had a 2000 STS for about a month in 2001. It was off-lease and ended up on his clients lot. He was looking for something to replace his 2006 Volvo 850.

It was big and comfortable, ate up highway miles better than just about anything and he liked the power of the Northstar. It also had decent features for the day.

All that considered, he absolutely hated the handling characteristics and the gas mileage was brutal, even back then when gas wasn't as expensive.

He ended up giving it back and getting a 1999 E320 which he absolutely loves. He still has it to this day(his longest time with a single car by far) and just crossed 300,000km with less than $3000 total spent in repairs(read: not routine maintenance). He'll keep it forever if he can, which says something because he's always bought off-lease and upgraded after 4-5 years.

Edit: WHY AM I STILL GREY?!!

Shift24 > Sweet Trav 09/19/2014 at 17:44

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Yep the head bolts like to come loose and poor coolant into the pistons

ranwhenparked > Zohaibman72 09/19/2014 at 18:11

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Very typical of GM cars of the era - cheap interiors and everything was seemingly designed to start falling apart at exactly 100,000 miles on the dot. The Northstar was a great engine while it was under warranty, but I would never want to own one afterward. They're a pain to work on and are notorious for oil leaks and burning, even at relatively young age and mileage.

shop-teacher > Zohaibman72 09/19/2014 at 23:34

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They're excellent highway cruisers, with a nice amount of low end torque.

BenLikesCars > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner 09/20/2014 at 01:30

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Olds Aurora then? :)

lonestranger > Zohaibman72 09/20/2014 at 21:44

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STS = S eville T ouring S edan

SLS = S eville L uxury S edan

They were merely trim levels. IIRC, the Seville STS was just a bit sportier than the Seville SLS. A little less chrome and a little more body-coloured trim, a little stiffer suspension, a little more power, etc. The exact differences between the two likely changed from year-to-year.

The newer generation (your second pic) dropped the Seville name for simply "STS" as its proper name, in line with the three-letter naming scheme of most of Cadillac's lineup at the time (CTS, XLR, XTS, OMG, WTF, BBQ, etc.)