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Cadillac Catera Maintenance & Repair

1431 messages,  Last post on Mar 20, 2013 at 11:45 PM

You are in the Cadillac Catera Forum.

What is this discussion about? Cadillac Catera, Auto Repair, Sedan

Messages Page 64 of 144

#622 of 1431 2001 Cadillac Catera Radiator Light by joestarc

Jul 12, 2008 (4:44 pm)

My wife's Catera was rear ended. Right after that, the Radiator Light started coming on and staying on. The insurance compay says that they won't pay to fix it UNTIL an approved mechanic detemines why the light is on. Of course, the insurance company wants me to pay up front for the diagnostic. If it's determined to be caused by the accident, they will reimburse me.
 
I asked what exactly will the mechanic find that will prove proofpositive that the accident caused the light to comeon. The reply, "Well, they probably won't be able to tell!!!"
 
Call me simple minded, but the light was not coming on before the accident. Right after the accident it is coming on. What else could be causing it???

#623 of 1431 2001 Cadillac Catera by joestarc

Jul 12, 2008 (4:59 pm)

I am on my third battery for my 2001 Cadillac Catera. I made a simple request to Cadillac:
 
- I would like reimbursement for my time, the mechanics time, the battery replacement costs, the portable charger I carry in my car, and the frustration my family has experienced (including the failure of the car to start while in a funeral procession).
 
- In addition, I would like a promise of reimbursement for future charges for similar expenses.
 
Why? Based on what my mechanic shared with me regarding Bulletin Number 02-06-03-008C dated May 30, 2007. Basically, the design of the charging system fails to properly charge the battery when the vehicle is used for its intended purpose, daily driving.
 
Their response to date is that they would like me to take it to an authorized dealership to have the car checked out, at MY expense. My response was
I used my neighborhood mechanic, whom I have been using for the past 25 years. He is as honest as the day is long. He is located within walking distance of my home and employer and is on my way to work. As such, when I experience things that appear to battery related, I used him. I do us the local Cadillac Dealership on larger issues. I told them that I am sure that you can pull up the complete list of problems that they have repaired. If absolutely necessary, I will take the car to them. I would prefer not to be further inconvenienced by having to schedule time with them. Last year, they had my vehicle for close to 10 days.
 
As such, I indicated that if you would do the diagnostic at no cost to me, I'd be happy to take it to the dealership.
 
Their response was, no I'd have to pay for it.
 
So, Service Bulletin notwithstanding, they want to inconvenience me further and make me pay more to boot.
 
I told them I was not satisfied and asked who I could talk with further. They told me someone would be contacting me within 24 hours. Well 24 hours, then 24 days, and now close to 24 weeks have passed by. Guess what, I have heard nothing.
 
What do you know about the referenced service bulletin??? Am I being unrealistic???

#624 of 1431 Suggestion on buying a 2001 cadillac catera by johnny46

Jul 13, 2008 (12:01 am)

Guys, I need ur valuable suggestion . I am planning to buy a 2001 cadillac catera ....It has 40K mies on it....did a test drive was smooth and looked good...its a single owner car...But after reading so many negative reviews i am feared to buy this car. i gave my word to owner tat I would buy the car...How much do u guys think it is worth to pay for this car. Plz I need a suggestion soon on this guyzz...Thanks in advance.

#625 of 1431 Re: Suggestion on buying a 2001 cadillac catera [johnny46] by acurry

Jul 13, 2008 (12:23 am)

Replying to: johnny46 (Jul 13, 2008 12:01 am)
i would check and see how much its worth, because trust me you be putting in alot of money into it. its a nice car but many problems and expensive problems also.

#626 of 1431 Suggestion on buying a 2001 cadillac catera by johnny46

Jul 13, 2008 (12:37 am)

Yup...I fixed to pay 6500 on this car....but I am afraid of the future expenses on the car...Are the maintenance costs too high on this car...

#627 of 1431 Re: Suggestion on buying a 2001 cadillac catera [johnny46] by gnguru

Jul 13, 2008 (12:46 am)

Replying to: johnny46 (Jul 13, 2008 12:01 am)
Two good used car price guides are Kelley Blue Book (KBB) and NADA. KBB private party value for that car and mileage is excellent = $6,125 good = $5,650 and fair = $5,075. NADA clean trade-in value is $5,250 and clean retail is $6,850. If it has a moon roof the values would be slightly higher. That gives you a good idea of a range price wise. I don't know how well you know the previous owner but if they're not a close friend you can trust I would definitely spend the money to do a CarFax or any type history report. Also, I'm pretty sure you can take the VIN # to your local Cadillac or even any GM dealer and they can put it into their computer and tell you what has been done to the car maintenance and repair wise. Of course if the guy has a personal small shop mechanic none of the repairs would show up in either of the above scenarios. The only other thing I would say to you is that you have to remember that this forum is for people that have problems with their cars. It is NOT a forum where people tell of all the good fortune they've had with their autos. Some do but not many LOL. But believe it or not there are some Cateras out there that are real good cars with no problems. Hope this helps you alittle. Be nice if the guy would let you drive the car for maybe a week or so. Most people that buy a Catera know it within the first few days of ownership. Good luck with whatever you decide.

#628 of 1431 Re: Suggestion on buying a 2001 cadillac catera [johnny46] by dallasdude1

Jul 13, 2008 (3:47 am)

Replying to: johnny46 (Jul 13, 2008 12:01 am)
I have an 01 and $500 is what they offered in trade. Yes $500, thats not a typo. Its in great condition and has 70,000 miles. I like the seats, ride, and Bose. The new CTS is most likely to be my next car.

#629 of 1431 Re: Suggestion on buying a 2001 cadillac catera [dallasdude1] by calicago

Jul 13, 2008 (1:26 pm)

Replying to: dallasdude1 (Jul 13, 2008 3:47 am)
Hey fellow Catera owner . Did you to cadilac dealer for trade or some other dealer?

#630 of 1431 Re: Suggestion on buying a 2001 cadillac catera [calicago] by dallasdude1

Jul 13, 2008 (1:54 pm)

Replying to: calicago (Jul 13, 2008 1:26 pm)
It was a Cadillac dealer. I'll just wait till their inventory builds up. Then wait until the incentives, in the way of rebates/interest rates/trade in value, are more appealing to the consumer. If that time doesn't come, I'll take my business elsewhere. However, the way in which Cadillac has treated those of you unfortunate enough to buy a Catera is pathetic. I'm seeing poorly trained service techs, which have added to their already high labor rates. Most of the time I've been able to do my own troubleshooting and repairs. Twice I've been away from home and I told them what most likely was the problem. I was able to avoid the process of elimination repairs until the original problem is fixed. This forum here helps along with an engineering background. The car is considered very reliable in Europe and its ashame that GM has decided to go a different route.

#631 of 1431 Oil Leak on a 1997 Cadi Catera by emmanuelm

Jul 14, 2008 (5:23 am)

After an oil change and a timining chain change my 1997 Cadi catera is now leaking oil, Does any body know what might be the cause?
 
Mike

Messages Page 64 of 144

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