2002 Eldorado esc purchase advice

[James Landi]

A clean well running 2002 Eldorado esc model with 72,000 miles is up for sale at a local dealer.  THe ask is $6,900... and NADA average is just under 5K.  Any thoughts, advice  would be greatly appreciated as I need a daily driver (FLorida commute 25 miles per day-- stop and go).  Gratefully, James

[76eldo]

These are great cars when everything is right on them.

Based on the "heartbreaker" 99 ETC I had a couple of years ago I would look at the car with a critical eye for the following, which applies to any Northstar.

1.  If there is any evidence of a serious oil leak around the pan or the lower block I would run away from this car.  Once they start to leak the fix is quite costly.

2.  Look to see if the radiator surge tank and or radiator has been recent replaced. These items crack when subjected to combustion gasses and pressure enter the cooling system when the head gaskets start to fail.

3.  Your test drive needs to be at least 30 minutes. Watch the temp gauge. It should run at the midway point or just slightly above.  The car warms up quickly and within 5 minutes you will be at full temp but drive the car at least 30 minutes. After 15 minutes or so do a couple of full throttle pulls with the car and run it up to high rpm's even if you need to manually downshift the Trans  and hold it in 2nd or 3rd.  Watch the temp. If it creeps up and stays up when you do this forget this car. It's got bad head gaskets.

4 Suspension. These cars have active suspension with level
Sensors at all four corners. The rears are air struts which level the car with an air compressor located under the car in the back. It bleeds down when you shut off the car and levels out when you start the car. Hopefully these are working.  Also expensive to replace.

5 Codes.  Pressing "off" and "warmer" simultaneously will bring up a list of any current codes and history codes on the odometer display. Either video this with your phone or write down the codes to check them out. You can google the list of Cadillac OBD 2 codes to see what was wrong or is wrong.

5.  Price. Negotiate to a lower price of possible but that's a lot of car for somewhere between 5 and 6 thousand.  Good luck and report back.

Brian

[Big Apple Caddy]

THe ask is $6,900... and NADA average is just under 5K.

Just curious, what NADA guide are you using to get an average value below $5K?  The online site puts clean retail at $6,775 with 72K miles.......more with added options.

[Eric DeVirgilis CLC# 8621]

According to most current NADA Official Older Used Car Guide for 1996 - 2007 vehicles, Clean Retail for a 2002 ESC is $5,250.

Maximum addition* for low mileage is listed as 50% of Trade In Value ($3,050) which is $1,525 so that would be $6,775.

Add for Bose Stereo ($175), Navigation ($225) and Sunroof ($350).

As Brian said, watch for overheating. Run it up a long hill. If no hills, use braking to simulate load on the engine. Hard acceleration is not necessary. Just a steady load, preferably with the air on.

Temp gauge should barely go any higher than 12:00. If it continues further, chances are the head gaskets are bad.

*Beside the point but that 50% "maximum" is not correct at all for cars with extremely low mileage. In the case of 72,000 miles, the adjustment of $1,525 is appropriate IMO.

[James Landi]

Thank you for Brian and all of you for terrific advice... I drove the car... ran well, seemed to have been handled with great care. There are some minor fade spots in the paint, and the driver seat is showing its age.  Additionally the passenger side window is intermittent.   THe "rock" was $8,800..and "they" would not budge. I simply could not justified that price given the age, and was most concerned about some unforeseen mechanical issue that would cost me thousands to repair.  I returned to my trusty 1985 Convertible, that was attracting a good deal of attention from those in the showroom.  Feeling satisfied with my decision, I drove off--- discovering shortly thereafter that the climate control is not directing airflow through the top vents, and now I'm getting Florida and engine heat from the bottom vent.  Does any one know of a club member in the Melbourne, FLorida area with a solid car???  Gratefully, James

[Eric DeVirgilis CLC# 8621]

James,

These cars have retain a strong following - with the proviso that in order to bring serious money, nothing short of near perfection with very low mileage will do - preferably in the right colors of either Pearl Red, Pearl White or black.

The car as you have described does not fit that definition at all the second you mentioned the areas of faded paint alone, let alone the other issues. Sounds like a $3,500 car at most; $8,800, a joke. You were wise to pass.

[James Landi]

Thanks Eric... I needed some affirmation, and you provided it. They were clearly performing a "song and dance"--- mentioning numerous inquires that are occurring, and how attractive the car is.  Being through these sales pitch performances on "as is" cars before, I just had a sick feeling in my gut!

[76eldo]

James,

It's a $5000-$6000 in mint condition with everything working.  These people were trying to hose you.

If you can bump up in price a bit, I'd recommend a post 2006 DTS.  I have one and I love it.  Mine is an '07 and the ride and  feel of the car is great.  Even an '02 Eldorado is 13 years old and if you let it sit around things stop working.  If you drive it a lot, eventually every one of these cars will need head gaskets.  The Eldo's from 93-02 are Northstar equipped and really nice looing but after my experiences with a 99 I would never touch another one, but that's just me.

Good luck with the hunt.

Brian

[James Landi]

THanks so much for the advice Brian... I'll start looking... James