Is the 2008 Cadillac DTS worth it?

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ljohnstone@reddit

It could be. Find out if it has had its head bolts replaced. GM didn't address the issue until 2008 so I would be suspect. If it has ,then its normal used car things to look for. Always look under the vehicle to check for leaks and/or rust. These vehicles were engineered to go to 100k miles before needing anything replaced like shocks and brakes. Fingers crossed that all is in good order, because if so, they are a great vehicle.

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Particular-Way-7817@reddit (OP)

Thanks! This helps.

However rhe guy got it from the owner, what if he doesn't know those details? Avoid the risk?

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ljohnstone@reddit

No, take it to a trusted mechanic and have them give a look see (a PPI - Pre purchase inspection). It will cost you, but it could potentially save you thousands. Honestly, 71k is really low mileage for that year, if the mechanicals check out, it would be a great car. Also check the papers in the glove box and trunk, I have known and had owned vehicles where the previous owner has recorded every drop of gasoline they put in it for the life of the car. There might be a clue in there.

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Particular-Way-7817@reddit (OP)

What if he doesn't let me take it to the mechanic?

And I heard these cars have very poor fuel economy, is that the case?

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ljohnstone@reddit

They have very passable fuel economy, as long as you aren't putting your foot into it all the time. In mine, the best I got was 24, but that was all highway driving. As a in town car, they suck up the fuel, like about 15 or so, If he doesn't let you take it to a mechanic, then you need to be the detective. With the hood open, check the head bolts. Do they look original? Or they bright and shiny? Underneath, do the brakes and shocks look fresh? How clean is the engine compartment. Any evidence of a radiator leak? These vehicles have an aluminum block, heat related damage could be fatal. Does the serpentine belt look fresh?

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Particular-Way-7817@reddit (OP)

Why does driving it in town suck up fuel? My thought process is less miles driven = less gas. Is that not the case?

Really appreciate all the info this helps a lot and I'll keep it in mind when I go to look at it.

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Hash-82@reddit

Hard to get miles per gallon when sitting at a stop sign with the engine running.

Also, you have an efficiency curve, where the engine operated most efficently.
That usually centers at 60MPH in the car's overdrive gear.
That is not a condition you find in city driving.

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Wonderful_Setting_29@reddit

Higher rpm uses more gas, highway is low rpm at a fairly constant rate, city is a lot more variance and generally quite a bit higher.

Ultimately if poor mpg is an issue I'd steer clear of a 20 year old v8. Or any v8 for that matter. The car is probably fine, and at less than 4k I wouldn't worry about a few less mpg. Its a cheap older car. If it gets you around it's a win. Want better fuel economy, buy a 2003 civic.

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ljohnstone@reddit

The amount of fuel used in town is the fact that it isn't the lightest car, and to get it moving requires some fuel expenditure. Stop and go traffic is a fuel economy killer.

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Hash-82@reddit

Seems high to me.
My biggest issue is that DTS is FWD. I'd always lean toward the CTS back in the day.

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Tinyberzerker@reddit

No. Even if it is perfect mechanically now, i.e. no blown head gasket, everything plastic and rubber is decaying. I own a 20 year old Caddy that is mechanically sound, but plastics are breaking, rubber window seals degrading, sunroof grenading itself. Parts are hard to find or nonexistent. I live in a rust free zone. Keep in mind too, that this is a luxury car so parts and labor will be higher than a common Camry for example.

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curi0us_carniv0re@reddit

For that price yeah I'd rock it as long as everything works.

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Particular-Way-7817@reddit (OP)

I just might! All depends on what the dealer says when he gets back to me

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curi0us_carniv0re@reddit

Oh it's a dealer? Lol...

I mean it's cheap enough to take a risk I guess but used car dealers are sleazeballs.

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Particular-Way-7817@reddit (OP)

Yeah its from a guy who gets cars from owners to sell

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curi0us_carniv0re@reddit

Yeah he flips cars. Same difference.

Do.ypu know him or anyone else who does and can speak to his reputation?

For $3900 I'd personally roll the dice. But idk your financial situation.

Aside from the head bolts problem (which was fixed by that year and isn't really a big deal these days anyway) I don't know of any major mechanical problems with those cars. They're pretty reliable. Of anything you're more likely to have problems with the electronics inside the car or the air suspension which is why I said make sure everything works lol

But even then I'm sure all the most common problems are well documented online and relatively simple to fix if you're a DIY type person. Car forums are your friend.

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Beneficialsensai@reddit

Google problems with 2008 Cadillac DTS

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Particular-Way-7817@reddit (OP)

I did but you can't always take stuff on Google at face value, wanted to see what people think about it and lot of people have given good info so far

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Beneficialsensai@reddit

You have to dive deeper once you lestn of a certain problem.

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Particular-Way-7817@reddit (OP)

Right only problem is I'm not a car guy or knowledgeable on them other than basics. So I don't know what I'm looking for.

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Beneficialsensai@reddit

Coming here and other forums is a good start.your probably ok.any issues should be corrected by now.

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Particular-Way-7817@reddit (OP)

Alright thanks! Crossing my fingers I hear only good things from the dealer

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Stock-Swing-797@reddit

Reddit man.......

Do we really think a $4k 2008 E500 or 545i are pillars of reliability??? Post MY2005/6, the Northstar is just as reliable, if not better, then many other cars. OP, do realize that you are buying a heavy depreciated luxury car, and all the risks that come with that, regardless of manufacture.

By 2006 I wouldn't worry about the headbolts, esp. if the car is being actively used. They did never really resolve the oil leaks tho. I wouldn't worry tremendously about a minor oil leak. Of my time with 3 N*-based cars, only 1 (the one still running today) got to the point it became an issue. The main thing IMHO, is making sure if Dexcool was used and the overall health of the cooling system.

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