GG, I think PCH stands for Pacific Coast Highway. East and West coasts along with somewhere in between will normally have differences of opinion. Just blow it off.
What can you guys tell me about this car? I'm seeing a lot of these for sale with low miles for what seems to me unusually low prices for a Caddie. Even Edmunds TMV seems low.
I know these were rebadged Opals and the first year had a lot of electrical issues. Also, from what I've read they were a car that while not bad, didn't measure up to the competition at the time.
Were these really bad cars or just a moderately good car that was outclassed and never found a niche among Cadillac buyers?
If you check the reviews on Edmunds it gets 3 1/2 out of 5 stars.
However, one of the first reviews sounds like it could be the one you are looking at:
Vehicle
1998 Cadillac Catera 4dr Sedan Review
This has been the worst car I've ever owned. I bought it two years ago when I needed a car badly. I'd read a couple poor reviews but was persuaded to at least come look at the car. It looked brand new, had low mileage, and a nice price. I now know that the reason it looked brand new and had low mileage is probably because it was parked, broken, more than actually driven. It is pure garbage. It has had a coolant leak since shortly after I bought it. I have taken it to several different places including a dealership and nobody has been able to stop the leak. This among the many other things wrong with it. It would also randomly refuse to start and then 30 minutes later would start. ***********************************************
I did a search of this forum and a while back that car's name came up in a negative vein. Isell in particular trashed it.
That may explain some of the low prices I've seen in ads. So the question becomes do you chance that the bugs have been fixed during a particular car's 12-15 year lifespan in return for a good price on a fairly luxurious car. Old BMWs and MBs are known to be problematic also and sell for much more used.
Might be worth the gamble for a few grand. You would surely have great negotiating leverage with the seller.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
farmer....at that price, I think I'd jump on that car. I think its issues were more along the lines of Cadillac positioning it as a 3 Series, or A4 alternative. It didn't come close. On top of that, and typical GM at the time, they didn't require their dealership service depts to train on how to maintain and fix them. Being a rebadged Opal, they were significantly different than the typical DeVille that graced their service bays.
I know a couple of people who have had one. They all liked them well enough. But, they were typical Cadillac customers, not BMW or Audi customers.
My concern is if it's been wrecked or sat for awhile with that kind of mileage. But, if it checkes out, and was only driven sparingly by a typical, older Cadillac driver, $2,800 isn't much scratch for a car that runs with no major flaws.
Not much, except the low price is very attractive and harbinger for future headaches with high maintenance and repair bills.
Speaking of low prices, I got caught up in the fall football hype and this weekend I bought a 60” Seiki HDTV from Sears for $700, to be delivered tomorrow. After a $140 store credit and $70 in points my net cost was $490. Not bad for an off-brand, but I wonder how reliable and dependable is this model? Has any one of you heard or have experience with the Seiki brand?
The image on the store model on display was very clear and crisp and indistinguishable from the LG, Samsung, and others. I checked out their sleek website and saw nothing untoward except for a generous warranty, to wit.
52 inch televisions and below: Step 1. Call our live Tech Support at 855-MY-SEIKI and we'll see if we can resolve the issue over the phone. Step 2. If the problem can't be handled over the phone, send it back* to us and we'll replace it.
55 inch televisions and above: Step 1. Call our live Tech Support at 855-MY-SEIKI and we'll see if we can resolve the issue over the phone. Step 2. If the issue can't be solved over the phone, we'll send a qualified technician to you. Step 3. If the problem can't be handled by the technician, we'll replace it.
You might want to consider your own advice that a low price is a harbinger of future problems.
I hear the custom these days is to buy TVs before the big game and then return them for a refund after. Not very classy but it would solve any reliability problems.
I wish big box stores sold cars. (where's those emotorcons that shows facetiousness)
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
I buy at least a dozen cars in my mind every day and I'm serious about every one. In the event that I can drag my spouse to Florida on a permanent basis I may get serious enough in the real world that she will need to tie me to a chair to stop me from spending real money.
Needless to say, my first step once moving down there will be to locate a reliable mechanic to check out all this fantasy iron.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
Were these really bad cars or just a moderately good car that was outclassed and never found a niche among Cadillac buyers?
My Dad had one he bought new and kept it for about 3 weeks before selling it. He said it was the very worst car he had ever owned. It was not a stable handling or riding vehicle and had problems with shoddy interior quality of the controls and seats.
I guess if you can buy something for very little money, anyone would take a chance. But know that my Dad doesn't remember what happened last night, let alone last year, but he sure remembered that Cadillac and how much it was more like a Chevy Citation or a Pontiac Phoenix rather than a Cadillac!
The Catera was a disaster for a number of reasons. DO NOT even think about throwing your money away on this nightmare.
" The Caddy that Zigs" They called it...what a joke!
It appealed (?) to the elderly crowd that really wanted a BMW.
The Cadillac mechanics HATED them even worse than they hated Allantes if that is even possible.
Seriously, there was nothing good about them. Even the wholesalers didn't want them. That ad looks like some mom and pop lot picked up one at an auction and are looking for someone who wants to drive a "Cadillac".
This was my first cruise and first trip to Alaska - we had great weather every day except the night we were in Victoria, BC where it poured.
Princess was not as bad as Holland, it seems, but in terms of crowd for my wife and I, there were a total of 48 passengers out of 2800 on board between the ages of 18 and 30. By 10:30pm each night, the ship was a ghost town.
Other than that, we LOVED the trip and I am now hooked on cruising. It is so easy.
2025 Jetta GLI Autobahn, 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xE
we LOVED the trip and I am now hooked on cruising. It is so easy.
Unless you were on the Costa Concordia!
Sorry, couldn't resist. Cruisin is good depending on what you are looking for. I'd compare it to leasing...in certain situations it is a great way to travel, depending on what you hope to do on your vacation.
"Wow, we went the week after you did. PERFECT weather too!
We went on the Oosterdam. Holland America.
All of the talk abut Holland America attracting the geriatric crowd is absolutely true! We were among the youngest on the ship!
4th time to Alaska for us! "
I'd love to do Alaska, just don't think the wife would do it. I've only sailed NCL and hopefully they still sail Alaska by the time I convince here to do it! I love cruising and really think its one of the best values for vacation.
I guess for you Alaska makes sense as you aren't far from the port. We have that luxury with NYC being only two hours away.
The star ratings were interesting for the Canterra too, they tell a lot; Performance 1 Comfort 5 Value 1 Fun-to-Drive2 Interior Design 1 Exterior Design 3 Build Quality 1 Reliability 1
I don't know how it averaged 3 1/2...seems closer to a 2 overall, and a 1 for reliability is a really bad sign.
Our friend has a 1988 Chev wagon that he will sell for $1000. Needs rear brakes. Will sell as is. "425 engine"
For me it is not just ease - it is also about cleanliness. This may have been an exception to the rule, but I found everywhere I was on the Cruise was spotless at all times. I attributed this to the fact that they are trying to prevent the spread of illness such as norovirus.
For someone like me who tends to be a bit of a cleanliness fanatic, being able to see new places each day while sleeping in the same bed each night in a place that is spotless has a value I can't put a dollar amount to.
2025 Jetta GLI Autobahn, 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xE
Oosterdam was spotless too. They REALLY worry about sickness spreading through the ship. Hand sanitizer dispensers were EVERYWHERE!
I really believe that for the dollars spent there is no greater value than a cruise. For those dollars a person couldn't spend a week in a Holiday Inn.
There is, however constant selling going on. Tours, photos, expensive wine and, of course the casinos where winning seems impossible.
The Gem was spotless as well. They ask to spray your hands with sanitizer when entering the buffet and when coming back from port. The selling never bothers me, we all have mouths to politely say no or just walk by the demos.
Agreed - does not bother me. Plus, after getting home, I realized some of the deals they actually had were very good when considering there was no Tax.
2025 Jetta GLI Autobahn, 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xE
Oh, I don't mind the selling either and we did buy some stuff.
The port shops get old. All selling the same tourist t-shirts, totem poles, and baseball caps. My wife did surprise me by buying some (for her) fairly expensive jewelry. No problem there.
I will say, the ship bartenders sure know how to water down a drink!
Putting aside the fact that the Catera was a crap car, as the Brits like to say...
Since it is an "orphan" that uses Opel running gear I suspect that parts availability will become a problem-if it isn't already. Knowing GMs penchant for wanting to forget its past mistakes I wouldn't be surprised if you'd have to look to Germany for some parts. When the Catera was new there was a guy on these forums who used to claim-with a straight face-that the Catera was dynamically superior to the E39 5 Series. Based on that assertion I suspect that he's probably been long dead from a drug overdose...
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
In researching the Catera I learned that the car's engine came from England, the tranny from France and was assembled who knows where (Germany?). That doesn't make for a quality car.
A cheap one might make for a nice winter beater since they had heated seats. Many of the cheap cars that I consider were never considered high quality.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
The engines came from England, The transmissions came from (gasp) France and they might have been assembled in Germany?
Wow...what could go wrong with a combination like THAT?
With all seriousness that combo can work flawlessly. While it's not quite the same Airbus Industries has had an enviable record making planes with that same combination of countries. Throw in the old GM in the mix and voila you have a recipe for a disaster in the making.
The engines came from England, The transmissions came from (gasp) France and they might have been assembled in Germany?
According to wikipedia: The model's engine was a 200 hp (150 kW) 54° L81 V6 manufactured in England at GM's Ellesmere Port facility, using a FR layout. The GM 4L30-E automatic transmission was manufactured at GM's plant in Strasbourg, France.
This bit of information: In 2009, Car and Driver staff criticized the high praise that the Catera initially received, citing poor reliability and performance in hindsight.[1]
I remember my wife wanted to get a 99 Mercedes. I thought for a lot less money it would be worth checking out a Catera. One look inside was enough, cheap looking cloth seats and lots of plastic on the instrument panel.
One fellow I play tennis with had a GM dealership in town, but then when GM closed dealerships his had to close. He has a lawsuit in play. He always drove his Cadillac to the club, they had 3...always new. I saw him the other day and he now has a new Mercedes! I said to him, "But you always told us Cadillacs were the best cars you could buy". He said, "Ah, I don't think so".
Well oldfarmer....looks like my thinking that for less than $3K, what could possibly be bad about the Catera was trumped.
That said, the '88 wagon looks like a dog, too. Talk about poor materials and assembly.
Off topic...last June and again last week, went on a cruise....one was NCL Breakaway to Bermuda, and last week on the Carnival Breeze to NASSAU.
Loved Bermuda. Will go back to spend a week there at some point. NASSAU....not so much. The huge resort Atlantis is there. Pretty on the outside, but immensely expensive.
Cruise ships are kept uber clean. And, the newer ones that I've sailed are beautiful.
You choose how much you may, or may not spend. I personally don't need their pictures, as I take my own. But, I have had luck in their casinos. Then again, I don't play slots....only craps and table games.
They always have plenty of food, anytime, and it's always diverse. It ranges from good, to very good.
There's something about waking up in your cabin, opening the door, and seeing the water, with the ship just gliding through it.
The cruise I took last week was $519 for 6 nights. That includes all food, cabin and entertainment. To me, tough to beat that.
Not only was it unreliable mechanically, but it didn't feel like a Cadillac
It's not supposed to feel like a Cadillac! It was supposed to feel like a BMW, but, it couldn't even do that right. Guess they got the reliability copied pretty good though.
There was a news story awhile back that said that some retired couples sold their homes and lived exclusively on cruise ships. They claimed it actually saved them money over land based housing plus no utilities, taxes or food bills. If you didn't have chronic health issues, I could almost see that as a pretty good option.
If you didn't have chronic health issues, I could almost see that as a pretty good option.
I don't think this would be such a good idea as they recycle the same menu every week. Could you imagine eating the same food week in and week out? That would be worse than being on one of those restrictive diets.
There was a news story awhile back that said that some retired couples sold their homes and lived exclusively on cruise ships.
There was an e-mail circulating years ago that said it would be a great idea when compared to the cost of a nursing home or assisted living. Yes, that's true but I dont' think it's comparable. On a cruise ship, Javier the cabin boy isn't going to change your Depends - even for a really big tip.
It is an alternative and I'm sure there are people that do it. Personally, I'd worry about having a real medical emergency that the medical staff on board couldn't handle.
The is one ship called The World that is comprised of private residences. It travels all over the world.
There was a news story awhile back that said that some retired couples sold their homes and lived exclusively on cruise ships
Yeh, it sounds good in theory but it isn't a good idea in real life. If you need medical care the doctors on those ships aren't great, and if you do get to see them it is extremely expensive. If you need an operation you will be lucky to get to a real hospital. In most cases they don't really care.
Not to mention, you would get pretty tired living at sea for months at a time. Not sure what you do between ships. Also, within a few months you will weigh over 500 pounds.
That was a cute email that went around sometime ago, it is an interesting suggestion compared to a retirement home, but, in real life it wouldn't work out as well as it sounds.
I showed a picture of the 88 Chev wagon with wood panelling my elderly friend wanted to sell. I put it on Kijiiji which is like Craigs List in Canada. I got about 5 replies in the first few hours and some are still trickling in.
This is what the ad said; Could be a good car for restoration or for Cruise Nights. Has 425 cubic inch engine. Hasn't been started in a long time so will need to be jump started. No license or insurance so can't test drive. Will need service on rear brakes. Excellent interior and exterior. Sold "AS IS" cash only and price is firm $1000.
One guy says he has two 88 Pontiacs (remember the Pontiac and Chev of that vintage were basically the same car in Canada) that he is restoring and this car would be great for him.
So, to all those who had negative comments about the 88 Chevy woody....always remember, you never know, it could be just what someone is looking for.
Tipping the scales at 500 pounds in a few months ? Just pack enough expando-matic pants and shirts and enjoy the cargo crane ride when you reach home port. Of course, you and I know how to exercise restraint and good sense at the 24 hour buffet, so no problem for us in that department.
Comments
2013 Mustang GT, 2001 GMC Yukon Denali
I have no idea about ANY record label. Never cared about any of that stuff.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
His first one was SoCal something and since I'm from So. Cal it was easy to see what he was up to. Not very creative at all.
I didn't miss him nor a few others that came and went either by their own doing or by getting banned.
I will say, I walked the tightrope myself but I usually knew when to pull my punches or simply back off.
It has become a VERY tough way to make a decent living.
The business desperately needs new recruits and hopefully things will change somehow.
I know these were rebadged Opals and the first year had a lot of electrical issues. Also, from what I've read they were a car that while not bad, didn't measure up to the competition at the time.
Were these really bad cars or just a moderately good car that was outclassed and never found a niche among Cadillac buyers?
http://tampa.craigslist.org/hil/ctd/3999226468.html
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
If you check the reviews on Edmunds it gets 3 1/2 out of 5 stars.
However, one of the first reviews sounds like it could be the one you are looking at:
Vehicle
1998 Cadillac Catera 4dr Sedan
Review
This has been the worst car I've ever owned. I bought it two years ago when I needed a car badly. I'd read a couple poor reviews but was persuaded to at least come look at the car. It looked brand new, had low mileage, and a nice price. I now know that the reason it looked brand new and had low mileage is probably because it was parked, broken, more than actually driven. It is pure garbage. It has had a coolant leak since shortly after I bought it. I have taken it to several different places including a dealership and nobody has been able to stop the leak. This among the many other things wrong with it. It would also randomly refuse to start and then 30 minutes later would start.
***********************************************
Read the rest of the review at:
http://www.edmunds.com/cadillac/catera/1998/consumer-reviews/caterror!.html?styl- e=13369&sub=&reviewId=80350574
It is one of the worst reviews I have ever seen. Other than that, it looks like a nice ride.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
....how did you like the play, Mrs. Lincoln?
I did a search of this forum and a while back that car's name came up in a negative vein. Isell in particular trashed it.
That may explain some of the low prices I've seen in ads. So the question becomes do you chance that the bugs have been fixed during a particular car's 12-15 year lifespan in return for a good price on a fairly luxurious car. Old BMWs and MBs are known to be problematic also and sell for much more used.
Might be worth the gamble for a few grand. You would surely have great negotiating leverage with the seller.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
I know a couple of people who have had one. They all liked them well enough. But, they were typical Cadillac customers, not BMW or Audi customers.
My concern is if it's been wrecked or sat for awhile with that kind of mileage. But, if it checkes out, and was only driven sparingly by a typical, older Cadillac driver, $2,800 isn't much scratch for a car that runs with no major flaws.
Not much, except the low price is very attractive and harbinger for future headaches with high maintenance and repair bills.
Speaking of low prices, I got caught up in the fall football hype and this weekend I bought a 60” Seiki HDTV from Sears for $700, to be delivered tomorrow. After a $140 store credit and $70 in points my net cost was $490. Not bad for an off-brand, but I wonder how reliable and dependable is this model? Has any one of you heard or have experience with the Seiki brand?
The image on the store model on display was very clear and crisp and indistinguishable from the LG, Samsung, and others. I checked out their sleek website and saw nothing untoward except for a generous warranty, to wit.
52 inch televisions and below:
Step 1. Call our live Tech Support at 855-MY-SEIKI and we'll see if we can resolve the issue over the phone.
Step 2. If the problem can't be handled over the phone, send it back* to us and we'll replace it.
55 inch televisions and above:
Step 1. Call our live Tech Support at 855-MY-SEIKI and we'll see if we can resolve the issue over the phone.
Step 2. If the issue can't be solved over the phone, we'll send a qualified technician to you.
Step 3. If the problem can't be handled by the technician, we'll replace it.
You might want to consider your own advice that a low price is a harbinger of future problems.
I hear the custom these days is to buy TVs before the big game and then return them for a refund after. Not very classy but it would solve any reliability problems.
I wish big box stores sold cars. (where's those emotorcons that shows facetiousness)
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
I buy at least a dozen cars in my mind every day and I'm serious about every one. In the event that I can drag my spouse to Florida on a permanent basis I may get serious enough in the real world that she will need to tie me to a chair to stop me from spending real money.
Needless to say, my first step once moving down there will be to locate a reliable mechanic to check out all this fantasy iron.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
My Dad had one he bought new and kept it for about 3 weeks before selling it. He said it was the very worst car he had ever owned. It was not a stable handling or riding vehicle and had problems with shoddy interior quality of the controls and seats.
I guess if you can buy something for very little money, anyone would take a chance. But know that my Dad doesn't remember what happened last night, let alone last year, but he sure remembered that Cadillac and how much it was more like a Chevy Citation or a Pontiac Phoenix rather than a Cadillac!
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
We went on the Oosterdam. Holland America.
All of the talk abut Holland America attracting the geriatric crowd is absolutely true! We were among the youngest on the ship!
4th time to Alaska for us!
" The Caddy that Zigs" They called it...what a joke!
It appealed (?) to the elderly crowd that really wanted a BMW.
The Cadillac mechanics HATED them even worse than they hated Allantes if that is even possible.
Seriously, there was nothing good about them. Even the wholesalers didn't want them. That ad looks like some mom and pop lot picked up one at an auction and are looking for someone who wants to drive a "Cadillac".
To make matters worse, it's GREEN!
So...how do I REALLY feel? RUN AWAY!!
Princess was not as bad as Holland, it seems, but in terms of crowd for my wife and I, there were a total of 48 passengers out of 2800 on board between the ages of 18 and 30. By 10:30pm each night, the ship was a ghost town.
Other than that, we LOVED the trip and I am now hooked on cruising. It is so easy.
I thought you didn't care about car colors. I guess when YOU notice how bad a color looks it must be really bad.
I've owned green cars in the past and thought they looked pretty good but I agree, green is not a good color for that car.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
Unless you were on the Costa Concordia!
Sorry, couldn't resist. Cruisin is good depending on what you are looking for. I'd compare it to leasing...in certain situations it is a great way to travel, depending on what you hope to do on your vacation.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
We went on the Oosterdam. Holland America.
All of the talk abut Holland America attracting the geriatric crowd is absolutely true! We were among the youngest on the ship!
4th time to Alaska for us! "
I'd love to do Alaska, just don't think the wife would do it. I've only sailed NCL and hopefully they still sail Alaska by the time I convince here to do it! I love cruising and really think its one of the best values for vacation.
I guess for you Alaska makes sense as you aren't far from the port. We have that luxury with NYC being only two hours away.
2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic
Performance 1
Comfort 5
Value 1
Fun-to-Drive2
Interior Design 1
Exterior Design 3
Build Quality 1
Reliability 1
I don't know how it averaged 3 1/2...seems closer to a 2 overall, and a 1 for reliability is a really bad sign.
Our friend has a 1988 Chev wagon that he will sell for $1000. Needs rear brakes. Will sell as is. "425 engine"
Looks something like this;
http://gtcarlot.com/car/20660431
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
For someone like me who tends to be a bit of a cleanliness fanatic, being able to see new places each day while sleeping in the same bed each night in a place that is spotless has a value I can't put a dollar amount to.
I really believe that for the dollars spent there is no greater value than a cruise. For those dollars a person couldn't spend a week in a Holiday Inn.
There is, however constant selling going on. Tours, photos, expensive wine and, of course the casinos where winning seems impossible.
2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic
The port shops get old. All selling the same tourist t-shirts, totem poles, and baseball caps. My wife did surprise me by buying some (for her) fairly expensive jewelry. No problem there.
I will say, the ship bartenders sure know how to water down a drink!
Since it is an "orphan" that uses Opel running gear I suspect that parts availability will become a problem-if it isn't already. Knowing GMs penchant for wanting to forget its past mistakes I wouldn't be surprised if you'd have to look to Germany for some parts.
When the Catera was new there was a guy on these forums who used to claim-with a straight face-that the Catera was dynamically superior to the E39 5 Series. Based on that assertion I suspect that he's probably been long dead from a drug overdose...
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
Wow, that's rough even by my low standards. Still, I've driven (am driving) worse.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
In researching the Catera I learned that the car's engine came from England, the tranny from France and was assembled who knows where (Germany?). That doesn't make for a quality car.
A cheap one might make for a nice winter beater since they had heated seats. Many of the cheap cars that I consider were never considered high quality.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
Except that guy wrote in the review that when he used the heated seats it smelled like something was burning.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Wow...what could go wrong with a combination like THAT?
Heated seats? Yeah, those would be a good reason to take the plunge assuming they still work.
I wonder if Lucas did the electrical components?
Wow...what could go wrong with a combination like THAT?
With all seriousness that combo can work flawlessly. While it's not quite the same Airbus Industries has had an enviable record making planes with that same combination of countries. Throw in the old GM in the mix and voila you have a recipe for a disaster in the making.
According to wikipedia:
The model's engine was a 200 hp (150 kW) 54° L81 V6 manufactured in England at GM's Ellesmere Port facility, using a FR layout. The GM 4L30-E automatic transmission was manufactured at GM's plant in Strasbourg, France.
This bit of information:
In 2009, Car and Driver staff criticized the high praise that the Catera initially received, citing poor reliability and performance in hindsight.[1]
I remember my wife wanted to get a 99 Mercedes. I thought for a lot less money it would be worth checking out a Catera. One look inside was enough, cheap looking cloth seats and lots of plastic on the instrument panel.
One fellow I play tennis with had a GM dealership in town, but then when GM closed dealerships his had to close. He has a lawsuit in play. He always drove his Cadillac to the club, they had 3...always new. I saw him the other day and he now has a new Mercedes! I said to him, "But you always told us Cadillacs were the best cars you could buy". He said, "Ah, I don't think so".
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
In 1967 I had a 1957 MGA (with Lucas electrics).
The engine was running bad on a dark damp night.
I pulled over and raised the hood (bonnet) and saw
a sparking, electric flying light show from the plug
wires to the distributor. It was amazing the car ran.
2013 Mustang GT, 2001 GMC Yukon Denali
That said, the '88 wagon looks like a dog, too. Talk about poor materials and assembly.
Off topic...last June and again last week, went on a cruise....one was NCL Breakaway to Bermuda, and last week on the Carnival Breeze to NASSAU.
Loved Bermuda. Will go back to spend a week there at some point. NASSAU....not so much. The huge resort Atlantis is there. Pretty on the outside, but immensely expensive.
Cruise ships are kept uber clean. And, the newer ones that I've sailed are beautiful.
You choose how much you may, or may not spend. I personally don't need their pictures, as I take my own. But, I have had luck in their casinos. Then again, I don't play slots....only craps and table games.
They always have plenty of food, anytime, and it's always diverse. It ranges from good, to very good.
There's something about waking up in your cabin, opening the door, and seeing the water, with the ship just gliding through it.
The cruise I took last week was $519 for 6 nights. That includes all food, cabin and entertainment. To me, tough to beat that.
Have to admit. It was nice sleeping with the drapes open and the door blocked open too.
Again, taking a cruise is a tremendous value for the dollars spent!
Stay away. My parents had one and it was pretty bad. Not only was it unreliable mechanically, but it didn't feel like a Cadillac.
It's not supposed to feel like a Cadillac! It was supposed to feel like a BMW, but, it couldn't even do that right. Guess they got the reliability copied pretty good though.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
I don't think this would be such a good idea as they recycle the same menu every week. Could you imagine eating the same food week in and week out? That would be worse than being on one of those restrictive diets.
There was an e-mail circulating years ago that said it would be a great idea when compared to the cost of a nursing home or assisted living. Yes, that's true but I dont' think it's comparable. On a cruise ship, Javier the cabin boy isn't going to change your Depends - even for a really big tip.
It is an alternative and I'm sure there are people that do it. Personally, I'd worry about having a real medical emergency that the medical staff on board couldn't handle.
The is one ship called The World that is comprised of private residences. It travels all over the world.
Yeh, it sounds good in theory but it isn't a good idea in real life. If you need medical care the doctors on those ships aren't great, and if you do get to see them it is extremely expensive. If you need an operation you will be lucky to get to a real hospital. In most cases they don't really care.
Not to mention, you would get pretty tired living at sea for months at a time. Not sure what you do between ships. Also, within a few months you will weigh over 500 pounds.
That was a cute email that went around sometime ago, it is an interesting suggestion compared to a retirement home, but, in real life it wouldn't work out as well as it sounds.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
That's over 16 years!! We also met a couple who had over 3500 days and were about to leave on a 75 day cruise!!
Medical emergencies would be a concern for sure and some of the ports they visit have sub standard medical care and they don't take Medicare.
Maybe that's why the ships have morgues.
And if I had been on that many cruises with all the food they offer, my belt would be BIG.
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
I put it on Kijiiji which is like Craigs List in Canada. I got about 5 replies in the first few hours and some are still trickling in.
This is what the ad said;
Could be a good car for restoration or for Cruise Nights. Has 425 cubic inch engine. Hasn't been started in a long time so will need to be jump started. No license or insurance so can't test drive. Will need service on rear brakes. Excellent interior and exterior. Sold "AS IS" cash only and price is firm $1000.
One guy says he has two 88 Pontiacs (remember the Pontiac and Chev of that vintage were basically the same car in Canada) that he is restoring and this car would be great for him.
So, to all those who had negative comments about the 88 Chevy woody....always remember, you never know, it could be just what someone is looking for.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
The sign on the back says something about "this vehicle is carrying explosives"....that's so no one will rear end him!!!!
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250