wayOT: 2000 caddy catera

carl reitnauer · Apr 20, 2015

We need a beater car to chase parts,etc. A local dealer has a 2000 Cadillac Catera with a terrible interior and 54k miles that i can buy for scrap price. What GM platform is this built on? its a 3.0 engine;the carlooks to be Malibu size. can anyone tell me anything about these cars? Tags and transfer will amost cost as much as the car!

Goose · Apr 20, 2015

As I recall, the Cateras have a 32 valve V8 engine that's a nightmare. Made in Germany, I believe. Ten years ago, that engine was going for around $10,000 for a good used one. With 54K miles, you'd think a salvage yard would give a decent price for the car, just for the engine. But, maybe there aren't that many Cateras on the road anymore that there's a demand for the engine.

Chuck (CA) · Apr 20, 2015

FWIW Carl
Edmunds Reviews

Sprint 6 · Apr 21, 2015

The Catera is one of the worst cars GM ever sold. They were built by Opel in Germany. I worked for a Cadillac dealer when those were new, warranty claims through the roof. Heater valves leak, timing belt idlers fail, oil coolers leak, door lock actuators seize, and never loose the keys( you wouldn't think a key could cost so much). It is due for a timing belt at 60K and if it breaks, it's totaled. Unless they are paying you to take it, leave it where it is.

Mike M · Apr 21, 2015

Let the scrappers have it ! Those cars were not any good when new.

ASEguy · Apr 21, 2015

I was going to add to the list but I see it was pretty much summed up. Brings to mind years ago every Dodge mechanic in our dealership told this young parts guy not to buy a Stealth. He did and he really regretted it. At the time he just had to have a twin turbo to impress the ladies. Should have seen the look on his face when he priced out parts and labor for a clutch. It was AWD.

Bryan inIowa · Apr 21, 2015

Opel v6. Terrible expensive , tranny is even worse
.

steve_in_mo · Apr 21, 2015

See goose's response below.
Buy but do not drive the car.
Trailer it home, take then engine out.
Sell the engine and buy something like a Toyota Corolla.

gab · Apr 21, 2015

You'd have to lay a $2000 bill on the seat to get a junk yard to take it.

wayOT: 2000 caddy catera

carl reitnauer

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Goose

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Chuck (CA)

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Sprint 6

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Mike M

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ASEguy

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Bryan inIowa

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steve_in_mo

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gab

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