Joyride Pick of The Day: 2000 Cadillac Deville

Once upon a time, Cadillacs still were large and in charge. This 2000 Cadillac Deville with the 4.6 V8 Northstar is here to remind you of that time. The car is for auction in San Jose, CA

This one is all complete, has keys, runs and drives and comes with a clean title. Furthermore the car has a personalized plate, so you know it has been loved. The car is straight, no bumps or dents on the body. Paint still shines, and the engine in the video is quiet.

However, buyer, beware.

The 4.6 V8 Northstar engine, commonly found in Cadillac vehicles, has had a few common failure points reported by owners and mechanics. Here are some of the most notable ones:

1. Head Gasket Failure: This issue has been a major concern with the Northstar engine. The head gaskets may fail, leading to coolant leakage into the cylinders or oil passages. Symptoms include overheating, coolant loss, white smoke from the exhaust, or engine misfires.
2. Oil Leaks: The engine is known to develop oil leaks, particularly from the front and rear crankshaft seals, valve cover gaskets, or oil pan gasket. These leaks can result in oil consumption, engine performance issues, or the need for frequent oil top-ups.
3. Timing Chain Problems: Some Northstar engines have experienced timing chain tensioner failure, causing timing chain slippage or breakage. This can lead to severe engine damage if not addressed promptly.
4. Cooling System Concerns: The engine’s cooling system can be prone to issues such as water pump failure, coolant leaks from plastic components, or clogged radiator. These problems can result in overheating, which is detrimental to the engine’s overall health.
5. Electrical and Sensor Failures: Some owners have reported issues with the engine’s electrical components, including malfunctioning sensors. Faulty sensors can lead to inaccurate readings, affecting engine performance and fuel efficiency.

This one seems running OK and only has 120,000 miles approx. I would roll the dice here and perhaps bid $2500. What do you think? This one starts the online auction this Friday.