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Oh yeah, definitely... those Caddys were beauties, but I always steered clear because of those head gasket woes. I know there was a reason someone here locally had a LIKE NEW 1997 DeVille for $700. They said it had a head gasket blown... then I heard it was like $4000 to repair... I was no longer interested.
I agree... the Park Avenue has always been a nice car... even the 1985-90 Park Avenue had been rated one of the more reliable American cars back then. The 1991s became even better. I had a 1992 Park Avenue and it was a solid and safe car. It had about 190K on it, but it did still run really good.
Quote:
Originally Posted by bmwguydc
One very important reason as to why the Northstar Cadillacs have depreciated quickly is because of the tendency for head gasket issues,
A Park Avenue might be the best buy of the breed, though, as it has the 3800 engine, later models were pretty safe with side-impact airbags, and its fuel economy is pretty respectable for a vehicle in its size class. Park Avenues also had a high level of standard equipment, and few options. Insurance is also pretty inexpensive, as it's not a theft target or a race car.
I have had numerous DeVilles/DHS/DTS, Town Cars, STS, and Park Avenues/Bonnevilles as rental cars, and they were always pretty decent highway cruisers.
the Town Car drivers I see are almost exclusively livery drivers, and absolutely no executive types. Even the grandpas and grandmas have moved on to Camrys and Avalons.
A few weeks ago, I was walking across the street from one shopping area to another and saw 3 Town Cars (not a taxi or livery) within 10 minutes. They are being bought by private owners!
There are 2 (not including mine) Town Cars in my immediate neighborhood.
The car companies blew it when they quit offering these rides in 2 door models. But yes, they ride great, very reliable (better than the touted import brands like toyota, mercedes, etc.,) and usually have great fit and finish.
It's funny as hell when "kids" go on a trip with you and realize they are in comfort and the thing gets every bit as good of gas milage as their unsafe little junk from toyota or whatever brand.
I have a couple "grandpa" cars. They serve a very specific purpose... absolute comfort. They are the perfect cruising machines and are the most effortless vehicles you will ever drive. They sit in the garage most of the time while the other vehicles do the daily driving but when I am going to take a long trip or just want to be pampered... thats when they come out.
Many people dislike these kinds of automobiles mainly because they are limited to owning one or two vehicles and they would rather have something that is good all around. NOT ME, I need a vehicle for each individual application. But... thats just me. Wouldn't have it any other way.
Have you seen how much there is in aftermarket suspension parts avalible? You make 1 of these still ride great but corner as well as a new mustang, camaro, or challenger. Now if they were avalible as a 2 door!
I believe these types of vehicles have a place in our society but the definition of "grandpa car" seems to be changing a bit with the times. I live in the Senior Citizen Capital of the World during winter and after being here for over 10 years, I have a pretty good idea of what many senior citizens drive. Granted the retirees flocking to the Valley are usually on the middle to higher end of the wealth spectrum. Here are about 10 "grandpa cars" that I see many elderly couples in:
Cadillac DTS
http://media.dealerskins.com/carspecs2002/Photos/JATOCOLOR400/CADILLAC%5CDTS%5C2010%5C4SA98U.jpg (broken link)
Toyota Avalon
Lexus ES350
Lexus LS460
Lexus RX350
Lincoln Town Car
Toyota Prius
Chevrolet Impala
http://www.edmunds.com/pictures/VEHICLE/2011/Chevrolet/2011.chevrolet.impala.20340280-396x249.jpg (broken link)
Ford Taurus
Buick Lucerne
These seem to be the majority of cars I see the seniors down here driving of course then you have your random assortment of minivans (which seem to be becoming less popular) as well as big trucks for pulling these big fifth wheels. Of course you have pockets of seniors that break the mold but I'd say this list would be correct for a good majority.
I believe these types of vehicles have a place in our society but the definition of "grandpa car" seems to be changing a bit with the times. I live in the Senior Citizen Capital of the World during winter and after being here for over 10 years, I have a pretty good idea of what many senior citizens drive. Granted the retirees flocking to the Valley are usually on the middle to higher end of the wealth spectrum. Here are about 10 "grandpa cars" that I see many elderly couples in:
Funny, I didn't think of the Lexus RX as a 'grandpa car'. All kinds of people drive those where I live. I always thought my Grand Marquis to fit into this category too .
Funny, I didn't think of the Lexus RX as a 'grandpa car'. All kinds of people drive those where I live. I always thought my Grand Marquis to fit into this category too .
Oh don't get me wrong, I don't either. It's just an observation that many senior citizens seem to be driving them nowadays, crossovers are overtaking mini-vans in my view. There's a few big churches in Mesa where all the seniors seem to congregate every Sunday and last year I was going to meet my parents and aunt and uncle for breakfast after church was through (I'm not holy enough to be allowed in...holy water burns my skin). I decided to drive through the parking lot during church and saw quite a few RX330/RX350's with out-of-state plates.
My inlaws have a Buick and I hate driving it. Feels like a sofa on wheels. Totally disconnected from the road. If I want to sit in a sofa, I will do it at home.
Have you seen how much there is in aftermarket suspension parts avalible? You make 1 of these still ride great but corner as well as a new mustang, camaro, or challenger. Now if they were avalible as a 2 door!
That is true. For only a few grand B-Bodies and Panthers in particular can be turned into very nimble machines. For example the cult following of the Impala SS, 9C1 and the Marauders/P71s.
My issue with most of these "grandpa" cars are the front benches and limited seat adjustment. At 6'4" I have a real hard time finding a comfortable driving position given the very limited adjustment. On the other hand, the back seats are very comfy.
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). I decided to drive through the parking lot during church and saw quite a few RX330/RX350's with out-of-state plates.
