Buying Advice on '99 ETC
 

Hey,

I'm new to the forum and thinking about buying my first Caddy. A 1999 Eldorado ETC has caught my eye, but I'm not certain about the price. It's a California car with 94,000+ miles. Two owners. Carfax shows it was regularly serviced through 75,000 miles.Key options are indash CD player andsun roof.Exterior and interior are both in very goodto excellent condition for the age of the car. I've had it inspected by a mechanic ata local Cadillac dealership and been toldthe rack and pinion is leaking and needs to be replaced at some point,right rear CV leak, leaking AC hose, and the power antenna isn't going up.I've got an offer of $6,500.00 on the table,but the dealer is holding out for $7,000.00. Taxes and fees will drop another $800.00 on that. My question is, are the mechanical issues enough that I should walk away from the car rather than kick in the $500.00 difference, or does it sould like a reasoable price?

Thanks in advance forany help.

-charlie

RE: Buying Advice on '99 ETC
 

If they are are going to fix all the items, it might be a good buy, otherwise forget it. How are the tires? Also there has been an issue with using dex-cool antifreeze, the metal cooling hoses perforate, then leak, I had this issue with 2 caddys, 97 and 98. ($700 job.) Also check the maint records for timing belt, water pump, these are about to go. Also check to see if all recalls have been addressed.

RE: Buying Advice on '99 ETC
 

The tires have at least 80% tread. Maintenance records are incomplete. Not sure about the recalls. I'll see what I can find out.
Thanks.

RE: Buying Advice on '99 ETC
 

Did a quick check on Motortrend and a couple other sites: no recalls ever issued on the '99 Eldo.

RE: Buying Advice on '99 ETC
 

If your in or living Cali, a Ca. car does't mean anything nor add a premium. The Quote "Ca,Az,Tx, or Southern car" only should earn a premium in the "Rust Belt" areas of the northern US and Canada. The repairs mentioned can easily set you back 1k. I suggest offer to the 7k only if they know issues are corrected, or walk away.You may find a better or equally nice car for alot less.

RE: Buying Advice on '99 ETC
 

That was pretty much my thinking.I felt like $6,500 was, if anything, a high offer and that they're just trying to squeeze me becausethey know I have a stiffy for this specific car. Wanted some help because I'm just trying to get a handle on the market. I'm also looking at a 2002 ETC, loaded with everything but sunroof and multi-CD changer, with 54,000+ miles. It's at a Cali Caddy dealership with an asking price of just under $19,000. Based on what I'm seeing these '99-'02 Eldos go for on Ebay, that looks insanely high. Assuming it passes inspection, any feelings on the true market value for a car like that?

RE: Buying Advice on '99 ETC
 

The 02 ETC - only if its a Red Collectors Edition - one of a little over 500 cars. IMO the coolest of the modern Eldos.

RE: Buying Advice on '99 ETC
 

Thanks, slowroll. Any opinion on the market for that 2002 if it's black on black? I get the sense that even with the low miles that car isn't going for more than $12,000-$13,000. That sound about right?

RE: Buying Advice on '99 ETC
 

My '02 ETC White Diamond with Moon Roof and 64K miles was about that back in August. I agree with Slowroll, if you can find an '02 Collectors Edition that is the coolest. Only 1500 made.

RE: Buying Advice on '99 ETC
 

That 2002 ETC you mentioned shouldn't go for more than $14,000 max unless if the salesmen at the dealership really sucker someone into paying that or more. For the 1999 ETC, you should be able to get it a little less than $6,000 if you know how to bargain, of course only after you lower it more if they sell it to you as is and don't fix any of the things wrong with it.