I am looking to buy my first Cadillac, and have found 2 that interest me. They are both the same price, and both in similar condition from the pics I've seen complete and driveable but they need tlc). They are both the same distance from me, but are almost 2 hours away in different directions. I am asking for opinions on which is considered the better car, the 1980 Fleetwood Brougham Sedan or the the 1985 Fleetwood Sedan? Also, is there anything I should be looking for when I go to see the car, that should raise red flags or that would make it a more desirable car?

V/r
Chris

 

I'm partial to 1980 since I had one but, 1980 had the C4 carborator(early computor) and can be touchy, the 368 or 6liter engine was fairly good design. I don't know the 1985 engines but there were stinkers to beware of.
Looks wise the 80-92 are one of my favorite designs. My 1980 reached 320k miles and collapsed, I didn't feel it was worth restoring since I spent enough money and time on it thru its life.
I now have a 1996 limo but still appreciate some of the designs that the 1980 has. Don't like the huge dash in 1996 because they brought the A/C system inside the car
instead of leaving in the engine compartment like 1980.
I fought for several years with my C4 carb til I discovered what was ailing it. The constant oscillating fuel/air solenoid wears ever so slightly and appears to running ok then suddenly sticks.
If the metering solenoid assembly still available, change it, well worth the time if carb gets rebuilt.
Or course the older the car the more worn everything is, since there is only 5 years and it's 2019 don't think it will be as critical.
Enjoy