Why did the the CAR WIZARD buy a Cadillac with a Northstar V8?!?

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  • Опубліковано 5 жов 2024

КОМЕНТАРІ • 1,4 тис.

  • @Travis17013
    @Travis17013 4 роки тому +219

    I wish the Car Wizard was my mechanic. He's always so calm and collected. Not pushy like most mechanics. He's like the Mister Rogers of auto mechanics.

    • @ChoPi-Eww
      @ChoPi-Eww 4 роки тому +12

      Or Bob Ross of mechanics

    • @bilbobaggins4710
      @bilbobaggins4710 4 роки тому +7

      He should wear a sweater

    • @wickedmuffin76
      @wickedmuffin76 3 роки тому +9

      @@ChoPi-Eww "ooh, tiny leak there, just needs a happy little gasket to make it all better" lol

    • @lowerdragoon
      @lowerdragoon 3 роки тому +2

      @@wickedmuffin76 lmfao

    • @93redcamaroz28
      @93redcamaroz28 3 роки тому +3

      Yeah but I bet his labor hours are dealership high or more

  • @muskokamike127
    @muskokamike127 4 роки тому +344

    one thing about oil leaks: if they are bad enough they constantly coat the bottom of your car in oil to prevent rust lol.....

    • @AriaPosting
      @AriaPosting 4 роки тому +26

      also prevents stuck bolts in the engine bay. Made changing a battery a lot easier.

    • @zacharyszypica-au1840
      @zacharyszypica-au1840 4 роки тому +17

      So that must be why a guy I know left the oil cap off his civic, well I guess the pools of oil above his shocks should stop rust there, and well everywhere else.

    • @paystyles5429
      @paystyles5429 4 роки тому +2

      Zachary Szypica loo

    • @nnnf467
      @nnnf467 4 роки тому +10

      And has a self changing oil system as you remember to top it off every week.

    • @muskokamike127
      @muskokamike127 4 роки тому +10

      @@nnnf467 hahah I had a 1970 dodge dart with the 225 slant six. Someone asked me once: how often do you do an oil change? I said "every 3 weeks or so" lol.....it leaks and burns so much oil it is completely replaced by the third week. When I pull into a gas station I tell them to check the gas and fill it with oil lol (this was back when most stations were full service)

  • @Jmdp.94
    @Jmdp.94 4 роки тому +80

    It's great to see honest mechanics like you expose the high costs of dealers even when a repair isn't needed.
    My dad's a mechanic himself and he's always maintained the cars at home running strong, and I remember a few years ago, he replaced the front struts on his car and the next day he took it to the dealer for an alignment and one of the mechanics there took a quick look inside the front fenders and said that the suspension needed replacing! 😂
    You could just imagine how embarassed he got when dad told him, "Replace what? These struts are brand new, I installed them yesterday! I'm only here for an alignment."

  • @blumobean
    @blumobean 3 роки тому +4

    Cadillac made changes to the Northstar over the years, and eventually made a fairly dependable engine. My sister bought a used low mileage DTS with a Northstar, super nice car at a very good price. About 3 years after she purchased the car the hot light came on. She immediately stopped the engine and had it towed to her regular shop. In a few minutes they quoted her $4000 to repair the car. They said "blown head gasket" and they would just put a used engine in it. She immediately called me and I went right over. She told me she never smelled anything, the car ran fine before, that the temp gage went up like a rocket. I went out and started the car ( check oil and water first). The car ran fine of 20 minutes with normal temp. Drove the car to my sons garage and replaced the temp sensor. No more problems.
    Moral of the story: some shops are crooks.
    My father made an excellent living in HVAC and his motto was: if you can't make an honest living in repair business, then you need to find another line of work. There is too much stuff broken for you to have to lie.

  • @phenomanII
    @phenomanII 4 роки тому +181

    Wow, the production quality keeps getting better and better!
    The audio is amazing and that light on the camera is absolutely perfect. Thank you for improving this content even though it isn't your main source of income.

  • @NoNonsenseKnowHow
    @NoNonsenseKnowHow 4 роки тому +16

    While I'm not a huge fan of the Northstar, I have to admit they drive pretty damn smooth when they are maintained properly!

  • @greekster97
    @greekster97 4 роки тому +69

    Really enjoyed that you included working on the car in this video

  • @raspucin70
    @raspucin70 4 роки тому +51

    "Dont buy this Caddy...I dont want prices to go up" Shrewd, Wizard. Shrewd ;)

  • @mikecastellon4545
    @mikecastellon4545 4 роки тому +437

    My mechanic refers to these as “deathstar” engines

    • @mattbrawner7888
      @mattbrawner7888 4 роки тому +22

      I got 170k out of my 95 sts. The transmission is what failed.

    • @StruggleGarage
      @StruggleGarage 4 роки тому +13

      @@mattbrawner7888 Same for my 94 SLS. It went to 150k miles and the Viscous Torque converter clutch started to let go over the period of 1k miles.Loved that car tho.

    • @ls6-ss413
      @ls6-ss413 4 роки тому +14

      @@StruggleGarage 1994 eldorado, got it from my father at 160,000. Went to 198,000 when my wife took on a giant curb at the school. Almost ripped the subframe out. She still ran and drove.

    • @joshuaowens4797
      @joshuaowens4797 4 роки тому +15

      The LH2 which was the last Northstar had none of these problems.

    • @ironmonkey1512
      @ironmonkey1512 4 роки тому +13

      these early alloy engines were not forgiving if overheated. I suspect many of these issues were from lack of care.

  • @badopinionsrighthere
    @badopinionsrighthere 4 роки тому +48

    That's not an oil pan leak that's a self-extruded rust inhibitive coating.

  • @KenMrKLC
    @KenMrKLC 4 роки тому +45

    My uncle bought one of these new in 93... Drove it for 9 years 115k miles with zero issues, just one set of tires, brakes, oil changes and a battery. We saw it about 5 years ago with almost 200k on it still running great. Never had headgaskets done

    • @jjhrrsn7951
      @jjhrrsn7951 4 роки тому +7

      Only one set of tires with 115k and 9 years? Yikes

    • @chrishollander5335
      @chrishollander5335 4 роки тому +3

      JJ HRRSN I think he meant he only changed them once which if youre conservative makes sense

    • @afa304
      @afa304 4 роки тому +4

      JJ HRRSN I park my car outside in harsh Colorado and Arizona. I just replaced my tires after 5 years and 90,000 miles. 115k and 9 years isn’t that unobtainable.

    • @KenMrKLC
      @KenMrKLC 4 роки тому +3

      @@jjhrrsn7951 One set of additional tires.... so 2 sets total

    • @NYKgjl10
      @NYKgjl10 4 роки тому +3

      I ride my "97" Caddy Eldorado and still running strong after 105,000 plus miles driving it from southern California to Vegas and back. Another key notes that I do is every7-9 months annual check up for the car to keep it in good standard.

  • @matthewlibanio8227
    @matthewlibanio8227 4 роки тому +1

    We purchased a 1985 VW Vanagon Westfalia. It has needed about 5k in a completely rebuilt transmission and exhaust and other wear and tear repairs. She has been absolutely reliable, which as Vanagons go, is a minor miracle. Our family loves it so much and we are fortunate the Previous owner Michael and Kay were such loving previous owners. Unfortunately, Kay was terminally ill and wanted it sold to a loving family. Guess we fit the bill. We are so lucky to be the second owners. Bless you Kay and your wonderful soul, and Michael you are an incredible and wonderful man.

  • @themilsurpnerd9896
    @themilsurpnerd9896 4 роки тому +116

    You and South Main Auto are the two most honest and reliable mechanics I've ever seen, would love to give either my business if I didn't live so far out in GA!

    • @johnp556
      @johnp556 4 роки тому +4

      Most informative at showing how to diagnose too.

    • @christopherhamilton5557
      @christopherhamilton5557 4 роки тому +10

      Love South Main Auto channel as well!!!

    • @digitalrailroader
      @digitalrailroader 4 роки тому +5

      if i remember correctly, his diagnosis of a Chevrolet impala that had a P0446 helped me diagnose the exact same code in my Chevrolet Aveo (it was the Fuel Tank Pressure Sensor)

    • @pfsantos007
      @pfsantos007 4 роки тому +3

      My favorite two also.

    • @robc8468
      @robc8468 4 роки тому +2

      Motor city Mechanic is also very honest in his videos but he only does Mopar.

  • @sequoiablackwood
    @sequoiablackwood 4 роки тому +1

    I had a 96 El Dorado and I never had any serious problems and gave it to a friend who was very kind to me in 2010. Only ever needed a starting motor and solenoid B came out of place. Fortunately, I didn't have any head gasket issues nor overheating. I used it for midwest city and highway driving around Missouri, Kansas, Arkansas, Iowa mainly. The Northstar was pretty reliable and the torque was great for me. The paint was beautiful throughout. I guess I dodged a bullet.

  • @garfixit
    @garfixit 4 роки тому +167

    The video and audio is high quality and the content is just as good your honesty is making you look like the most reliable mechanic. It's true if you can do it yourself the car is worth it nice car. I wish you could service my vehicles I would trust you. I'm doing a oil change on my wife's car today. You look good bald👍your wife is good with the camera 📹

  • @hkk3656
    @hkk3656 4 роки тому +7

    I've had problems with some dealers and some independent shops. Some honest, some dishonest. I was an auto mechanic for 15 years and moved into a different profession. These youtube videos are great for people without much mechanical knowledge. If you find an honest dealer or shop stick with them. I was always honest with people. It's hard work and when the day is done you've got tools to clean and also yourself.

  • @jimo680
    @jimo680 Рік тому +8

    I always loved those cars. I was going to be a next gen Cadillac guy but gave up on Cadillac. Such a shame that they never chose to improve or fix their issues. I feel like they sold us out. I gave up waiting for them and moved on to Lexus. BTW, I picked up a low miles Buick 3.8 v6 for $2500 thanks to you. Changed the plenum and lower manifold gasket. Great daily driver with no car payment 😁I'm saving up for a nice lexus to drive mom during her last years. Much thanks to you and Mrs wizard. If you ever get rid of that bad boy, let me know 😉

    • @steveswell1
      @steveswell1 10 місяців тому

      I kept my '04 Seville since most of the bugs had been worked out, but still drive an '01 Lexus LS430...nothing like that on the road. :)

  • @Mtechthewise
    @Mtechthewise 4 роки тому +13

    Glad you are recycling this beautiful car, I look forward to seeing you give us updates on how it performs as your daily ride.

  • @alanabarca8112
    @alanabarca8112 4 роки тому +11

    Wow. I just binged on Wizard's magic. Good stuff. I appreciate an honest, down to earth wrenching channel. Keep it up! Watching from College Station, TX

  • @Czechbound
    @Czechbound 4 роки тому +11

    That extra camera light is a really great improvement !! Well done Mrs. Wizard. Greetings from Praha, CZ

  • @thedementedmussolinifjb3218
    @thedementedmussolinifjb3218 4 роки тому +131

    Its a gorgeous car that still looks good 26 years later.

    • @sienile
      @sienile 4 роки тому +6

      Caddy's are pretty pieces of shit for sure.

  • @NorthstarAutomotive
    @NorthstarAutomotive 4 роки тому +9

    I love the 93-97 Seville STS as well. My 96 went 265k before the HG's leaked. I will be studding it once I get a lift.

  • @mmontagart
    @mmontagart 4 роки тому +16

    Beautiful car. Great deal for a master mechanic. Tyler had your back on this one!

  • @John_O_Maoilearca
    @John_O_Maoilearca 4 роки тому +14

    Car Wizard: Just bought a Cadillac Seville.
    Scotty Kilmer: Ennnndless Money Pit!
    (Just imagine those two presenting a show together!)

  • @charlesblack9748
    @charlesblack9748 4 роки тому +12

    I remember when I had to start shaving my head. I felt the same way about comb overs. As Long as Mrs. Wizard likes it, you are just fine

  • @acemobile9806
    @acemobile9806 4 роки тому +1

    Same thing a few years ago. 1988 Benz 420 SEL, 78,000 miles in the champagne gold exterior/palomino interior color combo. Bought it sight unseen from a widow in Palm Beach, FL for $7600. Still had the factory R12 in the a/c system & all I ever did was redo all the idle air hoses & vacuum lines & replaced 1 vacuum tee to the central locking system. I've redone the zebrano wood trim pieces to get rid of that fake plastic look, put a set of turbine style 18" rims & did the euro lamps front & back. Finest car I've ever owned. Far more character than the new ones & gets just as many looks.
    W126 for life!!!

  • @ginjuice4681
    @ginjuice4681 4 роки тому +11

    Nice Video, great Cadillac save. I am sure the previous owner would approve of your care of the Church Cadillac.

  • @klwthe3rd
    @klwthe3rd 4 роки тому +91

    Why don't you repair the motor with the NorthStar Performance kit before it blows and it would make good video content. I would like to see you do the repair.

    • @klwthe3rd
      @klwthe3rd 4 роки тому +3

      @Mr. TA Alot of the time though the head or block does get warped in the process.

    • @carlossantiago8321
      @carlossantiago8321 4 роки тому +6

      @Markus Patients not on our daily drivers, wife's car gets fixed immediately.

    • @daniellopez2239
      @daniellopez2239 4 роки тому +5

      He doesn't do repairs. He just talks shit.

    • @starxlr7863
      @starxlr7863 4 роки тому +1

      The Northstar performance kit is only for when the engine needs rebuilt. The 93-95 engines here are excellent when running the green coolant as opposed to Dexcool that came out in 1996. That is when all the problems started.

    • @TeeroyHammermill
      @TeeroyHammermill 4 роки тому +1

      >Kenneth: It might not have head gasket issues til 150,000mi. It's only got 66,000 on it now.

  • @NicholasTranscends
    @NicholasTranscends 4 роки тому +15

    Hello wizard! I'm very sick and you have really helped my mood with your awesome content! I'm proud of you for living your dreams! I hope for you and yours health and happiness! Love the caddy. She's a time capsule. Good call to purchase it in my opinion

    • @CarWizard
      @CarWizard  4 роки тому +14

      NicholasTranscends With whatever it is that ails you, I wish you a speedy recovery if its possible. Many thanks and prayers for you.

    • @markwing05
      @markwing05 4 роки тому +3

      Hope you get well soon! More happy car videos are always a great booster!

    • @NicholasTranscends
      @NicholasTranscends 4 роки тому +2

      I'm better now! Your wizard Ness is salvaltion! Hahah

  • @Lasertrac
    @Lasertrac 4 роки тому +2

    Wizard, I appreciate your honesty and yet candid approach. I am truly lucky to have a mechanic of your same stature here. Been going to him for 25 yrs. I look forward to your videos especially "buy this, not that" segments. Keep up the great work. I hope junior mint appreciates his apprenticeship with you. Hopefully habits formed with you will stick with him.

  • @michaelbaka4777
    @michaelbaka4777 4 роки тому +6

    Oil seeping? I've had good luck just snugging the bolts up. Gaskets dry out, causing the seep. Snug 'em and that will fix it......most of the time. I think you got a gem there; good luck with it, Wee-zard!!

  • @JerryDLTN
    @JerryDLTN 4 роки тому +27

    7:06 this reminds me of a time i took my car to a dealership to get the oil changed...they told me I had a freon leak and that I "better fix it". I said no, not for the cost they wanted to charge me. They said "you need to fix it. Freon is bad for the environment and that if you don't fix it, we're going to have to report you to the EPA". LOL

    • @stephenreed3381
      @stephenreed3381 4 роки тому +1

      So... Did they ever report you? XD

    • @ramaporiver803
      @ramaporiver803 4 роки тому +1

      Did the freon police come arrest you ?

    • @Salpeteroxid
      @Salpeteroxid 4 роки тому

      I hear that in Cartmans voice lol!

    • @daveyco
      @daveyco 4 роки тому +4

      @@ramaporiver803 He was arrested, but is now freon bail

    • @Captain_Jack514
      @Captain_Jack514 4 роки тому

      A small leak is normal. Otherwise the pressure builds up in the compressor and it will blow.

  • @bazzle592
    @bazzle592 4 роки тому +3

    I'm happy that you bought this car to give it the life it deserves - it's a beautiful car and it's in such good condition that it would be a shame to total it when the head bolts eventually let loose.

  • @no-damn-alias
    @no-damn-alias 4 роки тому

    I like your calm and settled way of talking. Very comforting and makes people trust you.
    Give the car an undercoating but on a wax basis

  • @joddtoward442
    @joddtoward442 4 роки тому +31

    If you ever do take apart the engine to replace the valve gaskets, will you make a full video about it? I honesty won't mind if its an hour or so long.

  • @dg98adams
    @dg98adams 4 роки тому +2

    Coworker had one with starter problems... found the ground cable from frame to block below AC was loose/corroded. He fixed that then it started to overheat before he sold it.... 80k miles

    • @starxlr7863
      @starxlr7863 4 роки тому

      Could have been as simple as either the purge line or the water pump tensioner which I've gone through a few times in the past.

  • @roberth7894
    @roberth7894 4 роки тому +24

    That diamond white was always a great color, hard to beat even today.

  • @MaximRick
    @MaximRick 4 роки тому +11

    Moral of the story. Got Tyler to give you a perfectly good car under the assumption it would need repairs that it won't actually need :P

  • @Browningate
    @Browningate 4 роки тому +9

    Good find! I prefer the Eldorado from this generation, but the Sevilles are always neat to see as well.

  • @mr5stars254
    @mr5stars254 4 роки тому +1

    Car Wizard , “YOU ARE THE BEST”!!!!!! please keep us updated on this Cadillac , how it rides,and if you are going to put undercoating rust protection now that it’s up north in the snow. Thank you

  • @greco37
    @greco37 4 роки тому +140

    Best of all it was garaged or the Florida sun would’ve turned that interior to dust a long time ago .

    • @CommodoreFan64
      @CommodoreFan64 4 роки тому +10

      Yep, and what seems to be have been a decently climate controlled garage at that, as I'm not too far from FLA up here in western central SC, and I've got an elder neighbor who just a couple of years ago got ride of an 05 Cadillac Deville for a then new 2017 Toyota Camry, that was always kept in her garage, and it had way more rust then this thing from what I saw the time I helped her out a few months before she got rid of it putting her spare tire on.

    • @johnp556
      @johnp556 4 роки тому +8

      The rain and sun annihilate roof paint here too in just a couple of years, frequent rain and rain droplets become a magnifying glass for the sun. Grandma's church cars are a dime a dozen here. If you like 3800 v6 GM cars, they're all over the place here cheap,with low miles.

    • @CommodoreFan64
      @CommodoreFan64 4 роки тому +2

      @@johnp556 I have a feeling in another decade SC will be the same way with it becoming the next retirement boom state after Fla. I work for a non profit for seniors for a living, and have done as such for the last 15 years, and have many clients who have moved from up north here due to the weather being overall nicer, and the state just being overall cheaper to live in. So Grandma's church cars will for sure be flooding the market here, but I have a feeling it will be more Toyota's than Caddies, Ford's, or Lincolns.

    • @johnp556
      @johnp556 4 роки тому +2

      They're available, saw a little old lady driving a 2000ish corolla the other day, paint was perfect, that thing was mint.

    • @CommodoreFan64
      @CommodoreFan64 4 роки тому +1

      @@johnp556 Yep don't drive them hard, keep the maintenancem up on them, and most Toyota's will last a good long time for sure. My elder aunt has a 99 corolla, and the only reason she is replacing it is because she wants something newer, drives/rides fine except a few minor things like a broken door handle from age, and front light out again from age.

  • @jesdadotcom
    @jesdadotcom 4 роки тому +16

    As an auto enthusiast I rarely own cars I'd recommend. That explains my ownership of:
    Range Rover
    Several Northstar Cadillacs
    Modern BMWs

    • @Salpeteroxid
      @Salpeteroxid 4 роки тому +1

      I love the late 90's like 98 and up STS but I'm so sad it has the Northstar V8. I'm not a car mechanic but train mechanic without a garage so I drive a Volvo V70 2.5T 98. I highly recommend first gen V70 with Turbo.

    • @starxlr7863
      @starxlr7863 4 роки тому

      @@Salpeteroxid Why are you so sad they have the Northstar V8, you should be happy about it that its not the HT4100! By the way the Volvo's are good cars and just as good as the Cadillac's.

    • @Salpeteroxid
      @Salpeteroxid 4 роки тому +2

      @@starxlr7863 Northstar V8 have issues with headbolt separations and it's basically not worth repairing. I regard Volvo the highest when it comes to mileage. 500 000km is not really rare to find here in Sweden.

    • @starxlr7863
      @starxlr7863 4 роки тому +1

      @@Salpeteroxid Head bolt separations is directly caused by the coolant used in the cooling system. That's always been the case with Cadillac's going back to the 50s when new coolants were being introduced. When the cooling system is properly maintained there is no problems to worry about. I own several Northstar V8 Cadillac's and none of them ever had an issue or were ever rebuilt. Two of them are very high mileage. Unfortunately in the United States, people get too wasteful and dump cars before the 100k mark. In Europe it is opposite, but the europeans do know how to properly maintain cars like they all should be over here.

    • @Salpeteroxid
      @Salpeteroxid 4 роки тому +1

      @@starxlr7863 Yeah, I'm Swedish and here a 100k mile car or 160k km car isn't even considered old and most of them in mint condition.

  • @AJGreen-cn8kk
    @AJGreen-cn8kk 4 роки тому +7

    Great buy for the $2500 you paid Tyler! Could be one of the nicest old Caddies I've seen. You'll really enjoy driving this.

    • @mattg7952
      @mattg7952 4 роки тому +2

      I bought a 99 Deville with 116k for 450$. Nothing wrong with it except a burned out cluster, 40$ fix.

    • @AJGreen-cn8kk
      @AJGreen-cn8kk 4 роки тому +1

      @@mattg7952 Damn, those deals don't come along every day. Way to go.

  • @JamesDavidWalley
    @JamesDavidWalley 4 роки тому +7

    This video makes me want to go out and find one of these beauties myself…then I remember that I'm not an experienced mechanic with my own fully-equipped shop…

    • @whitephillip6997
      @whitephillip6997 Рік тому

      I'm getting one rn regardless... pray for me 🙏!

  • @int53185
    @int53185 4 роки тому +8

    I did my sway bar links in the driveway! I used a 18mm wrench on the flats.

    • @Pube83
      @Pube83 4 роки тому +2

      James Last
      Right. $200 bucks, yikes!

  • @69Dartman
    @69Dartman 4 роки тому +1

    Well certainly do the head stud upgrade that you already have and whatever other improvements are included with the kit when it starts to get sketchy and you'll never have to worry about it again. You'll be doing the valve cover gaskets at that point anyway and you can decide if you want to pull the engine out to freshen everything else up. It's so much easier when you have lifts and air tools and everything else you have as a pro shop. I paid to have the rear main seal done on my Neon because it would be so much worse trying to do it in my driveway in January years ago. Best 300 bucks I ever spent even if the part was less than 30 bucks. When you leave a large puddle every time you sit at a light it's time fix it.

  • @KYoss68
    @KYoss68 4 роки тому +6

    OMG I needed that tool so bad when i was replacing the turbo in my Passat.

  • @boduke9428
    @boduke9428 4 роки тому +2

    I'm one of the few that love these Northstar engines. Back in the nineties they were the ultimate engines for a sand rail or buggy. All aluminum and pretty easy to get plenty of power from. Plus being from a front wheel drive vehicle mounting it between the rear wheels worked great. You were the man back then rolling up at the dunes with one of these strapped between the tires. Watching this makes me wanna build another buggy. Only thing stopping me is Polaris and other manufacturers are doing such a great job building high performance side by sides now. It would be near impossible to build a buggy that could perform as good as my current XP turbo or Yamaha XYZ. At least not for an all around toy, for sand only it would be a blast. Too bad it's almost a 12 hour drive to the nearest decent dunes from me and we only get out there once a year.

    • @steveswell1
      @steveswell1 10 місяців тому +1

      Absolute. You can always tell a "Northie" out on the dunes....whaaaaa.....whaaaaaaaaaaa! :)

  • @tupacshakurfourlife
    @tupacshakurfourlife 4 роки тому +47

    Hey wizard, would you consider making a video on how to find a reputable mechanic?

    • @CarWizard
      @CarWizard  4 роки тому +44

      Sgt Whiskers Great Idea!

    • @Tool0GT92
      @Tool0GT92 4 роки тому +14

      Become your own reliable mechanic.

    • @Cohiba2
      @Cohiba2 4 роки тому +1

      My two suggestions are ask around others experiences with who ever is in your area. You will either find a ton of horror stories or praise. No place is without some disgruntled person, no one likes to take a vehicle in and find something you through was minor or benign costs 4k to fix. Also get two quotes most good places won't charge you to quote, some will charge that 65 or 100 diagnostic fee, but who tries to do just the job and who tries to up-sell you on tons of crap like valve cover gaskets you might not need. Mine did point out on my POS all the stuff soon to fail, said didn't need to be done now but start planning on saving up to have X,Y, and Z done.

    • @lawnmowerdude
      @lawnmowerdude 4 роки тому +3

      Tool0GT92 not everyone has the time to repair their daily driver.

    • @MattExzy
      @MattExzy 4 роки тому +1

      Get second opinions on everything. My former 'regular' mechanic for instance started to miss some critical things. He told me they "adjusted" my steering rack ends and that they'd need to be replace eventually. When the knocking grew louder, I took it to a place that specalises in steering - turned out the driver's side rack end was missing its lock nut, and also had a wrongly sized tie rod end installed. They said one fair whack would've possibly caused it to lose tracking/steering. They also sent me away with worn rear brake pads - later requiring a set of rotors and obviously pads. I had been going to them because a family member recommended them... but you can tell good from bad if they're patronising, or seem disinterested in you. Google reviews is also a thing now, that can help a lot.

  • @alpine1600s
    @alpine1600s 4 роки тому +1

    Cleanest Florida car I've seen. My mom had a Buick Century from about the same '90s era from a coastal area and you could tell. 😱

  • @AustrianAnarchy
    @AustrianAnarchy 4 роки тому +8

    7:00 that seepage might go away if you switch to a high-mileage formulation engine oil. Solved my slight drips with a 1996 Jeep XJ, 352,000 miles.

    • @eyesalooking
      @eyesalooking 4 роки тому +2

      All Jeeps mark their territory.

    • @mattg7952
      @mattg7952 4 роки тому

      Northstars use 5-20 if I remember correctly. The gaskets are moulded like o rings not flat with an upper and lower. They leak no matter what.

    • @kevin9c1
      @kevin9c1 4 роки тому

      @@mattg7952 5W-30. Later ones require synthetic (Mobil 1 factory fill just like a Corvette).

    • @mattg7952
      @mattg7952 4 роки тому

      @@kevin9c1 That's right, I didn't keep my caddy long enough to remember.

  • @Fabian-ok1vn
    @Fabian-ok1vn 4 роки тому

    i got an brand new 2009 STS V8 Northstar with only 9000km runned so far, no rain seen yet! Kinda happy to hear they fixed it after 2005 models in your last video about it, i hope i will have a looong happy life with my caddi!

  • @93fleetwood14
    @93fleetwood14 4 роки тому +3

    Love those mid 90s Cadillacs they're absolutely stunning I'm super jealous that one is beautiful I have a 94 myself n love it to death

    • @starxlr7863
      @starxlr7863 4 роки тому +1

      I agree as I love these myself. I was super jealous finding out when I saw Hoover's video when he bough it in Orlando FL. What I can't believe is that this '93 STS wasn't too far away from where I live here in Florida. And I am currently looking to buy a 90's STS to match my 2000 STS.

  • @JEFF_GOLD95
    @JEFF_GOLD95 4 роки тому

    My first car was a 97 Cadillac El Dorado with a north star engine with a battery drain issue. Still got me around and was the most comfortable car I’ve ever owned. One day i started the car and a Sound of a grill igniting came from under the dash. I Popped the hood and there were flames. Burnt the intake and a couple wires. Luckily I was in the market for a new car around that time. Decided to junk it. I still have the gold keys for the car. I miss it.

  • @danr1920
    @danr1920 4 роки тому +40

    I would think you might do more harm than good fixing all those "leaks". Most i'd do is clean off the oil.

    • @redguard2529
      @redguard2529 4 роки тому +9

      I'm sure he'll do the permanent fix for the studs which will require him to remove the engine. Fix the leaks then. Until then, you're right, clean.

    • @N1sm0NIC
      @N1sm0NIC 4 роки тому +3

      Kinda how I am with my car rn. Pretty sure my rear main seal is starting to go bad but the car drips so minimal oil (and only when I drive the car hard will it actually drip, cruising around will not make it leak) that I have decided to live with it until it pours quarts off. Till then, pop the dipstick out every few weeks and keep an eye where it's at. Thankfully when I do the oil change it still holds all 6 quarts that it takes in

    • @nakian5316
      @nakian5316 4 роки тому +2

      Just run a different oil

    • @Aseutester
      @Aseutester 4 роки тому +1

      @@nakian5316 Oil is for lubrication and cooling.
      Seals and Gaskets are for keeping oil in the engine.

  • @oldroscoe2590
    @oldroscoe2590 4 роки тому

    Thumbs up , because it's the hitch hiker sign, something most older Caddy owners might find handy.

  • @digitalrailroader
    @digitalrailroader 4 роки тому +6

    This is a beautifully preserved Seville; hopefully it will provide years of faithful service as the new WizardMobile!

  • @gonmad7073
    @gonmad7073 4 роки тому +1

    I have the SLS 2000 version with 190000 miles on it & it runs like a scalded dog! A few small leaks down below but the plugs stay looking like new. I have already done a total rebuild on an Allante Northstar engine using the stud kit from Northstar Performance & the results are worth it. Definitely NOT for the weekend driveway mechanic & you cannot rush through this job. Still overall results are very pleasing & when done you have a nice car to drive for another 100,000 miles. A few upgrades are a good idea & rewarding to own.

  • @Ryukushin
    @Ryukushin 4 роки тому +5

    What a gorgeous car, and completely mint, I can’t believe your luck/hoovies , knock on wood the engine will be ok if you do put those performance parts

  • @bigmike8847
    @bigmike8847 4 роки тому +2

    Hey Wizard! As a Florida resident I can confirm that we still have plenty of "Grandma's church cars" for sale. Just about everyone I know has had a car with that story, myself included.

  • @Pc118Gamer
    @Pc118Gamer 2 роки тому +5

    I worked on one at a shop recently. Beautiful car, quite a bit more power than the I4's I'm used to working on. Only problem was the battery placement, which made it very difficult to jump after it sat for a month

  • @kennethconnors5316
    @kennethconnors5316 4 роки тому +1

    you always give solid great advice, late NorthStar engines fixed most of the problems and always fun to drive and comfortable an excellent review

  • @cmr2079
    @cmr2079 4 роки тому +44

    Those head bolts should have been a recall. This is typical GM cheaping out.

    • @gundism
      @gundism 4 роки тому +5

      Yup it's a 100%GM move

    • @Cody6210
      @Cody6210 4 роки тому

      @Say less FWD

    • @Membrane556
      @Membrane556 4 роки тому +4

      Sometimes GM gets it right as with the 3800 and the LS family V8s but sometimes they do something just brain dead the head bolts on the Northstar and the Vega engine.

    • @-DC-
      @-DC- 4 роки тому +3

      GM=Genuinely Mediocre.

    • @birdwing98
      @birdwing98 4 роки тому +3

      Did GM extended the engine warranty to 100,000 miles? Isn't what we all want, a car that will last for 100,000 miles?

  • @AriaPosting
    @AriaPosting 4 роки тому +1

    I've been taking my old tdi to the dealership and they have been very reasonable with the few minor repairs it's needed. It leaks oil, tans fluid, and has JB weld holding the AC compressor in. The speedo also doesn't work. They haven't bugged me at all when I went to get the oil changed. They also replaced the shifter linkage, it wouldn't go into first gear most of the time. The said "hey it leaks oil" and I said "yeah I know" and they said "ok it's not a big deal". I guess it varies from dealer to dealer.

  • @thooke222
    @thooke222 4 роки тому +9

    I bet the deal went like this-
    Tyler: what will it cost to have you go over my Northstar?
    Wizard: no charge, you'll just have to give me the car. It's a money-pit liability waiting to happen.
    Tyler: deal

  • @mytwocents9974
    @mytwocents9974 3 роки тому

    I enjoy watching. My wife talked me into buying a 2006 GMC F250 Duramax with 315K miles. It was 3 years old at the time (2009). We put 75K miles on it over four years, so we took it to 400K. Then we sold it to her brother who is now over the 500K mark and is still driving it in 2020.

  • @tomlewis3658
    @tomlewis3658 4 роки тому +7

    So a nice car went to a good home. That's nice when it works out that way.

  • @UtterJ424
    @UtterJ424 4 роки тому +1

    i like how you indeirectly called out the big dealerships well done and i completely agree i never take mine to a dealership unless its a recall or warranty thing always take mine to a shop like yours

  • @towboatjeff
    @towboatjeff 4 роки тому +8

    You keep that car in good condition and I'd say it will be valuable one day since most of them get scrapped.

    • @CommodoreFan64
      @CommodoreFan64 4 роки тому +1

      Although in a year, or so I have feeling we will be seeing a video update of him having to pull the engine to do all the work they normally need done, but then again maybe I'm wrong, and this is one of the lucky few who have very few issues.

  • @garybrandenberger1099
    @garybrandenberger1099 4 роки тому

    Great choice, got one, 1999 Seville STS, Tropical Green, 90K km, runs so smooth, no mechanical problem, have power when needed, fuel efficient (on highway), just need regular service and some love. She will last forever.

  • @jjlegend3922
    @jjlegend3922 4 роки тому +4

    I was a little confused myself but I feel like most mechanics have a weird love for Northstar cars! Do you wizard! Love those cars. I wish I could fix a Northstar just so I could buy these Cadillacs

    • @voided3
      @voided3 4 роки тому +2

      Skilled mechanics are the ideal and most qualified owners of Northstar Cadillacs.

    • @jjlegend3922
      @jjlegend3922 4 роки тому

      @Randy Travis I'm not too mechanically inclined to be fair. I've only worked on a handful of engines. Chevy 350, 1.6 ecoboost, 7mge, and multiple old 7.3 idi diesels. (mechanical diesels(

  • @YensR
    @YensR 4 роки тому +2

    It's great that this wonderful car will be taken care of, thank you Wizard!

  • @briangreen6602
    @briangreen6602 4 роки тому +21

    Put some anti rust treatment on the underside of that and enjoy.

  • @john_milner
    @john_milner 4 роки тому

    The Car Wizard IS the Bob Ross of auto mechanics ...
    Many of these cars would have simply been junked in days gone by ... but as 'The Wizard' said, if you can do many of the repairs yourself then it's definitely worth keeping them going.
    Thanks to online forums, UA-cam & especially a channel like 'The Wizards', many of us are confident enough to maintain our vehicles ourselves ...
    I still have a good mechanic as a backup when advice is needed of I simply haven't got the tools, skills or knowledge ...
    My mechanic always says ... "what can't you fix?" when I turn up at his work shop ...

  • @iliaslamari7315
    @iliaslamari7315 4 роки тому +6

    _What's the biggest risk you've taken purchasing a car?_
    Well, when I was 16 I had only my moped license and so drove a 50cc scooter (I live in the Netherlands by-the-way)
    It started to become winter, and I wasn't liking it to drive my moped in trough the cold. So I went looking for a microcar (a car that only goes 45 km/h that you can drive with a moped license). Most of them I found in my price range where pretty ragged out (badly repainted, smashed up by teens). Then I found a pretty interesting one for really cheap. It had an electrical malfunction. (it didn't start or did after cranking it for way to long) Lights didn't work. If you slammed the door hard enough the engine died. Interior was bad, bumpers were messed up, one control arm was shot, tires where bad. *So if I couldn't solve it then I was screwed.* The previous owner already replaced the new battery, alternator and check for fuses and relays. I found the same car at the junkyard and took the glow (plug) relay with me (it was a 500cc 2 cylinder diesel). That didn't work. Then I needed to remove the battery because it was low and I wanted to charge it inside. After pulling it out I realized that the negative battery terminal was all corroded. Clean it up and stuck the recharged battery in it. This solved it, the guy how sold it to me said that I needed to give him a call if I would solve the malfunction. He was giving himself a hard time when he realized he messed up with replacing the battery....

  • @SouthSideSlider
    @SouthSideSlider 4 роки тому +1

    Based on the timing and story of this I think this is my grandparents old Cadillac. He loved that car. Fun fact I scratched the bumper when I was younger by running their golf cart into it when I was visiting as a kid.

  • @cglawrence
    @cglawrence 4 роки тому +6

    Ive had 2 2000 Cadillac dts. Loved those cars. absolutely timeless look

  • @MichaelThomas-be7gq
    @MichaelThomas-be7gq 3 роки тому

    My Dad gave me some of the best advice - find a good mechanic and stick with him through thick and thin. He was right. Brilliant video, great attitude on how to appraise an older car. It's definitely a keeper.

  • @AR-jx6wr
    @AR-jx6wr 4 роки тому +3

    You bought a driveway ornament.

  • @toddchappell4120
    @toddchappell4120 3 роки тому +1

    That’s the beauty of Florida cars! As long as they weren’t kept by the beach they tend to be very rot free! This one was probably kept in a garage as well to keep the sun damage down. As far as the little issues are concerned, when a car is this age, “Perfection is the Enemy of Good Enough!” 😸

  • @WBush-uc9pe
    @WBush-uc9pe 4 роки тому +4

    9:10 Only a *wizard* could rock wizard eyes! 8-D

  • @pfsantos007
    @pfsantos007 4 роки тому

    One tip for do-it-yourselfers without a hoist. You want both sides jacked up so that you're not fighting against the sway bar. Always use jack stands for safety.

  • @WilliamClarkNC
    @WilliamClarkNC 4 роки тому +3

    Lighting was great in the video Misses Car Wizard!

  • @Michael-fw5ef
    @Michael-fw5ef 4 роки тому

    I love videos like this one - you inspect a car and then you fix an item that needs addressing. Basically, you gave us a 2 for 1 offering. Thanks!

  • @killakam123321
    @killakam123321 4 роки тому +6

    Hey i have one of these less than 40k miles on the motor. Lol literally bought it from a old lady too

  • @Sanguinala
    @Sanguinala 4 роки тому +1

    I have one of these engines in a Fiero. I'm considering doing the stud kit before too long as a preventative maintenance deal. Have a local guy with the tools. I'm just going to bring the engine to him to save on the cost

  • @chrisfi3d
    @chrisfi3d 4 роки тому +5

    1:20- as soon as he’s done with (making videos) he wanted to say.

  • @socksonfeet8125
    @socksonfeet8125 4 роки тому +2

    I have never driven one of these, but if the suspension feels like your driving on pillows then hell yes that's a good buy!

    • @starxlr7863
      @starxlr7863 4 роки тому +2

      These cars ride incredibly well. The ride, steering, braking and handling is great and much improved from previous Cadillac's from before the new Seville for 1992.

    • @lancedukel3436
      @lancedukel3436 4 роки тому

      The STS rides alot stiffer than you would think. The regular Seville has a softer ride.

  • @ImTheJoker4u
    @ImTheJoker4u 4 роки тому +5

    I lusted after that car when it first came out.

    • @starxlr7863
      @starxlr7863 4 роки тому

      Me too. Especially knowing how close it was to where I live!!

  • @Foulkenn
    @Foulkenn 5 місяців тому +1

    I have a 1999 sts, and it has 223k miles in it, and there is no problem with it at all. Only one minor oil leak from an oil filter base. I tried to look it up and I didn't find any information that would suggest that the head gasket repair was done, so I guess this car is one of the few that doesn't have this problem.

  • @yass123
    @yass123 4 роки тому +10

    The Cadillac paid for the Mercedes' repair bill

  • @jimmycoffey6708
    @jimmycoffey6708 4 роки тому

    I had a 1994 Eldorado and a 1999 SeVille with Northstars...I LOVED those cars but mechanically no good...lots of issues after 100k....would love one again that ran well and had no issues...if there is ever a kit to make one of these electric like vw is doing with old beetles i would be interestd...there is nothing like driving down the road with that big hood out front!!!! The fact that these were the cars in the Sopranos is a bonus ( i'll admit it :) :)) I enjoyed this video...I just bought a certified pre-owned 4runner to replace a highlander with over 200k that still lots of life in it...knowledge is power

  • @wolfemanxd
    @wolfemanxd 4 роки тому +4

    Side mounted v8's blow my mind.

    • @1985toyotacamry
      @1985toyotacamry 4 роки тому

      Really have a 8.2 L V8 and it's FWD now that's insane

  • @davidelliott5843
    @davidelliott5843 3 роки тому

    With all the winter salt around Wizard’s shop, a good spray underneath with white spirit thinned chainsaw oil will keep it non rusty. Costs 2 cents but very effective.

  • @interceptor-ss8kb
    @interceptor-ss8kb 4 роки тому +7

    It really is a beautiful looking car, I would love one.

    • @arevee9429
      @arevee9429 4 роки тому

      yes, nice looking car, but i would not love working on a front drive V8.

  • @jessieharbinjr.6589
    @jessieharbinjr.6589 4 роки тому

    The first thing I did to my 1996 Eldorado was pull the engine, and reseal it at 86,000 miles. The mid block was leaking pretty badly on mine, and I decided to drill out the block, to install cylinder head studs. After that the car was solid! I kind of wish I hadn’t gotten rid of it. Anytime I buy a GM vehicle, especially a front wheel drive one. I end up replacing the lower intake manifold gaskets with metal ones on the V6 models, and doing a re-seal on the Northstar V8 engines.

  • @mitchlu
    @mitchlu 4 роки тому +5

    "take this to one of your local reputable mechanics"...and where/how do I find one of those living in Brooklyn, N.Y.?

    • @digitalrailroader
      @digitalrailroader 4 роки тому +3

      If I remember correctly, Eric O of South Main Auto is up in Avoca, NY

    • @-DC-
      @-DC- 4 роки тому +2

      Neutral Drop channel will fix anything whilst shouting at you, What's it got STUNNNNTMANNNNN 👊

  • @TheTraveler1976
    @TheTraveler1976 4 роки тому

    Tool box tour please Mr. Wizard! I watch a large number of mechanics Chanel's, and I really like seeing how they set up their tools, and boxes, for work. I think we all want to know what brand of box you have, and some of your cooler specialty tools. So how about you hook us up with a video on that?

  • @flossing888
    @flossing888 4 роки тому +3

    When the head gasket goes, LS swap that baby!

  • @bobbruders1805
    @bobbruders1805 4 роки тому

    You might want to try a product called 303, it can be used to treat the leather seats. They become so soft. It is also a great product on rubber. Spray them on your tires and on the hoses and belts in the motor. They become very flexible.