I just sold my Cadillac after driving the car for over five years. It is the best car I have ever owned. The car had 85,000 miles on it when I bought it from the famous "little old lady". The only repairs were a radiator, a muffler and brake pads. If you can find a deElegance' buy it. The de Elegance' has the pillow leather seating which is extremely comfortable. The car had standard 307 Oldsmobile engine (this was standard in Cadillac that year) which gave it more pep than previous years. Even with this more robust engine it still was no hot rod. It had decent pickup at highway speeds if pedal was floored. It loves gas; I got about 18 mpg and 22 highway. This huge automobile enjoys a good repair record and parts are still readily available. The white paint was still excellent as was the vinyl top. I did have the plastic extensions repainted because they were beginning to fade to an off white. This seems to be a universal trouble spot for many manufacturers for several years. A result of government imposed 5 mile per hour crash test requirement
Generally speaking if you want a big luxury car that is worth the money and will hold (or increase) its value then this would be a good choice. I bought my car in 2001 for $5,995.00 and sold it over 6 years later for $4,500.00 with 117,000 miles. The fellow was overjoyed to get it. He plans to use it at his bed and breakfast for airport runs.
The instruments were simplistic enough for the elderly to see clearly and operate without a manual. The Bose radio is fantastic. Wood-grain and leather tucks abound for a true feel of luxury. I do have to say if you are 6'2" like me I wish the seat would slide back a wee bit further. Of course the trunk is enormous and latches itself.
The car has every conceivable option for pure pleasure as you glide along with people turning their heads to see it. A recent trip to Chicago almost caused accidents as people seemed awestruck and craned their necks. Most cars are total rust-buckets in this city after several years.
These cars are good survivors and are still easily available. However, in pristine condition they are few and far between. Even more rare is the very desirable deElegance'. If you are lucky enough to find one I recommend buying.
Amount Paid (US$): 5,995.00
Condition: Used
Model Year: 1989
Model and Options: brougham deElegance'' option loaded