Automotive Forums

I'm a mother of a 19 year old boy who is about to buy his first car. As all parents concerned for their childs safety, I want to be sure he gets the right one. Affording insurance is a big issue, so a new car is out of the question, which then gives us no choice but to look into used ones. We found a 1997 Cadillac Catera with 58,000 miles, excellent condition, and would like to know if anyone would have an opinion on that particular car. Would it be a good or bad choice, what should we look out for in it, has anyone had any bad experiences with the Catera, or even if anyone has any other suggestions on a different car that might be suitable for him. I would appreciate all the information and opionions I could get on this very important decision that we have to make. Thank you to all of you who might respond.  

Except that enthusiasts haven't found the Catera to be a "drivers" car, I haven't heard of any major issues or recalls on the model. You may want to check the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)'s website for any major recalls. My only concern is the Catera has been discontinued by Cadillac so there may be delays in parts if it needs to get fixed.  

having zero experience with the catera I can only give a vague answer. Like Joel said, parts may be an issue since they didn't seel that well only lasted one generation. Plus they are based off an Opel(European GM subsidiary), so I don't know how many parts from other GM vehicles will be swapable. It has a 3liter V6, so gas mileage will not be that good. I checked on a few websites, and they rated the controls, ergonomics and visibility pretty low. These are all things that contribute to accidents, not the best thing for a young driver. Just from personal experience with other GM cars, i would say that the steering and brakes are very numb. If you want your son to become a good driver, you need to give him the tools to do it with.

If you google "top ten cars for teens" you will get a ton of lists. Including lists that have cars broken down by price catergory.

Talk to your son, ask him what he wants. Tell him about what your budget is, what your expectations are, and then start looking together. He will enjoy and take better care of a car he likes. I can't tell you how many friends I had that were dead set on destroying their first car because they hated it. This usually led to running into other things, sometimes expensive things.

Don't think you need to get your son a tank. A smaller, lighter car will be easier to handle, stops better, gets better gas mileage and does less damage if it hits something. Most modern cars are very safe, and weight has very little to do with a cars performance in an accident.

This is his first car, it is a huge thing in his life, don't under estimate how important this is to him. Guys talk about their first car for the rest of their lives.  

Yeah my mom decided she wanted to go out and buy me my first car.  i came back home from work and i found a 1990 maxima in the driveway. that was surprise. it probably wouldnt have been my first choice, but still loved that car regardless.  the only problem was that since i didnt have any say about what my first car was going to be. your son will probably appreciate whatever car you get him, but you should do what aquabat says and talk to him about it and he'll probably appreciate it much more.  

yeah i'd find out what he wants and work out something from there, my dad decided that my older brother needed a little steel between him and the rest of the road so he bought a dodge dakota. then it was passed to me, that thing was horrible because it was almost to slow to get on a freeway and couldn't stop to save your life. regardless i still loved it and now my brother drives it and loves it besides the fact it's fallin apart after having 3 teenage boys drive it. back on topic i know nothin about cateras besides its the caddy that zigs whatever that meant.  

i remember them having some quality issues.  since it has almost 60,000 miles, there are some repairs on the horizon.  

Hi Linda, If you truly love your son, and I believe you do skip the catera!! I've had a 1998 cadillac catera for four years and I have spent so much in repair bills. 18 Nov. I almost paid with my life the steering malfuctioned and I crashed the car I've been driving for thirty years ,owned many cars, never had any problems steering . My problem is gone ,don't make the same mistake. Good Luck!! ps toyota make great first time cars