This is the souvenir that keeps on giving.
Buying a car while on vacation might seem strange to some people, but collectors do it all the time. Apparently, Tyler Hoover of Hoovie’s Garage makes a habit of it. The only thing is Hoover doesn’t always make wise or logical choices when grabbing cars. This time around he decided to scoop a 1993 Cadillac Seville STS because of feelings.
Hoover’s wife takes the news of the Cadillac purchase in stride, which kind of makes one suspicious the conversation was scripted or at least planned in advance. Most women wouldn’t be so happy if their husband bought a used car that might strand them while returning from vacation. Fortunately, the Cadillac didn’t break down on the trip
If you know anything about 1990s Cadillacs, then you know this car came with the notorious Northstar V8 engine. Developed at a time when Lexus was making huge inroads in the luxury car market, while Infiniti, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and other foreign brands were also chipping away at Cadillac’s once-commanding market share, the car and the innovative engine were supposed to put the American brand back on top. The problem is the head gaskets blow often and randomly, thanks to a design flaw with the cylinder head bolts. And this is the vehicle Hoover bought to drive home over a long distance.
Fixing a blown head gasket on this engine is expensive, to the tune of several thousand dollars, depending on what shop you use for the job. It took GM over ten years to correct the problem, and plenty of people abandoned the Cadillac brand.
History hasn’t been kind to the 1993 Cadillac Seville. Values on the open market reflect that perspective as investors and enthusiasts alike have pretty much skipped over the luxury sedan. But Hoover has a special place in his heart for it. He says he loves the design, something which probably makes a lot of people laugh. But even he isn’t in love with the Northstar V8.
