Buying my dad a car for x-mas need information.

[rc1honda]

Hello everyone. I need to know your experiences with a couple of cars. I am buying my dad a car for xmas. I have it nailed down to a few models.

Both are early model land yachts. One is the 2001 Lincoln Continental base, and the other is 1999-2002 Caddy DeVille. I keep hearing the reliability issues with the early Northstars and the Lincoln has a few problems but overall seems much more reliable. Both cars have less the 40k miles on them and seem to both be in really good condtion.

So what i am asking is your experience/knowledge with either of these cars. Also, any advice on a better model is welcome. Just know that is this for a old Italian guy. Criteria is pretty simple. Reliability is number 1. Next is comfort and MPG and preferably FWD due to Chicago winter. Got 7k to spend and need your input. Ready GO....

[PapaSmurf2k3]

Those are a few odd choices given your criteria...

According to Jesda, the caddy will have problems with head gaskets.
Is this going to be a surprise? I highly suggest having him test drive a multitude of vehicles before deciding what you get him. I would personally suggest a late 90's/early 2000s Maxima.

[rc1honda]

Yeah the choices are a little strange. He likes big cars. I am just trying to find a happy medium. Those V-8s usually aren't that bad on the MPG on the highway 21-25 is seen often. And the Lincoln is has good reliability ratings. I look at the maxima.

[Oatmealman]

the cadillac's are an utter pain to work on,starters under the intake manifold,transmissions are an utter pain to remove.doing valve cover gaskets suck on em,headgaskets will leak.The northstar series motors are great when they work,but if you have any plans to work on them avoid them like a plague.

[PapaSmurf2k3]

Those supercharged 3.8l Buicks were pretty damn good too.

[Dattebayo]

That engine was in just about everything.

[Bubba1]

Hello everyone. I need to know your experiences with a couple of cars. I am buying my dad a car for xmas. I have it nailed down to a few models.

Both are early model land yachts. One is the 2001 Lincoln Continental base, and the other is 1999-2002 Caddy DeVille. I keep hearing the reliability issues with the early Northstars and the Lincoln has a few problems but overall seems much more reliable. Both cars have less the 40k miles on them and seem to both be in really good condtion.

So what i am asking is your experience/knowledge with either of these cars. Also, any advice on a better model is welcome. Just know that is this for a old Italian guy. Criteria is pretty simple. Reliability is number 1. Next is comfort and MPG and preferably FWD due to Chicago winter. Got 7k to spend and need your input. Ready GO....

For the same money, and if reliability is your top concern, you might want to think about a similar vintage full sized Lexus. They are as comfortable as the two domestics, better made, and on average more reliable. A newer Toyota Avalon also fit your criteria. They may be considered "luxury", but they are very well equipped, FWD, comfortable, roomy, safe, very reliable, and their V6's get better gas mileage than a big lincoln or caddy. They are not thrilling cars to drive, but then again neither are the Lincoln and Caddy) but there's a reason Avalons sell so well with the older folks. Food for thought.