Auto Blogs | Car Forums

My 2000 Cadillac DTS started burning oil at 55,000 miles. The dealer said the rings were shot and to replace them and new pistons would cost me $6500.00. Is this a fair price? I had the work done at 58,000 miles and paid the bill. When I had the car in for its 60,000 mile sevice they charged for a full service as if the engine had 60,000 miles on it. (Another $450.00). And just yesterday, at the 63,000 mile service, I was told I needed a new serpentine belt. Shouldn't this have been replaced as part of the engine work?  I guess I'm looking for a third party opinion that has expertise in these matters. Can you answer these three questions for me?

 

keywords: cadillac deville, cadillac, new cadillac's 

The serp belt probably should have been replaced (were you charged?)  The engine does have 60k on it...except for the pistons and rings and some gaskets...The 60k service includes other areas besides the engine.  The price of the mechanical work seems quite stiff, but I also realize that prices for labor hour and parts vary greatly from area to area at times. Here in So. Dak. I think we could've put you in a warranteed remanufactured engine and you would've had about $2500 left over for new rims!.!.!   There are some excellent independant repair shops out there...

 

keywords: cadillac deville, cadillac, new cadillac's 

Your engine required a complete rebuild. Nothing cheap in that. Cadillac charges $ 2200 just to replace head gaskets in this car. Reason is the entire under carriage must be dropped out tranny and all because you cannot remove the timing cover to remove timing chains from cylinder heads to allow removal of the heads which must come off before removing the pistons. Time consuming.