Sell your 1998 Cadillac Catera for cash
The 1998 Cadillac Catera is a midsize car that came with a 3.0L 6-cyl engine. At 28 years old, many are reaching the point where repairs cost more than the car is worth. Running or not, we'll make you an offer and tow it away for free.
- Free offer for your 1998 Catera in about 30 seconds
- Free towing, running or not
- Paid at pickup
1998 Cadillac Catera at a glance
| Body style | Midsize Cars |
|---|---|
| Engines | 3.0L 6-cyl |
| Transmissions | Automatic 4-spd |
| Drive | Rear-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel | Regular Gasoline |
| Fuel economy | 16 city / 22 highway / 18 combined MPG |
| EPA annual fuel cost | $3,700 a year (EPA estimate at current fuel prices, 15,000 miles) |
| Tailpipe CO₂ | 494 grams per mile |
| Versions tested by EPA | 1 configuration |
| Age | 28 years |
Specs, fuel cost and emissions from the EPA's fueleconomy.gov data. Your car's exact equipment may differ.
What affects its junk value
- Age: at 28 years old, most of a 1998 Catera's value comes from reusable parts and scrap metal, not resale.
- Weight: as a midsize car, it weighs less than a truck or SUV, so its value leans more on parts than on scrap weight. See how scrap prices by weight work.
- Catalytic converter: like all gas and diesel cars, it has a catalytic converter containing precious metals, one of the most valuable parts on a junk car. An offer assumes it's still in place. More on catalytic converters.
- Known problems: owners reported the most issues with the engine and engine cooling, typically around 61,000 miles. If that's what failed on yours, it can still be sold as-is.
1998 Cadillac Catera recalls
NHTSA lists no recalls for the 1998 Cadillac Catera. You can confirm with your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Common 1998 Catera problems
Owners have filed 123 complaints about the 1998 Cadillac Catera with NHTSA. 6 reports involved a crash and 1 report involved a fire. Owners reported 4 injuries.
Complaints are reports from owners and aren't verified by NHTSA. One complaint can list several components. Mileage is the median odometer reading owners reported for that component.
Most-reported components
Typical mileage when problems were reported
- Engine and Engine Cooling61,000 mi
- Tires65,000 mi
- Engine and Engine Cooling59,000 mi
- Suspension68,000 mi
- Engine and Engine Cooling38,000 mi
- Electrical System90,000 mi
1998 Cadillac Catera service bulletins
Manufacturers have filed 56 technical service bulletins and communications with NHTSA covering the 1998 Cadillac Catera. These are repair instructions for known issues, not recalls.
Most common bulletin topics
Recent bulletins
This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tes
This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco TheftLock. Technician will use the radio to get t
This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco TheftLock. Technician will use the radio to get t
This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco Theft Lock. Technician will use the radio to get
Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications (technical service bulletins).
Other Cadillac Catera years
‹ Sell a 1997 Catera · Sell a 1999 Catera › · All Cadillac Catera years
Other 1998 Cadillac models
Selling a 1998 Catera: questions
How much is a 1998 Cadillac Catera worth for junk?
It depends on its condition, whether major parts like the engine, transmission and catalytic converter are still there, and current scrap and parts prices where you live. Its parts make up much of its value. Enter your ZIP code above for a free offer on your specific car.
Can I junk a 1998 Catera that doesn't run?
Yes. We buy 1998 Cateras that don't start, were in an accident, failed inspection or have a blown engine or transmission. Towing is always free.
What paperwork do I need to sell my 1998 Catera?
Usually the title and a photo ID. Rules differ by state, including what to do with your plates and whether to file a notice of sale. Check our state-by-state car title guides for the official forms.
Before you sell
Sources
- EPA fuel economy data (specs and MPG)fueleconomy.gov
- NHTSA recallsnhtsa.gov
- NHTSA complaints, service bulletins and investigationsnhtsa.gov
Data retrieved October 2026.
Get cash for your 1998 Catera today
Get a free offer in minutes. Towing is always free and you get paid at pickup.