1987 Eldorado

Need mechanic's opinion, or drivers, on the 4.1 liter V8 engine in the 1987 Cadillac Eldorado. I have the chance to buy one tonight with only 53,000 miles on it. A "mechanic" has cautioned me that they "go in the dumps" after 60,000 miles. Any feedback?

This engine in my experience is maintenance intensive. If it hasn't been strictly maintained by the factory manual it becomes problematic as you describe. My '84 Eldorado with 4.1 now has 87,000 miles and runs beautifully, but it has been maintained by the factory manual using time interval rather than mileage based recommendations for servicing. If the car you are considering hasn't been strictly maintained according to the recommendations in the factory manual, I would be a bit leery of its potential for problems down the road.

Personally I think the 4100 is a good engine mine has over 160,000 and it runs like a charm. the only things that have happened to the drivetrain was a bad starter, and a new transmission ( ran dry due to a cut line).

I currently have a 85' short dog with 162331 original miles on it and the only thing that I have had go bad (during the 2 years i've had it) is the starter, alternator and shocks. Runs like a charm and floats like a boat