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Pure and simple.
I thought it would be a dark silver with a lot of metallics in it or a mist clear coat.
It appears to be the same color that Cadillac used on the late 80's early 90's sedan deVilles.
Since there was one on the lot that looked to have the identical paint color.
Oh well, it looks good anyway.
The reason is a parts shortage, and since the only part that is different is the wheel, that is the part they are waiting for. These wheels were redesigned this year, and they only have the polished ones that come with the 1SC package. The painted ones which come on the 1SA & 1SB are the ones missing. They said they are expecting to have these by Aug. 15th and will begin production immediately thereafter
I have the bose system and notice a pop when I tap my brakes. I only get the pop when I am listening to a distant radio station. When I am listening to a local AM or FM I don't experience the problem. I also have my radio set for distant reception. I am not sure if I am going to go to dealer with this problem or just live with it.
On another subject, had my rear "lamp," the moisture filled license surround, replaced. The invoice referred to "condensation/moisture" so I assume it was not a leak of rain water, but an air leak in the seal that permitted moisture laden air to get in and condense moisture on the inside when the temperature dropped. In any event, I now have a new one and it looks good.
I'm close to 18K in 10 1/2 months.
What kind of antenna do you need for the satellite radio? I noticed an ugly antenna is standard equipment on the CTS with the XM option. I'm thinking that the Delphi SkyFi would be a better option if I could avoid that antenna.
After a hard rain or when I wash my CTS, I get moisture around the outer lip of my rear lamp. When I first noticed the moisture I thought it was getting inside my lamp. It looks as if the seal is inset approx. 1/4 inch from the outer edge of the lamp. Thus far I see no moisture collecting inside the seal. Did your leak start off gradual and then get worse? I am wondering if I am going to eventually have moisture inside the seal area. Does anybody else out there in post land notice this moisture?
other issues,
I think I hear a strange noise in fifth gear (manual) and finally I think the starter drive is staying engaged too long after the engine fires .
http://www.xmradio.com/catalog/product_detail.jsp?id=28449&ty- - - - pe=Tuner
http://www.xmradio.com/catalog/product_detail.jsp?id=28447&ty- - - - pe=Accessory
I posted photos of my installation in post #2587 but it doesn't show the antenna. I use the cassette interface for two reasons, first, I didn't want to chance having the FM modulator http://www.xmradio.com/catalog/product_detail.jsp?id=28448&ty- pe=Accessory interfere with the OnStar set up, and second, I believe that when the modulator is selected (assuming it doesn't interfere with OnStar) you can't cycle through all inputs, e.g., tape-XM, CD, FM, AM, without deselecting the modulator, and I scan through the several audio sources with regularity.
Here is a page on antennas, but the Delphi antenna comes included with it, as I suspect most do, so you would be duplicating some cost if you buy an additional antenna.
http://www.xmradio.com/catalog/product_category.jsp?type=Antenna
I've placed my XM antenna on the right side of my trunk. It's a magnetic mount and is very small and not that visible. I then ran the cable through the rear seat trunk opening up to the front of the car.
Sevenfeet0
Mine is just a small "nick". Not even a half-inch wide. A little rubbing compound and touchup paint should do the trick for me.
mcgreenx
I love XM satellite radio. I have the Sony plug 'n play so I can take it from my car into the house. Had to buy two separate adaptor packages for each but I love the sound quality and the variety that XM provides. I also use the cassette instead of the FM modulator. Haven't had any problems with it.
The BBQ in Poughkeepsie will be Oct. 18th this year. Hope to see ya there.............geo
Real-world gas mileage is not directly related to EPA dyno-roller mileage numbers, and in some cases the kinds of games automakers have to play to get good EPA numbers (taller final-drive ratios, super-tall transmission top-gear ratios, downshift-resistant automatic transmission shift strategies, GM's infamous skip-shift, VW's almost-as-infamous upshift-light, smaller disc rotors to reduce rotating masses e.g. Contour/Mystique, low rolling resistance eco-squealer tires, etc.) make the car less enjoyable/safe/comfortable to drive in the real world.
It always fascinates me to see some Tahoe-jockey advocating higher CAFE numbers, or someone in a '72 Bug looking for tighter smog standards for new vehicles. Perhaps 'fascinates' isn't the right word. 'Infuriates' is more like it. If said individual wants a less-thirsty vehicle, there's plenty to choose from already, and almost *anything* is cleaner-running than an old VW boxer-motor - you could probably run a CTS for a week with less hydrocarbon emissions than from the gas that evaporates out of an old Solex 30PICT-2 float bowl in a day.
After checking with the epa website, I see that the 2003 manual CTS was rated 19 city/26 highway. GM's 2004 spec's for the manual are somewhat confused - the final axle ratio is stated as 3.21:1 -> either an error or a 3.91:1 axle ratio???? The automatic has a 3.42:1 axle, as it did in 2003.
1.Noise in 5th gear between 40-45 MPH caused by noisy 4th gear syncro.TSB found Result- New Transmission
2. Leaky Bezel (lens) well they are not up to speed on this they told me "it's supposed to do that " Anybody who has had it replaced give me any reference to use to change their minds .
3 I thought the starter drive was hanging on a little to long after the engine fired (cold engine ) ...yet to be determined
They ordered the transmission so I went and got the car back until the parts arrive , They gave me a beat grand prix as a loaner .....so much for a Cadillac loaner " they were all gone"
I was seriously considering trading my '03 for a 2004 w/the bigger V6 until I really started thinking about how much I loved my current car, how I've already taken the hit on depreciation by driving it off the lot, and how the SRX has a V8 (and shares the same platform as the CTS)and that there is nothing in the CTS lineup between the V6 and V-Series. I think I'll wait until 2005 and see what happens...it's just a hunch but I wouldn't be surprised to see a V8 option for the CTS (other than the V-Series). Then there's always the hope that the stock market will improve so I'll have some fun money to spend on the V-series when it's available...I'm not holding my breath on that one though.
As for the leaky bezel, I think it IS normal to see some condensation or moisture around the outer edge but NOT normal to see it behid the lens. If you've got moisture behind the lens I'd personally INSIST on them fixing the problem.
I agree with you about waiting , it's expensive to trade each year .An eight cylinder is the ticket for performance. I also agree with you that once they fit a V8 they will continue with different variations because any Cadillac is a V8 car .
What kind of noise did your transmission make. I don't have the problem, just curious.
Do you know if the problem potentially affects all '03s or has Cadillac identified a certain build date range that the problem affects?
I was just thinking that dropping the 4.6L VVT from the SRX into the CTS would be a no-brainer but maybe there's some reason I don't know about that it wouldn't be possible.
I'd just like to see something that was a step up from the V6 CTS but maybe not as big of a step as the CTS-V.
sonjaab:
Thanks for the update on the coupon. At the very least I'm refinancing my current CTS and getting new wheels...ultimately though I want to trade for a 2004 if I can find the car I want and strike up a deal with the GM coupon! Hopefully my dealer will accept the coupon and I can do a quick sell or trade of my current CTS.
David, Central Texas
More than a few times this past winter was my CTS' traction control needed..and it performed as advertised.
BTW, I'm driving a 2003 Impala today, while the CTS is getting oil change and annual service. Wow. This car blows. The interior seems like it was designed by people unfamiliar with humans. So far, I like the outside, the engine seems pretty decent, and the A/C is cold. Otherwise (brakes, handling, etc., etc.,), not so good. Didn't someone on this board have one of these?
However, Cadillac probably wants to avoid an overlap between the CTS and STS. They should be viewed by buyers as distinct models. While both will start with a V6 as the standard engine and offer a high performance "V Series model", Cadillac wants the STS as a step up from the CTS.
Therefore, it's my opinion that the CTS will use several variations of a V6 in the regular CTS (No V8). The standard 3.6L would be 255 HP, while the optional 3.6L would have between 275 and 300 HP. The CTS-V could switch to the "Northstar" or keep the Vette engine. It's a toss-up.
The STS will start with a V6 and offer a "Northstar V8" as an option. The STS-V could have a V12, possibly turbo-charged.
The next gen Deville (DTS) will offer a "Northstar V8" as standard,with a possible V12 option. If there is a DTS-V it could have a version of Cadillac's V16.
pmdriver (Ken), I know you can't release information before it's time, but does the above scenario sound right? Since you're the Project Manager for the CTS-V, will you move on to the STS-V?
Note: All of the above is subject to change if I'm wrong.
Snow - Our CTS was up to the task of handling the snow we had in Chicago this past winter. After 12 years of FWD cars, I found that it was real easy to get back to driving RWD in the snow.
Rich
Personally, I like Goodyears. I would avoid the Michelin Pilots like the plague as I've had them on 2 different cars and the wet weather traction was terrible (ironic since all weather performance is one of the big selling points for that tire). I also didn't think they wore as well as the Goodyears I've had...I had a set of Goodyear GSCs that I got almost 50k miles out of before they needed replacing.
They are the equal of Goodyear Eagle F1's, but through Tire Rack they were only $252 a set, plus shipping.
I had a 2000 Impala, Necros, and presently have a 2002 Imp as a company car. As I said before, I wouldn't compare the Impala directly to the CTS..they are two completely different types of cars. And, as with ANY car model, you'll find lovers and haters. Personally, I like them, for what they are. And, like 'em or not, GM must be doing something right with them..they are one of the top selling (which does not necessarily equal "best) domestic cars and you see them all over the place these days.
The wife almost got head-on'ed yesterday in the CTS. SUV (full of teenagers) pulling a boat drifted completely into her lane, head on, when the kid driving it fell asleep (so he said...how does a teenager in a car load of teenagers "fall asleep"). She had to take the CTS 4-wheeling off the road (luckily no curbs, etc...) to avoid it. She said it handled like a champ (I wouldn't advocate dirt racing as a recurring drive test of the car, though) and got her out of trouble right quick like. In the end, not even so much as a scratch. (There was, unfortunately, some damp "panties" though.)