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That information is also free.
When a navigation system costs about the same as a basic PC (under $500) maybe I'll get one. But, by that time they'll be as ubiquitous as CD players.
I never leave the county without my Garmin. Works in both cars at home, any rental car, and the airplane (with a window seat).
What's not to like? Oh yeah, I know. Zero snob appeal, just function.
Does it look as good as the one on the V?
If it does, I'm going to want one.
Not 'till '07, I believe.
Last year I bought an 04 Lexus GX470 off the lot which included a Nav system. I have become so dependant on the Nav system that I now drive the Lexus anytime I am unsure of exactly which turn to take, etc.
I will definitely get the Nav system on any future vehicle purchase.
I have come up with a somewhat clumsy but very workable navigation system for the CTS using a laptop computer running Microsoft Streets and Maps with my Magellan GPS receiver hooked in via the serial port. It doesn't give you verbal instructions but otherwise works fine and does provide an intersection by intersection listing on the screen. The only problem is the placement of the laptop and the suction cup attachment of the GPS to the windshield. Since I normally take the laptop along on any trips anyway there is little extra luggage.
Just one man's solution.
My 2004 CTS is cell phone is analog and is not worth the powder to blow it to hell as it wont work in my driveway, and I am only a block away from a Sprint tower, and I am on the top of a hill, where I can see the tower from the upstairs.! Have had many conversation with On Star support and the dealer says it is normal.
They promised a recall last Dec. but now they say it will NEVER be changed.
They are now promising an upgrade package in 2007, at my cost, when analog will disappear FOR EVER.
Ray
I don't even have a cell phone.
Besides, I buy a car based on how it drives, not whether I can talk on the phone in it or not.
Right.... try reaching the rear windows in a sedan from the driver's seat. Power seats are much easier to adjust to achieve the optimum driving condition, seat heaters increase cold weather comfort and fuel injection improves performance and economy.
Navigation falls under useless tech, like idrive. Not worth one cent to me.
And bye the way, where do you find someone to ask at 2am out in the boondocks?
Well, it's MY car.... they can keep it optional so you can have it. But if I'm buying a used car and its on there, I will not pay one cent extra for it as it's of no value to me.
"And by the way, where do you find someone to ask at 2am out in the boondocks?"
I'm not out anywhere at 2am.
It's not that intimidating. I have all sorts of electronic gizmos in my home.... my home theater is more complex than any nav system.
My problem with it is that it's an expensive solution to a simple problem. I rather they take the money they put into this stuff and put it into thicker carpets or better interior materials.
cell phone with 1990 technology!!On Star support and the dealer says it cannot be changed.
OnStar support in Sept 2003 said it would be recalled in Dec 2003.But that never happened.
From OnStar magazine Summer 2004
OnStar subscribers who have SELECT 2004 and newer vehicles with Digital Hardware will soon have a new wireless option.*
Naturally. OnStar Personal Calling as you know it will continue to be available. Or. later this year, subscribers would also have the opportunity to link a handheld cell phone from a designated wireless carrier to the OnSlar hands-free wireless phone built into their vehicle.
With this new wireless choice, OnStar subscribers would be able to purchase minute plans through a designated wireless carrier and combine wireless phone minutes on one single bill. The new plan would require one-year contracts with both OnStar and the wireless carrier.
Watch future issues of this magazine for more information as it becomes available and, for the latest information, see onstar.com.
*in SELECT markets
Thanks,
Jeannine Fallon
PR Director
Edmunds.com
MODERATOR /ADMINISTRATOR
Need help navigating? kirstie_h@edmunds.com - or send a private message by clicking on my name.
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If it is an option, I'm going for the 05. This is the feature I've been waiting for. Makes driving in the mountains a breeze. My 03 is still hot, and almost paid off. Not a single problem at 25K miles. Well maybe one, I did lose one of the seatbelt buckle retaining buttons. Easy fix.
thebug...
GM has no plans to install digital phones in a CTS in 2005. See the attached below from OnStar magazine.
ONSTAR'S DIGITAL EVOLUTION
The U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) made a decision in November 2002 that may impact your OnStar service in the future.
In early 2008, wireless carriers will no longer be required to support the analog wireless network in the U.S.
Currently, OnStar relies on a nationwide ANALOG wireless network because it provides the most extensive coverage.
OnStar wants to make you aware of this ruling and we want to assure you that your OnStar system will continue to be fully functional through 2007. As of January 1, 2008, however, OnStar will offer service only through equipment that operates on the digital network.
OnStar subscribers with affected equipment will be contacted during 2007 with information on analog-to-digital transition programs.
If you happen to be in the market for a new vehicle, some OnStar-equipped vehicles are now available with digital equipment.
For the latest information, please visit onstar.com/digital-transition.
So? I've got no intention of getting a phone or subscribing to OnStar. I'm much more interested in the '05 CTS 2.8's pricing.... hopefully around $28K base.
Wish I had a nickel for every car I saw being handled shall we say, strangely, that turned out to be driven by someone on the phone. Happens dozens of times every day, for me.
Yes, but I'm not and don't plan to be one of them. The government always needs money.... IMO, a fine way for them to make some would be to introduce hefty fines for folks who drive while talking on the phone.
Do you think the 2.8 will be underpowered? Even with a manuel trans I would think it would be underpowered.
I specifically asked about the requirement, and the reply was "we use 10w30. No synthetic oil".
IMO, the '03 CTS motor is fine for power... the new motor is much more modern (basically the same as the 3.6) and no timing belts.
I have an 2003 CTS and feel the power is adequate, but would like the extra horses of the 3.6. I plan to trade my 03 for an 05 next year. I have not driven the 3.6, but understand that it feels and sounds more refined than the 3.2.
The car handles well and corners great but the engine power, the sewing machine like sound of the V6, the many engineering and assembly deficiencies coupled with the marginal dealer service is not likely to make me a Cadillac repeat customer.
I have owned the CTS for 27 months and have since undergone the "Lexus experience". Having now owned a Lexus GX-470 for 6 months my experience is that Lexus operates in a totally different league. I realize there is a substantial increase in price for a Lexus but what a difference in service and product.
You were an early adopter.
I have to say that my 4 test drives in the CTS echo what you are saying.
After waiting for the 3.6L I thought that it would be the magic bullet that would take it over the top in the near luxury category.
The 3.6L had tremendous power and the car felt very sporty but it was lacking in refinement.
the engine was just a little too loud, and the road noise was just a little more than i wanted.
We are talking degrees here. Maybe 2-3 db quieter and I would have felt better.
Ultimately the lack of room made me go for the SRX.
As soon as I drove the SRX I knew that there were
improvements in sound insulation and some improvements in refinement.
I think Caddy has realized this already and have gone the extra mile to make the STS more refined.
Hopefully the next gen CTS will have those qualities too.
in in the next couple of MYs ('06/'07) without having to wait
for a new generation of the CTS. Caddy should be able to reduce
cabin noise by 2db or so without increasing weight, make the interior
a little more luxurious, and increase the power. They'll need to do this due to increased competition from Infiniti (upgraded G35 interior
and more power) and BMW with the next gen 3 Series. They need to keep
up with the competition with the current CTS and surpass it clearly
with the next generation.
I'm not going to take a chance with a very expensive engine because of an incompetant Cadillac dealer. They should have their franchise revoked, and so should your dealer if they did the same.
There is nothing you can do with a bad service department . Cadillac doesn't care and would never "revoke" a dealership due to a poor service . If you ask Cadillac they will say " they are independent businesses and we cant control them " . Your only recourse is to stop going there .
I sometimes wonder when the spiral will stop.
--Robert
who is buying a new GM car, but not from Wilde or Russ Darrow :-)
I cannot say if it was caused directly by their bad service, but I personally know of two dealers who lost their franchises after exhibiting poor customer service. A Ford dealership in New York which repeatedly failed to provide proper service for my fathers Thunderbird, and Magic Mountain Cadillac that provided screwed up service on my 1988 Cimmarron. Both were under new management the following year, The first selling Pontiacs and the second still selling Cadillacs.
I have occasion to contact Cadillac dealers in locations across the country. Most have been very accommodating. Some not so. My own dealer's (Rydell, Northridge, CA) service department goes the extra mile to provide good service and I would recommend them to anyone. Service departments in Phoenix, Santa Fe, Atlanta, Colorado Springs and other places have done their best to accomodate me and give me quick service as a traveler. I can remember only one service department, in Cheyenne, WY who would not schedule me for several days even though I had several check lights. I continued on to Colorado Springs where I had everything checked out.
I did find a great Cadillac service dept to replace Russ Darrow.
Crest Cadillac in Brookfield, Wisconsin has been everything a Cadillac Dealer should be. They treated me great, even though I didn't buy my CTS there, they had a willingness to fix the problem I was having...and most important...they had the expertise to fix it right the first time, BRAVO!
Have a little over 500 miles on it now and it drives like a dream with nary a rattle.
Only complaint is OnStar. The local provider must be lousy. Can connect rarely and as for using it as a phone forget it. I get some roaming service that wants a dollar to connect and a buck a minute. The dealer is looking into it. So far have used 20 of my 30 minutes and never spoken to anyone. I think that part of the problem may be the town's fault. I remember that a couple of years ago they would not permit a new tower because of its appearance.
Not many posts recently so don't know if anyone will read this but I am so happy with the car and the dealer I wanted to share.
Am now investigating the Zaino board as I am going to clean and polish this car myself.
My previous cars were never this hot. Are any of you experiencing this?