I have an 04 with a rear window mounted On Star antenna. Since the 05's are coming out with and all in one antenna, what are the chances of getting my dealer to covert my On Star antenna to the XM radio antenna?
It sounds like a bearing is going out in an alternator or waterpump.
Or is sonds like a noisy valvetrain. Which it is.
It is a metal against metal sound most noticeable under light acceleration or a 25-35 mph cruise. It does not go away under these conditions. Usually not heard at idle though.
I have heard a theory that it happens to cars that are sit at idle.
It's to bad after all the research you did going back and forth CTS- SRX and whatever other makes you considered . The one you chose seems to have a serious problem. Shame on them . I hope they can resolve your problem with a minimal amount of stress. You are going to find out if your dealership is one of the lucky few that actually has decent techs. It is tough to find a service dept that can make repairs and then make them without causing secondary problems .
Got the car back this morning and it is very quiet. Seems even quieter than when I bought it. Which means the problem may have been from the beginning. Seems to have a little more power too. 5-10 hp.
I will check the oil soon and let you know if it is dirty again.
I'm going to try a different brand of gas in mine. I've alwayed used the same fill up station, but never noticed a problem in the Cutlass. Maybe the CTS has more refined tastes in fuel.
I just picked up my 04 CTS this afternoon...luxury/sport package, dvd navigation, blue chip...and I'm loving it so far. I spent the last two hours sitting in the car in the garage figuring out the whole navigation/xm radio/lcd DIC thingys. Man is that slick once you get the gist of how it all works. Anyway..I had wondered if the 3.6 engine needed premium fuel or regular...since the various reviews/ratings that I had read had differed in what they said. It turns out..they were all correct. The manual says you can use regular grade (87 octane) in that engine. It also says that for performance driveing or trailer towing, premium grade (91 octane) may give better performance. The tank was full when I picked it up from the dealer, and I've only put 30 miles on it since, so I havn't had to put anygas in the tank yet...and I have no idea what the cadillac dealer filled it up with. I'll try regular at my first fill up and see how that works. If I'm happy with the way it drives with regular, no sense in spending more for premium.
What are the feelings of some of you who've been driving your 3.6 liter CTS'es for a while about premium or regular?
I've been away for awhile from this board because I've been waiting for a CTS V to come to a neighborhood near me. I've been looking at Jaquars, Infiniti G35, Mercedes, and Acuras and BMWs. When I heard that my Cadillac dealer was getting a CTSV in February, I couldn't wait. But it never came and was told late March. I looked at other brands in the interim.I had previously got a low ball price on my CTS because the sales manager said that it was a manual. My dealer called on Monday that a silver CTS V was to arrive. I got there early afternoon but was told that it was delayed until Wed. or Thurs. So while I was there I asked for a price with my trade on it. Amazing the low ball price was now higher. I asked why and just got a smile from the sales manager. Still better but not that good. Went home and a call was on the ans. machine that another dealer got one in, black with ebony. I went to see it that evening even though it was not cleaned up, test drove it, returned and asked for a price with trade, no hassles, great deal (end of the month?) and it's mine! Picked it up on Tuesday. What a car, what a ride! My dealer called that his came in on Tuesday and that it was mine if I wanted to test drive it. I did go over and they did see my CTSV. I really think that they thought they had the silver one sold and didn't care to deal with me but something went wrong and now I was in the picture again. The sales manager asked why from another dealer and I said "bottom line price". This is a big dealer and I think that they were surprised that the smaller dealer beat the deal. The ride is terrific!( Just like FAV002 predicted) The engine just purrs. Had 7 miles on it when I tested it. Picked it up and now there's 105 miles on it. I'm still programming the preferences and getting ready for the nav system. On Star transferred the minutes remaining and gave a refund for the un-used plan remaining. Experienced no wheel hop in pulling out but I tried to see what the lockout feature was like in second gear.... I probably won't drive like that to experience it again.
Sounds like they may have optimized it to run on 87.
Try a couple of tanks of each and check the fuel mileage. You may get better mileage with premium which could actually make it cheaper to use, but the only way to tell is to test it.
mannytranny's are the way to go, it's the only way I've ever driven a car. Granted, I've only driven for four years of my life, but the day I picked up a stick shift for the first time it was heaven for me. I've never lost the idea of fun in a mannytranny car since that day. The CTS-V is an amazing car and I'm sure there will be plenty of fun to be had in it. B4z, keep us updated on the progress of your SRX, it's great that you seem to be liking it more now.
I have never minded the manual trans in traffic since most of my driving has been in metro areas with lots of traffic jams. What I do mind is the drivers of auto trans that constantly keep creeping up in traffic instead of just getting there and stopping. That's what is aggravating to a manual trans driver. Maybe some day I will want an auto but for right now I enjoy driving too much to want to press and go. I am really liking the 6 speed trans since I have driven 5 speeds for years. I have actually driven an auto trans for about 50 miles when I needed a loaner during CTS repairs a year ago, couldn't wait to get rid of it. I can also see why drivers have drinks, use cell phones, apply make-up, eat food, etc. in an auto trans. Is it from sheer boredom or just something to do since shifting is no longer available in an auto? ...It's like the car has become an extension of the home. Well, moving on,I really like my new CTS V. It is great to be in a V8 like this car!
Certainly nothing like the feel of a V8. Glad your enjoying the V, keep us posted on your experience.
Speaking of CTS-Vs, I saw my first one in person yesterday. It was silver. I was getting off the freeway and it was at a hotel that was by the offramp. Due to traffic, I could look at it long, but the mesh grille tipped me off that it was no ordinary CTS.
There is nothing like a manual trans . I dont subcribe to the "creeping " I hold my ground till its worth moving ..... just because the car ahead of me moves 10 feet I am not. simulated engine control of todays automatics still cant compare .
I live in LA, so I know what dealing with traffic can be like. People in LA spend more time in thier cars than anywhere else in the world. Though there have been some times when I know an auto just would have been easier (especially on the 405), as soon as the road opens, or down the canyons stick is just awesome. Stick driving is a passion of mine, I've never owned a car withouth it, but this city is definitely doing its part to detract me from it. I love it when there's an unsuspecting truck who thinks that if they punch it I won't pass them, they're always wrong.
I've lived in Los Angeles for 35 years. I lived in New york City for 35 years before that. I've been back to New York City within the last seven years. New york traffic always has been and still is much worse than Los Angeles traffic. Fourty years ago radio announcers were calling the Long Island Expressway the longest parking lot in the world. On my last trip back to New York I spent a full hour trying to cross the Queensboro bridge from Queens to Manhattan. I'll take driving in Los Angeles over New York any time. And by the way Boston isn't too great either.
I was quoting a statistic I read somewhere that said that people in LA spend more time in their cars than anywhere else in the world, actually I believe it was in Cad&Driver, I'll check it out. The second place city on that list was San Francisco, so go figure. The problem with LA is that no matter where you go in the city you will always find traffic at any given time, except for after 10 (and that's only on weekdays). LA is such a sprawling city and there are so many congested cities within the LA area that you can't ever go very far. I don't know, at least in my experience LA traffic is pretty bad, but my only other experience with big city traffic would be Chicago, which is not as bad, but can be comparable.
I've been in both Chicago and Atlanta traffic and both were no fun. I think Chicago was worse. I hit the IN/IL border on I90 at about 4:30 PM on a friday afternoon and it was probably nearing 7:00 PM before I made it to my destination which was near Ohare. It was touch and go the entire way through the city.
It's been one week since I took delivery of my blue chip , luxury sport package equipped CTS, and wanted to give my experiences after living with it for that time. I havn't had it above 70 yet...since its still in the break in period, but I am really loving this car. It's quick, refined, smooth riding and quiet. I traded in a 99 Corvette for it, so performance and handling were important to me, and I have not been disappointed. A few specifics: The DVD navigation system is way cool. It took a couple hours of playing with it in the garage to get the whole thing down, but now the operation is second nature. The voice command function, for that as well as the audio system has worked very well. I can change the screen from navigation to radio to disc, change to any of the preset fm, am or XM satellite stations, or even zoom in or out of the navigation map, all by voice command. The steering wheel controls for the system have become natural to use. The Xenon HID headlamps have been a pleasent surprise...they light up the road MUCH better then anything I have experienced before. The feel of the automatic transmision shift lever, has also been a surprise. Its hard to describe, but shifting that lever just feels so much more refined then others I have owned..it just has a more quality feel to it. The transmission itself is buttery smooth. No wonder BMW buys it from GM for use in some of their cars. The body is extremly solid and has been rattle free. Wind and road noise at highway speeds is something that I was trying to minimize in this vehicle purchase, since I plan on doing some traveling with it. I am very happy with how the CTS performs in this respect. Freeway driving is quiet and serene. All in all, I am a very satisfied new cadillac customer.
The mesh (billet) grille is not necessarily the positive ID of a CTS-v. I found out the hard way when I thought one of my local dealers had one many weeks ago (turned out to be before the "V"'s were even released.) When I got the chance to stop and look at the car, I found it was, of all things, a base model CTS stick-shift that they had dressed up with the billet grille and larger tires/wheels. And they managed to crank the price up into the $37k+ range because of it. Same kind of deal I saw a couple of years ago when a local chev dealer had "SS" badged a black Impala. It wasn't even the Impala LS, but, again, the base model. After market tires/wheels, tinted all the windows, put the LS spoiler on the back and red "SS" badging on the side. And the guy had the nerve to tell me it was the SS version and the price was higher than what the LS's went for. He backed off when I pointed out all the things that made it the base model...as well as the fact that Chev had yet to produce the "true" SS version. So, anyway, you gotta be careful basing on outside appearance only. Dealer trick.
Recently I had a loaded trunk and three passengers in my CTS. To my surprise my CTS felt like it lost no pep due to the load. It felt as quick as when I am driving alone with nothing in the trunk. This must be a result of a great transmission well mated to the engine.
A week or so ago noticed fluid in garage. Thought it was oil as the result of dealer not performing oil change correctly. Brought it in for oil change and tire rotation, mentioned the fluid leak. It turns out that one of the seals on the auto tranny went bad, car now has 9,200 miles. Unfortunately parts are back ordered... dealer does not know when I will get my car back. Anybody else having problem with their automatic?
Hi Jipper, Sorry to hear about your problem on your CTS. I've only had mine a week, and so far, no problems of any kind. How has the dealer been during this..have they given you a free loaner until your car is returned?
You guys need to head on over to the XLR thread under coupes. It's getting pretty laughable in there as there is one guy who seems to have a Lexus SC430 fetish and seems to wonder why Cadillac priced the XLR $20K more than the SC(tough question there huh?).
BTW, anyone see the recent issue of MT with the four way comparison between the Saab 9-3, Acura TL, CTS, and G35? Not a bad showing for the CTS as it came in second. The G35 had quicker acceleration and a much lower price then the fully loaded CTS they tested, otherwise there was nothing really impressive about it. It was a pretty good review and the only downer was they didn't include a Lincoln LS. Yes, the LS is yesterday's news in terms of how new it is, but it is still a great car(okay I'm a bit biased here). Heck, they shouldn't have even bothered with the two FWD cars(the Acura and Saab) and tested the LS and another RWD car such as the IS300 or C-class.
The dealer has given me a loaner, which is good. However the service advisor has either been very vague on what part or seal actually failed or does not know based upon what was written up by the tech. I guess they believe that all Cadillac owners have never turned a wrench on a car this notion or belief is what bothers me.
Interesting post, but you've got to remember that the vast majority of people who drive high-end performance sedans have no clue what they can do, and don't care to learn.
FWD, RWD & AWD are nothing but alphabet soup to them, and to introduce the concept of 50/50 weight distribution may as well be a discussion of Latvian economics.
The vast majority of the people who end up driving BMW's, CTS's and (especially) Lincoln LS's are clueless as regards performance automobiles. They ended up with their car because they traded in something at the dealership and liked the salesperson. . .or they walked in cold because they've always wanted a (fill in the blank) because all their friends think it's good.
The car rags reflect this, in that they'll mix FWD & RWD, usually based on "price point" rather than size, performance, or much of anything else. Their audience is only astute enough to realize that the vehicles in the comparison all have four wheels and sell for roughly the same amount (assuming anyone was really going to buy one outright).
(cdnpinhead said) The vast majority of the people who end up driving BMW's, CTS's and (especially) Lincoln LS's are clueless as regards performance automobiles. They ended up with their car because they traded in something at the dealership and liked the salesperson. . .or they walked in cold because they've always wanted a (fill in the blank) because all their friends think it's good. (unquote)
I'm sure that is true with some buyers, but I doubt if many of the participants in these forums fall into that category. I drove corvettes for 11 years, first a 94, then a 99. I traded in the 99 on a new CTS a week ago, because I'm at a different point in my life now and find the practicality of a 4 door sedan more important then ultimate performance. But I wasn't ready for the Buick/Camry set just yet.
The performance sport sedans, like the CTS, BMW's, etc, allow car enthusists to still get our daily minimum requirement of driving fun, while still being able to go about our more practical duties. My CTS is not just transportation for me..I truely look forward to and enjoy getting behind the wheel.
that present company is excepted. The regular posters here, or even people who seek out the site once or twice while acquiring a new car, certainly don't strike me as typical car shoppers.
My comment was in response to someone questioning why RWD & FWD "performance" vehicles were reviewed in the same article in a car magazine. My put is that most of the people shopping among the cited cars (and by extension reading the magazine) care more about how a car looks than what it can do, let alone which pair of wheels cause it to move. It's all about "image," and the 10% or fewer of the drivers who fully exercise their vehicles (as the engineers intended), plus healthy doses of advertising, snob appeal & peer pressure/word-of-mouth, define image for most people. The BMW phenomenon during those greedy 80's probably best exemplifies what I'm getting at.
Does anyone really think that the majority (or even a healthy minority) of those who drive CTS's or LS's have any concept at all of the performance potential of the vehicles, given the 50-year reputation of their brands? If so, I guess we'll just have to agree to disagree.
Interesting points being made. I think Motor Trend can justify the fwd/rwd mix in their article, as the overall segment a vehicle competes in has more to do with size, style, general performance attributes than which wheels spin when you hit the gas.
One example would be the Deville & Town Car, which most people would agree compete for the same buyers, yet the Cadillac is FWD (for now) and the TC a rear driver.
BTW, hit 3k miles on my '04 CTS this week, no problems at all since delivery of the vehicle. One ergonomic nuisance ... I keep turning the headlights off when I reach to turn the foglamps on. Maybe thats just me.
Had the chance to go from 80mph to 100mph the other day on a long empty stretch of hwy, and was very pleased with the available power in that range. Enjoying the car so far, and this forum.
Anyone out there know when production of the 2004 run ends and when 2005 begins? My current lease expires in July, hoping to get a good end of year deal on a CTS. Any info is greatly appreciated!
Jipper - I have 9,000 on my '03CTS and had a leak in the rear end seal. Waiting for parts. I've had mine in several times for rough idle but they haven't found anything yet. Runs fine on the highway but idles rough at a stop lite.
My Lincoln LS had a similar rough idle condition and it turned out to be the idle-air control valve(or something to do with the idle-air control). Ran fine when driving, but slow to a stop and you could feel the engine revs drop to almost a stall for a moment and the idle was a bit rough. Especially when the car was cold.
I am not sure if I am doing this message board thing right...it is my first time on this site...but I am in desperate need of some advice, if there is anyone out there that can give it. I live in Anchorage Alaska, and am currently looking at purchasing the CTS 3.2L 5 speed. I am a little worried about the fact the the car is rear-wheel drive, considering I would be driving in the snow and on ice next winter. I was wondering if anyone has any experience with this, has driven their's in these conditions, and if they still recommend the car. It is such a big purchase for me, I am going from a Toyota Tundra to a CTS, I just love the features and the way it looks, I am tired of driving such a big rig. If anyone can help, I am desperate, and would greatly appreciate some guidance.
Amy, Use the search function on the site and type in "snow". I think you will find several discussions by those of us who have had our CTSs in snow and winter driving conditions. Although some of us have been pleased with the handling on snow and ice, I think you will find that none of us recommend the CTS as a primary vehicle for driving in severe winter weather.
Scott and all, I got my car back yesterday. It turns out that they had to replace 'O' rings. The service advisor did not have the specific location of where the leak was coming from. I need to check my garage floor for leaks... hopefully they fixed the leak. Does the 2003 have the same automatic transmission as the 2004? FYI the 'O' rings were made up of a different material then what they had in stock hence the reason for the delay in getting parts.
I can't believe that it's been this long on this board. I originally signed on as Wallywalla but left for awhile. I came back with a new name - mannytranny.Snow driving in the CTS is not bad at all in a manual trans. Your worst fears should be the other drivers (SUV drivers who go 80mph because they feel invincible):) I don't know what the conditions are like in your area but I would check with your local car dealers to see if they have any advice. I personally had no trouble in 8" of snow but here in PA but it doesn't last long and the roads are cleared relatively quickly. I have to go through a paved way to get to the street and that is never cleared or plowed. My CTS handled it quite well. I was impresssed enough to tell my friends that were stuck with thier cars. My problem is the road salt, and other drivers. I couldn't bear to have someone mash into my car! I did enjoy taking my CTS to an uncleared parking lot to have fun with the traction control turned off and see what could happen. I guess that I was just having some fun! The final decision will be yours! Good luck
Thank you so much, that REALLY helps! I am having such a tough time deciding, going from a dependable Tundra 4x4 to a sporty rear-wheel drive car is kind of scary. But, I am glad to hear that it handled fine, did you get studded tires? I think I am going to go through with the purchase, thanks a lot, by the way, I am getting a manual transmission.
Well, I've had the CTS V for about two weeks now, and I really like it. It is so similar in ways to the CTS. My own brother saw it from the rear just outside of the garage in our parking area and didn't even realize that it was a V. The weather has been really bad around here ( rain , rain) and I haven't put but 300 miles on it .( The CTS had over 1000 in less than 1 month.) The Nav is new for me and I will be playing with it this weekend. The wheels get brake dust on them rather quickly. The mileage is not that great but I didn't get out of break-in yet. The engine sounds great. The 6 speed shifter is smooth. The seats are better especially with the lumbar support and feel more supportive. The suede inserts keep you in the seat even around tight turns. Nice improvement! I don't like the lock-out feature from 1st to 4th. Miss the wheel toggle for the radio control. Love the guages, all of them! The dealer wants to know if I'll take it to the dragstrip. I said that'll have to wait til I get more miles on it. (This is a new dealer that I bought it from and they don't know that I took the other CTS to the dragstrip. I couldn't guess why they thought that the dragstrip would interest me, never gave them a clue)Must be my liking of a manual transmission!or I must have the look? There is a problem with the readings on oil temp but GM will have a fix shortly. No biggie. Odd sound from the engine which is being checked next week. The ride is just great!!!!!! Corners beautifully and hugs and holds. Feels firm to the ground just like the CTS did. I'll give more details after the weekend.
Never put on studded tires. Just went with the tires that were original equipment with the luxury package. The car went straight like an arrow. At first I was impressed that the handling was because of traction control but I realized that traction had not even been engaged I stomped on the gas to see what traction would do and it held straight. Most of the snow driving traction never engaged , that's why I took it to the parking lot to have some fun with and without traction so I would know the handling characteristics of the car. I was impressed! P.S. I also gave up a 4x4 truck on the trade for the CTS. So the first winter I really was wondering if I did the right thing. I did.
Phew...thanks a lot, you really put me at ease...I feel better. Funny how things work sometimes. I waited years to buy my "dream" truck, the Tundra, I haven't had it a year yet and I want to get rid of it, I feel a little guilty, oh well...Do you have any reservations about services? I have been told by one or two people that Cadi's are known for having to be services a lot, early on. The computers go out, they aren't reliable, expensive to service. Anyhow...I don't plan on having mine for longer than the warranty covers, but, I also don't want to have to bring it in the shop the first year either. Anyhow...sorry, can't help but be paranoid.
As far as service, I had no service problems. I had a leaky license plate surround problem that was addressed. I don't consider that a major problem. No computer problems and Cadillac dealers are usually great for service, providing loaners, etc. Oil changes, I followed the computer. I had 14,000 miles on my CTS when I traded it in on a CTS-V . I bought it new in June 2002. Got 19mpg in the city and 28 mpg on highway runs. If you read through this thread there really were no major problems ,in fact, for something to discuss it got quite nit-picky sometimes ( like lack of temp guage and clock accuracy.). My CTS is (was) a great car and I would buy it again if the clock were turned back. The only reason to trade it in was for the V8 engine. My new ride CTS-V is black just like the CTS I traded in.
Amers, I have an 03 CTS with 28,000/miles. I live in PA and drove several times in the snow this past winter. For a rear wheel drive I thought the CTS performed well, however, it is rear wheel drive and will not perform as well as a front wheel drive in the snow. I did not use snow tires. The CTS is so fun to drive on dry pavement I am willing to give up some performance in the snow. I have had only one minor problem thus far and that was my clocks being out of sync. The 2004 model eliminated one the the clocks so the problem is solved. The CTS Rocks! I have had mine over a 100 mph on several occasions and it handles as well at 100 as at 55 mph. The engine pulls hard to 100 mph. You should buy one, you won't be disappointed.
Comments
I have 1,500 miles on my CTS 3.6vvt and I am occationally noticing engine knock in situations where the engine is sort of lugging uphill.
This is not a knocking sound.
It sounds like a bearing is going out in an alternator or waterpump.
Or is sonds like a noisy valvetrain. Which it is.
It is a metal against metal sound most noticeable under light acceleration or a 25-35 mph cruise.
It does not go away under these conditions. Usually not heard at idle though.
I have heard a theory that it happens to cars that are sit at idle.
Which means the problem may have been from the beginning.
Seems to have a little more power too. 5-10 hp.
I will check the oil soon and let you know if it is dirty again.
Oh yeah, both left side camshafts were replaced.
Anyway..I had wondered if the 3.6 engine needed premium fuel or regular...since the various reviews/ratings that I had read had differed in what they said. It turns out..they were all correct. The manual says you can use regular grade (87 octane) in that engine. It also says that for performance driveing or trailer towing, premium grade (91 octane) may give better performance. The tank was full when I picked it up from the dealer, and I've only put 30 miles on it since, so I havn't had to put anygas in the tank yet...and I have no idea what the cadillac dealer filled it up with. I'll try regular at my first fill up and see how that works. If I'm happy with the way it drives with regular, no sense in spending more for premium.
What are the feelings of some of you who've been driving your 3.6 liter CTS'es for a while about premium or regular?
Scott
I looked at other brands in the interim.I had previously got a low ball price on my CTS because the sales manager said that it was a manual.
My dealer called on Monday that a silver CTS V was to arrive. I got there early afternoon but was told that it was delayed until Wed. or Thurs. So while I was there I asked for a price with my trade on it. Amazing the low ball price was now higher. I asked why and just got a smile from the sales manager. Still better but not that good.
Went home and a call was on the ans. machine that another dealer got one in, black with ebony. I went to see it that evening even though it was not cleaned up, test drove it, returned and asked for a price with trade, no hassles, great deal (end of the month?) and it's mine!
Picked it up on Tuesday. What a car, what a ride! My dealer called that his came in on Tuesday and that it was mine if I wanted to test drive it. I did go over and they did see my CTSV. I really think that they thought they had the silver one sold and didn't care to deal with me but something went wrong and now I was in the picture again. The sales manager asked why from another dealer and I said "bottom line price". This is a big dealer and I think that they were surprised that the smaller dealer beat the deal.
The ride is terrific!( Just like FAV002 predicted) The engine just purrs. Had 7 miles on it when I tested it. Picked it up and now there's 105 miles on it. I'm still programming the preferences and getting ready for the nav system. On Star transferred the minutes remaining and gave a refund for the un-used plan remaining.
Experienced no wheel hop in pulling out but I tried to see what the lockout feature was like in second gear.... I probably won't drive like that to experience it again.
Try a couple of tanks of each and check the fuel mileage. You may get better mileage with premium which could actually make it cheaper to use, but the only way to tell is to test it.
Congratulations.
You are definitely a manual transmission guy.
Be careful in that thing. Almost twice as much power and torque all over the place.
Manuals are great but there are times when an automatic is preferred.
Maybe some day I will want an auto but for right now I enjoy driving too much to want to press and go. I am really liking the 6 speed trans since I have driven 5 speeds for years. I have actually driven an auto trans for about 50 miles when I needed a loaner during CTS repairs a year ago, couldn't wait to get rid of it. I can also see why drivers have drinks, use cell phones, apply make-up, eat food, etc. in an auto trans. Is it from sheer boredom or just something to do since shifting is no longer available in an auto?
Well, moving on,I really like my new CTS V. It is great to be in a V8 like this car!
Speaking of CTS-Vs, I saw my first one in person yesterday. It was silver. I was getting off the freeway and it was at a hotel that was by the offramp. Due to traffic, I could look at it long, but the mesh grille tipped me off that it was no ordinary CTS.
I don't believe the V's VINs are are any help
People in NY and Boston don't live 70 to 100+ miles from where they spend their days, or if they do, they certainly don't drive.
I havn't had it above 70 yet...since its still in the break in period, but I am really loving this car. It's quick, refined, smooth riding and quiet. I traded in a 99 Corvette for it, so performance and handling were important to me, and I have not been disappointed.
A few specifics: The DVD navigation system is way cool. It took a couple hours of playing with it in the garage to get the whole thing down, but now the operation is second nature. The voice command function, for that as well as the audio system has worked very well. I can change the screen from navigation to radio to disc, change to any of the preset fm, am or XM satellite stations, or even zoom in or out of the navigation map, all by voice command. The steering wheel controls for the system have become natural to use.
The Xenon HID headlamps have been a pleasent surprise...they light up the road MUCH better then anything I have experienced before.
The feel of the automatic transmision shift lever, has also been a surprise. Its hard to describe, but shifting that lever just feels so much more refined then others I have owned..it just has a more quality feel to it. The transmission itself is buttery smooth. No wonder BMW buys it from GM for use in some of their cars.
The body is extremly solid and has been rattle free. Wind and road noise at highway speeds is something that I was trying to minimize in this vehicle purchase, since I plan on doing some traveling with it. I am very happy with how the CTS performs in this respect. Freeway driving is quiet and serene. All in all, I am a very satisfied new cadillac customer.
Scott
It turns out that one of the seals on the auto tranny went bad, car now has 9,200 miles. Unfortunately parts are back ordered... dealer does not know when I will get my car back. Anybody else having problem with their automatic?
Sorry to hear about your problem on your CTS. I've only had mine a week, and so far, no problems of any kind. How has the dealer been during this..have they given you a free loaner until your car is returned?
BTW, anyone see the recent issue of MT with the four way comparison between the Saab 9-3, Acura TL, CTS, and G35? Not a bad showing for the CTS as it came in second. The G35 had quicker acceleration and a much lower price then the fully loaded CTS they tested, otherwise there was nothing really impressive about it. It was a pretty good review and the only downer was they didn't include a Lincoln LS. Yes, the LS is yesterday's news in terms of how new it is, but it is still a great car(okay I'm a bit biased here). Heck, they shouldn't have even bothered with the two FWD cars(the Acura and Saab) and tested the LS and another RWD car such as the IS300 or C-class.
I guess they believe that all Cadillac owners have never turned a wrench on a car this notion or belief is what bothers me.
FWD, RWD & AWD are nothing but alphabet soup to them, and to introduce the concept of 50/50 weight distribution may as well be a discussion of Latvian economics.
The vast majority of the people who end up driving BMW's, CTS's and (especially) Lincoln LS's are clueless as regards performance automobiles. They ended up with their car because they traded in something at the dealership and liked the salesperson. . .or they walked in cold because they've always wanted a (fill in the blank) because all their friends think it's good.
The car rags reflect this, in that they'll mix FWD & RWD, usually based on "price point" rather than size, performance, or much of anything else. Their audience is only astute enough to realize that the vehicles in the comparison all have four wheels and sell for roughly the same amount (assuming anyone was really going to buy one outright).
Go figure.
The vast majority of the people who end up driving BMW's, CTS's and (especially) Lincoln LS's are clueless as regards performance automobiles. They ended up with their car because they traded in something at the dealership and liked the salesperson. . .or they walked in cold because they've always wanted a (fill in the blank) because all their friends think it's good.
(unquote)
I'm sure that is true with some buyers, but I doubt if many of the participants in these forums fall into that category. I drove corvettes for 11 years, first a 94, then a 99. I traded in the 99 on a new CTS a week ago, because I'm at a different point in my life now and find the practicality of a 4 door sedan more important then ultimate performance. But I wasn't ready for the Buick/Camry set just yet.
The performance sport sedans, like the CTS, BMW's, etc, allow car enthusists to still get our daily minimum requirement of driving fun, while still being able to go about our more practical duties. My CTS is not just transportation for me..I truely look forward to and enjoy getting behind the wheel.
My comment was in response to someone questioning why RWD & FWD "performance" vehicles were reviewed in the same article in a car magazine. My put is that most of the people shopping among the cited cars (and by extension reading the magazine) care more about how a car looks than what it can do, let alone which pair of wheels cause it to move. It's all about "image," and the 10% or fewer of the drivers who fully exercise their vehicles (as the engineers intended), plus healthy doses of advertising, snob appeal & peer pressure/word-of-mouth, define image for most people. The BMW phenomenon during those greedy 80's probably best exemplifies what I'm getting at.
Does anyone really think that the majority (or even a healthy minority) of those who drive CTS's or LS's have any concept at all of the performance potential of the vehicles, given the 50-year reputation of their brands? If so, I guess we'll just have to agree to disagree.
One example would be the Deville & Town Car, which most people would agree compete for the same buyers, yet the Cadillac is FWD (for now) and the TC a rear driver.
BTW, hit 3k miles on my '04 CTS this week, no problems at all since delivery of the vehicle. One ergonomic nuisance ... I keep turning the headlights off when I reach to turn the foglamps on. Maybe thats just me.
Had the chance to go from 80mph to 100mph the other day on a long empty stretch of hwy, and was very pleased with the available power in that range. Enjoying the car so far, and this forum.
Thanks, Amy
Use the search function on the site and type in "snow". I think you will find several discussions by those of us who have had our CTSs in snow and winter driving conditions. Although some of us have been pleased with the handling on snow and ice, I think you will find that none of us recommend the CTS as a primary vehicle for driving in severe winter weather.
I got my car back yesterday. It turns out that they had to replace 'O' rings. The service advisor did not have the specific location of where the leak was coming from. I need to check my garage floor for leaks... hopefully they fixed the leak. Does the 2003 have the same automatic transmission as the 2004? FYI the 'O' rings were made up of a different material then what they had in stock hence the reason for the delay in getting parts.
Your worst fears should be the other drivers (SUV drivers who go 80mph because they feel invincible):) I don't know what the conditions are like in your area but I would check with your local car dealers to see if they have any advice. I personally had no trouble in 8" of snow but here in PA but it doesn't last long and the roads are cleared relatively quickly. I have to go through a paved way to get to the street and that is never cleared or plowed. My CTS handled it quite well. I was impresssed enough to tell my friends that were stuck with thier cars.
My problem is the road salt, and other drivers. I couldn't bear to have someone mash into my car! I did enjoy taking my CTS to an uncleared parking lot to have fun with the traction control turned off and see what could happen. I guess that I was just having some fun!
The final decision will be yours! Good luck
Amy
The wheels get brake dust on them rather quickly. The mileage is not that great but I didn't get out of break-in yet. The engine sounds great. The 6 speed shifter is smooth.
The seats are better especially with the lumbar support and feel more supportive. The suede inserts keep you in the seat even around tight turns. Nice improvement!
I don't like the lock-out feature from 1st to 4th.
Miss the wheel toggle for the radio control.
Love the guages, all of them!
The dealer wants to know if I'll take it to the dragstrip. I said that'll have to wait til I get more miles on it. (This is a new dealer that I bought it from and they don't know that I took the other CTS to the dragstrip. I couldn't guess why they thought that the dragstrip would interest me, never gave them a clue)Must be my liking of a manual transmission!or I must have the look?
There is a problem with the readings on oil temp but GM will have a fix shortly. No biggie.
Odd sound from the engine which is being checked next week.
The ride is just great!!!!!! Corners beautifully and hugs and holds. Feels firm to the ground just like the CTS did. I'll give more details after the weekend.
P.S. I also gave up a 4x4 truck on the trade for the CTS. So the first winter I really was wondering if I did the right thing.
I did.
Thanks, Amy
If you read through this thread there really were no major problems ,in fact, for something to discuss it got quite nit-picky sometimes ( like lack of temp guage and clock accuracy.).
My CTS is (was) a great car and I would buy it again if the clock were turned back.
The only reason to trade it in was for the V8 engine. My new ride CTS-V is black just like the CTS I traded in.