Cadillac CTS/CTS-V

white6

Made the deal on a 2006 CTS with 18-inch Sport Appearance Package, Luxury Package, sunroof, and auto tranny. Smoke Gray with Ebony. MSRP of $40,250; after all incentives, GM MasterCard rebates, etc., wound up with out the door price (not including tax/tag) of $33,769 (includes $109 for 3 years of $0 deductible wheel/tire/windshield coverage). Plus, I'm also saving $850 by taking advantage of the "Pull-Ahead" program and turning in my 04 GTO SmartBuy two months early; wave last two payments plus the $250 disposition fee. They also threw in a $1,000 "down payment assistance" (included in my out the door price above); their trick is that I must finance the new car through GMAC at their "standard" rate (11%!!!). My trick is, I will be paying off this note immediately upon receiving my paperwork and refinancing at 4% via other means. GM makes you work for it, but they do provide lots of incentives to buy (and continue to buy) their products. Anyone have any advice to pass along before I pick up the car?

white6

Can anyone here answer a question: does your shifter flop around while in gear? Seems a little loose (kinda wobbles about an eighth inch in all directions) and I was wondering if this is "standard" or if mine needs attention...

mick1

It's funny you mention the "loose" shifter in your new CTS I have it in my 2004GTO. Didn't you notice it in your GTO? GM just wants you to feel at home in their family of cars. Good luck with the caddy, It has the luxury the GTO was missing.

jpazzz

Hello,
I recently acquired a rather nice, low mileage, 2004 CTS with all the bells and whistles except the GPS navigation system.
My dealer located the car just off lease, got it in, and Cadillac certified it. However, my dealer (an old, established Chevy dealership) has just taken on the Cadillac line, and can't answer some questions for me.

The center stack, steering wheel, door panels, etc. are covered in Zebrano wood. I can't tell from looking at the build form if this was factory installed or installed by the original leasing dealership.

Here are my questions regarding the Zebrano wood. Sorry, but there are several questions. I hope that some of you out there are knowledgeable enough to answer them.

1. Several internet sites indicate that there are both real wood and plastic versions of Zebrano wood, and that both can be encountered in factory installations. Can this be true?

2. Is there a way to identify factory applied Zebrano wood trim?

3. How can one determine whether what is on one's car is real or plastic Zebrano wood?

4. I don't particularly like the Zebrano Wood on the steering wheel or the large sections on the door panels. (I do like the small sections around the door handles.) Is there a way to remove the wheel and door sections of the Zebrano wood without leaving nasty traces behind?

Hope some of you can help on this.

Cheers,

Jpazzz

jhavign

I'm planning on buying a new CTS. I do have a budget, and I really like the wood steering wheel. I see the 2.8 has the wooden steering wheel listed as optional, but when I build it on the web site, it still says leather steering wheel. Does anyone here own a 2.8 CTS with a Wooden steering wheel and which options does it come with? Thanks in advance.

panzer

Steering wheel is a very trivial matter. I would have preferred leather myself, but no choice with the lux pkg. The wood wheel is slippery, has two different materials and reminds me of a lexus. Better to save money on the steering wheel and get a base 3.6, you will not regret it. Power really makes this car fun.

ayk

I have a 2005 CTS that I bought just over a year ago, I have $17,700 miles on it. I have had a series of problems with this car...all under warranty. Problems with the radio, the brakes and now the tires/alignment. Has anyone else experienced this many problems

arby1

Dear Host,
Are any CTS drivers using photoblocker spray to help not get a red light camera ticket. I didn't see any discusions on any forum. Would you be interested in opening up a forum on that issue? I think many Edmunds readers would be interested in that topic, in that they would want to know if the product works.

bingoman

If you pay attention to the yellow lights, and don't try to run the red lights you wont need a spray to hide your license plates. You might even save yourself a major accident, which photoblocker wont do.

arby1

The yellow light is shortened on these intersections , so that cars are hit with the red light ticket.

pao

ok looking at a certified used 06.....so what are the pros and cons between the two V-6s, honestly looking at the sport & lux package on a 2.8L model......

the car will be used mainly for highway trips...vice local...

panzer

I think you give up enough horsepower and torque with the 2.8 that it would make the car a lot less fun to drive and own. From experience I can tell you the 3.6 is perfect for the car. It has great power at low rpms. On the other hand you should get better highway mileage than the 3.6 which is definitely not too great. We average about 19 mpg. I also know the dealers cannot get rid of 2.8L cars if they have anything more than the base package. It only makes sense as a price leader. That's why you are interested, I assume, because of the price. It will be almost as good, but just dont expect to get much money for it when you want to sell it. Nobody wants them. My dealer would not even order new 2.8L cars for the lot, because the first ones in 2004 blew engines right and left. Presumably GM has fixed that problem.

pao

thanks for the info....looking at a certified 05, blkberry/ebony, 3.6L, auto, looks like lux pkg with wood insert and shift nob, nav, sunroof. and they are asking $29k for it.......good, bad,...or avg price??

sellaturcica

Looks like you can find certified CTS-Vs in the mid 30s. I've been toying with the idea of a regular CTS or a Pontiac GTO for a while now-but I just seriously thought about the CTS-V: would you guys recommend against the V given the diff issues that have been remarked on here and in the press (I believe C&D wasn't too thrilled with how their V aged)? Mid 30s for a car like the V seems like a screaming deal if the car stays together.

panzer

I have not kept up with used prices, so it is hard to comment either way. If it is exactly what you want, spotless and low mileage, It seems pretty fair. Consider the new model is coming out soon. That car must have stickered for about $43000, was bought for about $37000, and it is now 2 years old. Assuming it has about 20000 miles, I might offer 60 percent of sticker, say $26,000 and see how you do. Fun car.

pao

actually it has about 14K on it..so very low mileage.....still on the lot...doesnt seem to be moving...so am going to look at it this weekend and see what they say.....

sarahh

I found a 2006 CTS with 24k for $23,000 out the door, with Suspension 4-wheel independent, Battery maintenance-free includes rundown protection, Steering power rack-and-pinion, Brakes 4-wheel antilock 4-wheel disc, Fuel capacity approximate 17 gallon (64 liters), Exhaust stainless-steel, Mirrors outside rearview power heated body-color folding, Fog lamps front integral in front fascia, Glass Solar-Ray light tinted, Wipers intermittent front includes washers, Daytime running lamps, Door locks power programmable, Keyless entry remote, Theft-deterrent system PASS-Key III, Armrest center front, Seat adjuster recliner manual passenger, Seat rear pass-through, Armrest center rear includes dual cupholders, Steering wheel leather-wrapped rim, Fuel gauge analog, Trunk release power, Antenna integral front and rear, Steering column Tilt-Wheel adjustable,

I did driving test yesterday and seem very smooth, I like it but my hubby like me to have BMW 2005 instead I really like the wood trims interior, should I take it? :confuse:
I forgot to ask them to print the car history I will ask before I decide to do it, what else should I find out before buying it?

jazzmon1951

1-Handling
2-Quality of air cleaner assembly
3-Good value for the money

jazzmon1951

I have an 03 CTS, @ 10,000 miles reported to dealer a clunking noise in rearend when slowing to a stop and trans downshifts. Dealer investigated claimed noise coming from items in trunk moving around while stopping. At 36000 miles I complained again about differential noise, emptied trunk, went to dealer, new mechanic at same dealer found differential backlash excessive and outside factory spec.'s. Replaced differential under warranty. Stay on them!

jazzmon1951

Besides a characteristic rough idle, has anyone heard of major problems with this engine? In 55k on my CTS, I have not, other than minor oil leaks that the dealer repaired on engine oil pan and one valve cover. The reason for my question is I am contemplating keeping this car for a couple more years until the 08 design has been out for a while before I consider replacing. I am aware of the timing belt replacement at 100k.

jazzmon1951

Yes, as a matter of fact I experienced the same thing but did not associate disconnecting the battery with clock synchronization. The reason for disconnecting the battery was for a different issue I was addressing, I believe I removed the battery to change the passenger compartment air filter at the time.

cts2003minn

also having service air bag issues, now keyless entry does not work and cruise control cuts out. what did they find out with your air bag issue. thanks

ctszoom

Is there any way to upload set of destinations from external mapping tools, i.e. something like Microsoft Streets, etc.

Any feedback is highly appreciated.
Thanks in advance,
CTS Zoom

ctszoom

What front body parts are compatible on 2007 CTS vs. CTS-V1, i.e. fenders, hood, bumper, headlights?

ctszoom

I recently crushed my 2007 CTS and looking for following information:

1) What control modules or sensors need to be replaced in additional to both airbags (on front impact)
2) Does anyone know where to get schematics and/or instructions on how to reset airbag control module? Any SRS (airbag module) schematics will help.

3) How to test airbag control module before installing new airbags? (To ensure that they will not deploy due to issues w control module)
Any feedback is highly appreciated.
Thanks in advance

ctszoom

Need OnStar schematics and any information on how to disable OnStar uplink.

im_brentwood

You need to buy a Tech 2 to do this.. about $3,000++

pao

why ...just curious?

nferr

I just purchased a new 07 CTS. Has the Bose/Sunroof package, 17" wheel sport package, 3.6L luxury package, and automatic tranny. Love the 08, but the 07 has 72 month financing at 0% right now, plus the Bose/Sunroof package is free and I used $2000 in GM card points. Bought it for invoice, minus the GM points. It's almost impossible to find a decently equipped 07 and found this one about 90 miles away using a GM search. The 6 year 0% financing was what made me go for the 07, plus I always loved the style. Should pick it up next week. Light platinum with light gray/ebony interior,

esfoad

Looks like you got the right deal for you. Sounds like a beautiful choice. ENJOY!

oldw17

Hello I am new to the group and I am looking for a new CTS v, does anybody know of any dealership that has one???

Thanks

Mike

jazzmon1951

I looked at one this week in Eugene, OR at the dealer on Goodpasture Rd.

pao

08 CTS-V isnt due out til late in the model year is my understanding.....the new redesigned CTS is selling too well at the moment.....

rayainsw

http://media.gm.com/us/gm/en/news/events/autoshows/08naias/brands/cadillac/ctsv/- 08_NAIAS_09_Cadillac%20CTS-V_Overview.htm

Could be interesting...

creiling

i have a 2003 cadillac cts. battery died several times over the last month. jumped it each time with no problem. died again. tried to jump with no success. got a new battery from dealer. replaced in my driveway. won't start. all dash features, lights, radio, etc light up fine. no click when cranking. no start. thought it would be too coincidental that the starter would go, as well. any ideas?

sevenfeet0

My old '03 CTS did the same thing. Went through two dealer batteries before the issue got resolved. Ask your dealer to check out the tech service bulletins on this. There were more than a few of us that had this problem, unique to the '03 model year.

phaetondriver

Just wondering who would buy a 550 HP Cadillac CTS-V when they come out in Q4?
With gas prices in the 3.00+ up to $?.?? is a car that will probably get 12/22 mpg something you want to buy?

FYI I am not a CTS owner.

pao

people who can afford the price tag on it..dont worry about gas prices......if you are concerned over your MPG, you arent in the market for this car...IMHO

angelmarie415

I have a 2003 CTS, 80,000 miles, its sitting in my driveway, last week I was driving and the car completely just shut off, almost like it ran out of gas. It had a full tank. Then I tried to crank it and it was trying to start but wouldnt crank all the way. I let it sit for 10 min and it started...attempted to drive it and it died again, do you have any idea whats going on? A few people say it may be the fuel filter? Some say a sensor???

angelmarie415

My cts wont start, it does after 10min then dies again....power on the dash slowly fades....but then in 10min its ok, then drives and dies...2003 same year, 80,000miles.

marsha7

a used (obviously) 2004 CTS, 58K miles, black on black...I sat in it and I must say that the seat was quite comfortable...no time to drive it, but I was quite impressed with the interior...

I could add CTS to my never-ending list of cars I almost hope to buy one day, assuming I live that long...:):):):):)

paisan

Couldn't agree more. Relative to my Cigarette boat that gets 1mpg with twin 415hp 502ci engines and weighs about 7-9,000 lbs the milage on any car is good

If you can't afford the gas, it's probably not the car for you

-mike

beachlover40

My car is doing the same thing. When I try to start it, it acts like it is going to start but doesn't. The battery is fine and I have a full tank of gas. After letting it sit, it will eventually start but then it dies again. I took it to the dealership and the computer comes back with nothing wrong and no codes. They don't know what is wrong. Did you ever find out what is wrong?

srvivor87

-Does anybody know if the optional navigation system allow you to play "DVD-Videos" on it's screen like on other Cadillac models?

-Thanks.

bingoman

You can play DVD videos, but only when in park.

cts4u2

Hey guys I am hearing a rattling noise from under the hood of my 2003 CTS. When I turn the AC off the noise is less. When the AC is on the noise is louder. Any ideas?

bingoman

My first thought would be to check the bearings on the AC compressor.

ogdlow

I have experienced this in my 2005 CTS as well. At first I thought that it was the the horses under the hood .The V6. It was a very suttle shake, not a very hard one. But after having the car for almost 6mts now I think it is def. something else.

Also last week I started the car, did not press on the gas peddle, and the entire care was shaking like a earth quake, very hard shake. EARTH QUAKE LIKE. I let it shake for about 30 sec. then gave it a little gas, while in park, and it quickly went away.

It was like the something was out of balance. I have also felt a shaking affect while driving around 30miles per hr. .. I just thought it was a tire out of round or balance.. However now that i have experienced the Earth quake shake while in park I know it cant be the tires.
..
any suggestions?????

sunbird28

I have a 2005 CTS I bought it used with 62000 miles on it. I bought it in August in September I had to have the rear end replaced. GM Good willed me the parts but I had to pay labor.

My hubby took me to the doctor and listened to the radio, when I came out the car would not start. We had to get a jump. Another time my hubby turned the car off and tried to start it 10 mins later and it would not. We got another jump and it started right up. We thought we needed a battery. We purchased the battery and installed it and now the car will crank but not start. I had it towed to Dealer and they called and said that only one of the six cylinders had the right compression.

I have never let my oil get low. The car didnt smoke. There wasnt any forwarning before now. Has anyone had a problem like this or any info that might help

Thank you

bingoman

Whom did you buy the car from, a private party, a Cadillac dealer or an independent used car lot? Did you get a guaranttee?

You may never let the oil get low but who knows what the previous owner did with the car. What did the dealer say needed to be done to get the car back in running condition?