Cadillac CTS - Quality that lasts?
I'm thinking about buying a new car and the Cadillac CTS is one of my considerations. I was wondering if owners could tell me any griefs they've had with the car, major or minor. I just want a car that will be as trouble free as possible. Also, if anyone knows any other useful information about the car (i.e. how the 2006 Buick Lucerne is using the '91 Northstar V8) it would be much appreciated.
I have a '01 Pontiac Montana, and I'm very reluctant to buy another GM vehicle, be it a Chevy or a Cadillac. In 70,000 miles, we've already had the transmission rebuilt, AC compressor and condensor replaced, and the majority of the major brake system components replaced, just to name a few major problems. Compared to its competition at the time, at $35k, the car was not even cheap either.
If I'm about to drop another $30k+ on another GM, I want to make sure it's not a money pit like our Montana. Thanks.
I have a '01 Pontiac Montana, and I'm very reluctant to buy another GM vehicle, be it a Chevy or a Cadillac. In 70,000 miles, we've already had the transmission rebuilt, AC compressor and condensor replaced, and the majority of the major brake system components replaced, just to name a few major problems. Compared to its competition at the time, at $35k, the car was not even cheap either.
If I'm about to drop another $30k+ on another GM, I want to make sure it's not a money pit like our Montana. Thanks.
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The Lucerne isn't using the same Northstar that was created in 1991' Actually their has been a few revisions to the Northstar oe of them which allows the current Northstar to run on 87' octane if one chooses to do so at a minor hp. loss.
I have a '01 Pontiac Montana, and I'm very reluctant to buy another GM vehicle, be it a Chevy or a Cadillac. In 70,000 miles, we've already had the transmission rebuilt, AC compressor and condensor replaced, and the majority of the major brake system components replaced, just to name a few major problems. Compared to its competition at the time, at $35k, the car was not even cheap either.
I'm sorry you had a few problems with the Montana. All I can say is they are getting better with quality. GM isn't taking steps backward, but is taking leaps forward in quality and reliability. Sure some models have a ways to go, but it's getting better.
If I'm about to drop another $30k+ on another GM, I want to make sure it's not a money pit like our Montana. Thanks.
For peace of mind I reccommend getting the GM bumper to bumper factory warranty up to 100K negotiated in the final sale of your vehicle if you pay cash, or do a traditional finace loan. The standard 4 yr. 50K should cover most on a lease, unless you buy more miles upfront and drive it further than the avg. person. :shades:
Rocky
P.S. Check out the 60 minutes video posted on his site if you want to get a peek at the CTS interior and grill.
http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/Features/articleId=110105
One thing that you will need to remember is to keep the tires rotated. The recommendation is to do this at least every 7,500 miles. I did not and the tires became very noisy.
6 months after doing a complete brake job, our front pads were completely worn, and the dealer simply told us that we needed another brake job and that they had worn so fast due to "driving style." That was after religious regular mainteance and loyalty to the same dealer. I refused to accept that explanation, and they made me sign a waiver before they let me take the car.
When we got the car checked out elsewhere, the caliper lines were pinched, so it was basically like we were driving with our foot on the brake, and the wheel cylinders in the rear drums were leaking, which explains why we had to get the brakes adjusted EVERY time we brought the car in. Not to mention that the tie rods were pretty worn, and the dealer didn't even mention it.
Anyway, I'm glad to be reading good things about the CTS. I have heard all good things about it, but after such a bad experience with a GM car, it's hard to commit to another one.
So... Just get an '06, or wait for the '08? Hmm...
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
I live in the northwest suburbs of Chicago. Heard of Northbrook?
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
Although it seems everything is GM's fault if it occurs with GM cars. In this case, its not your fault (the driver), but that dealer needs to be sued.
There needs to be some sort of action you can take. Not only does it speek poorly of the the people who work in that dealership, or the Brand assciated with that dealership, but also lack of human concern. This goes beyond buying any car. GM engineered this Vehicle to be better than world class, and it is in many ways one of the most advanced 4 doors GM ever made for the price.
This is a matter of justice, you would have had a much better experience if the dealer did his/her job. Get a Lawyer, and sue that dealership for everything they have.
Usually i think lawsuits hurt everyone, but in this case, get them!
Oh yea, and I would wait for the '08
If I had that many problems I would say it is time to look for another car company. You couldn't seriously consider another GM?? :surprise:
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
That said, GM does make some awesome cars & trucks. My mom and step-dad have a '03 CTS and a '04 Escalade, and both have been very reliable. My father had a '02 Impala LS that was also very reliable. He now has a Dodge Magnum RT that is doing very well. My '03 Honda Accord just cost me $1000 to repair the AC, but that's another story....
The bug...
The CTS cars are hard on tires. One minute behind the wheel of the 3.6L and you will see what I mean. They are a fun car to drive. One minute behind the wheel of the CTS-V and your ready to join a NASCAR team.
I love my CTS, however
I have the 2005 CTS 3.6L V6 with 30500 miles. At 26K I had an engine noise (a rattle just after starting for about 2-3 seconds) that started just after a LOF. I was told it was a bad starter (which I thought was weird at the time) but the dealer replaced it under warranty. The noise came back at 29K and I check the oil and it was not even on the stick. I added 3 quarts and immediately took it to the dealer for a LOF and checkup. It had about 3500 miles since the last LOF. I was shocked and somewhat naive that a 2005 Cadillac using Mobil 1 (BTW, Oil/filter change $65.00, OUCH!) would be burning oil at that rate with 29K on it. Now at 30500, 1500 miles since last change I am low almost 2 Qts again and I hear the noise again. I have never seen any warning lights or messages and I see no signs of leaks. My oil life is about 55-60% and between 3000-3600 miles between oil/filter changes. Seventy-five percent of my driving is highway with the rest is city getting on and off the highway. I am very fussy about my cars and watch and listen for anything abnormal. I bought the car new and for the first 8-12K I checked the oil on a regular basis because I did not have a history about this car/engine. I noticed that the oil does get dirty faster than my Chevy engines ever have and at 3000miles it was less than 1/2 qt low each time and I wrote that off as still engine break in time. After the first 12K miles I stopped checking it, the dealer never said it was low when it was in for service. So something happened between 12K and 26K that it is now using over a quart per 1000 miles. Something abnormal is going on with this engine. Definitely not acceptable in my book. It was my first Cadillac and I enjoy driving the car but I will not buy another. My 87 Monte Carlo SS 305 has 110000 miles on in and don’t burn 1 quart in over 3000 miles. That’s acceptable! Oil/filter change $18.00. I'll buy that.
My Goodyear tires have 36K miles on them and could go another 10 to 15K before replacement. They were originally replaced on a Goodyear recall at 18K miles. The only problem I have with them is they sing on etched concrete.
As for the CTS, I had a steering wheel sensor replaced (warranty) and a button that popped on a seat belt which was replaced under warranty. I did have some underbody damage from a tree branch I hit during a really bad rain storm, but Cadillac fixed that under warranty and even gave me a loaner during the repair.
My CTS experience has been exceptional and neighbors that leased a 2004 CTS, because they saw and drove ours, have just leased a new 2007 CTS Sport. They love their CTS too!
A very frustrating 2003 problem were my 17" (factory polished wheels). Two Goodyear tires blew out at highway speeds with no impact or other probs. I check my tire pressures and inspect every week and in close to a million miles of driving never had had a blow out. Goodyear denied there was a problem and destroyed the tire I had submitted. Previously Caddy had recalled this tire because of cosmetic reasons and replaced four. (sounds a bit suspicious also). Caddy said they could do nothing about tires.
Now the 18" tire is a Hi performance summer tire (great in the midwest winter) and nobody (three day wait) stocks it. They don't even make an all season recommended replacement.
Anyway, the CTS is otherwise a nice car but Cadillac falls way short of being a luxury brand. It is a chevy with donuts in the service waiting room.
I am now @ 53000 miles and out of warentee. not to happy with my purchase!
I just wanted to ask you if you found the problem with your car?
Thanks, Dave
If there is an oil leak the dye (not die) should show where it is coming from.
I also have a CTS (2004) with a 3.6l motor. I experience the exact same symptoms as the original poster. I started the car one day and it made a strange noise, went to check the oil and it wasn't on the stick. I put 2 quarts in and took it to the dealer. The dealer says they cannot find an oil leak. It also uses coolant, well it goes somewhere. The GM Dealer claims that they searched the database and nobody has this problem. However a simple google search will show you that these 3.6l motors have problems with oil usage.
So the dealer says they don't know what is wrong. I inspected the motor and found a minor leak on the rear main seal, but not enough to justify using 2-3 quarts of oil. The rear end also hums like some other people mentioned. I bought this car used with 20k miles on it and started to experience trouble within the first year. It now has 70k miles on it (long highway drives for work) and I am SOL because there was no warranty.
I would not recommend buying a 3.6l first generation cts. Use a search engine and you will find a ton of results for oil usage.
If your coolant is also disappearing, then my guess is that you have a leaky head gasket.
My 2002 Seville used about 1 quart of synthetic oil every 2000 miles. The oil monitor requested oil changes every 10000 miles, so I added about 4 quarts in between changes. My 2007 SRX, with the RWD VVT northstar V8, has been much better on oil, needing none before the first oil change done @11,500 miles. The V6 is a different engine though.
No. I would say about every 2500-3000 miles the car will be 2-3 quarts low. I am still having problems using oil and coolant and of course the dealer doesn't think anything is wrong.
Now I am thinking that i have a gasket problem (intake or heads). As soon as I can get something else to drive for awhile we are going to tear into it.
The rear end on the car hums pretty loud at high way speeds also. I thought it may have been the tires, but I got new tires and still humming. To be honest I think the car has a mind of it's own. Some days it doesn't want to idle right. I have to turn it off and back on and it idles (this is very rare). Also about tow weeks ago I back out of the drive way, put the car in drive and the car would not go anywhere. The screen displayed "stability system engaged" and I could only go about 4mph with the whole car vibrating. It seems like the traction/stability system was stuck on. I turn the car off and back on and it was fine since then. I give it another month and something else will decide to act up.
an extended warranty on a 4 MY car with 44K would be expensive..if you could find an aftermarket plan...most are not worth it.....getting rid of the car for another is a financial decision.....at this point have you had any other problems with the car...did you pay for the diff or was it under warranty???
Thanks for helping my anxiety. Cher
What is your experience with 08 and 09 CTS? (good or bad). I know it's not very scientific - but informative non the less.
Thanks!
Except for the fact that we are killing our own economy, would buying an Asian car do any better besides keeping up with our yuppie neighbors?
Had mine since late Sept 08......12,500 miles so far......and not one problem worth reporting....a minor issue the dealer quickly corrected.....
At 44000 miles the water pump failed.
At 46500 miles the car need further timing chain repair: cam sprockets I was told, (and had the car back in 4 days). Yippee
I have not found any other reference to timing chain problems and both dealers making repairs (2nd time remote from our home) claimed this is a unique problem. As warantee is dropping soon Im going to ditch the car.
- twice to fix a misfiring ignition coil, which they had to replace the second time it was in the shop
- three times for a clutch pedal sensor. car won't start if the sensor malfunctions. in the shop now as i write this post. will they fix it once and for this time around? i don't have confidence.
Only 4,000 miles on it. And just as many headaches and hassles. I know things happen like this, I only wish it wasn't the car I drove!
Bough 2.5yrs ago as a certified used car from Cad. dealer in Milwaukee. I'm an engineer (exactly the demographic Cadillac are trying to market to - 35yrs old). It was a leap of faith buying a Cadillac but I thought I'd try it - the CTS looks great- mine is black with a regular base leather interior.
Here what has been done to it: (out of necessity- it recently hit 100k- so warranty expired)
2 Rear ends (complete diff [non-permissible content removed]'y)- Note last one was put in in Oct last year (when car was serviced recently dealer told me the oil from [non-permissible content removed]'y was black on one side of diff- so new fluid etc. put in). The car got stuck in grass at side of my driveway during bad snow in Wi in Dec - 2 min.s of trying to get it out- has almost killed the diff. clutch (nothing heroic- gently tried to one wheel onto tarmac) - I understand CTS's have an appetite for diff.s - either a design or Mexico AMM manufacturing problem- but this is a big ticket item.
1 Half shaft - drive to axle from diff.
1 new seal- wheel hub (radial shaft seal)
New engine chains & sprockets - complete timing chain replacement
Water pump gasket-#1 Coolant leak #1 (Dealer told me it was the gasket - took it to another dealer closer to home because 100k warranty was looming
Water Pump gasket#2 - Coolant leak#2 (I've worked in auto. selaing industry for large German company- know that seals/probabilities don't go bad twice in a relatively short space of time) - took it to a Chevy dealer closer to home- turns out the gasket was fine- the cylinder head was leaking
1 cylinder head job gasket and water pump- see above
AC - two trips to delaer to fix bad gaskets
3 struts in front end ( one set only lasted a year)
2 radios (stopped working)
Leak in trunk
Leak in floor well - driver's side - 2 trips to resolve
Broken Vent switch, loose trim, peeling paint m ball joints, starting disabled because of sftware issue , bushings.....................etc
this is just what I can remember- there is no room in glove box for the encylopedia of invoices generated by dealer to fix problems- and I have no idea what was done to it by prior owner. (note each line item represents trip to dealer.
At 103k - the transmission / radiator closed loop cooling failer - send trans. fluid to red. and coolant to trans. - cost $4300 to fix. When car was picked up at dealer a few weeks ago- I'm told it developed a brake assist problem right there in the servicing bay and needs a new sensor- and the thermostat is lazy- all happened at dealer.
I had the car serviced at a Cadillac dealer religuously ( being an engineer I can appreciate maintenance) and also paid the $500 shoe and rotor regrind without complaint when the economy was in the toliet and the dealer was obviously balancing the books.
GM- with a serious push put 25% toward parts in the transmission fiasco- and more or less stated you are on your own- which is a major disappointment to say the least. I believe the official line was - " there are too many miles on the car and it's an 2004" - all of which is true- but the car was 3k over it's warranty (with what is a design fault), with a meticulously maintained car..............
GM have a lot of catching up to do quality wise.... I've driven the new CTS - and on the surface like it's earlier sibling- everything looks in order- but I can't take the risk again with this brand.
I don't believe in Lemons - systems failure happen because of just that- but all these items I've dealt with are isolated systems- which means exceptionally poor quality.- plain and simple I'm afraid.
noting your Diff problems...the earlier MY CTS were notorious for the rear Diff failures....and they were a german manfacture was my understanding...(Getrag)...these were the same difs put in the early MY 06-07 Pontiac Solstices which suffered the same fate...leaks and clutch packs destroying themselves...it appeared it was a design issue...........Solstice was replaced twice as well with the last one a year ago solving the grinding sounds and leak issues...
the new CTS IMHO is far above the earlier MY ones......I would highly recommend it