Is it really Cadillac that is paying for the oil changes or the dealer? :confuse: As I read your post it seems to me that the dealer is paying for them. In any case, "free" oil changes are not costly considering what they have already spent.
Both, Cadillac gave me a protection plan on the car to help with their goodwill because of all the problems I have had with the car. I will be using this plan for all oil changes and tire rotations on the Cadillac. That is because the oil changes on the Caddy are more expensive due to the synthetic oil. The dealer to create some goodwill also gave me certificates from the dealership itself for 6 oil changes on any vehicle I want. Since Cadillac is already paying for the oil changes on the CTS, I will use the dealership certificates on my Avalanche. Yeah, the free oil changes aren't that big of a deal considering everything that Cadillac has spent on the CTs, but every little bit I can stick it to them I will. IF they had tried to use some "customer service" and settle my engine problem reasonably from the beginning, I might not feel this way. Cadillac customer service sucks, if it were not for the service manager at my dealership, I would have a new car with a patched engine, scratch that, someone would have a CTS with a patched engine, cause I would have peddled it real quick. As it is my car with it's NEW engine is doing fine, I am pleases with it, my dealership went to bat for me, so I am pleased with them, however I think Cadillac customer service is a joke.
Yes it does. The passenger foot room is slightly smaller but the most annoying thing is the 2008 AWD gas pedal is just a hair closer to the brake than 2007 models or 2008 NON AWD models. This causes my foot to "clip" the edge of the brake pedal while applying gas....VERY annoying...now I'm 6000 miles into it and I dont notice it as much anymore. Guess my foot got retrained but it was very annoying.
I have looked back through your problems to refresh my memeory. While I think it was entirely reasonable for you to want a new engine, I also think that GM/Cadillac was being quite reasonable in wanting to tear your old engine down to see what the problem was first. Based on your (possibly biased) posts, I do not see how your old engine could have been repaired since they were unable to determine exactly what the problem was.
My 2007 SRX northstar uses synthetic oil too, so I am aware of the cost (mostly because I used synthetic in my 2002 Seville).
Perhaps I should point out that just replacing the engine without determining the problem would allow a problem with the manufacturing process to continue. This is what happen with the 4100 engine Cadillac started using in 1982. There were engine failures on about 25% of the engines. It took GM/Cadillac a number of years to resolve the problem, perhaps because they just replaced engines. The problem was a subtle design flaw that only occurred in engines with parts that were at the extreme limits of the "standard size" (I assume you understand the "Standard of the World" Dewar Trophy award).
I had a trans. replacement in a previous GM vehicle ( late 2005 – a trans. transplant ? ) and I am 100% in favor of GM diagnosing the problem – to preclude repeat issues down the line.
But I am 100% opposed to GM doing that diagnosis on ** MY ** time. Tear it down in a manufacturing facility where the engineering expertise exists – NOT in my local dealer’s service area.
If GM really did know what the problem was – due to analysis of previous failures, repair might have been an option. Not in the case, as presented here.
IMHO. - Ray Also had the trans. in my current GM vehicle repaired - successfully – not replaced . . .
Until the dealer takes it apart, no one knows if the problem is repairable. In this particular case they did not know either. If you have a car to drive I do not see that it is **YOUR** time. Certainly it is not convenient to have your car in the repair shop and rental vehicles are never the same as having your own. I think the concept that the engine should just be thrown out and replaced instead of repaired is a very wasteful idea.
Cadillac has the engine. It was shipped back to them. Surely they can learn more about what caused the problem by having it torn down at their technical center instead of in a dealership 2 thousand miles away from Michigan. They can tear it down to their hearts content, repair it if possible, and install it in YOUR car, not mine. I did not pay 45,000 for a car to have the engine fail within 2000 miles. I think you must be a retired Cadillac rep since you ALWAYS take the company line. If I am driving a rental while mine is in the shop being experimented on, it is certainly MY time and MY money that I paid and am paying in payments that they are using. Also when does driving a Cobalt or a Grand Prix compare to driving a new Cadillac. Your last line in your post says it all, you say I think, you are certainly NOT thinking, just spouting the old Cadillac company propaganda. You certainly have your right to your own opinions, however stupid they may be, and I will respect that. Respect mine as well, .
Back in January you posted that you paid $40,000 for this car, now you say $45,000. Do you even know?
I am not a Cadillac rep. I worked at an engineering college as a research scientist for 30 years before retiring. I understand that you were upset that you had a bad engine. I think that you dealership did what they should have done to fix the engine. If the problem had been nothing more than a bad head gasket, the engine would have been just as good a new, or if seriously damaged, it would not have made it through the rest of the warranty period. So you really would not have risked much either way.
Based on what you posed back in January, I think there was a problem with an alloy casting, which means either the alloy was a bad batch or the mold may have been contaminated. If the alloy was bad, then there should have been more than one bad engine, but if your engine was cast in a contaminated mold, then it may have been the only one.
If I understand you post above, you say that you had to pay for the rental car. When I have gotten a rental car as a result of warranty work, GM has paid for them. I have generally not owned Cadillacs, though, mostly Buicks. Perhaps Buick has been much nicer to me. In any case, if you had to pay for the rental cars while your CTS was in the shop, that is poor service. Your warranty is supposed to cover rental cars in cases where it takes days to repair something.
If you have actually gone back and read my posts then you would have seen where GM paid for the rental cars. A cobalt and a Grand Prix. I paid nothing for them. If you would read your own posts you contended that GM didn't owe you a rental car when it was in for repairs. Have you changed your mind? The car was about a 45,000 car which I actually paid a little over 40,000. I did let them check the head gasket and the head. Nothing wrong with either. I refused to let them tear further into the engine. Anyone with a little automotive knowledge knows that once an engine has been torn apart, it is never the same again. WHY should I settle for a patched up engine? I am NOT a scientist, I work in the real world as a mechanic in a refinery and have first hand knowledge of what happens to an engine and other mechanical equipment when it is repaired. It is NEVER the same, it may last for quite a while, but I bought a NEWcar with NEW engine, and Ishould not have to bear the responsibility for GM's screw up. Anyway it is a moot point, I have my CTS, it is doing very well with it's NEW engine. Next new car you buy why don't you ask for the one with the bad engine or transmission, and then let us know if your attitude changes.
I have always stated that if your car is in for warranty work that requires more than a day to fix that a rental is appropriate. The warranty information that came with my 2007 SRX is somewhat ambiguous about shorter time periods. In any case, when my 2007 SRX was in to get the axle seals replaced under a recall notice, they expected it to take about 3 to 4 hours and I said that I would wait for it. I had a book to read. It took less time than they expected. If I had been working, it would have made sense to get a ride to work, and then they would have brought me back at the end of the day. I don't think that a rental was neccessary in this case. This recall was done at my convenience so it should have been done when I did not need the vehicle.
I should point out that the seals were not a GM mistake. The supplier substituded a cheaper seal without asking GM first. This affected 2005 - 2007 CTS, STS and SRX axles. Perhaps even early 2008 models, not sure.
I would point out than and engine that needs to torn apart when it is new really isn't what it should have been to start with, so to say that it isn't the same seem like a dumb comment to me. However, engines that are rebuilt (or overhauled) generally have been in use long enough to have considerable wear. A proper job of rebuilding should result in an engine that will run for some period of time, but it probably will not be like a new engine.
My 2002 Seville had a solenoid fail (TCC) and this required a full day to replace. While they were getting the parts I was still driving the car. When I got the car back, on a Friday, it seemed OK, but before I got home the transmission seemed to shift hard once. Over the weekend I drove it a little more and the transmission did not seem right to me. So, on Monday I called and brought it in. The tech talked to me, then took the car and checked it out while I waited. After a while the service manager came and said they had put the wrong gasket in. They got me a rental immeadiately, as my car was best left sitting and it would take a few days to get the parts and replace them. I was concerned about whether the transmission was damaged and asked point blank. They said no, but I also knew that I still had enough warranty left that problems should eventually show up. Replacing a northstar transmission is not cheap either. I think that this is similar to your situation.
I just found out that the rear right seat has a pull tab that lets the seat fold down to carry long items.I now can carry my fishing rods.Also I would recommend that you check the oil level every so often.I had to add a half quart at 6000 miles on my AWD DI.At 6020 I had the oil changed for the first time.Have not had any trouble with the car (nothing).
My fully loeaded CTS suffered yet another (2nd) leak from the sunroof A frame drain. The result was water onto the D/S Mat and front header . Has any had this problem? AP
Go back and read your post 2167, where you say that GM does not owe you a rental vehicle. The seals on your car WERE GM's mistake, if they had any kind of quality control they would have caught the inferior seals before they made it into so many vehicles. Probably GM knew the seals were cheaper and intentionally put them in the vehicles to save money till they started failing and returned to bite them in the butt. As for you saying my comment about an engine that has been torn apart never being the same dumb. I believe you are so dumb that you can't reasonably read what I wrote. Any engine that is torn apart and reassembled by the dealership will never be the same as it was when factory new. A dealership does not have the capability of keeping the components as clean as the factory assembly shop. Small particles of dirt, gasket material, etc. will be left behind to make th engine wear prematurely. That is as clear as I can put it to you.
Well, I'm back from Vegas with about 1500 miles on the car. The trip out was a breeze. The car ran fine and is a pleasure to drive. Before we left my wife made a cushion for my shoulders, out of a vinyl material that matched the upholstery, so that my head is not always against the headrest. That helped make the trip very comfortable. We drove around Vegas with no problems in 106 degree weather. The remote start worked great once I learned the routine, so I could start the car from my hotel room, which overlooked the parking area, and had the car cooled down before we got to it.
The trip back was not as nice, no fault of Cadillac. I managed to hit a piece of road debris just past Baker and destroyed the rear left tire. The OnStar people got a tow truck to us in about 35 minutes to change to the spare. We sat in 104 degree weather with the engine and the A/C going and the engine temperature gauge never moved. A CHP officer arrived, risked his life to get the debris (a piece of white metal about 3 ft. square) out of the road, and then parked behind me to protect my car until the tow truck guy finished changing the tire. The I had to drive two hundred miles home at 55 mph with my flashers blinking all the way, thanks to cruise control. Quite an experience.
All in all I have to say the CTS is a great car and I am very pleased with it.
Lucky you had the spare tire. I wonder how many people have had a flat, opened the trunk and found there is only an inflator canister, if the car wasn't ordered with the tire and jack. Inflator canister might work sometimes, but not when your tire is lying in pieces on the road. Glad I got a spare with mine even though I haven't had to use it yet. Isn't Onstar great? I love using it for directions. Glad the car is doing good, mine is as well.
My post 2167 had nothing to do with the seals. The seals were NOT GM's mistake, but were the supplier's mistake. GM's press release stated that they did not approve any change in the design.
It took the dealer about 2.5 hours to replace the seals. It would have taken two hours to get a rental vehicle and return it. It would have made some sense to use the dealers shuttle service to go somewhere and have them bring me back, however, I did not need to be anywhere, so I felt waiting made the most sense. I had a book to read, which is what I would have done if I had gone home.
I certainly think that if your car is in for warranty repairs/recalls/etc and you need a car, then you should have one. But, I think that if it makes sense to use the dealers shuttle service, then for repairs that take a few hours I see no reason for Cadillac to pay for a rental, but this is something for your dealer to decide on a case by case basis.
I will point out that small particles of dirt do get through the air filter. Also, I doubt that engines are assembled in clean rooms. While I see your point that the dealer's service department may reassemble the engine with a few bits of stuff that might not have been in a factory job, the oil filter should filter that out quickly, so that wear is not an issue.
This is what my 2007 SRX owners manual says about a rental vehicle:
"Your dealer may arrange to provide you with a courtesy rental vehicle or reimburse you for a rental vehicle that you obtain if your vehicle is kept for a warranty repair. ..."
It goes on to say that there is a limit to the daily rate that will be accepted for reimbursement.
According to my dealer I am entitled to a loaner for any warrantee work which is rated as over two hours work on the flat rate book. The flat rate book is a manual that they use which tells them how much time each repair should take a trained mechanic to perform.
They keep a number of CTS's to use as loaners. They use the cars for about three months and then sell them with full warranties. They also have an Enterprise rental unit next door which they use when all of their own cars are out.
If I prefer I can use their shuttle instead of taking a loaner.
Please read my post very SLOWLY so that maybe you will understand. I did not say that 2167 had ANYTHING to do with the seals. It had to do with you saying that a rental was not owed if your car was in the shop. A oil filter may filter out the particles, but what about the larger particles such as carbon, gasket pieces, and other foreign material that may be too large to pass through openings and even get to the oil filter. I know you will say that the mechanic should see to it that this doesn't happen, but I have worked around engines and equipment all my life and I can assure you that it does. I can guarantee you that the engines are assembled in a much cleaner environment than the dealership. Perhaps the seals weren't GM's mistake, but quality control should have caught them. This is my last post in reply to anything you say. If you aren't going to read the posts carefully enough to intelligently comment on them, I am through.
My post 2167 was commenting on what my 2007 warranty and owner assistance information booklets says. The following is quoted as written:
"Extra Expenses
Economic loss or extra expense is not covered.
Examples include: loss of vehicle use inconvenience storage payment for loss of time or pay vehicle rental expense lodging, meals or other travel costs"
Well your first engine is proof that even in the factory things may go wrong.
A mechanic that has been trained should be able to tear down and engine and rebuild it without getting dirt in it. Not everyone is incompetent.
I will agree that GM should have figured out the seals sooner, but my understanding is that they used the rate of failure as the trigger to look at them.
It is my impression that your dealer gets to set the policy for providing alternate transportation when your car is in for service. If your dealer has loaners (mine does not), that is different than a rental. I do think that if you need a car, you can negotiate with your dealer. I think each persons needs are different.
On any GM vehicle that is under going warranty repairs that take longer than a day, I think that a rental vehicle is covered. For less than a day, a shuttle is probably going to be the dealers first choice.
I have a 2006 CYS with a sunroof that had to be returned 3 times for leaks or air coming through when cl;osed. The problem has finally been resolved. I hope that your dealership can work with you in resolving the problem
I mean as far as I heard sales hasnt been good, with CTS and Escalade the only exception (though Escalades sales have suffered since the rising gas prices). I've seen a few NEW '06-07 models on the dealers lot with no sticker whatsoever, only a "clearance sale" tag on them (I saw 3 STS, 3 SRX, and 1 CTS). So is it save to assume that STS and SRX in particular are weak sellers, thus I can expect huge bargains on them? I'm personally not a domestic brand fan, but cadillac is the best looking domestic car imo and I'm willing to reconsider if the price is that great.
Through the end of the month Cadillac has 0% financing for 72 months on all vehicles except the CTS (0% for 36 on them). Or you can take the rebates which vary per car. 0% financing though is cheaper by far if you plan to finance.
As far as what sels and what doesn't, here in the South West the SRX is very popular as is the DTS because they have the best fuel efficiency in there respective class. The CTS of course is the one getting all the press so sales are steady. The STS is more of a hidden gem since it doesnt get the press it has better lease and finance rates ( except during this sale period). The Escalade you would think is not a big seller but according to a recent article I read sales may exceed last year. Lets face it large families need a big SUV and the Escalade is still the best in class.
As far as gas prices efficency and hybrids, unless you want to lower your carbon footprint don't go hybrid. At best it will take you 6 years @ 15K miles per year before you actually save any money due to the price difference of the vehicles.
Bottom line Cadillac is the best valued vehicle because it does not take premium gas like its competiors and with a few exceptions is the most fuel efficient.
The six year rule to make back the purchase price of a hyrid might not apply with very high gas prices . Each vehicle should be calculated individually .
The Prius really is only available as a hybrid, so comparing the price tag to anything else is not quite right. However, the Prius costs a lot more than the Corolla, and somewhat less than the bigger Camry. A bottom of the line Camry is cheaper though. If current prices for crude oil continue, or if the price increases, then hybrids are probably a good idea. I sort of think that with crude oil prices high, they should be some expansion of production, and demand should decrease some. The dollar's current weakness will not continue forever either, so longer term oil prices should decrease, but how much is not clear.
In economically unstable times, if you have to calculate which vehicle is cheaper over a six year span, you should probably buy the least expensive car that will give you reasonable transportation.
With speculators rampant you would be very hard pressed to correctly predict economic factors over that period. Gas could go up to seven or eight dollars a gallon, or a breakthrough in batteries could drive the price down to two dollars a gallon, but I would not bet on the latter.
I too was shocked to buy a 2008 CTS 4 and when I got home found I could not open the garage door due to the GM mentality This is a $45K car with lots of other option including all wheel drive but no garage door opener!
After learning that the $10 worth of electronic is now a $400-500 install option I found the following solution.
On ebay I purchased a “Carper 310 mini remote” $17.75. The unit is very small (less then 3/8” thick) and will fit very snugly into the compartment in front of the gear shifter. Place the unit on edge up against the driver side of the compartment, buttons facing the passenger side and press it firmly down into place, it will not move around and takes very little space up.
Way to go GM, its no wonder why you’re losing buyers by the groves, you get a garage door opener in the most basic foreign models.
I too was shocked to buy a 2008 CTS 4 and when I got home found I could not open the garage door due to the GM mentality This is a $45K car with lots of other option including all wheel drive but no garage door opener!
After learning that the $10 worth of electronic is now a $400-500 install option I found the following solution.
On ebay I purchased a “Carper 310 mini remote” $17.75. The unit is very small (less then 3/8” thick) and will fit very snugly into the compartment in front of the gear shifter. Place the unit on edge up against the driver side of the compartment, buttons facing the passenger side and press it firmly down into place, it will not move around and takes very little space up.
Way to go GM, its no wonder why you’re losing buyers by the groves, you get a garage door opener in the most basic foreign models. :mad:
Didn't you read the specs on your car before you bought it? Did you know what you were getting for your money? The garage door opener (3 doors) came with my car. And what is a CTS 4?
I'm just amazed by the fact that dealers are offering leftover '06-07 STS v6 for less than 30k. Thats an amazing deal imo. And I checked around to find its value in the used car market and ended up with $ 22k for a used 06 STS v6 at KBB. Thats just..wow... I got similar figures for SRX, but considerably better ones for CTS.
PLEASE...... Reading the specs to determine if this car has a garage door opener is like checking to see if it has brake lights, something you don’t think of even looking for!
Who buys a $40K+ car that doesn’t have an electric garage door opener in there home? It’s the mentality of the manufacture (in this case GM) not the buyer.
CTS 4, is the all wheel drive version, and yes it’s an upgrade luxury item.
My 05 CTS, with just the seating package and luxury 1 package had the garage door opener. My much more heavily optioned 08 with seating, luxury, and competition packages does not. Bingoman is right, who buys a 40k plus car that doesn't have a garage door opener. This should be a standard equipment item.
I can think of many people who do not have a garage door. Those who live in apartment houses. Those who have carports. and many who use their garages as storage for things other than their cars. I would guess that these outnumber those who actually use a private garage to park a car. And GM probably knows the statistics.
Sorry, a Homelink transmitter is not like brake lights. You obviously don't live in a building in a big city like NY, Chicago, or LA, where one garage services hundreds of cars, and you use a magnetic card to open the door, which automatically closes behind each car.
When I order a car, I check the standard equipment and the options to make sure I get exactly what I want.
Just what does a garage door transmitter have to do with a magnetic card?
Obviously you did not check the standard equipment and options or you would not have started this conversation. Good luck on your new car. This is the last I will have to say on this thread.
The only Cadillac models for 2008 that have the opener standard on base models is the XLR and the Escalade. When I decided to get a new SRX in 2007 I knew that by asking them to search for three basic options (Premium Lux, utility and 20 inch sport package) I would get everything I really wanted (like the door opener). I wanted it on the V8 model (which gets you the door opener).
Gee Whiz, I wish I were as smart as you. I checked the equipment I ordered and I didn't feel it was worth it to get the luxury level two or the premium luxury collection just to the the opener which came standard on my base luxury level 1 05 model. Either one of these collections would have made the cost of the car prohibitive and gotten me other options that I did not need. Like the sunroof for instance. Here in Southern Oklahoma, all the sunroof and it's transparent cover would do is heat up the car and the top of your head. My point, and it is only my opinion, is that a luxury car like the CTS should have the garage opener in the base luxury package. My 05 did, my 08 is a lot more heavily optioned and it doesn't. No, I don't live in a big city like NY or Chicago. Thank God.
You are entitled to your opinion, but so are the folks at Cadillac, and their opinion was that not enough folks buying the base luxury model wanted a garage door opener (see 150mph above). Thats capitalism for you, the seller gets to choose what he thinks will sell. The buyer only gets to choose whether or not he/she wants to buy. There are a number of things that I wish they had made available on the car but I had to buy it as made available. I have also been known to add after-market items.
As to the sunroof; I spent a week visiting my grandkids in Las Vegas in 110 degree weather. The car was always in the sun. I found that the sunroof, with the semi-transparent curtain, never admitted enough heat to make the car feel uncomfortable, (which I have to admit surprised me). I think the White Diamond paint helped considerably.
I think rcantwell makes a valid point that including it only with an expensive package is not good. While people without a garage don't care, most people with a garage would want it even if they did not want some of the other options. For 2009 the sunroof appears to be a separate option, but the opener is still only part of a package, although three different packages seem to include it.
I think that Cadillac is playing games with the CTS. When the STS and DTS merge on a new platform, I think that the CTS will replace the STS and perhaps the options will settle into something more sensible. The CTS price tag will probably be higher though.
Wow sls, we agree on something. You got my point exactly. While I didn't buy the premiumn luxury package, I did buy the seating package, luxury1 package, competition package, and others. I just think that somewhere along the way Cadillac should have made the opener available without having to spend an extra 6 grand or so on options that I didn't need. The main reason I didn't get the premiumn package, is that flimsy cover or not I don't like sunroofs. With the directions and connections from OnStar, I didn't need the Nav system either. Ohwell, I bought a very small opener at Lowe's and it fits very nicely in the compartment in front of the shifter. I think making the sunroof a seperate option is a smart thing. I have seen a lot of posts on this board and others that people didn't buy the car because of the sunroof and cover.
Comments
I have looked back through your problems to refresh my memeory. While I think it was entirely reasonable for you to want a new engine, I also think that GM/Cadillac was being quite reasonable in wanting to tear your old engine down to see what the problem was first. Based on your (possibly biased) posts, I do not see how your old engine could have been repaired since they were unable to determine exactly what the problem was.
My 2007 SRX northstar uses synthetic oil too, so I am aware of the cost (mostly because I used synthetic in my 2002 Seville).
Perhaps I should point out that just replacing the engine without determining the problem would allow a problem with the manufacturing process to continue. This is what happen with the 4100 engine Cadillac started using in 1982. There were engine failures on about 25% of the engines. It took GM/Cadillac a number of years to resolve the problem, perhaps because they just replaced engines. The problem was a subtle design flaw that only occurred in engines with parts that were at the extreme limits of the "standard size" (I assume you understand the "Standard of the World" Dewar Trophy award).
But I am 100% opposed to GM doing that diagnosis on ** MY ** time. Tear it down in a manufacturing facility where the engineering expertise exists – NOT in my local dealer’s service area.
If GM really did know what the problem was – due to analysis of previous failures, repair might have been an option. Not in the case, as presented here.
IMHO.
- Ray
Also had the trans. in my current GM vehicle repaired - successfully – not replaced . . .
I am not a Cadillac rep. I worked at an engineering college as a research scientist for 30 years before retiring. I understand that you were upset that you had a bad engine. I think that you dealership did what they should have done to fix the engine. If the problem had been nothing more than a bad head gasket, the engine would have been just as good a new, or if seriously damaged, it would not have made it through the rest of the warranty period. So you really would not have risked much either way.
Based on what you posed back in January, I think there was a problem with an alloy casting, which means either the alloy was a bad batch or the mold may have been contaminated. If the alloy was bad, then there should have been more than one bad engine, but if your engine was cast in a contaminated mold, then it may have been the only one.
If I understand you post above, you say that you had to pay for the rental car. When I have gotten a rental car as a result of warranty work, GM has paid for them. I have generally not owned Cadillacs, though, mostly Buicks. Perhaps Buick has been much nicer to me. In any case, if you had to pay for the rental cars while your CTS was in the shop, that is poor service. Your warranty is supposed to cover rental cars in cases where it takes days to repair something.
I should point out that the seals were not a GM mistake. The supplier substituded a cheaper seal without asking GM first. This affected 2005 - 2007 CTS, STS and SRX axles. Perhaps even early 2008 models, not sure.
I would point out than and engine that needs to torn apart when it is new really isn't what it should have been to start with, so to say that it isn't the same seem like a dumb comment to me. However, engines that are rebuilt (or overhauled) generally have been in use long enough to have considerable wear. A proper job of rebuilding should result in an engine that will run for some period of time, but it probably will not be like a new engine.
My 2002 Seville had a solenoid fail (TCC) and this required a full day to replace. While they were getting the parts I was still driving the car. When I got the car back, on a Friday, it seemed OK, but before I got home the transmission seemed to shift hard once. Over the weekend I drove it a little more and the transmission did not seem right to me. So, on Monday I called and brought it in. The tech talked to me, then took the car and checked it out while I waited. After a while the service manager came and said they had put the wrong gasket in. They got me a rental immeadiately, as my car was best left sitting and it would take a few days to get the parts and replace them. I was concerned about whether the transmission was damaged and asked point blank. They said no, but I also knew that I still had enough warranty left that problems should eventually show up. Replacing a northstar transmission is not cheap either. I think that this is similar to your situation.
AP
As for you saying my comment about an engine that has been torn apart never being the same dumb. I believe you are so dumb that you can't reasonably read what I wrote. Any engine that is torn apart and reassembled by the dealership will never be the same as it was when factory new. A dealership does not have the capability of keeping the components as clean as the factory assembly shop. Small particles of dirt, gasket material, etc. will be left behind to make th engine wear prematurely. That is as clear as I can put it to you.
The trip back was not as nice, no fault of Cadillac. I managed to hit a piece of road debris just past Baker and destroyed the rear left tire. The OnStar people got a tow truck to us in about 35 minutes to change to the spare. We sat in 104 degree weather with the engine and the A/C going and the engine temperature gauge never moved. A CHP officer arrived, risked his life to get the debris (a piece of white metal about 3 ft. square) out of the road, and then parked behind me to protect my car until the tow truck guy finished changing the tire. The I had to drive two hundred miles home at 55 mph with my flashers blinking all the way, thanks to cruise control. Quite an experience.
All in all I have to say the CTS is a great car and I am very pleased with it.
Glad you are OK!
- Ray
Sorry remote start is not in the Corvette I now drive...
It took the dealer about 2.5 hours to replace the seals. It would have taken two hours to get a rental vehicle and return it. It would have made some sense to use the dealers shuttle service to go somewhere and have them bring me back, however, I did not need to be anywhere, so I felt waiting made the most sense. I had a book to read, which is what I would have done if I had gone home.
I certainly think that if your car is in for warranty repairs/recalls/etc and you need a car, then you should have one. But, I think that if it makes sense to use the dealers shuttle service, then for repairs that take a few hours I see no reason for Cadillac to pay for a rental, but this is something for your dealer to decide on a case by case basis.
I will point out that small particles of dirt do get through the air filter. Also, I doubt that engines are assembled in clean rooms. While I see your point that the dealer's service department may reassemble the engine with a few bits of stuff that might not have been in a factory job, the oil filter should filter that out quickly, so that wear is not an issue.
"Your dealer may arrange to provide you with a courtesy rental vehicle or reimburse you for a rental vehicle that you obtain if your vehicle is kept for a warranty repair. ..."
It goes on to say that there is a limit to the daily rate that will be accepted for reimbursement.
They keep a number of CTS's to use as loaners. They use the cars for about three months and then sell them with full warranties. They also have an Enterprise rental unit next door which they use when all of their own cars are out.
If I prefer I can use their shuttle instead of taking a loaner.
A oil filter may filter out the particles, but what about the larger particles such as carbon, gasket pieces, and other foreign material that may be too large to pass through openings and even get to the oil filter. I know you will say that the mechanic should see to it that this doesn't happen, but I have worked around engines and equipment all my life and I can assure you that it does. I can guarantee you that the engines are assembled in a much cleaner environment than the dealership.
Perhaps the seals weren't GM's mistake, but quality control should have caught them. This is my last post in reply to anything you say. If you aren't going to read the posts carefully enough to intelligently comment on them, I am through.
Thanks for your future cooperation.
"Extra Expenses
Economic loss or extra expense is not covered.
Examples include:
loss of vehicle use
inconvenience
storage
payment for loss of time or pay
vehicle rental expense
lodging, meals or other travel costs"
A mechanic that has been trained should be able to tear down and engine and rebuild it without getting dirt in it. Not everyone is incompetent.
I will agree that GM should have figured out the seals sooner, but my understanding is that they used the rate of failure as the trigger to look at them.
On any GM vehicle that is under going warranty repairs that take longer than a day, I think that a rental vehicle is covered. For less than a day, a shuttle is probably going to be the dealers first choice.
I have a 2006 CYS with a sunroof that had to be returned 3 times for leaks or air coming through when cl;osed. The problem has finally been resolved. I hope that your dealership can work with you in resolving the problem
Xypher
I've seen a few NEW '06-07 models on the dealers lot with no sticker whatsoever, only a "clearance sale" tag on them (I saw 3 STS, 3 SRX, and 1 CTS). So is it save to assume that STS and SRX in particular are weak sellers, thus I can expect huge bargains on them?
I'm personally not a domestic brand fan, but cadillac is the best looking domestic car imo and I'm willing to reconsider if the price is that great.
As far as what sels and what doesn't, here in the South West the SRX is very popular as is the DTS because they have the best fuel efficiency in there respective class. The CTS of course is the one getting all the press so sales are steady. The STS is more of a hidden gem since it doesnt get the press it has better lease and finance rates ( except during this sale period). The Escalade you would think is not a big seller but according to a recent article I read sales may exceed last year. Lets face it large families need a big SUV and the Escalade is still the best in class.
As far as gas prices efficency and hybrids, unless you want to lower your carbon footprint don't go hybrid. At best it will take you 6 years @ 15K miles per year before you actually save any money due to the price difference of the vehicles.
Bottom line Cadillac is the best valued vehicle because it does not take premium gas like its competiors and with a few exceptions is the most fuel efficient.
With speculators rampant you would be very hard pressed to correctly predict economic factors over that period. Gas could go up to seven or eight dollars a gallon, or a breakthrough in batteries could drive the price down to two dollars a gallon, but I would not bet on the latter.
Good luck with whatever you buy.
I too was shocked to buy a 2008 CTS 4 and when I got home found I could not open the garage door due to the GM mentality This is a $45K car with lots of other option including all wheel drive but no garage door opener!
After learning that the $10 worth of electronic is now a $400-500 install option I found the following solution.
On ebay I purchased a “Carper 310 mini remote” $17.75. The unit is very small (less then 3/8” thick) and will fit very snugly into the compartment in front of the gear shifter. Place the unit on edge up against the driver side of the compartment, buttons facing the passenger side and press it firmly down into place, it will not move around and takes very little space up.
Way to go GM, its no wonder why you’re losing buyers by the groves, you get a garage door opener in the most basic foreign models.
:mad:
I too was shocked to buy a 2008 CTS 4 and when I got home found I could not open the garage door due to the GM mentality This is a $45K car with lots of other option including all wheel drive but no garage door opener!
After learning that the $10 worth of electronic is now a $400-500 install option I found the following solution.
On ebay I purchased a “Carper 310 mini remote” $17.75. The unit is very small (less then 3/8” thick) and will fit very snugly into the compartment in front of the gear shifter. Place the unit on edge up against the driver side of the compartment, buttons facing the passenger side and press it firmly down into place, it will not move around and takes very little space up.
Way to go GM, its no wonder why you’re losing buyers by the groves, you get a garage door opener in the most basic foreign models.
:mad:
Sounds like a deal I should keep an eye on.
Who buys a $40K+ car that doesn’t have an electric garage door opener in there home? It’s the mentality of the manufacture (in this case GM) not the buyer.
CTS 4, is the all wheel drive version, and yes it’s an upgrade luxury item.
When I order a car, I check the standard equipment and the options to make sure I get exactly what I want.
Obviously you did not check the standard equipment and options or you would not have started this conversation. Good luck on your new car. This is the last I will have to say on this thread.
Either one of these collections would have made the cost of the car prohibitive and gotten me other options that I did not need. Like the sunroof for instance. Here in Southern Oklahoma, all the sunroof and it's transparent cover would do is heat up the car and the top of your head.
My point, and it is only my opinion, is that a luxury car like the CTS should have the garage opener in the base luxury package. My 05 did, my 08 is a lot more heavily optioned and it doesn't. No, I don't live in a big city like NY or Chicago. Thank God.
As to the sunroof; I spent a week visiting my grandkids in Las Vegas in 110 degree weather. The car was always in the sun. I found that the sunroof, with the semi-transparent curtain, never admitted enough heat to make the car feel uncomfortable, (which I have to admit surprised me). I think the White Diamond paint helped considerably.
I think that Cadillac is playing games with the CTS. When the STS and DTS merge on a new platform, I think that the CTS will replace the STS and perhaps the options will settle into something more sensible. The CTS price tag will probably be higher though.