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Cadillac SRX reliability, maintenance and quality

in Cadillac
I am torn between a 2006 Cadillac SRX and the 2006 Acura MDX. Both are in pristine shape with approximately 6000 miles. The MDX is nice and is the safer car to go with it seems. Better overall reviews from editors and Consumer Reports. However, I'm intrigued and very interested in the SRX - rides great, good performance, great ultra-view roof and nice looks.
1. Does Cadillac manufacture reliable and low maintenance autos these days?
2. Is a dealer certification providing 100K, 6 years bumper to bumper with no deductible worthwhile if I can get it for $500, or $1000?
3. Other considerations?
1. Does Cadillac manufacture reliable and low maintenance autos these days?
2. Is a dealer certification providing 100K, 6 years bumper to bumper with no deductible worthwhile if I can get it for $500, or $1000?
3. Other considerations?
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Comments
I recommend the SRX. I own one. It is the most solid, reliable car I've ever owned. Acura's are great, but I think most American cars these days get short-changed by people who think you can't have quality if it's American. The ultra roof is excellent; mileage isn't quite as good as I would like.
1. ultra-view
2. all-wheel drive
3. 3rd row seats
I got a call from an Indiana dealer that had just the model I was looking for, but we had an appointment at Acura that night. Since we were referred by friends to the store manager, my wife felt bad about canceling last minute. The manager pulled it from the service line (loaner) and it was in fantastic shape, so we opted for the MDX. It's probably the safer choice on paper, but the Caddie excited me much more. Had we gone to the Caddie dealer that night, we'd probably be driving it instead. That damn ultra-view had it's claws in me - difficult to let go. Plus the manu-matic made it fun to drive.
My wife drives much more than I and she preferred the MDX. In the end, we're very happy with the MDX. Nice, comfortable interior and nice features. Gas mileage is surprisingly low...just 16.8 miles per gallon tops. That's quite a bit of city driving, but even on highway I have not exceeded.
Don't think you can go wrong with the Acura. Can probably have more fun though with the Caddie. Enjoy!
Jessica
There are two things lacking in the SRX that would make it perfect for me. One is Bluetooth capability. Instead they offer hands-free calling through onstar at 40 cents/minute, which is a major rip off! The second thing would be the ability to open the glass window on the lift-gate instead of having to open the entire door. At times I have one item to toss in the back and it would be nice not to have to lift the entire door.
Other than those two things I am veeeery happy with my decision. Its comfortable and looks great!
Jim
V8 - Six speed Auto
I have an 08 SRX V6, and "Knock on Wood" no problems yet.
Your 1st mistake is actually buying an SRX, let alone any GM product. My car is leased, and i won't ever go beyond the warranty period for any GM vehicle. I just don't think they seem to last in the long run. Just my opinion from experience with other GM leased vehicles.
As far as your dealings with GM, I understand how that can be very frustrating.
I'm surprised they couldn't have even done a pull-ahead on the lease, but i guess that would only apply if you leased another GM vehicle.
I'm also curious that if you had such good luck with Volvo and Acura, why bother with Cadillac in the first place?
That said from the reading I've done it would seem that they have some sort of starting issue. As well I have read about a few owners having to leave their cars at the dealership for work for completely outrageous ammounts of time. The few good posts I have found were from people who have just bought them. I really don't think I have found one good one from anyone owning it for more than 5 months. Anywho, thanks for any comments and help. Once again this is for my less-than-computer-literate brother.
Like I said...if you have problems you are on your own.
Buy an Acura...I have owned 2 and the only service they required was an oil change.
Wonderful car with every option.Sticker was 60k
HUGO FROM MASSACHUSETTES.
julie@bobandjuliejohnson.com
1. Waterpump went out - left wife stranded
2.Throttle body and fuel injection went out - left wife stranded
3. Catalytic Converter went out - check engine light
4. other sided cat conv went out - check engine light
5. Rear driverside window fell into door - cable broke, made for cold wet ride home for daughter
6. cat. convs went out again - making rattling sound - turns out part of recall
7. rear window windshield washer pump went out - replaced
8. mystery car won't start and car locks key in ignition - picked up from dealer today dealer replaced a relay (which roadside tech said was the ECU going out)
9. Wife tried to start car this evening and number 8 re-occurred... so sitting in drive way w/ key locked in ignition. Cadillac suppose to tow it to dealer, but got a call at 10:10 pm that they will pick it up tomorrow around 9 am... so I get to ride in a tow truck to the caddy dealer to pick up my loaner, be several hours late for work all because I tried to support an american car company.
HOWEVER.... Sewell Cadillac in Grapevine Texas has treated my family and I like royality when we bring it in. Moritz on the other hand (Where we purchased the car) so far hasn't really cared or tried to make things right. Car must be certified used if you buy a used one. Currently leary of GM products which I know I could of gotten a rare lemon. I've put in a call to Cadillac customer service to see if they can help rectify the matter. We'll see ifthey can keep me a caddy driver not. If they stand behind their product and make things right I will let people know... if they don't I will equally let people know.
For what it is worth, when it works my wife really loves the car...
1. Power steering blow out and had to be towed. In the shop for more than a week awaiting parts.
2. Sunroof rattle. Been in the shop twice for this, but seems to be cured.
3. Rear center mount break light warped damaging the roof when the lift gate was opened. In the shop for several days.
4. Rear center mount light again for about half of the lights not working. Replaced again.
5. Mirrors dropping to the curb and not returning. Several trips to the shop until they found the cause, but still does it. Replaced a module.
6. Power steering blow out again and again towed in. Only a couple of days in the shop this time/
7. Both catylitic converters failed and replaced.
8. Rear storage area filled with water. In the shop for more than 10 days.
9. Radio failed, replaced.
10. Radio failed again, this time taking several CD's with it. Replaced but can not access personalization menu.
11. Both catylitic converters recalled (yep, the new ones) and replaced just last week.
ideas at all?
like crazy.
1-800-333-4223
Hope this helps.
Trust us folks....nice concept but there is simply too much (questionable) electronics and other issues to consider this vehicle. Additionally, GM is in such a pickle these days that they have done NOTHING to even acknowledge that I have a lemon...that is the worst part. Buy an Acura/Volvo/Mercedes and save yourself the heartache. We do not have lemon laws in Canada (at least not ones that do not require that you become a part time lawyer and take a month off work) so my only recourse is to inform all who are interested about my experience. I have warned many off of ever buying a Caddy.
After all...fair is fair. I gave them 3 years to make good and they ignored me at every turn.
Has anyone else experienced this type of problem? I feel very uncomfortable with a new car that has had to have the engine pulled. It is leased, what are my chances of getting another vehicle to replace this one or of Cadillac letting me out of the lease? I have called Cadillac Customer Assist who have assigned a case # and I am awaiting their response within the next 24-48 hours.
I would appreciate help from anyone who may have uncounted similar problems or has experience with Cadillac Customer Assit dealing with issues like mine.
I wish you luck with GM.
Good Luck, Jim
The service man said that GM, for a number of years, has had a bad run of batteries.
I'm looking to get an 09, and I think I'll replace the factory battery with a Die Hard right off the bat.
Happy motoring
Jim
If i was out of warranty, and didn't lease the vehicle, i might look into a Optima battery, rather than a Diehard or Delco.
I have a 2007 SRX and recently had some of the same problems. Oddly, I had just picked my car up from the dealer for another matter when my check engine light came on for the 2nd time in 2 weeks. I contacted ONSTAR, and while I was driving they were able to tell me that there is open GM bulletin on this car that affects the timing chain and the crankshaft. I was advised to take it directly to the dealership. I was told today that it would be at least a week before I am back in my auto. I am also concerned about how my vehicle will be after it is has been taken apart for the repair. The bulletin # is 2002963.
I have not had any dealing with Cadillac Customer Assist, but I will be making a phone call today!!!
Jim
We have also been pleased with the local Cadillac dealership.
We bought an 05 SRX with 25k and it has been a reliable vehicle although the differential was replaced on warranty.
However I can't believe your mileage stats. We too have a V-8 AWD and we're lucky to get 15 around town and 18-20 on the road. Very dissapointing.
seaclusion
We had serious and ongoing problems with the vehicle. Had we kept it we
would have faced ongoing service issues that would have cost a lot.
We got rid of the vehicle and purchased a Mazda CX9 which is far superior
in every regard. The SRX we had was a lemon and GM did nothing. When we
returned the vehicle at lease end the person that handled the inspection was
embarrased and basically agreed that we had been treated poorly.
That was the first and last GM product we will ever own/lease. They get what they deserve in this case. I hope your experience is better. When they work right they are a very nice automobile.