Cadillac CTS/CTS-V

mannytranny · July 2003

On the TSB the trans assembly replace is given labor for warranty of 2.9 hours. The parts other than the trans, are 2 gaskets and one seal if I remember correctly. Hope your tech reads the TSB.
That why I'm letting you go first.

dhannahiii · July 2003

I forgot to add that I have the 17" wheels. The tires aren't that bad, just that one has a blemish on it, and may have to be replace in the near future.

To message #4129, I have the the 2003 LuxSport Package, and I drive 68 miles to work every day and return in the evening another 68 miles to my house. That why I have so many miles already, driving in Central Texas checking different job site. My office is in Brenham, and I have to drive to Bastrop twice a week,(150 miles round trip) also. The dash information center says I'm getting 24 to 25 miles to the gallon, most of the time.

I do like the way the Sport Package drives, very nice and firm, good solid feeling at all speeds.

I thinking of extending my warranty to 100,000 miles, no deductible, because I will probably do the miles in two years.

Thanks to every one on the information regarding the different tires.

wwhite2 · July 2003

I saw that... 3 hours would be just right for swapping the trans . unbolting the cradle and lowering the engine/trans package would take MUCH longer . Thank you for letting me go first LOL . I read many many posts ago someone else having this done and they said the new trans shifted even better . Waiting for them to call and tell me the parts are in

redgtconv · July 2003

The Sept. issue of MT has a complete test drive of the CTS-V. The title is " The American M-5 on sale - 30% off". They have 0-60 at 4.6 seconds. Says it will pull .91 g's and outbrakes the C-5.

wwhite2 · July 2003

I read that BMW test drivers caould get the CTS-V around the "ring" faster than a M5

oldsman01 · July 2003

Where is my September issue of MT???? Hopefully it will come today as you guys are spoiling it for me:) J/K. I think the CTS-V is going to be quite an impressive car. 0-60 in 4.6, I can remember when the C5 Vette came out in 97 it did 0-60 in 4.7. Not bad at all for this sedan.

redgtconv · July 2003

Can you get anymore GM coupons? I have just placed an order for a CTS.

sonjaab · July 2003

I have requested 2 more.........still waiting.
Will put ya on my list ! My uncles have requested more also..So should have some soon!
Only good till Sept. 2nd tho......

One guy here used his for a new Saab!
Another at gm-truck.com used his for a new GMC!

Thats 6 I have given away so far! Gotta keep my stock price up and families pension checks rolling in!.....................geo

dhannahiii · July 2003

Does any one know what the fix is, to get the two clocks to tell the same time? The radio time and the dash clock are off by about 5 minutes.

I saw something earlier this month about doing a dash change out to make the proper repairs.

If I have to change out the dash would it be possible to re install a new 2004 CTS dash with the water temperature gauge in place of the clock?

redgtconv · July 2003

Thank-you very much. If the one I ordered is not in by Sept.2, I can switch to one in stock. I will definitely use it. Thanks again!

rob35cts · July 2003

Cadillac has a replacement instrument cluster that works. Just take the car in and tell them they need to replace the cluster. cadillac is very aware of the problem.

automole · August 2003

Are the coupons good for a SPECIFIC person only? Why I ask is that if you send me one and I don't find a 2004 CTS to use it on my Dad most likely will on a new GM.

sevenfeet0 · August 2003

I had my clock problem resolved when my car was recently in the body shop for a wife-inflicted injury. They replace the old gauge cluster with a new one. No, you do NOT get the newer ones with the temperature gauge. Sorry.

wwhite2 · August 2003

my experience. It was right when I bought the car then was off after the daylight savings time correction and now is correct again after the last daylight savings time adjustment . When you had it changed did they do a good job ....rattles etc?

sonjaab · August 2003

NOPE....Good for whomever signs their name on it at the dealer.
1 new saab, 1 new GMC, and 1 new Vibe...That makes 8 new GMs so far!!!!!!!

Still waiting on new batch of 2 coupons to arrive!
............geo

johnnycsk · August 2003

Is there a way to find out the GMS price for the CTS on the internet? If not does anyone know what the percentage under MSRP it is?

sonjaab · August 2003

E mail me the vin#, dealer name and zip code. I can tell you the GM employee price. Then go from there,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,geo

b4z · August 2003

Just got back from a week in Hendersonville, NC.
Followed the discussion on a public computer. Didn't post because I didn't want somebody to get my log in name.

Saw a green '04 CTS at Boyd pontieac cadillac. It is a very nice color.
Much nicer than I thought it would be. I am always concerned about resale on a green car so I won't be buying a green CTS.

mannytranny · August 2003

I don't understand the re-sale of a green color car? I never had that color.
By the way, the lower dew points and humidity ... remember I'm in PA.

... had no appreciable effect on the static on my radio but when I asked my Cadillac advisor he said that they want to hear it for themselves. I told him by the time I would drive the car to the dealership, it probably would be gone as it usually is. So much for that idea. I guess that I'll have to tape record it and just let them listen to a re-play.

johnnycsk · August 2003

The reason why I am asking is because I might be able to get a Gm In the Driveway certificate and I was curious to see if it was financially worth it to purchase a CTS now or wait till December when I maxed out on my GM card rebates (which is another $200 bucks). If I can get the CTS with the certificate for a good price I will buy it now. If I can get a better deal without the certificate then I will wait. What do you think? Also, are all dealers required to honor the certificates or is participation optional? I don't have a specific VIN number and my zip code is 11209. Thanks for the help

batmanscts · August 2003

Guys, if the 04 CTS green looks anything like the 03 Silver Green, I'd wouldn't worry about resale value. My local dealer had an 03 Silver Green with neutral interior in the showroom and it was absolutely beautiful. It was a Lux Sport with polished wheels that really enhanced its apperance. Might not look as good with standard wheels.

When the Silver Green sold, the dealer replaced it in the showroom with an 04 Cashmere. I love my Sable Black/Ebony 03, but I could be equally happy with either the Silver Green or the Cashmere.

If you find one you like, buy it!

b4z · August 2003

It is called "no sale green" in the car business.
There are a lot of people who like green cars but when it comes to a dealer or a car lot buying a used green car they will run, not walk away from it.

typeaman · August 2003

When I am at a stop with my brake pedal pressed, I have so much static on the AM radio that I can't even hear the talking. The static stops when I take my foot of the brake. It only can be heard at stations below 1000 on the dial. Sometimes I can also hear static from the turn signal. The Caddy service guy test drove it and said "all is fine". (the problem seems to be intermittent)
Anyone else have this problem?

mcgreenx · August 2003

I got a rise out of your comment about the harsh LuxSport ride. I had commented about it here when I first got my LuxSport, and just the other day I was remarking (to myself - we often discuss things like that when commuting) that the ride seemed less jarring. I had concluded that it softens up after the suspension breaks in, but perhaps you're right, it just takes getting used to. You're also dead right about not wanting to go back to the "floating luxury yacht" ride. I've occasionally gotten a new DeVille loaner, and while it's a fine car, I hate its sloppy boat-like feel.

sonjaab · August 2003

Just ran the numbers for someone using the certificate to buy a new CTS.

04 CTS 3.6 auto, lux. pkg.,bose, roof?, forgot!
List $37,795 GM employee price $33,377 add 4%
with use of "gm in the driveway" coupon.
Price is roughly 34,684.
Don't forget on these deals you pay NO adv. fees or DOC fees. Heck thats another $500 or so !

Deduct your GM Card points
Also if you are buying another Caddy deduct $1000
Or if you own any GM car deduct $750

The Gm site sez there is 5.9% int for up to 60 mths.

I have seen on GM buypower 04 base CTS 3.6 auto
UNDER 30k with that deal................geo

johnnycsk · August 2003

Thanks for the info!!! Is the conquest rebate still available, if so when does it expire and is it still $1,000? I currently own a Ford Explorer and every little bit helps. Also, am I correct in the fact that the price is non-negotiable?

sonjaab · August 2003

About the conquest rebate. Nothing noticed on the GM family site.
That price is set in stone. NOT -negotiable !
....geo

wwhite2 · August 2003

Since the CTS is being manufactured in decent numbers what aftermarket performance equipment is out there, or in the pipeline . What kind of horsepower/torque can be gained. Im not looking to bling bling/rice or rattle my head with a loud exhaust just looking to eek out more power

automole · August 2003

...after not hearing from Soonjab for a couple of weeks (I figured I wasn't getting a coupon) and having some 'fun time' in my CTS I was perfectly content to drive my current car and forget about trading it on a 2004.

Now there's all this coupon-talk happening combined with the fact that my Credit Union offers 3.29% financing for up to 84 months on a new car and I'm all hot and bothered at the idea of getting a new CTS!

If the conditions are right (3.29%, decent trade-in value, dealer accepts coupon and has the car I want on the lot) I may be another 'new' CTS driver in the near future...

wwhite2 · August 2003

Hope the dealer treats you fairly with a trade in value .

sonjaab · August 2003

Raycherry got one of those coupons.....He has found a couple of 04s 3.6 autos in his color. I guess for wifes anniverary present !
One loaded out for around 34k. One base 3.6 auto under 30K ! with coupon.........Decisions...decisions.

ME...Under 30k minus GM loyalty and GM card points
Car can be had for around 25k !!!!!!!!
Same price as a appliance v-6 honda or camcord that NOBODY would look twice at.

In todays paper 03 camcord V-6 LE, NO leather or CD $22,900 plus adv. fee $500, DOC fee, and that famous toyota regional dist. fee $500 too !!!!!

For another $1000 bucks it would be CADILLAC STYLE for me!

AUTO- Still waiting on more coupons. GM said 5 days. Will call monday!..............geo

redgtconv · August 2003

Hi, I hope you haven't forgotten me for the coupon. Can you tell me how far down the list I am and what the chances are of getting the coupon. I have a CTS on order. I have already discussed the coupon with my dealer who said he would definitely accept the coupon and change the price on my deal. Thanks!

regfootball · August 2003

cheesy

buying a Cadillac

with a 'coupon'?

Just asking the question, seems a little 'downmarket'.

Don't get me wrong the CTS is an excellent car. I am questioning the marketing approach here of selling a premium luxury car with 'coupons' like the grocery store.

bigdaddycoats · August 2003

rebate of $1000 is still applicable in the Detroit area until end of month. And loyalty rebate as well.

snrs · August 2003

They should change "ultimate driving machine" to "ultimate dashboard.
The main reason I bought my black base w/ auto cts was for it's "styling statement". Just switched regular gas. Runs fine. My only problem w/ cts is whether to buy 2004 model.

zster1 · August 2003

Has anyone has had any oil consumption issues with the CTS ? The Northstar engine is known for consuming oil in great amounts, as much as 1 quart per 1000 and this is considered "normal",
Thoughts anyone ?

eaton53 · August 2003

And it's not uncommon for high performance engines to burn a little of it.... so why worry about a quart a thousand?

sevenfeet0 · August 2003

I haven't seen any strange consumption issues in 18K miles of driving. The 2003 CTS engine isn't a new design, so it's oil usage patterns are pretty known and I haven't heard anything weird about it. The 2004 3.6L V6 is another animal, and as of right now, has too few users and miles to make a determination.

sonjaab · August 2003

YEA, That sweet "COUPON" saves ya a lot of $$$$$.
And that buys a lot of groceries !!!!!!

Thats right you have a lexus huh?
GEE, Then you got STUNG by that toyota regional dist. fee too! Yea, I understand your bitterness!

My toyota lovin' cousin is finally wising up! To avoid getting stung by that toyota reg.dist. fee
again. He got a Pontiac Vibe instead of the toy clone. He got our GM family discount and saved megabucks ! Last year he bought a Prism instead of a corolla.
Once bitten twice shy !...............geo

sonjaab · August 2003

Didn't forget ya ! Waiting on GM to send.
Hold off if you can !

j1205 · August 2003

I've had similar AM static problems while braking. I posted my most recent message in post number 4062. You can go to that message by typing it in the header at the top of each page.

I'm going to ask the dealer to fix it- along with an FM whine problem I've already had the dealer work on. I'll post the results.

regfootball · August 2003

1 quart a thousand is maybe ok 20 years ago, these days I would consider it excessive.

jemiller · August 2003

It's normal for modern engines to burn some oil when run hard, they use lower-tension piston rings. But 1 qt/1000 miles is a lot - that means you're adding 1/2qt oil every other gas fillup.

In the olden days, you'd have seen a blue puff behind the car on acceleration, these days the oil burns up in the catalyst.

Manufacturers try to foist off all kinds of borderline-abnormal conditions as 'normal' so as not to have to warranty them.

slaabs · August 2003

I drove a CTS last week and was impressed. It was a 3.6L with an automatic. I found a 3.2L manual over in Virginia and hope to drive it this week. I'd like a manual. I understand they're going to mate a 6 spd manual to the 3.6L in June; any hope a 3.6L with a 5 spd also (or instead)? I like a stick, but I think the sixth gear(particularly an overdriven one) has become more of a marketing game than a performance enhancement. Ok, so will the 3.6L mate up to the existing 5 spd manual? Will the same bellhousing and flywheel mount up to both motors? Anybody know? Different front springs or radiators? Different length driveshaft?

redgtconv · August 2003

When I test drive a car I really TEST DRIVE A CAR! I go fast, make hard turns and brake hard. I want to know that a car I buy can handle any situation I may get into. But unfortunately I live on Miami Beach, where the speed limit is 30 mph, and the cops ticket you for 31 mph. So when I went to the closest Cadillac dealer to test drive the CTS, I could only go 30 mph. The car was nice and liked the look, and after reading all of the great reviews I decided to order one. As I said I like a car that handles great so I ordered the sports package. But I still hadn't driven the car the way I wanted too and I wasn't really sure that I made the right desicion getting the sport package (maybe too firm). So yesterday I found a Cadillac dealer about 30 miles away in Ft. Lauderdale. They were not only located right off of I-75 and the Sawgrass Expressway, but they had an '04 with the sports package. When we arrived there it began to rain so I wasn't sure they would let me take the car on the highway, but they wanted to sell cars so they said take it anywhere you want....and I did. My plan was to test drive 2 cars, one with the sports package and one without. I took the sports package first. From a stop at a light I accelerated onto the enrty ramp on I-75 with the transmission in Normal mode. My immediate reaction was where is the power? But a quick glance down at the speedometer showed the needle passing 60 mph, I couldn't believe it. As I drove on the highway on this rainy overcast day, I now realized 3 things. 1) This car is the first American car that I have ever felt was glued to the ground 2) The acceleration at any speed was very impressive and very smooth and 3) the sport suspension was fabulous. We exited the highway and turned around for the trip back. This time as I started up the entry ramp I put the transmission into sport mode. The car accelerated so quickly ( near the redline in every gear), yet smoothly. When I entered the highway I heard a voice from the rear seat "Please slow down!". It was the salesman, I forgot he was in the car. As I looked down at the speedometer the needle was passing 95 on it's way to 100, so I let up. I am not a crazy or reckless driver, I usually don't speed and I don't get tickets. I just never expected this kind of performance. When we arrived back at the dealership there was no reason to test drive any other car. It just doesn't get any better. The sports package is the real deal, it's great. The suspension was firm yet luxurious, and combined with the grip of the tires on the road, produce a great sense of confidence, even in the rain. I think I was still smiling when I went sleep last night.

automole · August 2003

wwhite2: I hope I get a decent trade value too. Regardless, I have everything to gain but nothing to loose. The way I figure, they need to sell me a car more than I need to buy one. Worst case scenario I'll be "stuck" with my 2003 CTS, end up refinancing @ 3.29%, and adding new 18" wheels and tires...oh darn! Best case, they'll give me a decent trade value towards a 2004...middle case scenario I'll put my CTS up for sale and try to sell it myself then get the 2004 before Sept 2.

regfootball: Buying a Cadillac w/ a coupon is not "downmarket" or "cheesey" IMO. Selling a Cadillac without a compass, decent exhaust tips, garage door opener, rear seat passthrough, and power passenger seat as STANDARD equipment IS downmarket and cheesey in my opinion. There was a post a few months back asking the question "how can anyone that's bought a luxury car not spend a few extra $$ for premium gas?". My reply would be how can I afford a luxury car if I waste my money needlessly on gas that offers no performance increase or if I don't try to negotiate a "deal" at the dealership...if a coupon enables me to get a better deal all the better!!

zster1: No oil consumption issues w/ my 2003. I change the oil and that's it. I haven't needed to add ANY between changes.

redgtconv: I hate to say it (OK really I don't) but "I TOLD YOU SO!"
The CTS is a great car!

oldsman01 · August 2003

I drive a car the same way you do. I don't abuse them in any way, but I do like to drive a car the way it is intended to be driven. When I see all these duffers in a Deville or Seville blocking the left lane, I just want to jump in their car and plant my foot on the accelerator and show them what that Northstar will do! As for the CTS, when I did the 24 hour test drive, I had the same thing happen with the speed. I was on the freeway and from the sound of things I thought I was probably doing 65 or 70. Looked at the speedo and it had crept past 90. I haven't sampled the 04 with the 3.6 liter engine yet, but I hope to before long. All this talk about being able to get a base model for under $30K is really tempting. Especially as my Intrigue is in for service AGAIN. Also, I noticed Cadillac is offering a $750 "loyalty" discount for current owners of a GM car. And as far as I know, we are still eligible for GMS pricing through my company.

Sonjaab, these "coupons" your talking about, what type of price is that for? Is it close to GMS pricing or lower? And how long are the good for?

b4z · August 2003

Just went to the autoweek site and saw a silver CTS-V on the cover.
Haven't goten my copy yet to read the story but hopefully it will arrive today.

oldsman01 · August 2003

I haven't gotten mine either, but I did get the latest issue of MT. Lots of powerful machinery in that one! I really like the look of the CTS-V and I'd love to see it's instrumentation find it's way into regular CTSs. Or least CTSs with the sport package. Another car that I like is the Chrysler 300C. There is just something about a big, stately looking sedan with a big V8 under it's hood. Having an E-class derived suspension isn't a bad thing either.

Anyone want to venture a guess as to what a CTS-V will cost? MT estimates a base price of 51K, but I'm thinking more around mid to upper 40s. The car does have some serious hardware upgrades, but not $20K worth.

necros · August 2003

Car and Driver is guessin $48K. The "first drive" is in this month's issue. Nice article. They think it's way cool

I have a question for those of you with a LuxSport CTS who know their car inside and out. I notice on the Cadillac website that the LuxSport package comes with "performance brake linings" and I have confirmed with my local dealer that the part numbers for the base model brake pads are different that those for the Lux Sport model.

My question is this: Are the pads the same size on the LuxSport and base model? If you don't know that, are the rotors and calipers the same size? I'll be looking to replace my pads at some point in the near future, and would love to swap some Sport pads into my base model...

Cadillac CTS/CTS-V

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