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Cadillac CTS/CTS-V

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Comments

  • batmansctsbatmanscts Member Posts: 63
    sevenfeet0:
    Congratulations on your family's graduation from the CTS to the SRX. I have mixed feelings about this happy event because your early postings were influential in my decision to buy my 03 CTS Lux Sport. (Still in cherry condition with only about 10,000 miles).
    I'm sure that all of us on this link wish you, your wife, and young threefeet2 happy motoring in the SRX.
    Doug
    Colorado Springs
  • sevenfeet0sevenfeet0 Member Posts: 486
    When I was taking delivery of my SRX today I saw the new 2006 CTS product brochure on my sales rep's desk so I thumbed through it. Initial thoughts...

    The grill is the same as before but there is a new "sport grill" that can comes with the Appearance package. It's also dealer installable in case you want to put it on an "ordinary" CTS. The appearance of the grill does have some cues to the Caddy Sixteen.

    The Navigation system is indeed not available with the aformentioned Performance and Appearance packages. I have no idea why.

    Performance package comes with 18" chrome wheels with 9 spokes. It has the performance suspension with load leveling and the usual goodies familiar to LuxSport owners in previous years.

    The Appearance package is the same as the performance package but adds the sport grill, side moldings and rear spoiler (functional). The 18" chrome wheels are a different 12 spoke variety. The side moldings look like sharpened edged on the lower flanks of the vehicle and don't look too obtrusive (definetely not Pontiac circa 1995). The spoiler reminds me of some of the more tasteful aftermarket spoilers I've seen for the CTS. Whether you opt for the Performance or Appearance package depends on your tastes....kudos to Cadillac for giving the buyer a choice.

    A manumatic shifter is now standard.

    The previous CTS steering wheel and overall instrument cluster is retained but I think the Nav system is updated for this vehicle.

    The CTS-V does come with the LS2 engine but is still rated for 400 HP and 395 ft/lbs of torque, although the manual says these figures are estimated. This is a little surprising since the Chrysler has already one upped the CTS-V with the 300 R/T Hemi @ 425 HP. No word on other modifications.

    No other significant modifications I could tell save paint changes and other minor stuff (new engine block heater cable).
  • sevenfeet0sevenfeet0 Member Posts: 486
    Hi Doug,

    Wow, you've gone nowhere with your CTS! :) 10K miles? That reminds me of my wife's last car. We brought her 1994 Ford Escort into a dealership in Atlanta for normal maintenance 3 years ago and they almost fell out of their proverbial chair when they saw the car only had 48,000 miles on it.

    I'm still going to hang around the CTS boards despite being a "former" owner. I was very happy with this car and sorry to see it go. Maybe I might get another one as my personal car (the SRX is the daily driver for my wife as the CTS was before it).
  • zeenzeen Member Posts: 401
    bosshogg
    I agree that the CTS is a fine car and a good value. But if you want a luxury name and compare interiors, the CTS lags far behind. The center stack is more befitting a Pontiac than a luxury name. GM has always been a laggard in interior design.
    Just look at the competition.
    That being said, I looked at an 06 today. The wood trim on the center stack is a definite improvement. The big cupholder holes are ugly...like a Chevy.
  • zeenzeen Member Posts: 401
    Other than these options, are there any changes that are standard? Improvements in handling, suspension, horsepower, etc??
  • bingomanbingoman Member Posts: 373
    Your opinion is your opinion, personally I disagree. I think the center console, especially with the navigation screen, is fine for a luxury sports car. And I've been driving mine for three years now.
  • sevenfeet0sevenfeet0 Member Posts: 486
    I'm sure that some of you CTS owners are or will be in the same boat as myself and my wife. We enjoyed the CTS a lot, but having rugrats changes everything. We lasted two years with the CTS before finally succumbing to the reality that we needed a more family friendly vehicle. Since I can't afford to keep both a CTS and an SRX around, the CTS had to go. Lots have been written about the SRX in two years so I won't repeat them. I just want to offer some prespective for those who might have to make the switch.

    I took delivery of a 2005 SRX V6 Lux model. This was about as lateral transistion as I could make from one model to another. The previous CTS was a 2003 LuxSport with all options except the Nav system. The new V6 model has more power than the previous car, but it heavier and slower. That doesn't mean it's a slow car, just slower than the previous sedan. The V8 model more than evens that playing field, but it was out of my price range. The SRX's MSRP was $47K, $7000 more than my previous CTS, but the current discounts from GM brought the final price to roughly the same as I paid for the last car + GM Supplier discount.

    After three years sitting low to the ground in a sedan, going to SRX height is a little different, but it's not as high up as a 'Slade. The previous CTS had much heavier steering (especially in my car with the LuxSport package). The SRX's steering feel is more pedestrian, but not dead to the world like my old '91 Deville. Tires are all season Michelins versus the W-rated Goodyears of the previous car. The tires are high quality, but not designed for slogging the exit ramps. I've read that Caddy has passed on making an SRX-V for the time being. If there isn't going to be a V-series car, I suggest GM create a sport package on the lines of the CTS's sport options. Even though I bought a family-mobile doesn't mean I don't want the feel of my old car.

    The car is pretty and has already drawn compliments. The styling is probably the best executed of the A&S class vehicles in recent Caddy history. My car didn't come with Xenon headlamps and I already miss them from the last car.

    The interior is very similar to the CTS and in fact this is my major complaint about the car. When the CTS was introduced, the interior was a bit controversial but still appropiate for the class. If the SRX is supposed to be an "S" series vehicle from Cadillac (and is certainly priced like its SRX stablemate), then repeating the CTS interior is a big problem. It wasn't big enough for me not to buy the car, but you had to wonder what the product planners were thinking outside of saving money. Amazingly, this issue hasn't prevented the SRX from being named best-in-class by two auto magazines two years in a row.

    Otherwise the vehicle is wonderful. It's not as solid feeling as the CTS, but it still feels very very strong with nary a flex from the chassis. And the all the room in the second row seating is worth the price trading in the CTS. Getting my son into his car seat used to be an exercise in contortion. Now it's easy to open the big wide rear door and plop him in. This makes getting him in and out of the car much faster and is a lot easier on my back. The extra room also proved very useful for adults as I had to transport 4 adults around for a funeral the day after I took delivery of the car. Getting 3 people into the back of the CTS would have been out of the question. But the SRX was well suited and I still could have managed a couple of children in the third row. The SRX isn't designed for cupholder heaven like a minivan, so if you're looking for that, buy a minivan.

    So far, no creaks, rattles or other issues, but then the car has less than 400 miles. I miss my CTS, but if I have to ride in a family-mobile, this isn't a bad choice.
  • doyle1doyle1 Member Posts: 1
    Tom
    I have a 2004 CTS. I roatated the tires every 6,000 miles and at 17,600 the front tires were worn out on the outside rib. Took it to the dealer and it cost me $110 for an alignment. I am waiting to hear from cadillac customer service but they are telling me that they do not know of any problems with the alignment.
  • geo9geo9 Member Posts: 735
    Did you get the sunroof?
  • ljmsljms Member Posts: 2
    I took my 2004 CTS to the dealer this past Saturday complaining of "howling" tires. Was told my differential was going out; bring it back on Monday. Took car back Monday. Was told it wasn't the differential, that I had "cupped" tires and that I'd have to replace the tires. The car only has 20,000 miles on it and I've had tires rotated and balanced every 5,000 miles; and have had aligned twice in past year. There is definitely a problem with the CTS and tires!
  • skuuterskuuter Member Posts: 144
    I believe the culprit might be the OEM tires. 20K is exceptional mileage for the junk OEM Goodyears. Cupping has many causes, but besides suspension problems, the tire itself can contribute.

    Probable Causes
    - loosely mounted tire/ wheel assembly (check what ft.lb. setting they're at)
    - out of balance tire/ wheel assembly
    - tread design/ tire design
    - worn bearings, shocks, springs or other suspension compnents

    I can't speak for the RS-As, since I dumped them at 7,000 miles. I had no problems with unusual wear on a set of Bridgestone Potenzas with a UTOQ of 220 AAB. Why did you get the car aligned that often?
  • lesstl1lesstl1 Member Posts: 21
    To Skuuter, Please see my post #6196 for a similar problem with tires. I had excessive wear on the Goodyear RS-A tires at 14K, with rotation, balance, and alignment every 6K miles. Cadillac validated the wheels were properly aligned. Goodyear replaced my tires with new RS-A tires. I then rotated, balanced, and aligned every 3K. This set was howling with feathering, stair-stepping, and cupping at an additional 20K. Two Cadillac dealers said they have a lot of this unusual tire wear on CTS with Goodyears. They suggested changing brands. I went with Bridgestone Potenza G009 (460 A A) with 50K tread warranty and moving all alignments to exactly the center specification, rather than at the upper toe limits. With minimal drive time, they are quiet and have excellence traction and cornering ability. The firmer sidewalls do transmit shock and noise from pavement holes and bumps. So far the wear looks fine.
  • skuuterskuuter Member Posts: 144
    That'd be why I avoid Goodyears. I've never had a set I liked.
  • michael_gmichael_g Member Posts: 7
    Hi everyone!

    This is my first post here -- boy am I glad to find this forum -- sheesh, you guys know your stuff!

    I was about 4 minutes away from buying a 2004 CTS, but now I have second thoughts. I truly hope someone can lead me in the right direction, or offer some advice!

    Here's the deal in a nutshell:

    1 - I love the CTS.
    2 - Saw this one: http://albums.photo.epson.com/j/AlbumIndex?u=4219812&a=31833046&f=
    3 - It's a 2004, was a demo, was driven for the last year by the owner of the dealership. Fully loaded. (but no premium sound/navigation)
    4 - 30,000 KMs (18,600 miles),
    5 - We're at CDN $33,500, including painting both bumpers and a mirror (minor scratches) This is about $27,500 in USD.

    All was fine and dandy.

    I know it's not a steal, but the CTSs are SOOOO hard to come by! I can't find any others around here.

    This particular car has an MSRP of $50,000, probably would sell for $45,000CDN.

    Now, here's the kicker ===> What's up with these new 2006 prices??? An MSRP below 40K CDN?

    Do you think this is the WORST time to buy a 2004 like this?

    I was literally 5 minutes from calling him back and saying okay to $33,500, but now I am gonna think twice.

    Do you think the 2004's drop drastically when the 2006's come out? I assume that'll be in a month or two, right?

    I am really at a loss. I don't buy many cars, so I don't really know how to factor in the mileage, the fact that it was a demo, the fact that it was driven by an old guy for a year, the fact that the new year is coming out soon, etc. etc.

    What if I said, "$32,000CDN and I sign on the dotted line!" Is that more reasonable, or shall I simply wait it out a bit?

    I'm anxious for a new car, but my girlfriend and I do have a 2001 Ram Air TA, a 2002 jeep, and a 98 Grand Am with 30,000 miles for rainy days! Therefore, there is no rush!

    So?
    Wait for the 2006's and see what happens?
    Grab it at $33,500?
    Negotiate a better price?

    Any advice/ideas are extremely welcome!

    Thanks!!

    Mike
  • batmansctsbatmanscts Member Posts: 63
    Mike,
    I'm a very satisfied 2003 CTS Lux Sport owner. You asked some good questions. However, the truth is that none of us can answer those questions adequately for you. No matter what kind of responses you get from the members of this group, I recommend that you build yourself a checklist of the questions/issues you have. You might want to consider the responses that you get from us, but the most important decision criteria probably should be the way you answer your own questions.
    What we "think" isn't as important as what you think after the deal.
    My "gut" instinct usually is that if you can afford a new car, there is a large amount of satisfaction that accompanies the purchase that often offsets the worries and uncertainties of buying a used car. Having said that, I confess that I've bought some great used cars and some new ones that were very disappointing.
    Bottom Line: Take what we tell you with a grain of salt... make your own best educated decision... or make an emotional decision... and live with it without blaming us or yourself.
    Good luck and stay active in the group. You are correct that this forum is educational.
    Cheers!
  • batistabatista Member Posts: 159
    Mike this is a rip-off. I wouldn't pay more than $27K for this car. If you were to buy this car and return it they wouldn't give you more than $25K for it. I would wait for the 06 because of the lower MSRP.
    Demo's are driven hard and wouldn't you rather pay $7K more and get a brand new 05 instead because if you go to www.gmcanada.com it says that you can get a 05 CTS with the 3.6L for $38K CDN and by throwing in the automatic and freight you are up to $40K even.
  • michael_gmichael_g Member Posts: 7
    Hi guys,

    VERY interesting answers!

    Yes, everything does come down to personal opinion, that's true. And I do take responses with a grain of salt. Nonetheless, it's nice to hear what mode educated people think about these things.

    In the end, it all comes down to personal preference.

    I might look at a vehicle (or house or whatever) and say, "WOW! This thing is worth $35K to me!" whereas, someone else might say, "Yuck! I wouldn't drive a Caddie if I could get it for $20,000".

    Do you know where it mentions the new $38K price point for the 3.6L?

    I don't see that number.

    By the way, to answer your question, I feel the answer is "no." For me, the $7,000 difference knowing that I am "driver #1" is simply not too worth it.

    Three things:

    1 - The difference is actually a little more. This car has HIDs/Sunroof/Memory/Mags/etc. So really, we have to compare apples with apples. The $40K CTS is not the same type of car. This one would probably be $43,000, I would guess.

    2 - Let's say the difference is an even $9,000.
    I would rather buy a used car, and with the $9,000, perhaps get some accessories, a new surround system for my home theatre, a new 21" LCD monitor for my computer, 6.1 speakers for my computer, paint my office, get a new desk, and have enough left over for about 300 pizzas. :) Being "driver #1" is cool -- it is. And the new car smell is yummy. But after taxes, we are talking $10,000 here. Big price to pay.

    3 - There are still 2 years left on the warranty. So that's important. It's not like it's a big gamble here. I find that with my Trans Am, during year one, the car was in the garage once a month. SOOOO many adjustments. Now my Trans Am is four years old. I've always said that anyone who buys it now would be better off!

    Another thing to consider is the law of supply and demand. There are NO other CTSs on the island of Montreal. I found ONE 2005 45 minutes south of here. (He wants $42,600), and also one used 2004 which has been repainted all over. That guy wouldn't go below $32,700.

    autotrader.ca lists these cars anywhere from $34,000 - $40,000.

    I WISH I could offer $27,000!

    Go to autotrader.ca and check out the 2004 CTSs -- you'll see exactly what I mean.

    Maybe I WILL wait. NO ONE has said to me, "Wow! What a steal! GRAB IT!".. but for a super clean CTS with these features... there is NOTHING cheaper around... (and if you find one... TELL ME! :) )

    By the way, he's down to $32,000 or $32,500 and he'll repaint the bumpers and mirror.

    But I think if he calls me Monday, I'll say too late. Let's wait for the 2006's.

    Would be a shame, though...!

    MG
  • batistabatista Member Posts: 159
    Mike here is the web address for the prices http://www.gmcanada.com/english/financing/offers/employee_discount.html

    Below is your GM Employee Discount Price:
    Your Vehicle: Cadillac, CTS Sedan 3.6L
    MSRP: $41,845
    Employee Discount Price (approx.): $38,415†

    I keep my cars for more than 6 years so brand new is important to me since I am not too concerned for depreciation.
  • michael_gmichael_g Member Posts: 7
    Thanks for the link!

    Yeah, that's about right.

    So the new 2005 that I read about makes sense.

    He was asking $41,600.

    It had leather, HID Headlamps, and some extra other feature (I forget which). That jives.

    I also keep my cars a long time.

    So, I am still stuck in limbo here! :(

    On the one hand, general consensus is that $32,000 for a 2004 with 30,000 kms isn't such a great deal (even with sunroof/HIDs/memory/mags/etc.)...

    ...yet on the other hand... There are nnnnnnnnnnnnno other CTS's within 500 miles of here!

    I don't know why people say it's not a great price. Here are some other 2004 CTS's I found in Autotrader.ca, from various provinces:

    Price KM's Province
    34,900.00 38,000 QC
    34,995.00 35,900 QC
    35,988.00 34,000 MN
    35,995.00 28,698 QC
    35,995.00 19,658 ON
    35,995.00 30,342 QC
    36,595.00 38,100 QC
    36,595.00 38,300 QC
    36,900.00 27,573 NB
    36,995.00 29,000 AL
    36,999.00 30,605 SK
    37,900.00 16,838 ON
    37,930.00 21,983 BC
    38,998.00 16,119 SK
    38,995.00 23,258 QC
    39,900.00 15,040 SK
    42,888.00 5,000 BC
    47,995.00 22,906 BC

    ....Decisions, decisions!
  • michael_gmichael_g Member Posts: 7
    Hey again,

    Just to let you know, I checked the Canadian Black Book Value of this type of car...

    That's the amount you'll get in a trade in.

    It came up to $28,000-$31,000.

    Therefore, if that is the average trade-in at the dealership, then I think he is inline to charge $32,000.

    ...just a thought..
  • michael_gmichael_g Member Posts: 7
    ** Update! **

    So, I just found out that GM still offers a graduate rebate!

    That means that if I snatch a 2005 (employee pricing), or wait for the 2006's (lower MSRP), I also get $3,500 off my final negotiated price.

    I have $2,500 in GM points, and the $1,000 graduate rebate.

    Therefore, even if I get that 2005 I found 90 minutes east of Montreal (I mentioned it the other thread -- he wants $42,500 CDN), that drops down to $39,000 after my rebates.

    So, that's $39,000 vs. $32,500 = $6,500 Difference, CDN.

    That is pretty tight.

    So we're talking an extra 1.5 years of warrany, 20,000 less miles, a new model year, four new tires, and so forth.

    The 2006 press release should be out on August 1.

    Methinks the 2004 at $32,500 ain't looking so hot right now.

    Wrong time to buy it...
  • sevenfeet0sevenfeet0 Member Posts: 486
    Yes, I got Ultraview. I wasn't going to take delivery of an SRX unless it had the big hole in the sky. :)
  • cdnpinheadcdnpinhead Member Posts: 5,499
    discount program available in Canada? I read somewhere that it was U.S. only, but I'm not sure if that's true, or if it was then, whether it still is.
    '08 Acura TSX, '17 Subaru Forester
  • michael_gmichael_g Member Posts: 7
    Yeah, it's plastered all over the GMCANADA.COM website..
  • exalteddragon1exalteddragon1 Member Posts: 729
    What color is your TA?

    That is probably my most favorite car, except reliability :(

    That CTS you saw looks like an '03, i thought they had a painted back instead of the plastic since '04, guess i could be wrong :P
  • volvodan1volvodan1 Member Posts: 188
    The first batch of 04's were still plastic. Sometime in mid-04 model year they went to the painted license surround.
  • ljmsljms Member Posts: 2
    Thanks for the advice. Reason for getting alignment so often -- I live in Dallas and there is excessive road work going on here -- lots of pot-holes -- just assumed it would need to be realigned, balanced, etc.

    Don't misunderstand! Love the car. Just a little "perturbed" is all. The reason I buy a new car every other year is so that I WON'T have these types of problems!

    Kochan
  • michael_gmichael_g Member Posts: 7
    Yeah, they switched halfway through the model year.
    The dealer is swapping out the rear bezel for a painted one.
    No charge.
    All the smoked ones have a defect. They accumulate water and condensation.
    Looks awful.

    My Trans Am is pewter.

    So far, the reliability has been aok!! 4 years and counting.....!

    Mike
  • tester1tester1 Member Posts: 33
    This is the third time to enter Cadillac dealer for service on check engine light on 2003 CTS. Two previous visit yields nothing, Dropped car at dealer yesterday, call today ask about what is going on. Seems like they retrieved the codes but cannot figure how. Ask me if I want to leave the car longer so they can see if there is anything they can do. My firends at office was suggesting California lemon law maybe able to use if they still cannot resolve this. Any comment?
  • mrjones1mrjones1 Member Posts: 5
    I'm looking at a 2005 CTS 3.6L with luxury package and moonroof. Employee price is $34,633, just like any other simliarly equipped '05 CTS. But it's a demo car with 6,000 miles on it, so dealer will take another $2,000 off. Is two grand a reasonable discount for that number of miles? Also, the '06's are already out. Am I wrong in thinking that he should reduce it further?
  • smu1976smu1976 Member Posts: 110
    Looking for anyone who purchased a used Cadillac CTC Certified. The Cadillac Certified Warranty 6 years/100k bumper to bumper looks to be the best out there.
    No deductible? Must be a ton of Caddy's coming off leases. Anyway, price limit is about 24-27K, any advice on engine's, options, etc.? The Cadillac site had tons of listed models. Just looking for a safe car, OnStar, fun to drive, with a warranty. Saab is too risky, though safe. Acura too overpriced. Any recommendations? Anyone purchase a certified CTS?
  • mrjones1mrjones1 Member Posts: 5
    I have an offer in writing for an '06 CTS with luxury package and power sunroof, no other options.

    Offer is for $35,628. With the SmartBuy incentive, botom line price is $33,378, plus TTL.

    Is this a good deal? Should I try for better at same dealer or elsewhere?
  • temj12temj12 Member Posts: 450
    I have an '05 that I bought new. You want the 3.6 engine; not the standard 2.8 engine. I have satellite radio which I was not sure I would like. I love it and I would not buy anything without it. The CTS is a great car; handles well; lots of power with the 3.6 engine; great 5 speed auto transmission made in France. I bought mine new for 28,000. It has the standard 8 way power seat. The car without the additions comes fully loaded. The list on it new was 34,070. The dealer gave me 4000 off and i had 2000 on my gm mastercard. If it were me, I would go with the standard package with satellite and 3.6 engine.
  • temj12temj12 Member Posts: 450
    That sounds like a fair deal to me. With the employee discount program going on, I don't think you will get any different deal elsewhere. That program equalizes the ground for everyone.
  • thebugthebug Member Posts: 294
    Interesting that you mention this. I have the same problem with another model car. They keep getting the code P1136 (which means unknown), and on the look up in the book it means the fuel is running lean (or weak). The car in question requires 91 octane, and that's what I use.

    All aspects of the diagnostic test show that there is truly no problem. Everything checks out fine. The report reads (computer generated light P1136 unknown) otherwise the test results are satisfactory. This is from two different shops. Neither charged me for the test because there was nothing to fix. I believe they felt bad that they could do nothing to help.

    Both thought that it may be caused by bad fuel and the second shop suggested that I try a bottle of octane booster which they provided. The light hasn't come back on yet, but I have only driven about twenty miles since. Prior to this, it would take about 170 miles or so after each reset. The car performs fine. If the light wasn't on you wouldn't know the difference. I'm beginning to wonder if we are being served bad (weaker than posted) fuel from time to time. What's your take?

    thebug...
  • nortsr1nortsr1 Member Posts: 1,060
    It is very possible that the gas station selling 91 octane is really pumping out 87 octane??? This is a common practice at some stations.
  • larneslarnes Member Posts: 59
    Most cars sold in this country will run just fine on 87 octane. Even my step-son's '99 Porsche Carrera, even though the book says high-octane, the dealer said 87 would be fine.

    Face it; everything connected to the oil industry is designed to separate you from as much money as possible. Especially oil changes. Every 3,000 miles is a crock. But I digress :blush: .

    Thanks for listening.

    Larry
  • thebugthebug Member Posts: 294
    For the most part I do use regular unleaded regardless, but in the VW it called for 91, and I put 87 in for the first few months without realizing that it required 91, and it ran crappy. After that, I switched to 91, I noticed a major difference. That's why I think it's a bate and switch at the pump sometimes. It's truly illegal, but how would anyone defend against that without spending a lot more money.

    BTW, my engine light problem may be vacuum hose related. Got the info from the VW group. Changed a few hoses out and the light hasn't come back on yet. I've only driven about 80 miles since though. I hope this is the fix. On all other attempts to fix it, the light came back on after about 170 miles with no noticeable change in performance.

    thebug...
  • mrjones1mrjones1 Member Posts: 5
    My CTS came with Goodyear Eagle RS-A tires (16"). Seems kind of noisy, hearing the sound of them rolling on the pavement. Also seems like I'm feeling every little imperfection on the road, although it's generally a nice ride. Does anybody else have this? If you're getting a quieter/smoother ride, what tires do you have?
  • nortsr1nortsr1 Member Posts: 1,060
    Have you checked the tires for the proper air pessure?. It can make a lot of difference if it is over or under. A lot of the new cars come thru with 60 lbs as they sit on the dealers lot and when "prepped" for the customer....guess what...they don't check the air pressure as they are supposed to do!
  • panzerpanzer Member Posts: 125
    Yes, the engine will run, but if so designed, the car will run better with 91 than 87. If the car is designed to run optimally with 87 grade, it will not run any better with 91. VW cars are a prime example. I get better gas mileage and performance (noticeably) with 91 than 87 in my VW. Some gas stations, even majors, sell regular from the premium pump, I hope by accident, but possibly due to greed. This happened recently to me in Grand Junction, Colorado, from a Conoco on Horizon Drive, right off I-70. I could tell within a few miles on the interstate.

    For the first 1500 miles, I have put nothing but regular in our new CTS. It seems to run fine, averaging 19mpg. I noticed in the owner's manual that premium is recommended for towing, etc., but regular is ok for normal running. Since it is my wife's car, it is not as easy to experiment with, but I may run an experiment at some point and find out if premium is worth the expense in the CTS. It is worth it in my Touareg.

    I totally disagree with you about oil changes. That is the cheapest best thing you can do to your car to help get long life. Case in point, Japanese V6's run hot, turn oil into sludge and the motor craps out prematurely if serviced at 7500 mile intervals. This does not happen when 3000 mile intervals are used. Most people are very hard on their oil, due to short trips and other factors. If you drive only long trips at constant (moderate) speed on the interstate, you can leave the oil in longer. Also, synthetic is really good stuff, and my cars get nothing but.
  • sevenfeet0sevenfeet0 Member Posts: 486
    It's been 2 months since I sold my 2003 CTS and I hadn't driven one since until today. Nornally I rent from Hertz but due to a scheduling snafu, I took a car from National. The guy at the desk said, "do you want the Bonneville or the Cadillac...or..." "I'll take the Cadillac" I said, thinking I was going to get the usual fleet Deville.

    But instead a 2006 CTS was waiting for me (mfg 07/05). I didn't know that National had them in their fleet and I may have to start using them more often. The car came with the 2.8L V6 (no surprise there on the smaller engine), regular CD radio (but working XM sat radio), leather and the new autostick shifter, much like my SRX.

    Driving it was much like my previous car although that vehicle had the sport suspension and better tires. Still, the overhaul handling was pleasantly familiar for someone who's had to get used to the much more pedestrian SRX.
  • temj12temj12 Member Posts: 450
    My Goodyear tires on an '05 make the same noise. They are not quiet at all. They sound like they are running on rough pavement.
  • vanman1vanman1 Member Posts: 1,397
    My neighbor surprised me (as he is a Chrysler guy) and just bought a 2.8L 05 CTS with auto. He said Chrysler didn't offer anything like the CTS so he decided to give GM (Caddy) a try.

    He said he got the 2.8L because of the better mileage but checking around, I don't see much (if any) difference. What are the official numbers 2.8 vs 3.6 auto??
  • sls002sls002 Member Posts: 2,788
    Both engines are rated 18/27 with the automatic by the EPA.
  • vanman1vanman1 Member Posts: 1,397
    That's what I thought.

    You would think the 2.8L would get slightly better mileage though. I'll bet the salesman fed him a line.
  • pearlpearl Member Posts: 336
    I've read that Cadillac will "soften" the exterior styling of the 07 CTS, and upgrade the interior materials. Anyone heard anything else? Same engines? Six speed auto? Other?
  • exalteddragon1exalteddragon1 Member Posts: 729
    Its not easy for them right now. The media says by and large the softer SRX style works great but when cadillac tried that for its STS the general response was along the lines of "ho-hum" styling.

    I think the CTS looks hot just the way it is, and the interrior improvements are more than welcome at this point. If they soften the CTS it may get lost in the crowd. The CTS and XLR in particular both look very bold. The STS, while I think its good looking, it does seem anonymous next the the M35/45.

    The cew Cadillac website looks great. check it out...
    http://www.cadillac.com/cadillacjsp/model/gallery.jsp?model=cts
  • vanman1vanman1 Member Posts: 1,397
    They can make the CTS look better with out softening it. I think the STS is just as edgy and looks a bit better. I agree though, the art and science is key to Caddy's recent success.
  • hammen2hammen2 Member Posts: 1,284
    ...is that the next-gen CTS has a LOT of styling cues from the Sixteen show car...

    http://www.seriouswheels.com/top-Cadillac-Sixteen-Concept.htm
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