What to look for in a used 2003/04 CTS

C6Vette · #1 (**permalink**) 07-02-07, 12:51 AM

My friend is looking to buy a used 2003 or 2004 CTS. Do you guys have any suggestions as to what he should be looking for in terms of potential problems. He'd like a manual but will most likely end up getting an auto. He wants the 3.6 liter engine. I've heard of differential problems, anything else that may be problematic?
Thanks

B Hoth · #2 (**permalink**) 07-02-07, 01:01 AM

I'm in florida and I'm on the 3rd battery after only 51K, Heat not electrical the cause in this case. There have been a few crank position sensor issues(warranty) and a reflash for the rough idle as well. In my case, and I use mine for sales, it's been prety trouble free. Water pump was replaced at 30K (allmost forgot - also under warranty) . Mine was a 8K mile one owner in 04 when I porchased. I would do it again with the same circumstances. Good luck on the search.

Welcome to the forum, enjoy the ride

C6Vette · #3 (**permalink**) 07-02-07, 06:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by B Hoth

I'm in florida and I'm on the 3rd battery after only 51K, Heat not electrical the cause in this case. There have been a few crank position sensor issues(warranty) and a reflash for the rough idle as well. In my case, and I use mine for sales, it's been prety trouble free. Water pump was replaced at 30K (allmost forgot - also under warranty) . Mine was a 8K mile one owner in 04 when I porchased. I would do it again with the same circumstances. Good luck on the search.

Welcome to the forum, enjoy the ride

Thanks for the info, anyone else have any thoughts?

bigblockcadillac · #4 (**permalink**) 07-02-07, 12:51 PM

I have an 03 cts luxury sport with 42k miles. So far, I had to replace the battery, steering sensor, a/c compressor, and air bag module and harness. Tell your friend to aim looking for an 04, so he can at least get an 3.6 engine for a little more pep, the updated body color rear trunk bezel, and the dual exhaust. Overall, I'm happy with my cts.

C6Vette · #5 (**permalink**) 07-02-07, 01:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bigblockcadillac

I have an 03 cts luxury sport with 42k miles. So far, I had to replace the battery, steering sensor, a/c compressor, and air bag module and harness. Tell your friend to aim looking for an 04, so he can at least get an 3.6 engine for a little more pep, the updated body color rear trunk bezel, and the dual exhaust. Overall, I'm happy with my cts.

Didn't realize the 03's didn't come with a 3.6. Thanks.

bigblockcadillac · #6 (**permalink**) 07-02-07, 03:23 PM

c6vette I'm gonna bump this thread for you, bc the fellow cts owners should be helping you out more with info. For some reason, when you're new to the forum or not a supporting member your threads yield little to no responses. I know from personal experience. I'll leave it at that............Tell your friend the CTS is a great car, but do your research on each particular one he's interested in and MAKE the dealership run a carfax for FREE for him when he finds one he's ready to purchase.

z06bigbird · #7 (**permalink**) 07-02-07, 04:33 PM

Good cars. Only a small number have rear end problems. If the rear chatters when you back car up, you have a problem.

Find an 04 still in warranty.

C6Vette · #8 (**permalink**) 07-02-07, 05:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by z06bigbird

Good cars. Only a small number have rear end problems. If the rear chatters when you back car up, you have a problem.

Find an 04 still in warranty.

Great info, thanks.

wait4me6920 · #9 (**permalink**) 07-02-07, 05:56 PM

Welcome!

I'd not be as concerned about '03 vs '04 as ensuring that you have a sound differential.

Our '03 is a super car, aside from the differential issue. Sure the '04 has a high tech V6, but the 3.2 is a fine little engine in its own right.

While it may be true that most have had no difficulties, a search will reveal a significant number of folks have experienced problems with their differential (within the V forum as well). This would be my primary concern if I was shopping for another.

I'm not familiar with the rear end chattering when reversing, but am all too familiar with the classic differential moan. After the car has been driven for 25 - 30 miles or so, listen for a moan or whine at 35 - 40mph or thereabouts under light throttle or trailing throttle. If you hear a moan, and it will be loud enough to identify, I'd steer clear of that particular car. True, apparently some moan & keep on trucking. Some get progressively worse and fail. Failure at speed is no fun...

catch · #10 (**permalink**) 07-02-07, 05:57 PM

check for a clunk in the rear end when slowing to a stop....

occurs more when cold

I've only had my 03 for a few months... but this is something that I did not notice at the time, and am now kicking myself for since the warranty has now expired.

MikeB066 · #11 (**permalink**) 07-02-07, 10:16 PM

Skip the '03 3.2 for the '04+ 3.6L VVT because the 3.6L drops more power, runs on regular unleaded, and isn't an orphan like the 3.2. Also, the '04+ models don't have the problematic in-dash analog clock that never seems to sync with the real time until replaced by the '04 instrument cluster. Sure, there have been some rear end issues on all gen CTS's but as long as you make sure the car is under warranty, either factory or extended, then you should be safe.

Since the '03 3.2 engine is an orphan, there is a not much aftermarket development for it. On the other hand, the 3.6L VVT is starting to see some aftermarket support, which should be encouraging to any future owner.

the cadillac kid · #12 (**permalink**) 07-02-07, 10:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bigblockcadillac

c6vette I'm gonna bump this thread for you, bc the fellow cts owners should be helping you out more with info. For some reason, when you're new to the forum or not a supporting member your threads yield little to no responses. I know from personal experience. I'll leave it at that............Tell your friend the CTS is a great car, but do your research on each particular one he's interested in and MAKE the dealership run a carfax for FREE for him when he finds one he's ready to purchase.

the forums just been slow lately --

new diff, as with any used car: warrenty, new tires, brakes, non-smoker, a bodycolor matched rear bezel is a + , idk much else thats CTS specific, but these are just some, hope it helps.

kali_cts03 · #13 (**permalink**) 07-03-07, 12:23 AM

like others have mentioned try going with the 04....

but if you do decide on the 03, rear diff. is one of the known issues.....
other than that, check under the spear tire - some had water there.....

other then these 2, i had other problems with the car, but don't get me wrong - the car is def. a good choice!!!

if you need more info on it, try searching the forum - i did a whole write up on the 03.... with problems i had!!!

good luck in your search!!!

--------------------------------
Helo Tease 18" Chrome Rims w/Tires for sale:
http://www.cadillacforums.com/cadill...cat=500&page=1

C6Vette · #14 (**permalink**) 07-03-07, 12:32 AM

I really appreciate all the feedback.

wait4me6920 · #15 (**permalink**) 07-03-07, 10:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kali_cts03

but if you do decide on the 03, rear diff. is one of the known issues.....

Yeah, if I were pickin' & choosin' right now, I'd go for the '04 ~ also.

But don't get the idea that the differential issue is only a problem for '03 models. It can be a problem with all CTS models, '03 - 07.

GM apparently feels it's cheaper to deal with them one by one rather than reengineering the unit & doing a recall...which may or may not eventually be forced on them by the feds. Depends on the outcome of the current NHTSA investigation.

The good (???

???) news is that the problem apparently no longer exists with the '08.