Considering buying '06 3.6 Sport

[caddyshack33]

After exhaustively trying to find an '08 w/ manual transmission at a respectable price point (more on that on another thread), I stumbled upon a used '06 3.6 sport for sale. It's decently equipped, with leather seats, performance brakes, suspensions, tires, sport grille, etc. and the price is right. If I like the 6-speed manual I'll be tempted to pick it up. However, it has 30K miles and I have a couple questions that maybe forum members might know.

First, any of you have the sport model? What are your long-term driving impressions?

Second, did any of you opt for Cadillac Certification to extend the warranty? I'm strongly considering it, but can't find the "fine print" anywhere online. I'm wondering if it's worth the extra $1600.

Finally, the car does not have a sunroof and at some point I might go aftermarket, although I've got mixed feelings about it. Any of you with an aftermarket sunroof on the CTS? Is there any way I can get GM to do it for me? Any warranty issues that you're aware of?

This forum has been so helpful and I greatly appreciate the members' experiences.

[05MurderoutCTS]

I know how you feel.. I was looking for a standard 3.6L within 100 mile of my house, with a good price.. After about a month the only one I could find was a '05 2.8, it was loaded with lots of extras but after reading so many bad reviews on the 2.8 I decided against it.

I ended up finding a '05 auto 3.6L with every option but nav and heated seats. I really wanted the nav and the seats didn't matter to me. I bought it two months ago with 20K for $19,500, really good price.

The sunroof to me didn't really matter, mine does have it but I never used the one on my other car this past summer. I find the sun is hot on the head and blinding, but thats just me.

I would make sure you get one with all the options you want, I've heard really bad things about aftermarket sunroofs. Just think about it...

[the cadillac kid]

GM can put one in for u if you wanted.

[rblimas]

i got every option except the sunroof. i really wanted a sun roof but in the end i was happy with what i got.

[erdoc48]

Personally, I would never go with an aftermarket sunroof- it may be fine but if it leaks, it'll be a real PIA to find the leak. I wouldn't settle for the car unless it has the options you want- you might have to look a little harder, but there are a lot of CTS's out there.

[the cadillac kid]

when we were leasing our jeep a few years ago the car didnt come with a sunroof. As a deal closer, the dealership said they would put in a sunroof for us.
we took the car off the lot (sunroof-less) and then returned a week later and sat there as they put in a sunroof for us; cut, wired, sealed, the whole schmeal ...

worked out fine, never once had a problem with it.

[MJDART]

I've got the '06 Sport with 23K miles - no issues

[caddyshack33]

How do you get "GM" to put the sunroof on? The dealer I have been talking to subcontracts their aftermarket sunroofs to some private vendor -- I would rather have GM do it, but who do I contact?

[the cadillac kid]

caddyshack33, like i said, my situation was a little different but

can't the dealership order one from you? suppose my sunroof was damaged & had to be entirely replaced, they'd have to order one for me. Just a guess but its probably an OEM part & you can have them order it for you & have it installed or buy it yourself,
2 cents.

[Custom88]

GM doesn't install any of their sunroofs. They're all outsourced.

[the cadillac kid]

go to the source, if GM outsources their sunroofs and you want a "GM" one, then let them handle it for you or go to the people they go to.

[caddyshack33]

Thanks for all the helpful responses. The GM dealership's "vendor" does the sunroof. I have no idea about the company or its quality. My big concern is whether it's "GM approved" so to speak, so that if I get the pre-owned certification they can't come back and claim the aftermarket sunroof voided all or part of the warranty (even though the dealer told me it wouldn't, I'm not sure I trust anyone until I see it in writing). If I buy the car, I'll probably end up trying it out without the sunroof for a few months and see how much I really miss it.

[c5 rv]

Originally Posted by caddyshack33

... Second, did any of you opt for Cadillac Certification to extend the warranty? I'm strongly considering it, but can't find the "fine print" anywhere online. I'm wondering if it's worth the extra $1600...

Be sure it is Cadillac Certified Pre-Owned with a 6 yr / 100K bumper-to-bumper warranty (from first in-service date). Also, check around for CPO pricing. Before GM extended the powertrain warranty to 100K, Cadillac CPO coverage, per my salesman, cost $1000. This was much cheaper than buying the same GMPP coverage for your own car. After GM extended the powertrain warranty to 100K, I believe GMPP prices came down. I find it hard to believe that Cadillac CPO prices went up to $1600.

Regarding the sunroof, be sure you can still sit comfortably with less headroom.

[caddyshack33]

Thanks. How can I get different prices for Cadillac CPO? I called GM and they wouldn't give me a price (smart move on their part). The dealership quoted me $1595, but another dealership quoted me $2000! I know this item is negotiable -- and I WILL negotiate it -- but I want to bring in some information to the dealership to negotiate. So far, I can only find some ad on e-bay that says they will certify a cadillac for $1500.

[beandogg2000]

hey caddyshack33 i have a 06 cts sport forsale with a 6 speed manual trans sunroof and leather with 17600 miles with 22in wheels clear fogs with hids and v grille i live in baltimore md i posted the car on craigslist.com posting id526538169
if you like to check it out