My “New” CTS

**Guiltyspark** · 10-26-09 01:37 PM

Well, I have wanted a Cadillac CTS since I first saw the car in The Matrix Reloaded in 2002 and last Thursday I finally got one. It is a 2003, pearl white and a real beauty with only 80,000 miles. I had my brother-in-law who is a master mechanic inspect the car and he was satisfied that it would last a long time without requiring any major repairs although he complained that the CTS is a pain to work on. Anyway, it has new breaks, new tires, and a new windshield (I made the dealer replace the old one which has three chips in it). My first week with the car has been a little interesting.

Lets start with my problems. My wife noticed that there was a CD jammed in the CD player. I went into the dealership and told them and they said they would fix it. After that I decided to go to Best Buy and purchase a quality FM radio tuner for my I-pod. I then discovered my front cigarette lighter was disconnected. Luckily my brother-in-law was able to fix it in about two minutes. The plastic housing the holds my power sunroof buttons also fell out (it was hanging by its wires) but that was also a simple fix with a few dabs of superglue. Yesterday I realized my left license plate light was out, but I assume that the bulb just burned out and that this isn’t a wiring problem. Also, my trunk lid seems very heavy, but I have heard this is normal for the CTS.

On the other hand, this is the most exciting car I have ever owned. It handles like a true European sports sedan and doesn’t look like anything else on the road. Response from my friends has been universally positive (with the exception of my friend Steven who is a ricer). The ride isn’t just sporty, its comfortable. Yesterday I drove all the way to Ann Arbor from Rochester and I felt like I had taken a fifteen minute drive.

Overall I love this car and am looking forward to several years with it.

Anyway, I was just wondering if there was anything else that I should know about this model of car.

**Ray06CTS** · 10-26-09 02:22 PM

Congrats sounds like your very happy with the choice you made is what matters.

**RightTurn** · 10-26-09 02:46 PM

and congrats on the CTS! You may need to replace the trunk lid struts as they car wear out.

**andrewschenk** · 10-26-09 06:05 PM

i also just bought one, drove it home Saturday, was a nice 3 hour drive to test it out... got a 2006 black on black with the 3.6L, 40k miles and is absolutely spotless inside and has just a few small stone chip on the front bumper.

all my friends like it, and same as you there is one that doesnt (he drives a 95 jetta that has had more repairs than it cost brand new.. he thinks its the perfect car for a 21yr old, i beg to differ)

only thing ive had to 'fix' was the plastic cover on the back of the driver seat.. top left side had popped off the tab, just slid it back on and good to go.
also saw today when i was waxing it that someone in my University parking lot has already hit my passenger side trim with their door, it buffed out, but still, first day at school with it

here's mine

**txbest1980** · 10-26-09 06:26 PM

congrats on your purchase and welcome to the forums...

**RightTurn** · 10-26-09 06:43 PM

She's a beaut, Andrew. Congrats and

. Don't worry about the haters...they're just jealous.

**FastCTS** · 10-27-09 12:22 AM

Welcome to the site. Next month I will have had my 03 CTS for 7 years and I still love it as if I just got it, I call it my "Hot Rod" Cadillac.
Here are a few inexpensive things I've done. Used body/door chrome strips.

**mikeyi** · 10-27-09 03:15 AM

Hey congrats on the car

I also just got one last week. I'm in love with it no issues with it yet... I got to keep my eye on the speedo few times i was coasting along doing 25k over and not even noticing. I love the look and lines of the car. The car handles amazingly. I got some pics there not the best there from the dealership. I don't have a good camera only cellphone pics there no good either. Some rims would make this stand out a bit more.

**Sammy Z** · 10-27-09 10:03 AM

Guiltyspark, the 03 will need a timing belt replacement at 100k miles (about$600). If you ever have the symptom of the engine cranking but will not start, suspect the Crank position sensor, About $70. Other than that, It's a good engine. I have 135k miles and it runs like new.

**Guiltyspark** · 10-27-09 10:32 PM

Very nice. I really like the blue color but they are really hard to find. I am quite happy with my pearl but it is being hard to keep clean.

**Oswaldo** · 10-28-09 12:09 AM

I'm very happy with my car 03 CTS, it has 180k mile runs great just stay on top of the normal maintnance and you should be fine, and no i had not replace the timing belt thats comming when i get close to 200k.

no issues so far.

**Oswaldo** · 10-28-09 12:13 AM

[IMG]http://127.0.0.1/Documents and Settings\ozz\My Documents\My Pictures\Microsoft Clip Organizer[/IMG_0010.jpg]

**pearl'sgirl** · 11-04-09 04:37 PM

Can’t offer you any advice but am tendering a congrats instead! I just got an ’06 six months ago and it’s a whole lot like being in love! (Mine’s white diamond triple coat – which is essentially pearl-colored so I named her Pearl.) I almost couldn’t be more thrilled.

Still a little paranoid, but thrilled. The only thing I wish she had was to be iPod ready. I know you can have that done but, as I said, I’m a little paranoid at the thought of someone ripping out my console/dash.

**Ray06CTS** · 11-04-09 06:35 PM

Originally Posted by pearl'sgirl

Still a little paranoid, but thrilled. The only thing I wish she had was to be iPod ready. I know you can have that done but, as I said, I’m a little paranoid at the thought of someone ripping out my console/dash.

Don't worry too much as the center console area surrounding the radio is unbreakable its just 2 clips holding the upper a/c vent and 2 more clips holding the ashtray/AC controls and the radio itself is held in place by 4 screws