Cadillac CTS-V Series Forum - 2004 to 2007Forum specifically for Cadillac CTS-V series discussions. 400 horsepower, TREMEC 6-Speed Transmission and Brembo brakes...
I've been a huge fan of the CTS-V's for quite awhile now. I've owned several cadillacs and the 4dr 6 speed with 400hp is just too hard to pass up. Looking for one in silver or blue in the MD,PA,VA area. Probably a 2004-2006 would be best. I just wanted to know other than the obvious thing to look for what CTS specific "issues" or "problem areas" should I check for when I test drive?
I know the #1 complaint is the rears but I'm not looking to race it so that doesnt worry me too much. I know the LS6 is a great motor so I'm not concerned with that like the famous Northstars I'm used too.
How important is the Cadillac Certified Warranty on these cars? It would be a great piece of mind but can i only get this if I purchase the V from a cadillac dealer?
I work in the car business so I have access to all the dealer auctions to buy at wholesale but for a car like this I'd ideally like to buy from a 1 owner enthusiast who didnt daily drive the vehicle and kept up on the maintenance with service records from a Caddy dealer to prove it.
Is any specific year better than another from 2004-2007?
Get the warranty, search the boards, and 2005 is the LAST YEAR of the LS6!! <--- Best mota!
Search the boards and FAQ is a must. I was on lurking for 9 months prior to making my purchase. I went with the 04 FIRST YEAR of the LS6. Once you drive one you will be hooked.
__________________ What kind of grille is filling up your rearview mirror? Shocker of shockers, if you look closely you will see a crest, a Cadillac crest, followed by the unmistakable snout of the Cadillac CTS-V. The V is joining the luxury performance sedan party – and this time, it’s not wearing blue hair, bifocals or a clown nose.
I just wanted to know other than the obvious thing to look for what CTS specific "issues" or "problem areas" should I check for when I test drive?
I would say leaking of any kind (radiator specifically) and whining/leaking of the rear diff.
Quote:
Originally Posted by v6stanger
How important is the Cadillac Certified Warranty on these cars? It would be a great piece of mind but can i only get this if I purchase the V from a cadillac dealer?
If the car is certified already, you have no worries cause it will transfer to you. If it's not certified, it would have to be at a Cadillac dealer to get certified. But if it's still under factory 4 yr/50k mile warranty, you can still choose to purchase an extended warranty, but it won't be certified.
Quote:
Originally Posted by v6stanger
I work in the car business so I have access to all the dealer auctions to buy at wholesale but for a car like this I'd ideally like to buy from a 1 owner enthusiast who didnt daily drive the vehicle and kept up on the maintenance with service records from a Caddy dealer to prove it.
You'll obviously pay a lot less at dealer auction that you would otherwise, so that one's up to you.
Quote:
Originally Posted by v6stanger
Is any specific year better than another from 2004-2007?
Go to www.cadillacfaq.com and click on the link to the differences by year. Main changes are 04 & 05 have LS6, 06 & 07 have LS2 and apparently the diffs are better in the 06+ (unless of course you get an 04/05 that had a replacement with an 06+ diff)
In any case, you won't find a blue one cause the only colors were silver, black, red, and gray. (pardon me for not using the technical color names guys).
There is a nice black '04 for sale with a bunch of mods (supercharger, headers, etc.) outside of Philadelphia (contact Venomous-V). I also have a buddy selling his silver '05 40k miles in Philadelphia if you're interested.
Personally, the only reason I'd be worried about having a warranty past 50k miles is for the diff unless you plan on driving it aggressively. If not, make sure it has an '06 diff and enjoy. If it's got the extended warranty, too, all the better.
Thanks for the fast responses guys. The "blue" I was talking about must be an off shade of silver/gray. I just looked at one at my local Cadillac dealer. 2005 CTS-V with 22k miles for 30k.
Ideally I'd like a 2006 with good miles in the 25-27k range which is what I'd pay up the dealer auction. Don't know if I'll get that lucky from a private owner or not.
Looking for a bone-stock or very mild bolt-ons car. I don't want anything thats been too thoroughly "enjoyed".
Anyone that knows anyone selling a silver/gray V in the MD,VA,PA area please let me know and forward some contact information with e-mail address. I've checked autotrader and e-bay with minimal luck.
Go for the 05 w/LS6 vs the 06 w/LS2=truck motor. If you plan to mod the LS6 is perfect plus lower production numbers if that is important to you. Every time I looked up mods for the V I would see LS6 available and LS2 coming soon.
After talking to a few local Camaro,Vette guys it does seem the LS6 is the way to go for mods later down the road.
I've read through some posts on here. Seems 99% of complaints come from clunking rears and motor mounts and a few TSB's here and there. After scrolling through a few pages it seems like I should definetly strongly consider a car under factory Warranty,Certified etc.
I don't know much about my local cadillac dealerships and how friendly or knowledgable the service departments are with the v models.
Once you drive one you will be hooked.
If you plan to mod the LS6 is perfect plus lower production numbers if that is important to you. Every time I looked up mods for the V I would see LS6 available and LS2 coming soon.
You'll only be about 45 miles from Lindsay Cadillac in VA.
