Thinking of buying

Mr. Bojangles · #1 (**permalink**) 06-29-08, 12:43 AM

Well i found a 05 CTS-V that i am truly considering buying and was wanting to get a little insight into them. I was wondering what are some common problems with them and so on. The one i am looking on has 36K miles on it and all maintenance has been carried out at a certified cadillac dealership. Hopefully you guys can help a newbie out.

groverdill · #2 (**permalink**) 06-29-08, 12:53 AM

Start here:

http://www.cadillacfaq.com/faq/index.html

Tons of great info.

jerrad · #3 (**permalink**) 06-29-08, 12:54 AM

The rear has the cluck problem where the diff is tilting up during take off. The rear also has wheel hop issues and can eventually break. The nav unit buttons will need to be replaced before to long. The motor mounts in general are crap and will need to be replaced. I'm sure others will chime in but thats off the top of my head.

BowenCT · #4 (**permalink**) 06-29-08, 08:40 AM

They rule, buy one.

RightTurn · #5 (**permalink**) 06-29-08, 10:57 AM

And

to the forum.

CTSV_510 · #6 (**permalink**) 06-29-08, 11:19 AM

Stop thinking and buy one!

jbss71 · #7 (**permalink**) 06-29-08, 11:42 AM

i've never had a GM car with more stupid problems

do your homework and make sure the stuff listed in the FAQ you have gone over on the car. its not a bad car once your get over hoping its starts in the morning, and pray the rear end doesn't pop.i'm starting to not touch nav. buttons for fear of another fight with the dealership

jguzma · #8 (**permalink**) 06-29-08, 12:25 PM

I got mine three weeks ago and can't seem to stop driving it!!

Fun to drive. Love it.

mschlott · #9 (**permalink**) 06-29-08, 01:03 PM

I've been looking too and asked the same question a few weeks ago. Try to look at as many different cars as you can even if you know you don't want to buy them. Look at some higher milage cars and you will see the kinds of things that happen.

These are things I have seen.
The headlights pit and or peel. They usually start from the top. The dealer may or may not replace this under warranty. Search the forum for this.

If not well taken care of the driver seat will show wear like any other car from getting in and out. The owner may have replaced the tires with non-runflat tires. Not a big deal but be aware there is no spare in the trunk.

On 04s and 05s the OnStar system has to be upgraded to digital from the old analog to work. I think this costs arouns $300 search the forum or ask your dealer.

On 2 cars that I looked at the battery cover was coming apart. I still don't know why but I suspect it happens after a major coolant leak gets it wet.

Listen for clunks when starting the car, shifting into 1st or reverse. An indicator of bad bushings and or motor mounts.

Buttons on the nav unit and radio knobs have the black wear off. A dealer should replace this under waranty.

Make sure the car has the nav dvd with it. It may not be in the car on the lot, but the dealer should have it. If not, then you will have to buy one. Not cheap.

Carfax it. Become a supporting member. Request a copy of the Service history in the vin check sticky.

mike

Mr. Bojangles · #10 (**permalink**) 06-29-08, 02:45 PM

Well i test drove it and didn't hear a clunk, but than again i really wasn't listening for it at the time. Nav buttons still look good and what not . I did notice that the headlights seemed to be pitting a little bit at the top, not nothing all that bad. As for Onstar its not something that i would need, so not to worried about the upgrade on it. Interior is in great condition. Does $26k sound outrageous for an 05 with 36k miles?