Cadillac CTS-V Series Forum - 2004 to 2007Forum specifically for Cadillac CTS-V series discussions. 400 horsepower, TREMEC 6-Speed Transmission and Brembo brakes...
Cadillac Forums: come for the whine, stay for the cheese
I want the V, although it will stretch my budget to the limit.
I'm sick of my "normally performing" Volvo S60, and want more excitement, but since I have a family I need a sedan...that's why I sold my 2002 Porsche C4S.
The CTS-V seems like the best bang for the buck out there...but when do I buy? There are 7 '04's on the ground here in San Antonio, but do I order an '05? Wait to see what the '06's are like?
I can't decide to take the plunge or not. Advice to this n00bie, please!!
For me, assuming you're not already looking at future resale vaue, the answer is simple. Get the 2004 and save on the Gas Guzzler Tax being applied to the 2005 (reportedly $1300 extra). The 2004 and 2005 are virtually identical except for a couple of exterior color choices -- Red Line and Stealth Grey for 2005 in addition to Black Raven and Light Platinum for 2004 -- and an additional interior color choice (Light Grey) for 2005. Otherwise, I've also read that the 2005 will have a combined OnStar/XM Radio "diversity" antenna rather than two separate antennas, but I've seen this only once and I think it should be confirmed. Finally some additional dealer-installed options for 2005, but which can be bought later through GM parts for the 2004.
Essentially I just had the same choice and since I wanted the Black Raven color anyway, and I'm not interested in resale value, I felt it was better to save on the $1300 GGT.
it's not an issue of resale values, i think i may hold on to this car for more than 2 years....and I've lurked here reading all the threads, and I know all about this car's "issues" and 04 vs 05....
I'm just asking you all if this car is worth the sacrifice?
Given it's strenghts and weaknesses do i take the plunge?
Keep in mind within the last 2 years I got killed by a lemon Porsche and basically had to settle on this Volvo S60.
it's not an issue of resale values, i think i may hold on to this car for more than 2 years....and I've lurked here reading all the threads, and I know all about this car's "issues" and 04 vs 05....
I'm just asking you all if this car is worth the sacrifice?
Given it's strenghts and weaknesses do i take the plunge?
Keep in mind within the last 2 years I got killed by a lemon Porsche and basically had to settle on this Volvo S60.
Well, for the first time in decades, the automobile magazines actually favor the CTS-V over the BMW in the price range! That's a feat. Car and Driver said, "for the price, it's hard to imagine that anyone would consider anything else..."
leasing in Texas just kills you....
first we have to pay ALL the sales tax UP FRONT....not just on a monthly basis like everyone else. THEN we have to pay personal property tax, too!! That's about 9% in up front taxes, for a car we don't technically own! AHAH oh well.
I will straight finance it.
I think i will wait until I have more for a down, maybe in fall.
But I can order one now for October delivery, and just dream about it for the next 4 months
Yes.....buy the car now. You will only regret it if you don't. This thing is more fun to drive than my Porsche 996 ever was. Just today I found this nice road with moderately tight sweeping curves. My passenger owns a Volvo S60R and I held third about 5000 RPM's into the curve and hammered it coming out. The sound and the rush were awesome. His eloquent words were..........SHIT!!!
I loved it...he was grabbin for something to hold on to and I actually caught him pressing the invisible sissy brake on the right side. All my micky mouse aside when this thing gets wound up she is a monster. Drag launches are another matter but most of my play is when it is already moving so the awesome sound and power plus the amazing handling just is so damn intoxicating. I still take the long way home and am simply in love with this car. I like it way better than the current M5, my prior Porsche and much much better than an AMG C32. Can't say much about the E55 since I have never been in one but for the price you simply can't beat the Caddy.
By the way did I say it seats 5 comfortably.................amazing.
Remember - like Warren Miller always says, "Next year you will be one year older" Driving this car just can not wait. Buy the thing NOW, you will never regret it. Every day lost can not be gotten back and owning this car has made me smile every time I see it and the looks it gets from those who see it.
Remember - like Warren Miller always says, "Next year you will be one year older" Driving this car just can not wait. Buy the thing NOW, you will never regret it. Every day lost can not be gotten back and owning this car has made me smile every time I see it and the looks it gets from those who see it.
yeah.
I drove it today....i actually had the salesman REALLY drive it for me.....we took the highway onramp and were at 95 before we even hit the highway. The ride was more supple than my S60 and nowhere near as jarring as the 996. He actually let the rear end drift out around a corner.....let me tell you all, I can't remember the last time I oversteered in a car....the FWD Volvo defines understeer and the AWD 996 would 4-wheel drift a bit. It ROCKED....
My turn saw me take it easy of course, but the exhaust note is intoxicating, and the clutch feel and shifter fit me perfectly. The suede helps hold you in place, and the lumbar support was spot on. Of course IMO the Bose bass is crap....but i can always aftermarket the subwoofer. heh.
And guess what!! He knew all about the FG2, the carbon fiber engine cover, and various aftermarket goodies. I was shocked he knew more than me!
Impressive salesman, perfect car for me.
I plan to put my deposit down SOON for an October delivery
I look forward to having fun driving again, and come October I'll only be 4 months older
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