Hi, I'm new here. I'm considering purchasing a replacement car sometime this year and the 06 DTS is one of my choices for a used car, the other being the Chrysler 300 (v-6). Both are in my price range, but reliability concerns about the DTS worry me. Has GM addressed a lot of the past problems the Deville, and older DTS had?

I have a few friends that used to be caddy techs years ago, and they warned me of these problems:

Head Gaskets
Heavy carbon deposits in the heads (knocking)
Major premature oil leaks
Crank Sensor failures

I really want a DTS because I need to drive in snow and FWD is so much nicer, but I have fears of ending up with a headache. The only thing I have going for me is that I'm capable of doing all levels of repair on anything I buy, but who wants to pull an engine at 40,000 miles. Any thoughts would be appreciated.

The issues you mention are not a problem for the 2006 model year. The Northstar is a performance engine. So, you may experience slightly more than "normal" oil consumption, but leaks are no longer an issue. The carbon "knock" can still occur, but is caused by not using the engine as it was designed. Do a search on WOT (Wide Open Throttle) for more info. The 06 models also have Magnaride, a great improvement in terms of realiability over the CVRSS. If you buy certified preowned and follow the maintenance schedule, you will be rewarded with a vehicle far more satisfying than a Chrysler 300 (IMO).

I would choose the DTS.

I think Cadillac is better than Chrysler 300C. Equipment, Comfort, interior room only in Exterior design maybe, but I think Cadillac looks much more luxurier. However, both of them are based on old tech. Chrysler 300C uses Mercedes E-Class transmission, differential, rear shocks and W220 front suspensions. Also Cadillac DTS has got Deville's FWD platform, its old too, but it doesnt matter because both of them are good, Cadillac is better. And you can also look for old S430 or something like that, 2004-2005, they are good also...

My 99 STS had head gasket problems and lots of electrical issues as well. I traded it at 68k miles. My 07 DTS has been a dream so far except the back door handle which has been discussed already. One thing I did this time I leased my Caddy so in 4 years they can have it back.

I stopped at my local dealer tonight because they had an 06 available. I absolutely loved it, but that one was too much money, and had quite a few dings/ripples in the body. I think I'm going to buy one when more are available here.

Welcome

As you've probably read elsewhere here, certified pre-owned is the way to go.

If price is a factor, you may also want to consider an 05 DeVille or an 06 or later Buick Lucerne CXL V8 or CXS.

I'm very surprised that some people don't know the difference between a Chrysler 300 and a Chrysler 300C. Oh well. We can't all be car nuts.

Anyway. Cadillac DTS or Chrysler 300? Definitely go with the Cadillac. Especially if you can do your own repairs. I don't know what makes anyone think it's normal to replace a Northstar at 40,000 miles.. That's what happens when you "believe everything you hear".

I bought my wife a 2007 Chrysler 300C. And I've owned a 2000 Cadillac DeVille DTS. I'd even choose the 2000 Caddy over the Chrysler 300.

P.S. Welcome aboard, Aaron. Thank you for signing up.

Thanks for the heads up, everyone !
I guess you don't know until you ask ;)

Hi, I'm new here. I'm considering purchasing a replacement car sometime this year and the 06 DTS is one of my choices for a used car, the other being the Chrysler 300 (v-6). Both are in my price range, but reliability concerns about the DTS worry me. Has GM addressed a lot of the past problems the Deville, and older DTS had?

I have a few friends that used to be caddy techs years ago, and they warned me of these problems:

Head Gaskets
Heavy carbon deposits in the heads (knocking)
Major premature oil leaks
Crank Sensor failures

I really want a DTS because I need to drive in snow and FWD is so much nicer, but I have fears of ending up with a headache. The only thing I have going for me is that I'm capable of doing all levels of repair on anything I buy, but who wants to pull an engine at 40,000 miles. Any thoughts would be appreciated.


Aaron,

I currently drive a 2006 DTS. I also had a previous 2006 DTS that burned when my garage caught on fire.

Between them I have put over 80,000 miles on them. Not a whisper of ANY KIND of powertrain trouble. The powertrain has been absolutely flawless.

Nortstars like to be DRIVEN. I accommodate it. :cloud9:
It uses NO OIL... I have never had a carbon problem... it DOES NOT leak... and if I am not mistaken... the crank sensor problem was corrected a long time ago.

Texas Jim

I'm very surprised that some people don't know the difference between a Chrysler 300 and a Chrysler 300C.

There's a difference???? :o (This from someone who had never heard of a "V" until I joined CF. :eek: )

Echoing above, if you are really to compare the DTS with the Chrysler, it should be a C, and if poor weather is a concern, specifically the 300C AWD. Even with that comparison, you will enjoy the DTS experience much more.

Really all depends on what you're looking for. Style is personal preference. I like both exteriors and interiors, though the 300C has more of a tupperware interior--harder surfaces, especially door panels--though the seats are very comfortable. Having owned a 2005 300C before buying my DTS Performance this past April I can say you won't find the brute performance of the 300C anywhere else. Nice highway cruiser with great gas mileage (under 75mph I got around 28 mpg. Over 75 the multiple displacement system turns off and you're full time 8 cylinders and mileage is about the same as the Caddy: 22/23mpg.) Can't beat the DTS here, though, with better ride, less road noise, less outside noise in general, and much better sound system. The front end of the Chrysler is more sensitive (i.e. steering inputs, reaction to irregular road surfaces). The Caddy feels better planted. And the 300C ride is a killer off the highway. Think truck. And there's more wind and road noise. On the negative side for the Caddy: One of the hardest things to get over with the DTS is the wide turning circle. I believe the Caddy is about 5 feet in radius larger. I certainly notice the increased radius when parking.

As for the 300 vs 300C, the "C" denotes the Hemi-V8. The "C" comes with just about every option standard except the sunroof and navigation. It also comes with the harsher ride. I've never been in a "300" but I'm told the ride is much more Buick-y than the "C".

Hi, I'm new here. I'm considering purchasing a replacement car sometime this year and the 06 DTS is one of my choices for a used car, the other being the Chrysler 300 (v-6). Both are in my price range, but reliability concerns about the DTS worry me. Has GM addressed a lot of the past problems the Deville, and older DTS had?

I have a few friends that used to be caddy techs years ago, and they warned me of these problems:

Head Gaskets
Heavy carbon deposits in the heads (knocking)
Major premature oil leaks
Crank Sensor failures

I really want a DTS because I need to drive in snow and FWD is so much nicer, but I have fears of ending up with a headache. The only thing I have going for me is that I'm capable of doing all levels of repair on anything I buy, but who wants to pull an engine at 40,000 miles. Any thoughts would be appreciated.


I have also been looking at the new DTS. My suggestion is to wait until January 09 and pick up an 07 DTS because they have the 5yr/100k powertrain warrenty from GM.

Another thing to remember is that these DTS's are very soft as far as value. I was looking a loaded 07 DTS w/ performance pkg, 18inch wheels, moon roof, navi, heated cooled verything etc, etc (you get the point). The only kicker to this was the car had 32K but the dealer was gonna let it go for $23000 + tax, lic and I had my negative equity from my current car, so I didnt buy it.