Hi everyone,

I am interested in buying a pre-owned 2006-2008 Cadillac cts/sts, and I would like some expert advice on the overall reliability of such a vehical? What should I expect as far as engine upkeep and future expenditures (tune-ups etc.) How many miles can I expect from the engine? Do I need to use premium fuel?

I'm a professional baseball scout by profession so I travel alot and ring up alot of miles per year. I'm looking for something I can count on for 4 to 5 years with minimal future costly repairs.

Any advice would be appreciated.

Thanks!

Mike

How many miles per year? (I assume 40-50K) What is your territory? If snow country, I'd stick with a FWD or AWD car with a 2nd set of winter tires and wheels. I think the CTS, STS, or DTS could last the 200-250K miles, but the risk of expensive repairs, getting stranded, and interfering with your job gets pretty high as the miles go above about 150K. The resale value of these cars also plummets over about 100K.

I'd look for a 3 year old (or more based on in-service date) certified pre-owned car with low miles - around 20K or less. Run it until it's about out of the 6 yr. 100K warranty, buy another one, and sell the previous one privately. I think your net purchase cost, (purchase price - selling price)/years of ownership, would be between $5K-$6.5K per year.

I fly alot too, so i'm actually driving 20-25K per year in the warm climate of California. I'm relieved to hear that you consider 20K miles "low miles", because that falls pretty much in my price range.

A big tricked out engine doesn't interest me. I'm looking for comfort, with as many of the electronic gadgets as I can get.

Can I use the low grade fuel?

Thanks for your comments.

I know as of 2000, the Deville/DTS no longer requires premium fuel. I don't know about the other models specifically, but I assume at least those with the Northstar would be the same.

I have owned a 2006 CTS and a 2006 STS, both with the 3.6 liter V6 engine. Both engines run fine on regular gas. I got the CTS new and never had a minutes trouble out of it. I noticed a small oil leak from the differential a short time before it was due for a regular oil change, so I had them check it out. The dealer replaced a seal at no charge (warrenty). When the lease was up on the CTS, I wanted to move up a bit, either to a 08 or newer CTS or an STS. I found an STS, certified pre-owned with few miles than I had on the CTS for a good price, just a little higher than the residual on my lease. Not only was the STS a move up in model but this one is loaded with all the options being the Luxury / Performance model. I love everything about it, it's really superb in every way.

If you are looking for an 06 or 07 model, the STS is a much better buy. There is a lot more luxury in the STS. Starting in 08, the CTS was upgraded and there is a noticable difference. This is part of the marketing strategy to move the CTS up to the level that the STS was formerly at and then combine the DTS and STS into a single model at the top of the line. Hopefully then will bring in a new entry level model, possibly the BTS to attract first time buyers the way the CTS did when it was introduced in 03.

I did my shopping on the internet (autotrader) and found my car 100 miles away. The car and the deal were certainly worth the trip. Do your homework before you go. You can see what is available and at what price, compare blue book values and then only be concerned with cleanliness and cosmetics when you get ready to buy.

Good luck and enjoy your Cadillac as much as I have enjoyed mine!!