Hi all,

Just wondering what people thought of buying a CTS that has been titled as Salvage and rebuilt, ie: http://cgi.ebay.ca/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=4603705075&rd=1&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWA%3AIT&rd=1

I'm dying to buy a CTS and am in investigation mode right now trying to figure out what year and options I want and can afford.

I've bought a rebuilt vehicle before ('90 5.0 Mustang) and it's been the most reliable car I've ever owned but I'm a bit leary of doing the same with a luxury vehicle such as the CTS.

I'm assuming that there would be no warranty on this type of vehicle, is this true?

My current wish list is:
- 2004 CTS with 3.6 engine
- must have bose stereo
- must have less than 50,000 kms
- sport would be nice but not a must have
- 5 speed would be nice
- color must be black or any of the grey or beige shades

Here in Canada I'm looking at prices starting at $33K which is good but when you add the two taxes (14%), etc, it gets it into prices that are out of my range. I'd like to try to find one for less than $30K taxes in.

I appreciate any opinions or comments.

Thanks,
Robin.

If repaired correctly, they are good buys. I believe that this was same seller of the White Diamond one that I posted pictures of recently. Here is what California mandates about salvage titles:

http://www.dmv.ca.gov/pubs/brochures/fast_facts/ffvr33.htm

Also, check with your insurance as it can make a difference (they want to know whether the shop was qualified to fix it and they will know by the shop itself). If you can, have them put it onto their frame rack and show you the factory specs and then see where all their work falls in relation to the factory specs. Buying a salvage title means seeing, driving, and inspecting it--in person--and there numerous little things to look for, all of which a good body shop will have covered.

Parts in the engine compartment have been replaced as witnessed by the lack of decal on the air filter box (has to be ordered separately), missing battery casing wrapper, new junction box to engine air intake, radiator decal is scrapped up and could be from another salvage, missing pop fasteners at top grill. Rear deck spoiler is not factory. Front fascia looks to be aftermarket as there are not factory markings regarding headlight aiming are not present on the driver's side. Missing engine hood liner.

Since his retirement my father-in-law has been buying and selling damaged cars. The big sticking points are how badly is it damaged and who is doing the work. He only buys wrecks that have damage that can be safely repaired and he has shops he goes to that do the kind of work he wants. Some shops work for him as fill-in work during slow times. Other shops are semi-retired people trying to make a few bucks on the side. In some cases you can get a sweet deal in others you get screwed. This is not a good playhouse for the ignorant.

Minor Point:

As I recall, the manual transmission was first offered with the 3.6 in 2005, and it is a 6-speed.

The earlier 3.2 engines were offered with 5sp manuals.

Is it just me or is the drivers side missing a airshock support to help hold up the hood of the car. I have a 03 and have airshocks supports on both sides of the hood, maybe the 05 has changed?

Is it just me or is the drivers side missing a airshock support to help hold up the hood of the car. I have a 03 and have airshocks supports on both sides of the hood, maybe the 05 has changed?
http://www.cadillacforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=61745&highlight=strut

The listing says both manual and automatic in different places, but the pics clearly show a slushbox. At 210HP, it's only a 2.8L.

If you plan to keep the car a long while and are prepared to accept a long drawn out process when you sell, it may be worth it. Get photos (before and after accident), documentation, a CarFax report, etc. from the seller and question everything they say. Accidents involving the rear and/or sides are less concerning than those involving the front end (engine, radiator, air bags, etc.). I actually looked at a few myself (also locatd in CA) but they ended up selling for almost retail price (not worth it to me).

schmiot, please Email me at quadsportz400@aol.com. I am selling my CTS and it fits the profile of what you are looking for. Thanks