[pjm]

Hello to the forum.

In April 2003, I became the owner of a brand new 2003 STS, ordered specifically for me from the factory, with every available option, including dvd-nav and xm radio.

Since I've wanted an STS for a long time and I heard STS production would end in May 2003 (until the new 2005 rear-wheel drive model appears), I decided to take the plunge - a very pricey plunge of more than $58K (MSRP).

In general, I have been pleased with the vehicle, but disappointed with some build quality issues and poor fuel economy. (I can provide details if anyone is interested.)

I very much appreciate the advice and assistance that has already been provided to me by many members of this forum.

Sal C. - Thank you for your help and keep up the good work on this site!

Regards,
p martone

 

[pjm]

Welcome to the forum. Do you have a picture?? There are plenty of people here who are very knowledgable. later

To AirJigga25,

Sorry, but I donot have any photos - yet.

However, the vehicle is silver paint with black leather interior.

 

[pjm]

Hello Sal,

The fuel economy has been about 13 mpg city, and 21 mpg highway for the first 3500 miles on the vehicle. (This is of course, substantially less (~30%) than the window sticker (EPA) stating 18 mpg city and 27 mpg highway.)

However, thanx to my "education" by your forum members and speaking directly to Cadillac engineers, I learned that "performance models" of Cadillacs (such as the STS, DTS, and ETC), will not achieve the EPA mileage estimates due to the transaxle's final drive ratio (compared to the SLS and DHS for example) and the "sticky" wider tires (translating into lots of rolling resistance). Surprisingly the 300 HP engine (vs the 275 HP in the SLS and DHS) in the performance models is not a major contributor to poor gas mileage; the final drive ratio of the transaxle is the major culprit.

After the first 1000 miles, I switched to Mobil 1 5W-30 supersyn.

My STS has quite a few manufacturing defects, but the major ones that are difficult to repair include poor paint quality, with uneven application, and even a few "runs" on the fender wells. I already have an appt. with the local dealer to have both rear passenger doors and the trunk "re-aligned" since their misalingment has caused both paint and weatherstripping damage.

Nevertheless, I am happy with the vehicle and understand that Detroit manufactured vehicles would benefit from better quality control.