[Boat]

So I've had my 07 v6 STS4 for 9 months or so and am looking to upgrade to the Northstar model. In addition, I'll also be looking for Navigation and F55 suspension, along with all the options my current car has (mine has the luxury package). Don't really need adaptive cruise or intellibeam. So basically every option but those.

From my understanding, the 07+ model v8 got the 6 speed transmission. Is it worth looking for an 07+ for this? I have another car for summer so I have time to search for the right car.

Seriously just looking for opinions! I have a pretty good idea of what I'm looking for but any extra input/advice would be helpful.

Thanks!

 

[targetSTS]

discussed that many times.
best and latest year STS that have N* and all options - 2009

 

[turnne]

yes...it would seem the latest model you could find would have all the running improvements

Warren

 

[Boat]

I mean I guess I'm looking to find out what I'd be compromising if I went with an older model year. Because finding an 08+ with awd is nearly impossible it seems. I'm not willing to pay a premium JUST for the new body style (I actually prefer the older style).

My only requirements are:
-V8, awd
-Nav
-F55
-Heated/ventilated seats
-Black interior with Eucalyptus wood trim
-1SB (luxury package) at minimum

These options can be found in all 05+ STS, so my question is, what drawbacks (mechanically) would there be to go with, say, an 05-07, if any at all?

Sorry for not making that clear. The thread title is misleading, I was drinking when I posted this.

 

[mkosharkii]

Mechanically, the only notable difference is the transmission.
I've never driven an STS with the 6-speed, so I couldn't tell you if seeking one is worth the trouble.
My only complaint with the 5-speed is the huge ratio jump from 3rd to 4th. Could be a similar story with the 6-speed.

I say (with a small dose of bias) go with 05-07. I believe someone told me that the 07 V8 has the 6-speed though.

 

[turnne]

I mean I guess I'm looking to find out what I'd be compromising if I went with an older model year. Because finding an 08+ with awd is nearly impossible it seems. I'm not willing to pay a premium JUST for the new body style (I actually prefer the older style).

My only requirements are:
-V8, awd
-Nav
-F55
-Heated/ventilated seats
-Black interior with Eucalyptus wood trim
-1SB (luxury package) at minimum

These options can be found in all 05+ STS, so my question is, what drawbacks (mechanically) would there be to go with, say, an 05-07, if any at all?

Sorry for not making that clear. The thread title is misleading, I was drinking when I posted this.

I dont think I have ever seen a V8 AWD that was least a luxury package car

I only non luxury package cars that were V8's were RWD...and frankly I have only ever seen 2 of those

The only drawbacks I can think of, going with older
Older transmission..5 speed
lack of features...front parking assist and blind spot detection

Otherwise i dont think a lot ever changed with the STS..perhaps a little trim work

Warren

----------

The other plus is that 05-06 loaded AWD V8's seem to be a LOT easier to find

I assume because the sales of them was much higher in the first couple of years

Warren

 

[dkozloski]

I dont think I have ever seen a V8 AWD that was least a luxury package car

I only non luxury package cars that were V8's were RWD...and frankly I have only ever seen 2 of those

The only drawbacks I can think of, going with older
Older transmission..5 speed
lack of features...front parking assist and blind spot detection

Otherwise i dont think a lot ever changed with the STS..perhaps a little trim work

Warren

----------

The other plus is that 05-06 loaded AWD V8's seem to be a LOT easier to find

I assume because the sales of them was much higher in the first couple of years

Warren

I have an '06 V8 AWD 1SF with everything but ACC and HUD so they do exist. A vin report does state that there is no other '06 STS exactly like mine and I suspect that it's because it has the very rare XM delete option.

 

[Boat]

Thanks guys. I was thinking the transmission was the only notable difference from 05-06 and 07+ v8 cars. The 5 speed paired with the v6 is a DOG with the 3-4 shift. I was thinking the extra torque with the v8 would help that, and not necessitate the need for the 07+ 6 speed.

 

[mkosharkii]

Northstar is a world of a difference.
Again, I don't know how the 6-speed is spaced, so it may have a wide ratio spread between two particular gears as well. For all I know, it's identical with the exception of an additional taller overdrive.

 

[dkozloski]

Thanks guys. I was thinking the transmission was the only notable difference from 05-06 and 07+ v8 cars. The 5 speed paired with the v6 is a DOG with the 3-4 shift. I was thinking the extra torque with the v8 would help that, and not necessitate the need for the 07+ 6 speed.

My V8 AWD has the five speed and will run the quarter mile in the thirteens with a launch that is brutal. The six speed is a V6 requirement.

 

[1BadCadSTS]

My V8 AWD has the five speed and will run the quarter mile in the thirteens with a launch that is brutal. The six speed is a V6 requirement.

The 5 speed will launch harder than the 6 speed due ratio. The 6 has more top end due to better ability to keep in the sweet spot rpm band.

Both will top speed of 154 mph due to wind resistance.

 

[stevenriz]

I have to say I liked the 5sp over the 6sp I have now. The 6 seems to occasionally downshift hard but not often and it has trouble finding a gear but again, not often. Never had that with the 5sp. Acceleration is pretty close but can't pinpoint which might be quicker (if one is over the other)...

08 and 09 are the most option rich years. The 09 has the shark fin antenna which is cool and I believe the fancy headliner option is available on the 09n as well.

.

 

[Boat]

Sounds like I shouldn't really worry about the year I get. Nice to know the v8 launches well LOL. I'm really excited to be upgrading.

 

[97DevilleConcours]

Sounds like I shouldn't really worry about the year I get. Nice to know the v8 launches well LOL. I'm really excited to be upgrading.

I test drove a 2005 STS V8 today. I peeled out at a red light and I am sold on the V8. I can't wait either