[TST_Brah]

What's happening Caddy crew!

Been lurking for the past week or so and finally made an account to chime in and ask some questions.

Currently I'm car-less and have been for the past almost 5 years, just been hooning around my bike and a beater truck when I have to. Or if the wife isn't going anywhere I'll take the '15 Accord Hybrid (it's not a Prius, ok?)
I've pretty much settled on picking up a 2004-07 V, since there's really not a lot out there that I deem fun and affordable and a sedan. I was going to go for another B5S4, but I've had 2 of those already so I felt it was time to try something new. I've brushed up on the common issues, so I'm leaning towards an 06-07 due to the rear end, but I realize that it isn't a guarantee.

Currently I'm waiting to hear if 05 is sold. Car is black, has 64k on it, Corsa, X-pipe, and a full built rear end. Asking $17k. Has paint damage on the front bumper from road debris run over. If this isn't sold, I'll probably buy it this weekend.

2 other prospects I'm looking at are less than local.
07 in IL with 96k, black, stock, asking 19
07 in TX with 36k, black, stock, asking 22.5

Wanted to stay under 20k, but you yous guys feel the 2nd one is worth going over budget?
The first is at a Lincoln dealer, I have a friend who can scout it for me.
The second is at a Caddy dealer, can't look at it before buying.

Thoughts on buying the second one sight unseen?
Any advice for a first time V buyer? (I've read through the thread on checking one out)

I know my way around a vehicle, so repairs don't scare me. Spent 5 years as a tech at Chevy, Subaru, and VW during and after college but have been working in Auto R&D for the past 9 years.

Anyways, hopefully I find something soon (because I have an itch) and can post here more and add something the conversation.

 

[kevm14]

I'm not sure sticking with 06-07 for the "better rear" is really a valid concern in 2015. Others can correct me if I am wrong, but I think general condition and price is more important than any other factors, including the year. Personally, I wouldn't go over budget for a lower mile 07, thinking you'll have a trouble-free car. They all have the same flaws, basically, and if you wrench, you're better off with a cheaper/higher mile (but good condition) example. This formula worked for me.

 

[TST_Brah]

I'm not sure sticking with 06-07 for the "better rear" is really a valid concern in 2015. Others can correct me if I am wrong, but I think general condition and price is more important than any other factors, including the year. Personally, I wouldn't go over budget for a lower mile 07, thinking you'll have a trouble-free car. They all have the same flaws, basically, and if you wrench, you're better off with a cheaper/higher mile (but good condition) example. This formula worked for me.

TY for the response, sound advice.

Can you explain your first statement though? Are you insinuating that a higher mileage 04-05 should have either had the issue fixed or it's not an issue? Or are you saying just don't worry about it?

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This one could be a prospect, and I could probably check it out this weekend.

http://losangeles.craigslist.org/wst/cto/4985171027.html

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This one could be a prospect, and I could probably check it out this weekend.

http://losangeles.craigslist.org/wst/cto/4985171027.html

Edit: not sure why last post contained my previous comment. no edit feature on this forum or am I too new?

 

[rand49er]

The '05 with 64k on it would my choice. There's a chance it has an updated diff ... you'd have to find out. Not that I want to stir things up, but IMHO, the LS6 is superior to the LS2 just from an oil consumption basis though they dyno slightly less (~5-10 rwhp) in stock form.

If the '05 is sold, the '07 in Texas with those low miles would be my next choice. If you can get assurances that it's in good shape, aren't you going to have to go there and drive it back anyway, so taking a risk to go there could be minimized with answers to a bunch of questions?

The other '05 says it has "19" wheels," which it doesn't if those are stock. Price is good for those miles. Maybe you could get it for $11k.

 

[TST_Brah]

I received confirmation last night that the 05 sold. Oh well. I'm not too concerned on the LS2 vs LS6 matter. Overall condition and price are my biggest targets.

Been talking to the guy from the CL ad, got the VIN and having my cousin try to run a dealer service inquiry. I'll probably go check that one out this weekend. Asking 12,500 so that's well below budget if it checks out, and that leaves me room to possibly buy some goodies right off the bat.

Also received a PM from a member on here in Vegas, waiting on him to get the car back from the deal to receive some pics.

I need to calm myself and take my time lol. The 2 S4s I had pretty much fell into my lap, hopefully that happens again. It was pretty nice.

 

[rand49er]

Have you driven a V?

 

[TST_Brah]

Many years ago.

Well...let me rephrase that. I was behind the wheel and the car was moving. The owner was in the passenger seat so I couldn't really DRIVE it.

 

[thebigjimsho]

I'd take the penultimate GM 5.7 engine over a truck motor anytime...

 

[phalkon]

I'd take the penultimate GM 5.7 engine over a truck motor anytime...

i second that emotion!!i have a beautiful 04,it even has a 300 mph speedo

 

[TST_Brah]

Just checked one out I found on craigslist. 05 w/111k asking 12500.

Car drove fine, didn't hear/see any mechanical issues. Peeped the engine bay, what i'd consider a normal amount of gunk on the engine, no signs of leaks.

The car was aesthetically hammered though. Cracked front bumper, 2 rashed wheels, interior not well cared for, cracked leather, shifter boot, peeling/chipping nav unit and sunroof switch.

Walking away.

 

[rand49er]

Nice price, but there's a lot more of them that have been taken better care of.

Here's one that's had quite of few mods done and is priced higher with higher miles, but may be of some interest: http://ls1tech.com/forums/cadillac-cts-v-classifieds/1755048-05-v-black-tan-supercharged.html


Probably too far for you, but near me:

http://detroit.craigslist.org/okl/cto/4994987897.html


http://detroit.craigslist.org/okl/cto/4977765687.html


http://detroit.craigslist.org/okl/cto/4978870086.html


http://toledo.craigslist.org/cto/4968564029.html

 

[TST_Brah]

Looks like I'm buying Grenade's car.

Flying out Friday to meet up with him.