I'm told my STS is a regular passenger car!

3643 Views 41 Replies 31 Participants Last post by caddydaddy, Oct 11, 2005

therodman

Discussion Starter · Sep 29, 2005

I was having my tires balanced and started looking at new replacements. The manager of the stoer saw me looking at some pretty decent performance tires and he asked me what kind of car I was putting them on. I told him my STS and he said, "wrong tire, those tires are for BMW's and Mercedes with high preformance engines and suspensions, you need tires like the type I just put on my wifes Mercury Sable." I told him that an STS is not just a run of the mill cadillac but rather a high performance road handling type car and he laughed at me.

I told him that car has a high performance touring suspension and an engine that packs a pretty good punch, once again he laughed and said cadillac just says that it has a high performance suspension and engine but really it's just a regular passenger car like my wifes Sable. Now I was getting pretty annoyed and wanted to take him for a ride like he's never had and afterwards he could go home and change his drawers before giving me the tires I wanted in the first place.

Now you could imagine how I was feeling trying to keep my cool with this guy laughing and comaring my STS to his wifes Sable. Before I go off on the guy I would like a couple of opinions about the design and performance of an STS, not an SLS but an STS. I would just go to another store but they have the best prices in town.

Is an STS nothing but a Mercury Sable in Disguise? I asked the fella what kind of an engine was in that Sable and he said a typical V-6 like your cadillac.

Opinions please!

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EcSTSatic

· #2 · Sep 29, 2005

Obviously the guy knows nothing about the STS. Probably still thinks it's his dad's Cadillac.
I don't know what year you own, but for my 1999 I can say the following;
The '99 STS has a state of the art 4.6l V8 engine with dual overhead camshafts, 32 valve technology and very high output. The Northstar V-8 produces 300 hp at 6,000 rpm and 295 lb-ft of torque at 4,400 rpm. The STS accelerates to 60 mph from a standing start in 6.7 seconds. Passing at 50-70 mph averages only 3.5 seconds and the same acceleration up a 6% grade averages a quick 4.6 seconds. Try that in a Sable!
The STS has a 4-speed automatic transmission enhanced by "Performance Algorithm Shifting" (PAS), a software program that works in concert with the Stabilitrak hardware and software to choose the correct gear in real time, as opposed to the multi-mode or adaptive systems used by other automakers. It has accelerometers that analyze braking and cornering forces to instantly determine the appropriate gear. It does work and during hard acceleration, it lets the engine run to its redline (6,500) to achieve maximum performance. Stabilitrak combines a yaw rate sensor and a lateral acceleration sensor with the car's ABS, steering, suspension and traction control to improve directional and stability. If Stabiltrak senses the car is not going where the driver is steering it to go, the Stabiltrak computer sends a series of directions to the traction control and ABS to keep the STS on its desired course. Torque steer has been all but eliminated. The Sable has a crappy AOD tranny prone to failure due to faulty internal components.
The STS comes with Z-rated tires because it has a top speed of 150 mph. Try that with a Sable. All this wrpped in comfort and luxury unknown in a Sable!

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csbacchus

· #3 · Sep 29, 2005

I agree with EcSTSatic. The STS is a high performance car. However, it is a wolf in sheep's clothing. This is truly a sleeper! I guarantee it is not a Sable. A Sable doesn't have 300hp, an active suspension, or the creature comfort.

I'm not trying to brag, but I've owned an '03 vette and, while the '95 STS I just picked up doesn't compete, it certainly performs very well. It is a nice compromise between my wife's '04 TL and the '03 vette we traded in for it. The tranny is very smooth, the engine roars when pushed (and likes it I might add), and looks very sharp in the process. I would dare someone to find a better looking, performing, and comfortable car for the money. I've had several cars on a list of must own and the STS is one of them. Who has dreamed of having a Sable?

The tire size should be an immediate indicator. A Sable doesn't sport a large footprint like the STS. The store manager is not a knowledgeable automotive enthusiast and I would seek another shop. Run, DON"T WALK, to the next shop.

You might try tirerack.com for reviews of different tires. However, shop your local guys when ready to purchase. I've found there are shops that sell tires for the same money after shipping costs and I feel it is better to support you local businesses than online, out of town businesses. Sorry sponsors.

Hell, the STS has a V8 not a V6!!! It's a Northstar!!!!

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Parrothead

· #4 · Sep 29, 2005

Good couple of posts. I have a 01 DeVille DTS how does that compare to the STS? I mean my flies, it is awesome. I do have a Volant intake and a Corsa exhaust. But generally speaking does it compart to the STS, I know they have the same engine.

sjwoodruff

· #5 · Sep 29, 2005

I wouldn't buy any tires from that idiot - for sure. He probably was cleaning toilets last week before lucking into this better paying job.

In most cases, the STS outperforms the imports he mentioned in different performance categories. If your car came from the factory with Z-rated tires, then it is governed to 150 mph, and you'll want to stay with Z-rated tires if you intend to get it up in that neighborhood. Otherwise, the car came standard with 130 mph H-rated tires.

The suspensions on the cars with CVRSS are as complicated and state-of-the-art as anything on the road. Factory replacement of all four active shocks and struts will set you back about $2,500 with labor. Ask that putz how much the passive monroes on his wife's Sable cost. Probably a Ford guy, which explains his ignorance.

MACTICULOUS

· #6 · Sep 29, 2005

4

I love seeing you guys spout all of this knowledge. One day I want to be able to do the same thing to people. I have a 99 SLS which is unreal. The cars are amazing. By the way, CSBACCHUS, who dreams of owning a Sable? I do....

Yeah right. That's why I'm 23 and cruising around in my Caddy and not some piece of garbage. I may be on the younger side but I know a classy car and performance. I'm not one of these people who romp on their car like a kid. But, she has it all under the hood. If I were you THERODMAN, I would tell the guy off and don't buy from him or recommend him to anyone. Again guys, I'm amazed by all that you know about these cars.

-Mac

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gdwriter

· #7 · Sep 29, 2005

therodman said:
Opinions please!

Hmmm...how do I put this politely? HE'S A FREAKIN' MORON! :helpless:

Cardinal rule of sales #1: Do NOT insult your customer.:rant2:
Cardinal rule of automotive sales #1: Do NOT insult your customer's car.

Most tire stores try to upsell you to a more expensive tire, so this guy is doubly stupid trying to steer you to a cheaper one.

Unless you live in the middle of nowhere and this is the only tire store within 200 miles, I'd tell this putz where he can stick his wife's Sable and buy my tires somewhere else.

What was the name of this tire store and where? Give fair warning to anybody else on the forums.

For the past 15 years, I've bought tires for my cars at Discount Tire Company (when I lived in Phoenix) and America's Tire Company (in Salem, OR). Same company. They're not nationwide but probably cover 2/3 of the country. The people I've encountered there are uniformly friendly and knowledgable, and the service is fast.

iametarq

· #8 · Sep 29, 2005

that guy is a bonehead! i wouldn't by any more tires from him.

STS 310

· #9 · Sep 29, 2005

Wow, that guy compared a Sable/Tauras to an STS!!??!?!? That would be an insult that would have me hitting the door after a word with the manager.

A comparison to an SLS would have had the same results.

Also, even if your car did come from the dealer Z rated, a good H rate will do you fine for performance as long as you keep it at or below 130 lol. You also get tread warranty with an H rate. You wont get a warranty with a Z rated tire.

I use an H rated tire even with my STS's Z rate. The Z rates just wear to fast for my wallet.

Cars with a Z rate were NOT goverened at all.

Jamler

· #10 · Sep 29, 2005

That is rediculous... He definitely is not the OWNER of that Tire Business...
What an idiot. Like gdwriter said... If he knew anything about the STS or tires he'd be trying to upsell you to a W or Z rated Perf tire. I personally hate that Caddy put H rated Michelin's on my 2003 STS. I'm going to cruise them throughout the winter and come spring time have a set of Hankook Ventus ST RH06 - 255/50/17's put on.
That'll change the whole stance of that car. YEP, I'd NEVER buy a thing from this tire joint! I personally would have said, "If you don't know the differnece between a Caddy STS and a Merc Sable, I'm running for the door"

caddydaddy

· #11 · Sep 29, 2005

I've use Yokohamas, Avons and now it sports some BF Goodrich KDWS' that are Z-rated. They are very good tires, and I know my STS will kick any Sables ass!!! I could put it on 4 donut spares and it would probably still out handle a Sable!

STS-in-Nottingham

· #12 · Sep 29, 2005

Would'nt you just love to pull up along side this guy at the lights!!

MacKiNBacK

· #13 · Sep 29, 2005

Hey ParrotHead.. Just wanted to chime in on your question about the difference from DTS to STS. Their pretty much the same thing. Just the DTS is longer and of course it's a Deville. Drive train and suspension is the same. As I was told when I was looking for a new STS, Just a longer STS. Do you think the inside is much bigger then the STS? I know you have the center counsel w/ shifter. So is it just the rear has more room?

MacK

iametarq

· #14 · Sep 29, 2005

STS-in-Nottingham said:
Would'nt you just love to pull up along side this guy at the lights!!

Bring it on! Let's do it! :lildevil:

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Dadillac

· #15 · Sep 29, 2005

gdwriter said:
Hmmm...how do I put this politely? HE'S A FREAKIN' MORON! Most tire stores try to upsell you to a more expensive tire, so this guy is doubly stupid trying to steer you to a cheaper one.

This statement is not always true. The tire store (or a bedding store, car dealership, appliance store, etc) will steer you towards the item that nets them the highest profit. Sometimes, that is a less expensive item. Never assume that a more expensive item, will give the store, a higher profit. It doesn't work that way.

Anyway, I would definitely not use this location for my tire shopping. Unless, you go back to them, point out what you want, and insist on getting it. If he again tries to steer you away from what you want, walk out, and go somewhere else. I recommend www.tirerack.com.

Don

fpmesiIII

· #16 · Sep 29, 2005

go with some yokohama avid V4's. they are about $88. but they are a very good buy. and are good in all seasons.

gdwriter

· #17 · Sep 29, 2005

Dadillac said:
This statement is not always true. The tire store (or a bedding store, car dealership, appliance store, etc) will steer you towards the item that nets them the highest profit. Sometimes, that is a less expensive item. Never assume that a more expensive item, will give the store, a higher profit. It doesn't work that way.

Good point. When I wrote "expensive" and "cheaper," I meant both in terms of the retail price and profit. What, you guys can't read my mind?!?

I stand by my "FREAKIN' MORON" statement, however.

AlBundy

· #18 · Sep 29, 2005

I say go back to the store if the discounted $$$ is worth you dealing with the idiot, as Dadillac said tell him what you want and take it from there. Personally I think $50 or more saved is worth it, we all deal with idiots from time to time and get nothing out of it at less you might save some $$$.

tony99sls

· #19 · Sep 29, 2005

Does this look like a FREAKIN sable? What a dumb arse!!

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STSOnly

· #20 · Sep 29, 2005

MacKiNBacK said:
Hey ParrotHead.. Just wanted to chime in on your question about the difference from DTS to STS. Their pretty much the same thing. Just the DTS is longer and of course it's a Deville. Drive train and suspension is the same. As I was told when I was looking for a new STS, Just a longer STS. Do you think the inside is much bigger then the STS? I know you have the center counsel w/ shifter. So is it just the rear has more room?

MacK

The DTS and STS seems to have the same front interior room. The STS is faster because it weighs less. Also, the DTS has a lot more rear interior space than that of the STS, which makes it more suitable for people who carry a lot of people or needs a lot of space for the rear passengers. The STS rear space is comparable to a 1992-2002 Eldorado or the same as a 1986-1991 Seville. A good indication of the Deville's rear passenger interior space is to adjust your fronts seats all the way forward and then sit in the rear. That's how much rear space a Deville has with their front seats adjusted in the middle. Bottom line, the Deville has more trunk space, more interior space, plus their rear windows go all the way down like the front windows. The front space is about the same for the DTS. The DHS and Deville does have more front space due to the absence of the center console.

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