Potential V Owner, Questions....

2238 Views 15 Replies 10 Participants Last post by tinman, Feb 19, 2015

MR_FX

Discussion Starter · Feb 17, 2015

Hey guys,

Looking to get into a V2 as a year round daily (NY area). Went out for a test drive today in a '11 6A and it was insane (and I'm coming from 03/04 Cobra's). Didn't have the ability to get on it too much but it just felt awesome to drive around and the magnetic ride is quite simply put, amazing.

I figured I'd come over here and ask a few questions I've been wondering about though.

First off, the car I drove had 32k on the clock and seemed fairly clean but there were a lot of little [rather annoying] noises. Is this normal for these V's? I'm not trying to start a war regarding build quality but how do these cars hold up in this department? For example, the seats (non Recaros) would groan and creak anytime I cornered or the slightest bit of weight shifted on them and the door hinges all squeaked and groaned - is this typical during ownership?

Second, I take it reliability is pretty good on these cars. Whats your guys' opinion of buying one with around 50k on it? I'd like to keep my budget at $30k and around that figure are cars with mileage in the neighborhood of 40-60+ but like any reasonable person, I do not want to get eaten alive with maintenance costs. How are these cars holding up for you guys?

Third, how is upkeep on V2s? I was looking at some E9x M3s and E60 M5s but the upkeep on those is atrocious. I figure the V2 shouldnt be too bad but it'd be nice to get some reassurance from existing owners.

Although I'm looking for one with Recaros, I will be going back this weekend to drive it a bit more. Trying to get the most knowledge I can before my purchase...thanks in advance guys!

See less See more

1 - 16 of 16 Posts

vfaninva

· #2 · Feb 17, 2015 (Edited)

You lost me after no Recaro's. For many of us that's a deal breaker. They are that good and add to the overall driving experience.
My last V had about 30k miles on it when I traded it. Other than a little creaking from the center console it was quiet.
The dealership replaced 2 TPMS sensors under warranty. No other issues.
My current V coupe only has about 11k miles on it and has been an absolute joy to own so far.
While there are reports of creaking Recaro's, SC rattle (warranty extended to 10 years from in-service date or 120k miles), some rear diff replacements, and a few other minor issues, these cars are overall very solid and reliable.
Most here will enthusiastically recommend a V2 in any form. Personally I wouldn't have a problem buying a V2 with 50k miles as long as it wasn't modded beyond CAI, and exhaust.
Your best bet for calculating a fair price for one is to look on line at several sites like cargurus.com, autotrader, and others to see what they are going for in your area. Prices can vary by several thousand dollars depending on where you live.
Best of luck!

See less See more

gohawks63

· #3 · Feb 17, 2015

People complain about the Recaros, I think there is an inherent problem with the seat mounts in the 2nd gen CTS platform, whether it's a V or not. I say that because my previous car was a 2012 CTS Premium AWD coupe that had the standard seats and after 20K miles it had the same creaking issue. Dealer was clueless in fixing it.

My 2012 V-Coupe has 19K miles. Only mechanical issue I had was an O2 sensor go bad at 11K miles. I did have the wheel clicking issue that was addressed and I too have the Recaro creaking issue.

All minor issues. I absolutely love this car.

tinman

· #4 · Feb 17, 2015

My .02 pertains to Recaros. I currently have both a standard CTS wagon and a Vagon. My CTS has the standard seats, same as the V standard seats, and my Vagon has the Recaros. Night and day difference. I drove my V from Ann Arbor to Jacksonville in two days and I arrived still smilin' (of course, any drive in a V leaves you smiling). My standard seats kick my butt.

Get the Recaros.

As for durability, I only have less than 3000 miles on my V, so I can't pass judgement, but I love my V!

Oh, yeah, my CTS is a '10 and I have been active on this forum for quite some time. I just got my V, but I have been active in the V forum as well due to the similarities of the cars. I have not read about any particular items that are problem areas in the V's. These seem to be quite a good vehicle. Yeah, there are some nit-picking items about them (like any car), but the fun quotient FAR outweighs the nit-picking B.S.

See less See more

vb48

· #5 · Feb 18, 2015

I have owned both CTS with standard seats and my 2014 V with Recaro's. No contest, the Recaro's are boss and ve comfortable.
I drove 90 miles to pickup my 2012 CTS Premium and I could not wait to get out of the car. My ass and back hurt for for a few days. Recaro's are a Must!!!!!!

MR_FX

Discussion Starter · #6 · Feb 18, 2015

Thanks for the replies guys! I absolutely will be getting the Recaros, there is no question about that. The V I located is close to me and I'm just test drive it just to see how I like the car itself.

Hoping to pick one up after this nasty winter ends up here as there is no sense in purchasing now, I'd rather milk out a few more months in the current daily and let depreciation take its toll on the cars a bit longer.

Also, I don't want to turn this into a pricing war but in your guys' opinion, is $30k a good budget to get into a good V? I've only been watching prices for a few weeks thus far and would like to get some insight from you guys on here that have been in the game far longer than I have.

vfaninva

· #7 · Feb 18, 2015

Might be a challenge to find one with Recaro's in your price range. Maybe an '09 with some miles on it.

LukeAnakin

· #8 · Feb 18, 2015

No problems here. Love my V!
I think you will be very pleased with the overall package.

LA

Trapspeed

· #9 · Feb 18, 2015

vfaninva said:
Might be a challenge to find one with Recaro's in your price range. Maybe an '09 with some miles on it.

This. If you're prepared for that type of vehicle you'll be fine. Otherwise, increase your budget or consider something else. BTW, do not drive it unless you're ready to buy because your budget cap will go out the window quick!

GregSpen

· #10 · Feb 19, 2015

I've enjoyed a 2011 V Coup. I combined a Jag XKR and Caddy STS and have never regretted the decision. You can pretty much pass anything on the highway except for the gas pumps; not a bad trade-off for the continuous smile you'll be wearing.

thebigjimsho

· #11 · Feb 19, 2015

d'etat?

Reactions: 2

tinman

· #12 · Feb 19, 2015

Coup?

thebigjimsho said:
d'etat?

Must be his love name for his Coupe d'etat.

thebigjimsho

· #13 · Feb 19, 2015

hmm...

MR_FX

Discussion Starter · #14 · Feb 19, 2015

Trapspeed said:
This. If you're prepared for that type of vehicle you'll be fine. Otherwise, increase your budget or consider something else. BTW, do not drive it unless you're ready to buy because your budget cap will go out the window quick!

:histeric: Yeah, I kind of figured that would happen...

Have yet to drive a 6M so far since they are like a needle in a haystack. I've had three pedals all my life but I'm actually considering the switch to two pedals this time around...

Also, do any of you guys have warranties through a third party/non-dealer source? Was tossing around the idea of picking one up along with the car should I buy from a private seller/non Cadillac dealer.

And lastly, who here tracks their car with a 6A? What are your opinions/comments? The car will see a few local track days per year...after all, thats what it was born to do :cool2:

6104696

· #15 · Feb 19, 2015

MR_FX said:
Thanks for the replies guys! I absolutely will be getting the Recaros, there is no question about that. The V I located is close to me and I'm just test drive it just to see how I like the car itself.

Hoping to pick one up after this nasty winter ends up here as there is no sense in purchasing now, I'd rather milk out a few more months in the current daily and let depreciation take its toll on the cars a bit longer.

Also, I don't want to turn this into a pricing war but in your guys' opinion, is $30k a good budget to get into a good V? I've only been watching prices for a few weeks thus far and would like to get some insight from you guys on here that have been in the game far longer than I have.

I'm thinkin' that you'll want to be in the ~$40K range (grin). And you'll want stay away from those beat up tri-state area cars. (double-grin)

tinman

· #16 · Feb 19, 2015

You need to buy one down here. Driven by a little old man in the sunny confines of Florida, and you can wait out the wintry blast you're going to get this weekend and then drive it home with a smile per mile. Your face will ache by the time you get home from the long smiles, er, miles you put in getting there.

1 - 16 of 16 Posts

This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.