LeVeL

It just occurred to me that an 04-07 CTS-V costs similar to my 06 TL. I've wanted a V8 for a long time, I miss daily driving RWD, and it's still a luxury sedan. Engine and transmission out of a Corvette so very reliable; timing chain doesn't need replacement; rear ends are known to fail but I don't launch my cars so shouldn't be a huge issue. What else am I missing? Is this a bad idea?

justnspace

iTrader: (1)

first gens suck! and are ugly. 2nd gens are where it's at. we have SEVERAL members with 2nd gens!!

rockstar143

iTrader: (6)

Cost is likely a factor.
I'd look at STS-V too

thoiboi

^ A true unicorn

rockstar143

iTrader: (6)

and what does one do with a unicorn, JohnnyBoi?

thoiboi

Ride it into the sunset

rockstar143

iTrader: (6)

whilst racing a friend?
that's no sunset, that's a fire!

thoiboi

justnspace

iTrader: (1)

"aint gonna launch"

yeah right, that's the whole point of V8+RWD..the ability to make the ass end come out at will.
if not gonna launch, what are you going to do with it? Driving miss daisy?

rockstar143

iTrader: (6)

in my CTS-V...it's not called launching. It's just called driving it.

justnspace

iTrader: (1)

i'm super envious of all your cool burnouts and kicking the back end out videos by just driving it!

rockstar143

iTrader: (6)

don't be...
but thanks Justin...if you were here, I'd probably kill us while showing off for you.

exiLe

NO. Northstar engines are the last thing you wanna be toying with. Trust me.

One of the worst engines GM has ever designed.

rockstar143

iTrader: (6)

I thought they were pretty robust.

LeVeL

2nd gen is expensive.


Automatic, gross!


I only launch my Miata at autocross and I've never launched my TL.

justnspace

iTrader: (1)

so, whats the point of having the CTSV then???
it's waaaaaaaaaaaaay ugly. it has a defective rear end, etc.etc.etc

exiLe

No sir, serious head gasket problems on the simple NA Northstar motors in all early 2000 Cadillac's. This only worsened with the addition of boost to the scenario.

CrunchyDaddy

My buddy owns a 1st Gen. Dude loves it and I do too. Many mods to it and powertrain is super solid. It's the things around the engine that are not so fun....from electronics not working, to all the sudden working, and the leaking sunroof to blowing fuses just because.

But damn...the car hauls ass!

truonghthe

Well just to beat some Mexican Honda civic.


"spirited driving" or "performance driving" my friend.

nist7

Pretty much a requirement to buy a CTS-V2 after you own (or even still owns) a 3G TL. Not being facetious, but I myself am considering the V cars as a potential sport sedan/cruiser. It'll be a few more years until I am financially ready but by that time CTS-V3s should be affordable!!!

But yeah I'd stay away from the CTS-V1 and the STS-V (very cool but only if you know/want to work on the Northstar which apparently is a nightmare)

Bit off topic: Just saw a red CTS-V3 the other day in my town....that was one bad looking car......

rockstar143

iTrader: (6)

most of the time I wish I didn't have auto...but sometimes when I'm sitting in traffic or doing a burnout with my caramel machiatto in my right hand with pinky finger erect...I know I made the right choice. Especially since I have 2 other Manuels to ride in.

justnspace

iTrader: (1)

^thats the one I always watch

rockstar143

iTrader: (6)

my claim to fame...
and since that's not a real road, there's no traffic on it and nobody has disturbed my marks...they will be there for my grandchildren to see!

LeVeL

Nah, I'd never own another auto. Can't stand em. And yes, I do commute in traffic every day - love my manual cars.

truonghthe

too bad, most car manufacture steer away from MT, brand like Acura, Lexus already make nothing but AT unless you want to drive a civic.

EvilVirus

iTrader: (8)

LeVeL

If I was getting a new car right now, I'd probably go with a Focus RS, Golf R, or a Mustang. Automatics are just boring as hell, might as well drive a Prius.

kurtatx

Meh. I went with the DCT mostly for practicality's sake. I'm not the only one who drives my car, and the DCT is fun enough.

BROlando

The engine might be reliable. But its a Cadillac. So....no...its not reliable.


They're fantastic cars, though.

Things to remember:
10mpg around town.
Expensive consumables.

TheSauceBoss

The northstar engine had more problems than you could shake a stick at pre - 2007. I'd definitely try to go second gen.

rockstar143

iTrader: (6)

I haven't had any issues with mine in over a year and about 10K miles...and I push the motor pretty hard. Knock on wood.
I agree about manuals...if it was my only car...or I end up with only one car...I will definitely get a manual.

I have a close friend that is die hard manual guy...had a Golf R...then Focus RS and is going MKVII GTI now with DCT because he says it's that good.
I'm a manual purist. Truth be told...I bought auto because my ex wife couldn't drive manual. Yeah, EX wife.

LeVeL

Good thing the CTS-V didn't come with a Northstar. Only LS2 or LS6, depending on the year.

exiLe

I think he was referencing the STS-V - that has a Northstar engine.

TheSauceBoss

Yes, sorry for not being more specific. LS motors have a great reputation obviously....every family member with a Northstar caddy has blown their head gaskets in my personal experience.

truonghthe

I wouldn't worry about the engine, its the rear diff that gave out before anything goes (GM actually had a recall for that) and the supercharger shaft that might come loose. I drove a 2012 CTS-V coupe and a sedan once you floor it get ready to get stuck in those Recaro seat (option) and faint supercharge whine. The coupe rear end step out couple time and the tires was Michelin Pilot Super Sport.

rockstar143

iTrader: (6)

is that a good thing?
my LS motor came blown from the factory.

truonghthe

LS series is cheap to repair since GM produce a ton of them since the mid 90s, aftermarket performance parts is endless. That why I say don't worry about the motor they been proven.

rockstar143

iTrader: (6)

airaid and green filter and you will be whining all day about how much you hated not hearing the SC.


Add Corsa axsshole back mufflers and you'll get some serious snap crackle and pop...

rockstar143

iTrader: (6)

blown = supercharged.
I was being funny but nobody was laugh.

Majofo

Cadillac's are the biggest pieces of shit ever created
GM is the total suck

CTS-Vs are like a hot turd laid by a doberman with sprinkles on it
They're ugly as fuck, have poor gas mileage, and can get dogged on by an Accord

Save your money, pride, and respect
Don't buy a piece of shit CTS-V