'03, '05, or '06 CTS?

[Howard]

All automatic, base engines, around 80k miles. Which is the best one to pick and why, assuming normal valuation?

 

[Hyperlite]

Lmgtfy

originally powered by a 3.2 l la3 v6 producing 220 hp (164 kw), the cts received an updated 3.6 l dohc v6 with variable valve timing in 2004, producing 255 hp (190 kw) and 252 lb·ft (342 n·m) of torque. The 3.2 l engine went out of production in 2005, when a new 2.8 l version of the dohc v6 debuted in an entry-level version of the cts. In europe, the 2.8 l replaces the previous entry-level 2.6 l engine.
The cts was originally offered with either gm's in-house 5-speed 5l40-e automatic transmission or a 5-speed getrag 260 manual transmission. For the 2005 model year, the getrag was replaced with an aisin ay-6 6-speed.

oops read that wrong. 2005+ has a newer engine, probably better fuel economy. No other changes through that range of years.

 

[Vette73]

^

Very few 04's had the 3.2L, most are 3.6L.

That and the 3.2L has a timing belt but also have timing belt problems. Its the same design as the 2.5L and 3.0L Saab/Saturn L motor. So you need to change the timing belt and all parts every 30k.

05 and up has a recall on the rear Diff seal. The supplier got cheap and GM had to replace all the seals with the 04 design.
The 2.8L and 3.6L are good motors.


But I have put over 10k on my 04 CTS and have not had any problems. I did upgrade the brakes and also put on the CTS-V sway bars.

 

[Howard]

http://www.lemonauto.com/complaints/gm/cadillac_cts.htm

This is the recall for the rear diff?

 

[Vette73]

http://www.lemonauto.com/complaints/gm/cadillac_cts.htm

This is the recall for the rear diff?

Yep that look like it...

DECEMBER 2007 -- GM is recalling 275,936 MY 2005-2007 Cadillac CTS, SRX, STS, MY 2006-2007 Pontiac Solstice, and MY 2007 Saturn Sky passenger vehicles. The rear axle pinion seal does not meet all of the specifications and may experience a fluid leak. A rear differential failure may cause loss of motive power and possibly loss of vehicle control increasing the risk of a crash. Dealers will replace the pinion seal. The recall is expected to begin during February 2008. 07V-589

Should be a free fix. Just have to take it to a GM dealer.

 

[evident]

get the second gen cts or no cts at all. those first gen ones were fugly imo.

 

[DarkThinker]

Avoid the 03 not worth it. Get the 05 or 06.

I have an 07 Black on Black full option one and I strongly recommend you not go with the 2.8L engine. The 3.6 has the same exact economy and more power. And if you are going to go with a high mileage one, well make sure it was well maintained that's all I am saying, otherwise you will be screwed.

Here's my 07:

 

[SN4p]

Avoid the 03 not worth it. Get the 05 or 06.

I have an 07 Black on Black full option one and I strongly recommend you not go with the 2.8L engine. The 3.6 has the same exact economy and more power. And if you are going to go with a high mileage one, well make sure it was well maintained that's all I am saying, otherwise you will be screwed.

Here's my 07:

You should either swap or black out that grill, would look a million times better.

 

[tfinch2]

Looking at getting a white 07 3.6 for my wife within the next couple of months. I'm hard pressed to find another car that has:

- Low miles (< 20k)
- Good looks
- Decent power
- Leather
- Sunroof
- Navigation (If I can't find one, I'll swap in an OEM unit)

for less than 20k.

 

[Vette73]

Looking at getting a white 07 3.6 for my wife within the next couple of months. I'm hard pressed to find another car that has:

- Low miles (< 20k)
- Good looks
- Decent power
- Leather
- Sunroof
- Navigation (If I can't find one, I'll swap in an OEM unit)

for less than 20k.

I would pass on the Nav. The supplier for them did to use the correct paint for teh button and after a while the writing on the buttons wears off. Let alone Nav adds a lot to the price of the car and the upgrades are costly.

Other than that I love the CTS.

 

[DarkThinker]

You should either swap or black out that grill, would look a million times better.

I haven't gotten around to that yet. I am looking into getting a CTS-V grille, black powder paint it out.

But I just find myself going back and forth about this mod. Sometimes I think it would look %100 badass, some other times I tell myself it would take away something from the CTS. Maybe I'll end up doing it sometime soon. And it doesn't help that CTS-V grilles go for $200 on average. So much money for so little material.

 

[T2urtle]

can you install a standard double din radio in one of these CTS?

if so then option would be a LOT better then OEM navi. cost less and most likely work better.

 

[Howard]

can you install a standard double din radio in one of these CTS?

if so then option would be a LOT better then OEM navi. cost less and most likely work better.

I believe there is a modded bezel available for that.