Buying 05-07 Cadillac STS, advice needed.

[DarkThinker]

I can resist the nice-car bug no longer, I have held on for years, but now, I can confirm that my resistance is a lost cause.

I first started a while back by seriously looking at getting a CTS like this month, but when I got close to pulling the trigger, I backed off when I started noticing the 05-07 STS (V6) on the lots and the comparable pricing and much nicer features, it's is just so tempting. The features, spaciousness and looks are just killer, it's a big shame MT is not an option.

This week I will be test-driving all the good ones I can find locally.

I am thinking to myself it might be best to get a CPO STS, but the CPO ones are not easily found near by and not always at a tempting price.

I would appreciate some advice, especially from owners. And if you can talk me out of it, then hell it would be a miracle.

 

[DVad3r]

Yes, get the V8.

 

[DarkThinker]

Well, I prefer the V6, seems to have just the right amount of power I want and the better mileage makes it more appealing.

 

[DVad3r]

V6 MPG: 18/27
V8 MPG: 17/27

V8 sir, V8.

 

[Arkaign]

I drove the V8, a black 2007 model STS, and found the power there, but it seemed to have a truly massive throttle delay. As in, mash the pedal, wait ... wait .. vrrrrrrrr.... ROOOM. It really didn't feel nearly as responsive as a more recent 3.6 DI CTS, or as responsive as the Infiniti M35 I checked out last month. Is the older V6 STS like that as well?

 

[Mermaidman]

I am thinking to myself it might be best to get a CPO STS, but the CPO ones are not easily found near by and not always at a tempting price.

Presumably, the CPO ones would cost more. If you can't find a convenient CPO, you could consider spending the difference on an extended warranty from GM. My used car came with "GMPP Major Guard" from the previous owner and it was sweet--$0 deductible!

http://www.gmprotectionplan.com/ourproducts.htmlhttp://www.gmprotectionplan.com/coveragechoices.htm

 

[iamwiz82]

Sts-v!

 

[DarkThinker]

Well it looks like the V8 gets around 26 MPG highway while the V6 gets 27 MPG.

But holy crap DVad3r, I didn't know the difference was that small in between those two engines! I don't know why, but I thought the V8 got 23-24 MPG highway, where did I get that I don't know. It also didn't help that I have a bias for smaller engines as I enjoy sharper engine tones , but for the 65 HP difference, I am sure gonna look seriously at the STS V8. However, it seems to me that a V8 STS would be harder to bring down in price. Now how much price difference would make it worthwhile for me is what I am not sure about. I would say if I can get a V6 STS for $5K less than I would be tempted to get the V6, power is good, but in this case, it's more than luxury for me to get the V8, it seems to me considering the similarity in the gas mileage, the V8 is very desirable and so would have a much higher demand and would be harder to heckle the dealers for.

As for my budget, I don't have a limit set in stone, but I would really really like to pay no more than $18K....maybe $20K if it really deserves it features wise and has some warranty on it.

This is way above what I have EVER spent on a car. My current car cost me $3500 5.5 years ago and it still runs like a champ on freaking crack with no major issues yet. But still luxury is tempting (damn YOU Cadillac and your nice tempting prices / products)

And thanks for the tip Mermaidman, I will look into that plan and see what it has to offer.

Oh and Iamawiz82, do you want to get me killed? LOL

I just feel the need to reward myself with some goodness considering how much of a car nut I am, but not too much goodness hehe I don't want to burn an eternal hole in my pocket.

I'll report back once I test drive the ones in my area V6 and V8 so I can get a feel for the difference.

 

[Arkaign]

Yeah do test the V8, I was extremely underwhelmed with the experience from an enthusiast's perspective. It's a great-driving comfortable cruiser with loads of space, and I do like the styling overall, but the drivetrain was pretty unresponsive. The car only had about 10k miles on it and all dealer-serviced, but it just didn't want to 'jump' when you gave it the beans. Once it got rolling, it wasn't bad, but the throttle delay was pretty severe. I guess it might be to keep old people from breaking their necks or something.

 

[Vette73]

The problem with gas milage is in the real world you would still get better with the V6, more so then the EPA numbers may say.


But I have a 04 CTS and my BiL has a 05 STS. Both have the same V6.

The way i seperate them is the CTS is a little smaller and more sporty. The STS is bigger and more lux leaning. The seats in my cts are more firm while the STS are more soft. Not DTS couch in a car soft type but I wish they had more support. But I like sporty cars so that is just my opinion.
I am also 6ft tall and like the extra size the STS offers, but it does not handle as well as my CTS.

 

[DVad3r]

When it comes down to highway most V8's have similar fuel economy's, some even have better than the smaller smaller engines. I just love V8's because they are so smooth and quiet. As for the throttle delay, I've found that to be the case in a lot of American cars.

 

[sdifox]

I drove the V8, a black 2007 model STS, and found the power there, but it seemed to have a truly massive throttle delay. As in, mash the pedal, wait ... wait .. vrrrrrrrr.... ROOOM. It really didn't feel nearly as responsive as a more recent 3.6 DI CTS, or as responsive as the Infiniti M35 I checked out last month. Is the older V6 STS like that as well?

err, STS is not designed with sharp throttle response in mind. It's a land boat.

 

[Arkaign]

err, STS is not designed with sharp throttle response in mind. It's a land boat.

I know. It's just that the BMW 5 and 7 series, and the Audi 6 and 8 series are a lot more responsive when you push the pedal.

The delay really has to be experienced to be understood.

 

[sdifox]

I know. It's just that the BMW 5 and 7 series, and the Audi 6 and 8 series are a lot more responsive when you push the pedal.

The delay really has to be experienced to be understood.

Audi and BMW have always been more sports oriented than Cadillac STS. Go with CTS if you want sporty.

 

[Dr. Detroit]

A good friend has a 2005 STS V8.

He averages 17mpg. His hwy mileage is 22mpg at best.

Ensure its under warranty - he has had a lot of problems including a very expensive $2K brake job that warranty covered.

I would go for a V6 STS with the DI 3.6L.

 

[amdhunter]

V6 MPG: WHO CARES?
V8 MPG: WHO CARES?

V8 sir, V8.

I agree.

 

[DarkThinker]

A good friend has a 2005 STS V8.

He averages 17mpg. His hwy mileage is 22mpg at best.

Ensure its under warranty - he has had a lot of problems including a very expensive $2K brake job that warranty covered.

I would go for a V6 STS with the DI 3.6L.

Well I am not sold on the V8 yet. But I am confident, when it comes down to it, I would be able to get get a dealer to give me the V6 for less and that alone should convince me to get the V6. I am just still in doubt about the highway mileage. I might be proven wrong, but I am hearing contradiction here and there so don't know.

and BTW, the DI 3.6L is available on 2008+ not the 2005-2007, but I only wish they did make it then.

 

[WhoBeDaPlaya]

But holy crap DVad3r, I didn't know the difference was that small in between those two engines! I don't know why, but I thought the V8 got 23-24 MPG highway, where did I get that I don't know.

It's the same for the Lincoln LS as well :
V6 : 20/26
V8 : 19/25

 

[DarkThinker]

Back from a test drive. After work, I headed to this small luxury cars place nearby. They had a very good condition STS V6 Black on Black with Nav for a $17.5K it has 30K on it.

They were kind enough to let me take it on my own and get a feel for it for as much time as I needed. I drove it for 40 minutes. I took to the city, then drove it on the highway here and there.

I was very impressed to say the least. And sometimes the little things impress you. When I got in, the car was freezing cold, then I noticed a button on the steering wheel with an icon on it, I pressed it and wow, now even the steering wheel became toasty.

Oh and Arkaign, the power delay in the car that others have mentioned was there, but it didn't feel like an annoyance, it more felt like, a shuttle launch hehe. The delay wasn't long either, definitely something I can live with. It's like an UNDO button on a sent message in Gmail hehe

Now no doubt in my mind, this car is tight, I was not underwhelmed by the V6, not at all. It just felt like if there was a tad more power in this car, I would have blue and red lights all over my back view mirror, but keep in mind, I am coming from a ~130HP car, so I definitely feel a difference and a big one at that.

I did talk to one of the mechanics about the V8 vs V6, he said to me that he was seeing more trouble with the Northstar than with the V6 and he gave me as an example the starter. He said to fix /replace the starter, one has to remove so much out of the way, that it ends up being a very expensive job labor wise. Now I don't know if this is the truth or he just trying to make the V6 look better so I buy it, but I took note of that anyways.

I asked about warranty, the car has warranty from GM till the end of March but then I am on my own. So I asked about any warranties they sell from warranty companies, they told me they have a a 3-years bumper to bumper warranty accepted at Cadillac dealers that is less than $1500, it excludes normal wear matters like brakes ...etc

Carfax says this car is off a 3 years lease which was purchased at an auction by this dealer.

I told the man I am taking my time and shopping around but I was glad he let me check it out.

At the price and features, this car is very tempting for sure, but I am sitting on that egg for a while, just in case I change my mind. Do you guys think I can lower this much?

I am also wondering if I can snatch it for $16.5~16K and maybe get him to give me a good price for my beater, but I am not sure.

 

[bruceb]

He is telling the truth about the starter. On the Northstar V8 it is Inside the engine V .. not easy to get to when it does need repair. Some Lexus models are the same way.

 

[Vette73]

Also the northstar is being phased out. The 3.6l is just being updated and will be used more. The newwer 3.0/3.6l are DI but most other stuff is the same.

If you do get one with the 3.6L. The best place for oil filters is rockauto. Cheap and good quality. Most places the filter is still more then most due to being semi-new.

 

[Arkaign]

V6

That way you'll save on maintenance it sounds like, and you can always add a SC or something.

 

[DarkThinker]

V6

That way you'll save on maintenance it sounds like, and you can always add a SC or something.

I just don't know why I am not a fan of V8, I guess I have a weak spot for the sharper tunes of V6 engines. Well, additionally, the V8 ones around are definitely higher in price it seems.

But I am still not ruling V8 out till I drive one with a V8. I'll be visiting a GM dealer nearby to try a V8 STS just to see the difference and if I get pulled over lol

As for adding anything later. I don't know about an SC, I would rather increase efficiency instead.
To tell you the truth, I have always had this fantasy about slapping a turbo on a Cadillac's V6... droool but I doubt there is a way in hell the warranty would still apply be it GM's or anyone else's for that matter.

BTW, anyone have an idea how much on average GM's Major Protection Plan costs for such an STS?

 

[Dr. Detroit]

To tell you the truth, I have always had this fantasy about slapping a turbo on a Cadillac's V6... droool but I doubt there is a way in hell the warranty would still apply be it GM's or anyone else's for that matter.

BTW, anyone have an idea how much on average GM's Major Protection Plan costs for such an STS?

You could buy a Saab 9-3 Aero which uses the 2.8L Cadillac CTS motor and adds a turbo to it. 285HP in 2009, 255HP in 2008, and 250HP in 2007 - 2006. Great motor!


www.extendedGMwarranty.com will give you an instant price quote.

 

[angry hampster]

It's the same for the Lincoln LS as well :
V6 : 20/26
V8 : 19/25

The new Dodge/Chrysler minivans are like this as well. The smaller, 3.8L v6 gets worse gas mileage than the more powerful 4.0L v6.