Rainman: Welp after +6 mos finally got "a" dream car
 

tl:dnr (too long: do not read)

http://i.ebayimg.com/00/s/MTIwMFgxNj...VkyVL/$_57.JPG

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My dad worked for GM thus grew up around a love of cars, as most people do. My first car was a '68 T-Bird with a 436. Imagine in '68 a car with power everything: antenna raised and lowered, power trunk, doors, sequential rear blinkers, rotating headlights et al. Heck the steering wheel popped up to the 2:oo position so fat people could get in easier. Alas, no CD/Bluteeth.

Fast forward: '85 Fiero (college and army), a bunch of mundane cars (marriage and kids will do that, the wife always had the nice one), 1996 Chevy SS Impala (corvette with a back seat and a trunk, was a blast).

The Impala was my first dream car, fast (with mods = 158 mph) yet could tote kids and golf clubs around. The wife hated it. She is German and use to small cars, this was a boat. When it died, back to mundane cars.

So I HAD to give my mundane 2009 Dodge Avenger to my daughter for college. It's a nice reliable car for her. Darn it, now I HAVE to get a car for me:)

Specs: 4 door (too old for 2 door, grabbing a heavy briefcase from the passenger seat risking back injuries, and get 2 sets of golf clubs), manual trans, fast, hopefully in black, and not new. A budget of ~$20K (cars are a lousy investment, unless you have money to blow and $50-60K isn't that much to you. For perspective, I bought my house for 45k).

I gave those specs to my car mechanic. He said 2 choices: Ponitac G8 or Cadillac CTS-V. This started my search.

I found a 2009 G8 heavily modifiedautomaticfor 21k. The mechanic asked do I want a fire breathing dragon that would do 190 mph? Then asked if he could take out a life insurance policy on my 16 yr old son. (The son, 2 mos after he got his license, got a speeding ticket of 97 mph in a '96 Honda Accord with 296k miles on it)

Then I found this, and the mechanic "blessed" the choice:

2004 Cadillac CTS-V

Clean Title, 2 owners, Under 95,800 miles, 6-speed manual, LS6 V8 engine rated at 400HP/400TQ , Black exterior, Tan leather interior with Suede inserts, Sunroof, Bose Stereo with 6 CD Player with aux cable, Navigation and DVD Player, Power windows and locks

Notes from Seller:

I purchased this car on Oct 21, 2011 with 47,452 miles on it. The first owner put these miles on in around 7 years, which is under 7,000 miles a year. I bought it to use as a daily driver, and it currently has almost 96,000 miles. which is 48,548 miles that I’ve put on it, or under 13,000 miles a year. I am driving the Corvette now, but the miles will go up a little bit I’m sure. They will be under 96,000 by the time it is sold though.

So this is a two owner car, the first owner’s keys were registered to a “Brad” and an “Angelina”, so take from that what you will. I also found 500 free entrances passes to the Pink Pony in Memphis under the passenger seat (not included).

I get about 16 city / 23 highway MPG. It will get 24 MPG on cruise control at 70 MPH. The car has no engine mods, and a few convenience mods. Engine oil has always been Mobil 1 and gas has always been premium. Most CTS-V’s produced were black and a large majority have black leather. I wanted tan leather (black is hot in the South), so I searched a little longer before I found the one I liked. As a stock car, this car is very fast and more than capable of getting you up to interstate speeds. It is comfortable to drive, and your passengers will appreciate the comfort that is the standard for Cadillacs. Being a V, this comes with the DVD/Navigation system with 6 disc CD changer that is stock on all 2004-2007 CTS-V’s. There is also dual climate control, heated seats in the front, and a power sunroof. The car has been in the Southeast it’s entire life (Mississippi, Tennessee, Alabama and Florida). It was not garaged while I’ve owned it, with the exception of since I’ve moved to Florida. In Florida, it has been garaged, so it has not been touched for lengths of time by salt air.

Engine Mods: None

Convenience Mods: Aux cable wired into XM input (play your phone or iPod music), LED lights in interior, LED reverse lights, Hardwired Whistler radar detector (included), Phone holder from proclipusa.com, Black stickers put over the V logos around the car, since the color on the original logos was fading (from 8th Day Creations), Tinted windows

Issues: Living in an apartment, my car was backed into 2 times within 6 months with no notes left. I bought a dashcam, and have had no more issues. I never fixed the front bumper (where it was hit all 3 times), because I thought it might happen again. Therefore, the top front chrome grill has a small scratch at the bottom and the bumper itself has some scratches/cracks/missing paint from these hit and runs.

Some minor paint issues on the rear bumper on the driver’s side from the 1st owner.

Minor cracking in front seats (normal for the age).

Paint missing on passenger mirror.

Only has one set of keys.

Paint is chipped on radio buttons, every single CTS-V has this problem. If it bothers you, most people use nail polish to refinish the buttons. It was chipped when I bought it with under 50k miles.

Rear driver’s side window is non-functional. It was rolled down in 2012 and did not roll back up. I dissected the door and set the window in the up position and removed the wiring harness so you can’t roll it down now. It simply needs a new motor, and I didn’t think it was worth my money to fix a window I never roll down.

Rear passenger window tint has a few small tears, would be less than $30 to fix if it bothers you.

Needs new tires within 5,000 miles or so.

Some clear coat missing by driver side headlight.

End of sellers' notes:

In closing (I know tl:dr) As far as an investment, a daily driver and thinking fun: it is a $13k car with 96k miles, 400 HP, 6 spd man, 4 drs, black, 11 yr old vehicle. Wife still doesn't like it (daughter college @ $1.6k/month expense coming up in Aug). Only 10,000 were made, fairly sought after vehicle (for racing?). It is a 2 owner fast rare car. I keep it for 5 yrs and sell for $5k, it comes down to $133/month:)

TC (too cool)

I glad it comes with a radar detector and the son WILL not be driving it:)

I will print this off and show it to the wife. This was a good catharsis exercise for me. Every man should have a fun, yet practical ride.

I am glad I didn't buy Rainmans' Apricot roadster:)

My son and I are flying to FL to pick it up and road trip it back next week. We'll take 4 days driving home hitting the sights along the way. (that might be a mistake: ref above)

Lastly, I try and have something to "look forward too" events. Healthy. If you can get everything anytime, there is not as much appreciation. Ref Stones song. I am blessed, in the next month: new car, 2 x canoeing/kayaking trips to southern MO.

Whew

After your long thread

I could only see thumbnail pictures

Congrats though

If I were an ant... I would still struggle to see the pictures in your post.

Those thumb nails are tiny

I would've bought that G8 and kept it until the day I died. It's the last of the V8 RWD Pontiacs.

damn, that's a small car!!!!

A Micro Machine?

I noticed the pics as well. I am a caveman. I copied and pasted the pic ??URLS off ebay. How do I make them bigger?

thanks for the congrats. Can't wait to drop the clutch

you guys kill me. :) micro mach

how in the world did your kid hit 97 in a Honda with 200K miles on it. Was he going so fast that all four wheels fell off and the chassis just floated in the air until he skidded the ground?

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Just copy the link to the actual page, instead of the image link... those are thumbnail sized.

As to the G8, yuppers. The mechanic is, of course a gearhead but understood that I am still a family man, with a dangerous son.

I won't go into the stories about me, just the apple doesn't fall far from the tree. And that scares me. I shouldn't be alive. Ref: super bike an the german autobahn, the Fiero on Ozark lake roads air borne for quite a bit, + other stupid stuff

damn

methinks the thumbs were better then "x"

Ahh...better

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I knew better then to get him a "96 Honda, 4 banger auto with +200 miles. I was looking for a Hugo or a Fred Flinestone car. I should have kept my '53 Chevy pick up. Good luck getting up to 60.

Nice!

Are you going to murder it out? Something tells me that's not your style.

To be fair the G8 was never a Pontiac....it was always a Holden.

Although if you buy a Chevy SS manual before 2017 that could be special....if you like world car history. Since it will be the last year that Holden's are made. GM is shutting them down other than the design team that year.

Too bad we never got the HSV vehicles....those would have been fun. HSV W427....Z06 motors in sedans....stupid fast, total sleepers...

http://images.thecarconnection.com/h...00209199_h.jpg

I want a GTR :(

Old school or new school? Old school sure they're still badass. A buddy of mine has a skyline 2000 GT now. He used to have a new GT-R....but every car guy I know who's had one has gotten rid of it.

Why? Stupid fast car....but if you actually like to drive yourself...not that great. The car does too much.

In a few more years I think we'll be allowed to import R34s into the states legally....that will be fun. Those are still great cars to drive....even at their age.

Dang good question. I guess not. It came down to the mechanics' first question on the "Fire Breathing Dragon" G8. "Why all the adds?" I said "why not?". Response, do you really need a 190 mph car? Nope, don't need one, would LIKE one.

I am thinking 400 ponies is going to be enough.

Murdered out means go all black. Tail lights, wheels...etc.

I, too, like sleepers. I live in a small town and have to be careful on what I do.

But it would be a blast to have some hot shot 20 something year old in a Mustang at a light wax his ass:) In a sedan.

Ha, I was right...

"Murdered out" is a term kids use these days when someone tints their windows black, black out the headlights, get black wheels, and in some cases, get a matte-black wrap on the car.

The appeal comes from the Stealth planes.

the appeal comes from black being the best ever.

Is this a Antman movie advertisement?

AAhhh. That is TOTALLY my style. For years I couldn't get a BLACK car. They always had crap crome on it.

I alluded to my super bike in Germany. The bike was red/white/blue color. Then after a...ahem...incident with the boys in blue, I needed to make the bike look different, the bike got murdered. Custom job.

BTW, hadn't thought about that, but GREAT idea!

Yea but black is also a cop magnet! Who wants to get a ticket for DWB?????:banghead:

The only reason I wouldn't...yet is cost. I am not that vane and 50 yrs old. I love the concept though.

Guessing the main cost would be the wheels. I'll check on ebay etc. I sounds like I am gonna need new tires fairly soon. That would be the time to get new wheels.

I think the murdered out look is hideous. But what do I know being an almost 30 male.

While buying news wheels might look the best...you don't have to go to all the expense. You could have the stock painted or powder coated(there used to be some issues with PC wheels FYI).

Just an option :shrug:

Heh it requires the right touch...and personally not my thing, but for me the most successful have been those cars who also did a matte black wrap.

But the matte wrap isn't nearly a popular as it once was.

What about this?

ROFL

http://www.lotustalk.com/forums/atta...-next-step.jpg

In the end it doesn't much matter. Heck I still haven't driven in, nor seen it. It's just happy waiting now.

And much better then driving around in a Chick Car...2001 VW Insect. The bug WAS suppose to be for the daughter. But, as mentioned earlier, apples and trees, I don't want her driving a Turbo, which the insect is.

This lil insect will pop to 60 in ~~~~ 6 sec? Quick lil dude...and fun.

I have never had a turbo, and it surprised me.

Goodness, no

LMAO

I would only buy a prius to do a diesel conversion so I could roll coal on other priuses....

But this looks a bit better!

http://tpiwwp.com/out.php/i7720_securedownload.jpg

http://www.6speedonline.com/forums/a...ack-cts-v.html

My dream car is a Subaru limousine with a snarky lesbian chauffeur.

Crap, that is my insect right next to it!! (VW turbo bug)

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this isn't too bad

Will think about it for later. I don't even have the car yet. No cart before horse.

from my experience at being a 30 year old male...
not nearly as much as you think you do

the older I get the more I realize I didn't know
also depends on the car this one
maybe, but not my thing

Well, I'm glad you didn't buy the apricot Z, because it was meant to be apricot. It shouldn't be black.

Nice car, though. Congrats! You'll be riding in style.

Are those oversized wheels? It looks like it is sitting up some. Can't say I like that stance but otherwise it's alright (if you like that kind of thing).

Congrats on your new Caddy, enjoy it!

Understood. Not sure how this ride would look in apricot?? Thinking not. The trunk is large, thus can get the golf clubs in and small elephants.

Hey, we all like our rides...wife/kid they don't care. Guess it is a guy thing.

Thanks for your comments and I will let you know when I pick it up with the son on the road trip in a coupla weeks.

From the U-tube vid that I watched, I won't be able to wipe the smile off my face. Good times to look forward to.

Yeah I know they're Aussie cars, but it says Pontiac on it and it looks like one. I grew up loving the brand and was sad to see it go. I'd actually prefer the GTO but I'd take any of them including the Chevy SS because as you pointed out, they're a dying breed. I just hope I have the means to snag one before there's so few good examples left that the value gets stupid on them.

I love the black exterior, tan interior look!

Me too.

:thumb:

It's a 6lug, you're not going to find much on eBay. Love the car, I've got an 05 that I play with, pm me with any Q's.

Bald tires? Dude should have demanded new rubber.

I liked the GTOs too, if I were going to pick one that would be it....at the same time a foreign built car with the GTO badge just feels slightly wrong. But Holden builds some great cars too bad they will be going. I think they will keep hsv around which is good.

bad ass car, love the cts-v!

I've had 2. Last one I kept stock but the first one I had a mild cam, long tube headers with 3" exhaust, Fast 102 intake and a few other boltons. It was a freaking blast until some jackass read ended me doing 55mph while I was stopped.

Ouch. I heard a lot bout those. Was wanting 4 dr stick.
Toy yet utility

Just curious...why did you choose a Cadillac? You can get a 2005 M3 for the same money.

I thought about that. I looked at KKB and he gave me $250 off for the flight down there. What do you value 2 owner racer? I don't know. He priced it just above "good" KKB. These are fairly hard to find...don't want a "dealer" car. Should have I have said "take 1K less" for the tires?

I have not seen "by owner" much thus I don't mind paying a bit more. I have done too many times with dealers that have screwed me.

Good question. I have to defer to my mechanic, whom I trust bunch, goes back to the '53 chevy truck I had 20 yrs ago.

Part of it is that these are going to be older cars. Thus the cost of repairs etc is a consideration. I live in the middle of no where KS. So to maintain the vechicle was an issue.

Mechanic says G8 or CTS easy to maintain vs Audi/BMW/Benz...I go with what he recommends.

Facial cumshot

As a current BMW owner you made a good call. I love my 3 series but never, ever buy a one without a warranty. I had a leaky head gasket at 30,000 miles. If I didn't have a warranty it would have been almost 2 grand.

Cadillac =
Carrying
A
Deceased
Itallian
Laying
Lifeless
Amongst
Cargo


Nice car man. Congrats.

Love the v's especially the new "vagons" congrats man!

As an owner of both cars this car will walk all over an E46 M, has 4 doors, MUCH less prone to mechanical/electrical issues and is cheap to mod.

Probably a lot cheaper to maintain too...

Night and day.

Great to hear all these comments, which sound mostly positive. This just gives me more ammo for the wife.

I might even end up going this weekend after the Kayaking trip.

Oh, BTW, I showed the spec sheet to my son (the one did 97mph 2 mos after getting his license in a '96 Honda with 280k miles). His eyes lit up and said..."Is this for me"?

My mouth dropped open. I reminded him of his history.

Kinda sad though that he actually had that thought.

Tell him it is if he can deliver 200 $100 bills.

I know of someone on a forum who has one of those in a wagon version.

Just a few minor mods & he's down in the 11's through the quarter. I asked for dimensions for the 3rd row seating area to see if my wheelchair would fit. It won't be long & I"ll get the wife's SRT10 instead so I just need to be patient.

You got a Lakilac!

Not in the twisties...400HP is a lot though. Congrats on getting the car you wanted!

Good job dude. Enjoy it.

Actually yes....a CTS-V can beat an E46 M3 in the twisties.....

E46 M3 time at the ring 8:22 seconds.
First gen CTS-V(i.e. 2004-2007) 8:19 seconds.
(the second gen is faster still at 7:59).

Where do you put manly stuff like huntin/fishin/camping gear, wood, smokers, dead dear, building materials, etc. Nice car, but I couldn't drive a car.

Ok there OJ, you sicko

U don't need no spellin' when u gots a truck!

Understand, that is why I have this:

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The wife and I are going to Jacks' Fork (south central MO spring fed river complex in the Ozarks) this weekend for camping/'Yaking/Canoe. Just her and I. Then 2 weeks later, going again with a whole crew. I have a 10' x 5' decent trailer that we load up with fire wood et al.

To which, along the way picking up this:

https://s.yimg.com/fz/api/res/1.2/mg...prodigy_12.jpg

I lost my last 'Yak in my out building fire last November.

GOODNESS GRACIOUS, the car is a beast!! Yet at the same time very nice hwy ride.

First gear does ~ 48mph (it gets there so fast, hard to see exactly). It has a nice throaty rumble but not TOO loud. Handles well/tight (even has a gravity reading which shows how many "G's" pulled on turns)

I am getting bout 25 mph hwy without much foot. With foot 22 hwy. Not sure in town yet.

I got new tires $800, not too bad. On the old ones, blasted in first, dropped into 2nd with the rpm's up, the back end unhooked and surprised the heck outta me:eek:

All in all, I have a smile concreted to my face. I paid 13k, if I sell it in 5 yrs for 5k, it comes down to $133/ month. I can hang with that.

In theory, they only made 10,000 of these '04 through '09. In the last 11 yrs, I figure 50% are dead (speed kills), they are coveted by racers so ~25% are now raced, thus there is 25% remaining. How many of those are under 100k miles? How many with only 2 owners? I think I did well.

The only down side, the insurance SUCKS. ~$1200/yr just for this car, not including the 4 other cars I have. The wife is gonna poop.

Oh, I forgot to add. shifting seems a little loose. H pattern with reverse up by 5th. To get into 5th and 6th, must push sightly to the right. If not, it's back into the 3/4 gears. Push too hard and it's in REVERSE. dang. They should have put reverse up by 1st. I am going to have my mechanic look at this sloppy issue. I thought after 1.8k miles driving it back, I would have adapted better. On easy driving, no prob. But to down shift from 6th to 5th to pass, and ending in 3rd (or worse reverse) requires planning. A solution is, upon passing, drop into 4th.