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View Full Version : Life Cadillac STS 2000-2004 - are these REALLY POS'es???

frankotank
08-12-2013, 12:54 PM
Anybody out there know anything about these. (they messed them up in 05)
I love the damn things and I was considering getting one. For about 7K you can pick up a pretty nice one under 100K miles. A buddy of mine is telling me they are nothing but a pain in the ass money pit and to stay away from them.

But I really like them!

http://motorera.com/cadillac/cad2000/2000/sts1.jpg
Hammock Parties
08-12-2013, 12:55 PM
I wanted a CTS for a couple months until I did my research.

Stay away from modern Cadillacs.
dilligaf
08-12-2013, 12:56 PM
They are very unreliable.
Mav
08-12-2013, 01:04 PM
They are very unreliable.

and expensive as HELL to repair.

I had a 2001 Lincoln ls. Super reliable, got 150 k miles on it, tranny went. 2500 bucks to fix. Sold that joke on the spot......
MIAdragon
08-12-2013, 01:05 PM
I wanted a CTS for a couple months until I did my research.

Stay away from modern Cadillacs.

I own two, not an issue with either.
New World Order
08-12-2013, 01:12 PM
Stay away from American/European automakers.
frankotank
08-12-2013, 01:21 PM
welp....sounds like my friend had some good advice.
they are just so damn COOL!

why did they mess them up in 05? to each his own...but I don't like this...

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/69/2005-2007_Cadillac_STS.jpg
loochy
08-12-2013, 01:39 PM
I own two, not an issue with either.

I own 5, not an issue with any of them.
Hammock Parties
08-12-2013, 01:41 PM
I own 5, not an issue with any of them.

I own 10 and they all suck
ViperVisor
08-12-2013, 01:43 PM
Head gasket failure rampant in late 90s. 2K+ to fix it when it happens.

"Model years 96-99 were the highest failure rate, 2000-03 not as bad. Failure is due to failed threads in the block, GM made 2 changes to try to fix this: longer head bolts in 2000, and coarser thread in 2004."
BlackHelicopters
08-12-2013, 01:44 PM
All my employees have them . No problems. Gave them as Christmas bonuses one year.
KC native
08-12-2013, 01:44 PM
I wanted a CTS for a couple months until I did my research.

Stay away from modern Cadillacs.

What? The CTS is a good car.

The 00-04 Deville and its variants (STS, DTS, base model) are great until they get around 100k on the odometer. After that the solenoid for the torque converter goes bad ($100 part buried in $1k worth of labor) and the front end gets wobbly.
Carlota69
08-12-2013, 01:44 PM
My friend had an 08. Complete trash. Dont do it.
Dayze
08-12-2013, 01:44 PM
I had a buddy who owned one, and it slept with his wife.

don't do it.
Hammock Parties
08-12-2013, 01:49 PM
What? The CTS is a good car.

The 00-04 Deville and its variants (STS, DTS, base model) are great until they get around 100k on the odometer. After that the solenoid for the torque converter goes bad ($100 part buried in $1k worth of labor) and the front end gets wobbly.

If I'm buying a used car, I'm going to get one that has slightly less than 100,000 miles on it. That's the point of buying used. To get a deal.

But according to what you're saying, it's not worth it to get a CTS with that many miles on it.

Now, I could go get a CTS with 50k on it. But that's going to run me $12K+ from the looks of it. Probably more like $15K.

At that price I'd rather just spend a few more K and get something new.
KC native
08-12-2013, 01:51 PM
If I'm buying a used car, I'm going to get one that has slightly less than 100,000 miles on it. That's the point of buying used. To get a deal.

But according to what you're saying, it's not worth it to get a CTS with that many miles on it.

Now, I could go get a CTS with 50k on it. But that's going to run me $12K+ from the looks of it. Probably more like $15K.

At that price I'd rather just spend a few more K and get something new.

The STS is a different model than a CTS. The STS is based off the Deville. The CTS was an entirely brand new car for Caddy. They're not even close to the same car. The CTS has great reliability if you take care of them.
MIAdragon
08-12-2013, 02:30 PM
The STS is a different model than a CTS. The STS is based off the Deville. The CTS was an entirely brand new car for Caddy. They're not even close to the same car. The CTS has great reliability if you take care of them.

I have an 05 CTS-V with 48K and an 09 CTS-V with 54K. The only issue I've had was with the 09 and it was a sunroof squeak. Thats it.
Dayze
08-12-2013, 02:37 PM
I have an 05 CTS-V with 48K and an 09 CTS-V with 54K. The only issue I've had was with the 09 and it was a sunroof squeak. Thats it.

:drool:
:harumph:
hometeam
08-12-2013, 02:55 PM
Short answer.

Yes.
KC native
08-12-2013, 03:51 PM
I have an 05 CTS-V with 48K and an 09 CTS-V with 54K. The only issue I've had was with the 09 and it was a sunroof squeak. Thats it.

I have a couple friends that own them. They've never had any problems with them.
threebag
08-12-2013, 04:03 PM
I love my CTS. No problems at all and I have driven it over 60,000.
verbaljitsu
08-12-2013, 04:06 PM
The STS was based off of the Seville. The DTS off the Deville. The CTS fills the role of the Catera, sort of. But it is an entirely different car.

I own an 05 CTS and an 05 SRX.

The 3.6L engine in both of those vehicles is known for having timing issues, which can cause difficult and expensive repairs. Those issues are easily avoided if you vigilantly watch the oil level. The engine goes through oil at a faster rate than it should. I check my oil every other fill up. I usually add some oil to my CTS every 1200 miles or so.

It is a pain in the butt, but otherwise, the cars have been reliable and they are fun to drive and own.

There is a fix out there for the oil consumption and the timing chain issues. The cadillac owners forum is a great resource. Essentially, the fix is drilling out the pcv and adding a catch can. The timing chain was redesigned in 2007 and it is not a particularly expensive repair, but it is incredibly time consuming, so labor will kill you unless you do it yourself (expect the entire weekend).
Chief Roundup
08-12-2013, 04:08 PM
What about a Lincoln LS V8 Sport?
verbaljitsu
08-12-2013, 04:08 PM
and I guess none of that answers your questions about the 2000-2004 STS....so uh sorry about that. I would go here http://www.cadillacforums.com/forums/forum.php
OrtonsPiercedTaint
08-12-2013, 04:12 PM
After the camelback trunk and the Cimarron, this is minor.
MIAdragon
08-12-2013, 06:57 PM
:drool:
:harumph:

The 09 is a MUCH better platform. The 05 is fun too.
Simply Red
08-12-2013, 06:58 PM
My car would pwn it. I would pwn a C6 though. So...
Simply Red
08-12-2013, 07:03 PM
I agree though - they're pretty. Just not dependable.
MIAdragon
08-12-2013, 07:51 PM
My car would pwn it. I would pwn a C6 though. So...

:hmmm: Does your BMW sound like this though?

<iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/22ub6XY67mY?feature=player_detailpage" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
Simply Red
08-12-2013, 08:09 PM
:hmmm: Does your BMW sound like this though?

<iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/22ub6XY67mY?feature=player_detailpage" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

no but it sounds really nice by simply widening the downpipes.
MIAdragon
08-12-2013, 08:13 PM
no but it sounds really nice by simply widening the downpipes.

I bet the 335i's are fun cars.
Simply Red
08-12-2013, 08:17 PM
I bet the 335i's are fun cars.

it's an absolute blast and I fear no car in it - I still prefer the Audi Black and their interior - I may be lucky enough to drop an s4 v8 in it - not sure yet - I got a quote for another 3.2FSI for 5k/installed. But it's nothing like the 335 where power is concerned, the 3.2 to the 335 is like comparing a big wheel to a mtn bike.

Here's my current car - same mods as what I have, currently.

So no - not as deep as the Caddy.


<iframe width="560" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/qRzoZTC8exA" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
Simply Red
08-12-2013, 08:23 PM
I know you like cars Mia, so pardon the obsession, here is my car - color and all - this is a better actual representation of how my car sounds.


<iframe width="560" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/MLk7iQAuWlY" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
MIAdragon
08-12-2013, 08:44 PM
I know you like cars Mia, so pardon the obsession, here is my car - color and all - this is a better actual representation of how my car sounds.


<iframe width="560" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/MLk7iQAuWlY" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Love it that color is amazing. Are those CSL wheels?
Simply Red
08-12-2013, 08:50 PM
Love it that color is amazing. Are those CSL wheels?

not sure - mine are the OEM - my spokes vary a tad, i'll get a snap shot and email it soon.
MIAdragon
08-13-2013, 12:26 PM
not sure - mine are the OEM - my spokes vary a tad, i'll get a snap shot and email it soon.

Nice! I do miss my E46 M3.
Tombstone RJ
08-13-2013, 12:50 PM
I have friends who owned one and it was a pile of garbage. Even the badging on the car was crooked.
Dayze
08-13-2013, 12:59 PM
I have friends who owned one and it was a pile of garbage. Even the badging on the car was crooked.

maybe it needed a................V8

wacka wacka wacka..
Tombstone RJ
08-13-2013, 01:24 PM
maybe it needed a................V8

wacka wacka wacka..

bazing!
-King-
08-13-2013, 01:47 PM
All my employees have them . No problems. Gave them as Christmas bonuses one year.

You gave all your employees Cadillacs as a Christmas bonus? Where exactly do I apply for a job?
-King-
08-13-2013, 01:49 PM
it's an absolute blast and I fear no car in it - I still prefer the Audi Black and their interior - I may be lucky enough to drop an s4 v8 in it - not sure yet - I got a quote for another 3.2FSI for 5k/installed. But it's nothing like the 335 where power is concerned, the 3.2 to the 335 is like comparing a big wheel to a mtn bike.

Here's my current car - same mods as what I have, currently.

So no - not as deep as the Caddy.


<iframe width="560" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/qRzoZTC8exA" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Sounds 100% better than the Caddy video that was posted.
MIAdragon
08-13-2013, 01:54 PM
Sounds 100% better than the Caddy video that was posted.

You're out of your mind.
KC native
08-13-2013, 02:12 PM
Sounds 100% better than the Caddy video that was posted.

no
Dayze
08-13-2013, 02:19 PM
You're out of your mind.

That
plbrdude
08-13-2013, 02:55 PM
i don't know. looked at an 07 cts and an 10 sts, sts was out of my price range and i was severely disappointed with the cts. ended up with an 07 maxima that had 66k on it. it was head and shoulders above the cadillac. faster, handles better, rides better, interior looks no where near as cheap, and a whole lot more amenities for the money.
Dayze
08-13-2013, 03:18 PM
but can you fit a body in the trunk?
MIAdragon
08-13-2013, 04:04 PM
i don't know. looked at an 07 cts and an 10 sts, sts was out of my price range and i was severely disappointed with the cts. ended up with an 07 maxima that had 66k on it. it was head and shoulders above the cadillac. faster, handles better, rides better, interior looks no where near as cheap, and a whole lot more amenities for the money.

You looked at the wrong CTS model.
TinyEvel
08-13-2013, 04:16 PM
I had one in 2006. It was reliable for 416 trips in one season. But then it was never the same again. Though, the vanity plate CKNPTNA got me lots of chicks...to spit on.
-King-
08-13-2013, 04:52 PM
You're out of your mind.

Let me be clear, it may sound nice in real life, but it doesn't sound good in that video. Sounds like a car breaking down more than a good exhaust
MIAdragon
08-13-2013, 05:04 PM
Let me be clear, it may sound nice in real life, but it doesn't sound good in that video. Sounds like a car breaking down more than a good exhaust

The cam is a tad large. Its funny my wife asked why I bought a "broken car" as well the first time she heard it.