First Gen CTS?

[sjwaste]

From my post in another thread, my 200k mile Supra Turbo has bitten the dust. Rather, it has blown the head gasket, so I'm after a new daily driver while I rehab this thing as a toy. Also, I saw the request for pics, I'll take some when I see it again, my father insisted on handling the repairs for me since I just started a new job, I'm lucky to have a parent as good as him, even though he still treats me like a kid even in my late 20's

Anyhow, the 08 CTS is gorgeous. I want one. I don't want to spend 35k on one. I think the compromise I'm looking at is to get an 05 or 06 in the $20k range. Are there any owners of this car on the forum? What are the big differences, other than styling, between generations? I'd be looking at the base model 08, so disregard the 300HP model, it's not in my ballpark.

Just hoping to get some opinions here. Let me know what you think...

 

[sjwaste]

No one has a pre-08 CTS? Can anyone suggest other resources, message boards in particular, where I could get some objective opinions? Thanks!

 

[cardiac]

Try here for CTS's for sale: CTS Classifieds, and here for a bunch of info: CTS Forum.

 

[Fenixgoon]

looks like you can also get a CTS-V for ~30kish.. dont know if you're interested in that or not (then again, a brand new G8 GT is 30k)


good luck in the hunt, the CTS is a sweet car IMO

 

[woodie1]

Most of the input on the 1st generation CTS I've seen has not been too kind unless, of course, you own one. This new one is getting much more favorable reviews. That said, used models of the 1st gen are selling real cheap. Look in AutoTrader and see if any dealers in your area have some used '08 models - found a few around me.

 

[Kilrsat]

I own an 07 CTS.

The 3.6L V6 on an 05-07 is basically the same as the base 3.6L in '08, so as long as you aren't looking at a 2.8L the engine is the same. The biggest difference between an '08 and what you're looking at will be the interior, as it got a complete overhaul. Mine has all the goodies (18" wheel performance package + Luxury package) so I have better brakes, stiffer suspension (FE3 is what its known as), heated seats, curb finding side mirror, and its a joy to drive every day.


The three different suspensions (FE1, FE2, and FE3) all offer much different feels, and cover a full range from a traditional Cadillac ride with just a hint of sportiness to a pretty tight sport suspension. For the "harshest" of the three, I don't notice much jarring at all and the car really feels planted on the road. Even when I'm doing dumb things. There's plenty of power available right from launch, and you can make the tail step out if you're pushing it. The traction and stability control systems don't interfere when you want to have a bit of fun (the Lexus IS traction control seemed to always want to engage and really limited the "fun"). I've had the car pretty much sideways before Stabillitrak stepped in and thought I might want to consider doing something else.


I just upgraded to GM's performance exhaust system for it a few weeks ago, so it now has a nice little rumble at idle and a pleasing roar at WOT.

The interior is extremely comfortable, and I fit in it easily. At 6'1" I simply wasn't comfortable in a Lexus IS, but there's plenty of room in my CTS. Rear passengers have plenty of room even behind me.

The biggest thing it was missing off the lot was some manner of iPod integration, but a little after market box (Neucleus NC-X2i) hooks into the factory radio and solves that problem.

I got a great deal on it with the '08s coming out and I don't regret getting it at all.

I test drove the CTS, an IS 350, and a G35 before deciding on the CTS. Go drive them all. Everyone is looking for something different, but for me the CTS was pretty much exactly what I was looking for. Its big enough, its comfortable, there's a decent amount of gadgets and gizmos (the curb finder side mirror is one of my favorite things), there's plenty of power, rear wheel drive, lots of "fun", and I thought it looked the best.

 

[sniperruff]

those are pretty nice cars but then you can also find a comparable TL/G35 at similar price, and i bet both will retain their values better than the CTS

 

[Scouzer]

Originally posted by: sniperruff
those are pretty nice cars but then you can also find a comparable TL/G35 at similar price, and i bet both will retain their values better than the CTS

that's not a good thing when your buying used.

 

[sjwaste]

Originally posted by: Scouzer

Originally posted by: sniperruff
those are pretty nice cars but then you can also find a comparable TL/G35 at similar price, and i bet both will retain their values better than the CTS

that's not a good thing when your buying used.

Especially if you extrapolate my first post into the assumption that I will drive it into the ground

I looked at used TL's and G35's, but I'm taking a pass for that exact reason -- the resale is too high. Plus, a lot of what I'm finding are off-lease cars, which I do care to avoid because I'm of the opinion that leased cars are beat on by people who don't intend to retain them after their lease ends.

I'm going to try and drive a few cars this week, I'll report back what I find. Thanks for the help!

 

[Vette73]

I just bought a new to me 04 CTS 3.6 V6.
Stay away from the 2003's as they had the 3.2L motor. Not a really bad motor but has a triming belt and does not produce that much power for this car.


I got mine at a auction house for about $15k. So you can get a really nice one for less then 20k now.

All round good car as my wife wanted a Lux car but can't drive big cars so I showed her the cars out there and she choose the CTS. I choose 04 or newwer or nothing at all because of the motor and trans on the 03's. There is also the 2.8L motor that is just a smaller version of the 3.6L. But most 2.8L's had the manual trans.

Now if you want a CTS-V be aware the rear diff. was not made to handle this much power so they have known to have a high fail rate on the V's, esp with a 6speed.

But other then that get one that has been taken care of and check out rockauto.com as they have the cheapest filters for the 3.6 and 2.8L motors.

 

[KentState]

I recently just purchased an 08 CTS and my best friend has a 2004 CTS which is fully loaded. The car isn't that bad, but I feel that the seats are not very comfortable. The interior styling is very ugly IMO. On the other hand, the car rides very nice, has decent amount of power, and enough features to give you the full luxury experience. I prefer my parents '07 TL to it, but would probably be on the fence between a G35 and the previous CTS.