I drove a CTS-V (in the snow) yesterday. Does anybody here have one? I'd like to pick up a 4-door daily driver and thought I'd consider this. Any issues I should be aware of?

I am considering an '03 RS6, '03 M5, '05 545i, '05 CTS-V, '06 S4

Thanks!

 

Main complaints I've heard of are serious wheelhop and fuel starvation when the car is being tracked.

 

used to own a CTS-V before my 996 TT..IM me with any questions..I have been through it all with this car...

 

The early ones have weak rear ends from what I understand, but don't quote me on that.

 

That's what I've heard from friends that own them. Not very "mod" friendly.

 

Don't do it.

 

Heh, nah. They just require a rear end mod first.

 

I had one for 4 months and got rid it. Rear diff is ****.

 

my friends "non-mod friendly" V I think the only issue he has had was something to do with a spark plug and the cold weather. I'll try to get him to join the forum and post up, until then:

http://youtube.com/watch?v=s31PdLxNqxs

and

http://youtube.com/watch?v=B0_5d8AXddQ

EDIT: His is a Mallett so I guess that doesn't count

 

There were several issues with the first Gen CTS-V. The rear ends were prone to let go. Most of it was to to the excessive axle tramp. It would just beat the rear end apart. There are some kits for as little as $300 that would solve this problem.The other issue was the tires used. The first Gen had Mich Pilots that would be shot after about 9000 miles. The second Gen switched to Goodyear RSA's which solved the wear issue. Drivetrain wise the car was pretty bullet proof. One of the major issues is what buyers did with this car. They felt the need to beat the snot out of it at all times. Something an M5 buyer would never do. I am not making any excuses, just what I have found over the years.

This is not a used car that I would consider. Unless it was driven by a 90 year old to church it will have some issues.

Craig

 

M5 and RS6 should be your first choice. CTS-V is not even in the same category. LOL

 

^^ I can't agree. Both V owners I know sold their M5s in favor of the V, too many issues with their M5s. I guess it comes down to personal preference.

 

I replaced my E34 540 with a CTS-V. I looked at an E39 M5, an E55 MB, the new M5 and a Bentley Turbo R as other potential candidates.

The drivetrain is quite robust and is up to a lot of modifications. Mine has a 7 liter C5R conversion from Mallett and uses the stock Getrag rear. They are strong if you don't launch on slicks like a lot of the beer bellied rednecks did when they first came out. The wheelhop can be nearly eliminated with a decent suspension package. I went to Bilstein HD/H&Rs on my 540 and loved the dynamics of that car. The V with the Mallett suspension and Penske coilovers feels similar and as good as any newer sport sedan I've driven.

Stock vs. stock is difficult to compare between Euro and US cars. The Euro cars have much more expensive shocks/springs from the factory. Not great, but much better than the stock US garbage. As enthusiasts, most would replace the stock gear and go to an aftermarket race supplier. When you get to that point, the cars are much closer in chassis feel. If you're not going to modify the car, then drive them stock. If you're going to upgrade, the results will be different.

The engines respond very well to mods. Bolt ons and an ECU flash will get you 50-70bhp easily. It is also very efficient with fuel... I never would've guessed the day would come when I could get 570bhp and 23mpg (80mph avg) on the highway...very clever.

BTW-the stock V brakes are excellent. The fronts are Brembo F40/F50 calipers. The rotors are 14 inches. I'd recommend a Carbotech or PF pad and some good fluid.

Compared to the Japanese cars I've had, I'd rate the V as very reliable. I've had one check engine light due to a fouled spark plug. I'm running a relatively extreme cam profile that likes to eat plugs.

This is my first GM product and I'm happy with it despite being a bit scared at first. If you're into interiors or NAV systems, you should get something else. If not, it's difficult to argue with the technical merits of the car.

If anyone wants real world, firsthand experiences or data on the car, contact me.

LS

PS-The Onstar system is interesting. Via satellite, an Onstar rep can scan your ECU for powertrain codes and also tell you where the nearest strip club is.

 

A friend had one, he said yeah, it's got axle hop when you spin the wheels, so just don't do that. He has a point.

The main thing that turned me away from it is the foot-operated parking brake. You can't use the brake to hold the car on sharp uphill starts (I live on a huge hill so this is an issue) and the parking brake release is the hand-pull thing, and it has an identical hand-pull thing right next to it that opens the hood. Poor design coming from the fact that Caddy never expected to put a stick in there.

Still one of the best handling cars I've ever driven. The dynamics on that thing were just astounding.

 

those cars are A LOT more expensive then a V