He is asking about the STS-V and not a CTS-V. Two totally different cars and engines. I have worked at a Cadillac dealer for the last 10 years. My Father has a 08 standard STS. The Northstar v-8 engine will become an oil leaker right after 100k miles. Engine will need to be removed from the car and all the lower gaskets and seals will need to be replaced. This is a common problem and called an engine reseal . It is a very costly repair. I do not see any trans problems at all. 06 and later GM cars have a 100K mile powertrain warranty. The STS-V is a pretty awesome car. All in all I would say a Cadillac has no more problems then a Benz or BMW. If you plan on keeping the Cadillac more than 100K miles buy a FACTORY extended warranty. Jeff Wurl

Tom:

I bought an '06 STS-V in 2008 with 11k miles on it. Bought it with a certified, pre-owned warranty. I now have 68k on it. My previous cars were a Mercedes CL55, Porsche C4s, BMW 540, BMW X5 4.0 and a Mustang Cobra to name a few. Before choosing this one, I tested an E55 and an M5. In retrospect, I chose the caddy for smiles per dollar and a desire to drive an American car.

My experience with the STS-V: Tires every 15k miles. Depending on the ratio of highway driving to around town driving, I can squeeze out a few more miles. As you would expect, I get more miles out of the front than the rear.

Fuel mileage: 16 around town. Highway 20-22, depending.... My cruise control is typically set to 78.

Ride: more sporty than the Mercedes. Not as "quick" as the carrera. By "quick" I mean responsiveness. American muscle cars and drivers are fast. Carreras are "quick". Theobvious should be noted; it is a 4 door sedan and therefore cannot be as quick as the carrera.

Maintenance & repairs: typical oil changes. Since I have the CPO warranty, the repairs have not been inconvenient. However, they have been significant on my car.

Early on the car developed a "groan" in the front end. I cannot recall the exact part that failed, but the dealer replaced the control arm, shocks, shock supports, bushings, an A-frame. That repair took two days.

In the 55K range, the computer registered a fault with the exhaust system and performance was notice-ably hampered. They replaced one catalytic converter. The error code re-occurred the next day. They replaced the second catalytic converter and that seemed to fix it. Performance has been restored to previous tire shredding capablity.

The shift selector could not find "Park" and therefore I could not completely shut down the car. I could turn off the engine, but the power stayed on. Flat bed to the dealer. They replaced a bunch of parts under the center console under warranty. Apparently, a known bug for which they had a service bulletin.

Two temperature sensors.

One cracked fuel tank. Cannot imagine how, but the fuel tank cracked at the top, where the pump and sensor are mounted.

In summary, it has been a real fun car to drive. It is a bit of a sleeper on the street. I have surprised more than a few corvettes at traffic lights. Handling is equivalent to my experience with the BMW 5 series. I will enjoy it for another 30k miles or the end of the CPO warranty, which ever comes first and then trade it toward something else.

Tom C.

You should have save $50k, because it's $50k less of a car.

To the OP; the STS-V is a great car and can be bought cheap. Tons of car and performance for the money. Go test drive one, you will like it. Best part is that it's not a 'me too' car. Ask the valet kid how many STS-Vs he parked last month. I personally love driving something that I don't have to look at in the mirror as I drive down the road.

Regarding Caddys in general; my CTS-V was awesome, wish to hell I never sold it. Never saw the inside of the service department at the dealer and was an absolute pisser to drive. Nothing better than embarrassing some kid in a S4, or the guy in his 5-series that picks the race with YOU. :drink:

My mom has an L37 Northstar in her Caddy and it has been a great, trouble-free motor.

Had a 04 and 05 CTS-V. Put roughly 20K on each. No mechnical problems to speak of. Not many on the roads then. Lot of fun!

I have worked for Cadillac in my past and the STS has always been a favorite of mine. I agree that the interior finish is nice but not as durable as it should be.

Go for the STS-V !!!! I don't think you will be dissapointed.

If you really want some pep but don't need room the XLR-V is an exillarating ride.

You should have save $50k, because it's $50k less of a car.


Total bullsh1t.

Nice. And on Christmas no less.

Sorry, I forgot. Cat doesn't believe in Christmas.

Figures!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Cat you bought the Hemi model, that is not in the same league as any of the V badged Cadillacs! IF you bought the SRT-8 version you may have an argument by you still would be over 100 HP short of the CTS-V!

Well I said I wish I had the money to buy the CTS-V, but the Hemi is very well appointed inside and handles very well. That's what I meant. Maybe I'll go drive the Cad to see if it matches the Hemi in handling manners. I can't afford to trade though...

Caddy came out of the box with the CTS-V and put it on the track where they did pretty well with Pilgrim's team in SCCA World Challenge class 2004 thru 2007. Car was a very well balanced, close to 50/50 on weight distribution I believe. Doesn't say much about street life but on the track handled basically all the competition and performance tests vs the M5 in the new generation also look very good. New World Challenge class with Caddy getting back in will be interesting.