1BADBURB

hey guys
im debating on buying a 04' CTS-V for my next car..it would be used too. I am wondering, what are the difference b/w a 04' and 05'? what are things i should look out for? i know the one main issue is the rear diff... but the car i would be buying has a warranty till 100K.

and since im a mod-a-holic, how much would a simple set of intake/headers/exhaust setup cost?

i want to keep at least ONE vehicle somewhat stock, as my other ones are fairly well modified and i don't want to worry about fixing and BS...i want something i can just hop in and go. is this car one of those?

and what kind of gas mileage do you guys average?

please post all your thoughts and concerns regarding this car...

also, another possible vehicle is a G35 Coupe. but my gf wants to buy one of those, so i might just let her get it instead of me...

thanks ya'll!!!
Aj

1BADBURB

nobody...no advice for a newbie??? wow...
Aj

Kadonny

Alright n00b, I'll help you out

No major differences between 04 and 05 other than the onstar and XM antennas. 05 they are combined into one.

What else to look for? Obviously standard stuff applies here. Look to see how well it seems to be taken care of. Listen to the rear for any whine and or clunks, that the main weak point of the car. Check for wheel hop on hard acceleration also, another known problem. There are numerous other small problems that might occur that GM has issued TSBs on. You can find these in the CTS-V FAQs. A link is listed at the top of this page.

Headers, intake and exhaust? Depends on what you get, but an exhaust will range from 600 to 1200, headers and intake I have no experience on, but I think headers are in the 1k range and intake is your own guess. Sorry.

Mileage? Once again, depends on how you drive. I would bank on around 15-18 to be safe.

This car is somewhat of a hotrod right out of the box, so you can absolutely jump right in. Driveability in stock form is awesome.

Thoughts? Buy it, you wont regret it. Concerns? Just see what I listed above.

Good luck.

Pro Stock John

iTrader: (34)

G35 has a very tight back seat, totally different car.

1BADBURB

aight guys... i found a pretty sweet one here lcoal to me...
04' with 41K miles
Loaded with NAv and XM
Corsa Exhaust from headers back
K&N intake
Tinted windows
20" Black wheels with chrome lip and tires (stock wheels have brand new BLizzaks)
and get this...$31K...dealer messed up on the pricing and have to stick with it... its worth well into the $37's right??? with all those goodies!!!

soo we'll see...
Kadonny, thanks for the info, appreciate it...
Aj

Pro Stock John

iTrader: (34)

I'm going to look at an 04 with 9500 on it for $33,900.

Parker TX

iTrader: (16)

JUMP on it!!!

Kadonny

Aj, you are welcome. Thats a good price, but not a great price. Dont let them con you. Mods really dont add to value at all, so throw them out the window and you are left with an 04 with 40k on the clock. All V's came with the same options, so that even is no factor.

My suggestion? Get a carfax then haggle them a bit. 40k is a lot of miles for these cars.

V-Ticket

iTrader: (1)

I picked up a new on-the-lot 04 (400 miles) for $38,600 on 12/31/05, platinum with grey interior. I had them replace the original wheels with new ones (some blemishes), 6 months XM and other assorted touchup/junk. So its got a full 4-year 48K warranty started less than 2 months ago and warranty runs til 48,400 miles.

Love it.

Pro Stock John

iTrader: (34)

Nice. There are still a few new 04's out there. I've also looked at a lot of low mile stuff, but some of the cars are GM buybacks for different reasons.

1BADBURB

yes, there are a bunch of 04's out there. Ebay has a few as well. i actually called a dealer about 1 hr away from me, but it sold like within a week! it was an 04' with 9K miles selling for $34K!!! damnit!!!
Aj

Pro Stock John

iTrader: (34)

You in WI or ?

I have seen a number of 04's in the $33K range.