RoidZ71

New to the forums here, and ive been a longtime reader of LS1 tech. Anyway, I have a guy I know holding a 2005 CTS-V for me. I test drove it yesterday. Has an 06-07 rear end, motor mounts are fine, and a few other of the areas/issues with the CTS-Vs all checked out just fine. It has just under 70k miles. What other problem areas, if any, should I look for on a V with 70k miles, or what should I know before buying? I plan on keeping this car for a while and hope to be able to put 150k + on it.

Strokinit383

iTrader: (22)

Nothing that will ruin your day. The trans and rear cradle bushings wear out. My rear c-pillars have broken due to the wind. Chipping radio buttons are common.

The only pain in the *** i've had so far, was the water pump. I could only find ac delco pumps online - $$$. No auto part stores carried any.

Just look at the parts needing replaced as a reason to replace with bigger and better!

adanieljohnson1

iTrader: (1)

What he said...

Derek98z

iTrader: (55)

leaky radiators

lollygagger8

iTrader: (7)

After looking out for those things mentioned above....

Change the diff fluid, and bleed the clutch. Get an aftermarket shifter for your first mod.

Aaron Thomas

iTrader: (1)

Can't forget about the sagging armrest, and oh yeah lack of a spare tire.

tony tone

this just started happening to me... 81k only issue i've had aside from clutch replacement with an LS7 kit. weighing my options but just refilling water every morning now... =\

kjr6306

iTrader: (1)

Check the the Drive Shaft carrier bearing as well....800-1000 to fix that issue.

shadyLS6

there is a thread on the cadi fourm sticked with a long *** list of what to check for when buying a V..

only thing i would add is take it over speed bumps and see if the stability control goes crazy... replacing a SWPS, wheel postionsensor, Yaw sensor.. all require alot of trouble shooting to fix and a trip to the dealer to re-calibrate with a techII

dexcooool.. tone

liqidvenom

iTrader: (2)

that can be expensive if its just pouring out everynight.

bamacaddy

iTrader: (1)

I just hit 123,000. I bought the car 18mos ago with 35k on it. I drive the **** out of the car. I have replace motor mounts, battery, and starter so far....About $500 in repairs (Oh yeah and 3 sets of tires). I say GO FOR IT if the car's solid.....Mine is a trooper and I couldn't ask for a better car...C-pillar is broken on passenger side. armrest was sagging but I used 2 little stick on rubber pieces to brace it up $2 at Radio Shack.....Radiator was leaking and I dumped a bottle of the junk that EVERYBODY busted my *** over on here... But hey that was 60,000 miles ago. I just drove it from Bham to New Orleans last night and back, averaged 23.8mpg @90mph or so...

RoidZ71

Just how much do you all hear about leaky radiators or driveshaft carrier bearings? I've wanted a CTS-V ever since they came out but with some of the issues im beginning to second guess myself. I am finishing up school and can handle minor repairs and maintenance myself, but I cannot afford thousand dollar repairs(s) at this very moment. I know this car has been taken care of, but from what Im hearing these cars are not cheap at all to maintain. Not a G8 GT guy either. And im not 24-25 years old yet so an LS1 camaro is probably going to skyrocket my insurance. Ive even considered a TB SS or Silverado SS. Just trying to find the right LSx for me...decisions decisions...

gearhead68

iTrader: (2)

You may want to give your insurance company a Vin number to do a quote on one of these cars. Hint: Its up there with the vette.

SSmokd U

Not really. Full coverage on my V & the wife's Mazda 3 costs me $142 a month.

gearhead68

iTrader: (2)

You're probably around $1000 a year. Thats still not cheap. OP said he wasn't even 24 yet.

RoidZ71

I paid ~ 900 a year full coverage for a G35. Had a quote for a CTS-V and it is only going to be 15-20 more a month, which I can handle. Im just worried about the longevity of these vehicles. I know if its been taken care of, you can make a car last a long time. Im just a little hesitant at this point. I truly just want an LSx lol. And its my first choice

Strokinit383

iTrader: (22)

No automobile is without its own problems. Nothing will last forever. Just buy something you are happy with and fix **** if it breaks.

Derek98z

iTrader: (55)

If you are mainly concerned about just getting a car with an LS motor but can't afford repairs at this time, I'd suggest finding a nice inexpensive 98' Z28. Can be had for a third of the cost of a V. Plus it "should" take more punshiment. I can attest to it. You don't want to get stuck making repairs on a car you are still paying on.

BudRacing

iTrader: (3)

To be honest, you probably need to wait another year or so. It sounds like you already have a G35 which isn't a bad car at all. If I were in your shoes (and I was 2-3 years ago) I would keep saving what I can for a down payment and wait til you start working full time. With these cars, a $1k repair can come unexpectedly and you don't want to go broke trying to fix it. However, if you find a good deal on a V with all the major fixes done then by all means jump on it. Those are a little hard to come by though, and usually sell for high $$.

Things to look for are:
GeForce or other aftermarket driveshaft
Ford 8.8 or 9" rear end conversion
New clutch if higher in mileage
New tires (a new set can run you just shy of $700 if you shop around)
and any other fun upgrades.

If you get a stock one you WILL NOT want to leave it stock if you're anything like the rest of us.

Skidmarcx

Insurance for my 04 is actually more expensive than a Vette of the same year... I checked before I purchased it... I'm through USAA, so its a credible company... If you can afford the car and know anything about mechanical work or know somebody that can do work for you then I say get the V... Great car with endless options