Cadillac CTS-V - Tell me what I should know about CTS-Vs

Ok so I'm thinking of selling my SS and getting a 04-07 CTS-V maybe sometime this summer or fall. If I were to do so it would be my only car and I'd be getting snow tires for the winter. (Graduating college this week, got a job offer but not a huge salary so I'd like to have a nice fast car, but not one that will break the bank.)

1. So basically what should I know about the 04-07 cars? I've seen that they have differential problems, but is this something that everyone has had to deal with or is this like the 10 bolt rear ends in the Camaros where they aren't the best but if you don't beat on them too much you're fine?
2. Also, what are the main differences between the years?
3. I'm thinking of finding one for around $20k, does that seem reasonable?
4. For those of your that have had both a LS1 Camaro or T/A and an CTS-V, compare them the best you can. Ride difference, HP difference, etc.
5. Mod pricing... Are mods (exhaust, suspension, etc) a good amount more than with a Camaro?

And then include anything else you think would be useful. Sorry for the newb like post, just thought it would be best to ask you guys for some general info about the cars. :thumb:

The rearends are definetly a weak point, although 06-07 are slightly better than 04-05.

04-05 are LS6 & 06-07 are LS2

in your price range I would say an 04-05 should be easy to find, to get an 06-07 it would most likely be high mileage

I had a LS1 WS6, and a LS2 GTO...the V is the slowest of the 3 but by far the best handling car. Its also very comfortable and is loaded with comfort features.

And YES, there is a mandatory Cadillac mark up on parts lol

I have owned 2 LS1 cars, a L76 (G8) and 2 LS2 cars and the V is my favorite overall of the 5. Pure power the WS6 was the winner but for an every day car you can't beat the CTS-V.

My car stock would take down LS2 goats all day on the street. Never found one that could take me. Stock anyway. Dusted a few SS Camaros that had exhaust only. With cam and headers and fast 90 untuned lol I stayed neck and neck with a stock C5 Z up to 140 or so. Came up on some traffic and we both got out of it. Z pilot was pretty cool. Gave me a thumbs up and said I almost had you lol

I'm a recently new owner of a 2006 V (Paid 21,200 with 47k in pretty decent condition and newish tires). A few years back I owned a 2000 SS (not just the hood) 6-speed. I think the V "feels" way faster and I love the way it handles. I'm a twisty backroad type of guy and I don't think I'd ever be scared to try to hang with or leave behind any Camaro, GTO, G8, WS6, etc. If you remember, these things won alot of road course races when they came out. I'm pretty sure one organization made the teams add weight because they were spanking everybody. I say pretty sure because I've drank alot since then and may be talking out of my a$$.

I don't know how they managed it, but GM found a way to put more rattles in a $50,000 cadillac than come stock in a Camaro. Every day I turn the stereo down for a couple miles because I swear I hear a new noise, but I'm getting used to it...

I love the seat heaters, power sunroof, programable seats, etc. It's a freakin Cadillac! And, a few weeks ago I had the pleasure of taking 5 people (including me) on a backroad fun run. Try that in a Vette!

Gas mileage SUCKS compared to the SS. I was getting 22-24 on my commute and could get over 30 at freeway speeds. My best in the V so far is 19 mpg for a tank of fuel. Usually it's 16-17, but I learned that if I take it out of gear and coast as often as possible I can be as fuel efficient as my dad's Z71 4 door pickup.

All in all, this car is unbelievable, but not for everyone. I've wanted one of these for a long time and plan on it being a lifer in my driveway.

Ok so I'm thinking of selling my SS and getting a 04-07 CTS-V maybe sometime this summer or fall. If I were to do so it would be my only car and I'd be getting snow tires for the winter. (Graduating college this week, got a job offer but not a huge salary so I'd like to have a nice fast car, but not one that will break the bank.)

1. So basically what should I know about the 04-07 cars? I've seen that they have differential problems, but is this something that everyone has had to deal with or is this like the 10 bolt rear ends in the Camaros where they aren't the best but if you don't beat on them too much you're fine?

Yes and no. For the most part if you dont clutch dump the car or really do any pulls below 40mph, the rear should be fine. its not the Diff that is the problem any more. The CVs, Half shaft and other rear end parts will car before the Diff will. But, there has been some reports of the Gen 1 Diffs (Gen 1 came in 04 and part of 05) just exploding. Most Gen 1s have been replaced by GM under a Recall though.

2. Also, what are the main differences between the years?

Model Overview (http://www.cadillacfaq.com/faq/answers/my-chart.html)
The Cadillac FAQ (http://www.cadillacfaq.com/) site is VERY handy, it has a lot of info on it. But it kinda stopped getting updated awhile back, parts of the 07 info is missing.

3. I'm thinking of finding one for around $20k, does that seem reasonable?

Very doable. For under $20k, you looking at 04-05s and high mileage 06-07s.

4. For those of your that have had both a LS1 Camaro or T/A and an CTS-V, compare them the best you can. Ride difference, HP difference, etc.

Ride is the V is 10x better then in an F Body. But is a Cadillac, so you get a Cadillac, haha. The V handles 10x better then a F Body as well.

HP: LS platform is an LS platorm. Both are can make good power, but since the V is IRS it harder to use it. And since the V has a weak ass, more likely to break something.

For a DD that is fun as hell to drive, the V is amazing. For drag racing, the V suck ass (unless you are ready to drop SERIOUS coin ($15k to $20k easily) to beable to make the 11s. Its a 4000 pound Caddy, not meant to run the 1/4.

5. Mod pricing... Are mods (exhaust, suspension, etc) a good amount more than with a Camaro?

From what I have seen, the most common Mods are the same price for every one. If it can fit on an LSx engine, it can fit on the V. Headers are that much more for the V then the F Bodies, Pacesetters will run you about 400-500 bucks and Kooks 900-1000. Lowering Kit (H&Rs and MM Spacers) for me was $375, where as new coilovers will run you near $1000.

Modding get VERY expensive in the V (unless you do the labor yourself) for any F/I setup. Simply because nobaody makes kits for the V.

And then include anything else you think would be useful. Sorry for the newb like post, just thought it would be best to ask you guys for some general info about the cars. :thumb:

See Red above...

For more info check out the Cadillac FAQ (http://www.cadillacfaq.com/) site and join the Cadillac Owners (http://www.cadillacforums.com/forums/cadillac-v-series-forums/) forum. I dont like the way that forum is set up, but there is a ton of information on there.

GL with the search, and you wont regret a V (as longs as you never drag race the car, haha).

Thanks for the info guys. I'm debating between a V and a G8 GT now. I like the idea of having the Caddy but the G8 GT might make mores sense since I could find a newer one with lower miles that still has a warranty. Also, the G8's look awesome with 5th gen Camaro wheels. Still thinking about it though, and of course I have to sell the SS before I buy either.

I saw a G8 GT on the highway the other day. Actually a nice looking car. I'd definitely drive one.

I think you'll be winning with either :).