CTS-V...Skip it or worth buying used? MANY owners report MANY problems, I'm worried
09-29-2006, 05:10 PM
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CTS-V...Skip it or worth buying used? MANY owners report MANY problems, I'm worried FEEL FREE TO PM ME HOW YOU REALLY FEEL. 
I LOVE the CTS-V.
I have wanted to buy one since they were released.
My only complaint after driving the V was the HORRIBLE shifter and "removable" shifter handle.
Since the release,
MANY owners have reported MANY problems.
This has me VERY concerned and I would feel really stupid if I bought one and had a lot of problems after reading all the negative reports.
If I could but a 2005 for $30k or less, drive it until the warranty is up, and dump it for $15k, I would be content.
However, I want to drive it daily and it NEEDS to be reliable.
NO track time, no burnouts, no powershifting, no slicks, no mods, etc.
All I want to do is add a shifter and replace brake pads and tires.
God forbid,
if my V needs warranty work,
I want a CTS or better as a loaner and ZERO hassles.
With that being said,
I don't want to deal with frequent failures and repairs.
Ok, guys.
What do all the owners, GM techs, and experts have to say.
If you feel more comfortable,
or you can't post HELPFUL information,
please PM me.
PS:
If I don't buy a used V,
I will buy a 07 G35 AWD automatic to drive until the redesigned CTS-V or Holden Commodore are available in the U.S.
Thanks.
I LOVE the CTS-V.
I have wanted to buy one since they were released.
My only complaint after driving the V was the HORRIBLE shifter and "removable" shifter handle.
Since the release,
MANY owners have reported MANY problems.
This has me VERY concerned and I would feel really stupid if I bought one and had a lot of problems after reading all the negative reports.
If I could but a 2005 for $30k or less, drive it until the warranty is up, and dump it for $15k, I would be content.
However, I want to drive it daily and it NEEDS to be reliable.
NO track time, no burnouts, no powershifting, no slicks, no mods, etc.
All I want to do is add a shifter and replace brake pads and tires.
God forbid,
if my V needs warranty work,
I want a CTS or better as a loaner and ZERO hassles.
With that being said,
I don't want to deal with frequent failures and repairs.
Ok, guys.
What do all the owners, GM techs, and experts have to say.
If you feel more comfortable,
or you can't post HELPFUL information,
please PM me.
PS:
If I don't buy a used V,
I will buy a 07 G35 AWD automatic to drive until the redesigned CTS-V or Holden Commodore are available in the U.S.
Thanks.
Last edited by tt c6; 09-30-2006 at 01:35 PM.
09-29-2006, 06:03 PM
#2
You should be able to accomplish what you want with a V. Aside from the rearend, I don't think that many of the problems Vs have would make it unreliable. Maybe the leaky radiator, but nothing else. And you should easily be able to get a CTS or better for a loaner, otherwise I would find a new dealership to go to.
Jon
Jon
09-29-2006, 06:16 PM
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That's the point!
I can't have the rear, or any other componets, failing on my daily driver.
If that means I have to give up slicks, the track, burnouts, doughnuts, and even powershifting,
I will.
But,
if I give all of the above up,
the rear NEEDS to hold up as a daily driver.
If the V can't hold up to daily driven duty on cheap tires with clutch to the floor shifting, then I will get the G35x and wait for either the redesigned CTS-V or US version of the Holden Commodore to become available.
I can't have the rear, or any other componets, failing on my daily driver.
If that means I have to give up slicks, the track, burnouts, doughnuts, and even powershifting,
I will.
But,
if I give all of the above up,
the rear NEEDS to hold up as a daily driver.
If the V can't hold up to daily driven duty on cheap tires with clutch to the floor shifting, then I will get the G35x and wait for either the redesigned CTS-V or US version of the Holden Commodore to become available.
Last edited by tt c6; 09-29-2006 at 07:58 PM.
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09-30-2006, 12:57 AM
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Originally Posted by JonCR96Z
Playing the odds, huh?
There are alot of people who haven't had new rearends, some don't even experience wheel hop. Just check the claim history before you buy.
There are alot of people who haven't had new rearends, some don't even experience wheel hop. Just check the claim history before you buy.
09-30-2006, 12:51 PM
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Originally Posted by 2c5s
30k since December and no issues. I'm a firm believer that the idiots that beat the **** out of the car, break it. No matter what you buy, if you beat it, it will die.
No problems w/ mine
I quit listening to the whiners two years ago.
The only whine I listen to is my Magnusson s/c
09-30-2006, 01:25 PM
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Thanks for the replies guys.
I want to be proactive about this;
so there is NO misunderstanding.
I am NOT a troll.
I wouldn't be taking the time out of my life to read and post this info if I didn't LOVE the V and want to buy one.
I regularly destroyed rear ends on my LT1 F-body 6-speeds.
Although I never ran anything but cheap Pep Boy tires with full tire pressure,
I frequently speed shifted and loved doing burnouts and doughnuts.
I even blew the rears on my 100% stock F-bodies as well.
This was all very frustrating since my F*rd rears never blew.
(Ford went to **** when they dropped the forged pistons in 1993)
I swore I would never buy another car with a weak rear end.
Now,
I have driven a V and did burnouts and doughnuts and it did not break.
The shifter did SUCK and the handle came off while I was driving it,
but that is nothing that an aftermarket shifter can’t fix. Right?
I am willing to give up speed shifting, burnouts, and doughnuts;
but the V has got to be reliable for me to drive daily.
And,
If I buy a 05-06 for $30k now,
I have to be able to get at least $15k for it when the warranty is up.
Because,
I don’t think any of you would suggest I keep this car after the warranty is up.
Would you?
Now,
you guys say the "beating the ****" out of a car will make it break.
But,
you guys are seriously increasing the power with FI and the mods you have listed.
Isn't that "beating the ****" out of the drivetrain as well?
Let's be honest with each other,
high school kids aren't buying these cars and there are much better cars to be had for drag racing.
So, when owners claim they are not abusing their cars when the rears fail,
I am inclined to believe them.
To be frank,
I wanted to wait for the redesigned V with at least a 400hp LSx and an AUTOMATIC transmission.
I was even praying for AWD to be a new option for the V.
A redesigned V with the new interior we have been seeing along with a LS7, 6 speed paddle shift, and ALL WHEEL DRIVE, would be the ULTIMATE DAILY DRIVER.
But,
I need a low profile daily driver right now and my C6 is creating too much attention for me.
Your opinions and advice is appreciated.
Side Note:
Bob Lutz announced we will be getting the 07 Holden VE Commodore as a Pontiac Grand Prix for 2008.
It will be released to the public at February's Chicago Auto show.
Even though I don't think it will offer AWD or a fold-flat rear seat,
I would LOVE to buy this car.
I want to be proactive about this;
so there is NO misunderstanding.
I am NOT a troll.
I wouldn't be taking the time out of my life to read and post this info if I didn't LOVE the V and want to buy one.
I regularly destroyed rear ends on my LT1 F-body 6-speeds.
Although I never ran anything but cheap Pep Boy tires with full tire pressure,
I frequently speed shifted and loved doing burnouts and doughnuts.
I even blew the rears on my 100% stock F-bodies as well.
This was all very frustrating since my F*rd rears never blew.
(Ford went to **** when they dropped the forged pistons in 1993)
I swore I would never buy another car with a weak rear end.
Now,
I have driven a V and did burnouts and doughnuts and it did not break.
The shifter did SUCK and the handle came off while I was driving it,
but that is nothing that an aftermarket shifter can’t fix. Right?
I am willing to give up speed shifting, burnouts, and doughnuts;
but the V has got to be reliable for me to drive daily.
And,
If I buy a 05-06 for $30k now,
I have to be able to get at least $15k for it when the warranty is up.
Because,
I don’t think any of you would suggest I keep this car after the warranty is up.
Would you?
Now,
you guys say the "beating the ****" out of a car will make it break.
But,
you guys are seriously increasing the power with FI and the mods you have listed.
Isn't that "beating the ****" out of the drivetrain as well?
Let's be honest with each other,
high school kids aren't buying these cars and there are much better cars to be had for drag racing.
So, when owners claim they are not abusing their cars when the rears fail,
I am inclined to believe them.
To be frank,
I wanted to wait for the redesigned V with at least a 400hp LSx and an AUTOMATIC transmission.
I was even praying for AWD to be a new option for the V.
A redesigned V with the new interior we have been seeing along with a LS7, 6 speed paddle shift, and ALL WHEEL DRIVE, would be the ULTIMATE DAILY DRIVER.
But,
I need a low profile daily driver right now and my C6 is creating too much attention for me.
Your opinions and advice is appreciated.
Side Note:
Bob Lutz announced we will be getting the 07 Holden VE Commodore as a Pontiac Grand Prix for 2008.
It will be released to the public at February's Chicago Auto show.
Even though I don't think it will offer AWD or a fold-flat rear seat,
I would LOVE to buy this car.
Last edited by tt c6; 09-30-2006 at 01:32 PM.
09-30-2006, 09:56 PM
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I understand what you're asking
If you're not doing donuts and clutch drop burnouts, the drive train will hold up. If you drive it like you stole it, expect problems - but this goes for any car.
But there are much better and cheaper cars for that kind of driving. But from what you wrote, I think you know that.
If you want four doors, a degree of luxury and great handling and acceleration in a two ton car, the V fits the bill - at least it does for me.
If you're not doing donuts and clutch drop burnouts, the drive train will hold up. If you drive it like you stole it, expect problems - but this goes for any car.
But there are much better and cheaper cars for that kind of driving. But from what you wrote, I think you know that.
If you want four doors, a degree of luxury and great handling and acceleration in a two ton car, the V fits the bill - at least it does for me.
10-01-2006, 02:32 AM
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Originally Posted by 2004ctsv
I understand what you're asking
If you're not doing donuts and clutch drop burnouts, the drive train will hold up. If you drive it like you stole it, expect problems - but this goes for any car.
But there are much better and cheaper cars for that kind of driving. But from what you wrote, I think you know that.
If you want four doors, a degree of luxury and great handling and acceleration in a two ton car, the V fits the bill - at least it does for me.
If you're not doing donuts and clutch drop burnouts, the drive train will hold up. If you drive it like you stole it, expect problems - but this goes for any car.
But there are much better and cheaper cars for that kind of driving. But from what you wrote, I think you know that.
If you want four doors, a degree of luxury and great handling and acceleration in a two ton car, the V fits the bill - at least it does for me.
I appreciate the response.
Do you guys really believe that all of the owners that are having issues with their V rears are abusing their cars with cluth dumping burnouts, etc?
I am inclined to believe that V owners may screw around a little bit,
but they are not pounding their V's like they would a mustang or a camaro.
These are not cheap cars and I assume that the average V owner is a middle aged car enthusiast that appreciates the V for the touring car that it is.
I have to believe that the average V owner is not going to the track, running low psi drag radials, doing clutch dropping burnout, doughnuts, and powershifts.
10-01-2006, 09:35 AM
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Originally Posted by tt c6
Thanks.
I appreciate the response.
Do you guys really believe that all of the owners that are having issues with their V rears are abusing their cars with cluth dumping burnouts, etc?
I am inclined to believe that V owners may screw around a little bit,
but they are not pounding their V's like they would a mustang or a camaro.
These are not cheap cars and I assume that the average V owner is a middle aged car enthusiast that appreciates the V for the touring car that it is.
I have to believe that the average V owner is not going to the track, running low psi drag radials, doing clutch dropping burnout, doughnuts, and powershifts.
I appreciate the response.
Do you guys really believe that all of the owners that are having issues with their V rears are abusing their cars with cluth dumping burnouts, etc?
I am inclined to believe that V owners may screw around a little bit,
but they are not pounding their V's like they would a mustang or a camaro.
These are not cheap cars and I assume that the average V owner is a middle aged car enthusiast that appreciates the V for the touring car that it is.
I have to believe that the average V owner is not going to the track, running low psi drag radials, doing clutch dropping burnout, doughnuts, and powershifts.
It seems to me, the avg. V owner that was having problems with parts breakage.... was middle aged and the V was the first car they owned that they thought was fast. In short, they beat the cars up.
10-01-2006, 06:32 PM
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Well,
I totally understand where you are coming from though I haven't had any problems with my V yet and I've donw mods to the car. However, I am waiting......if it happens it happens thats why I have a 6yr/100k mile ) ded warranty and a dealer who overlooks certain items since there are problems relating to this car that are already documented.
Lifes a gamble, the car is awesome for what it it. Hey I've been driving all ///M Bimmers for over 15 years and now I'm in a Caddy not my 1st but definitely my best!!! Plus you need to compare apples to apples when choosing a car, price range and what you get with it. Good Luck!!
Paul
I totally understand where you are coming from though I haven't had any problems with my V yet and I've donw mods to the car. However, I am waiting......if it happens it happens thats why I have a 6yr/100k mile ) ded warranty and a dealer who overlooks certain items since there are problems relating to this car that are already documented.
Lifes a gamble, the car is awesome for what it it. Hey I've been driving all ///M Bimmers for over 15 years and now I'm in a Caddy not my 1st but definitely my best!!! Plus you need to compare apples to apples when choosing a car, price range and what you get with it. Good Luck!!
Paul
10-03-2006, 05:49 PM
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Originally Posted by TNT V
Buy the G35x! 
THIS VERY FORUM IS THE REASON I HAVE DOUBTS ABOUT THE V AND IT"S RELIABILITY !!!!
If I really wanted the G35x,
I would have bought it already.
I posted what I want.
I want a V that will be reliable for daily driving.
I want to pick up a 05+ V for $30k or less, drive it till the warranty is up, and then dump it for $15k.
If what I want is impossible,
I will buy a G35x and wait for the resedigned CTS-V of the US version of the Holden VE Commodore.
10-03-2006, 09:06 PM
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Originally Posted by tt c6
I want a V that will be reliable for daily driving.
I want to pick up a 05+ V for $30k or less, drive it till the warranty is up, and then dump it for $15k.
I want to pick up a 05+ V for $30k or less, drive it till the warranty is up, and then dump it for $15k.
If I hadn't bought one of the first ones available, I was going to wait a year or so and buy a used V.
A word of caution, know who you're buying from. But that goes for any performance car. I would want to know why someone was getting rid of a one or two year old car.
BTW - with the s/c, I don't hammer it from a dead stop but I love wot in 3rd and 4th.