thinking of a new car.... (with me, this is a long story...)

[V]

As some of you may have noticed my SKY Redline is up for sale...
Ive realized I want a car with a little more practicality as a daily driver.
When i am home in Dec, I'll be selling off my Denali so that'll be gone soon enough too.

Now the thing is, picking the right car for me... possible the hardest thing in the world to do... (having owned 60+ cars to date)...

My only requirements are dealer sold, 4 doors, somewhat luxury based, between years 2004-2007 and around $25k. (car is intended to remain stock for the most part)

With that in mind, I started out with decent sized list...

Audi A4
Cadillac STS
Cadillac CTS
Chrysler 300
Dodge Charger
Dodge Magnum
Infiniti G35 x sedan
Infiniti M35 sedan
Jaguar X type
Jaguar S type
Lincoln LS
Mitsubishi Lancer Evo
Pontiac G8
Subaru WRX
Volvo S60


Believe it or not, certain years of those cars, mileage varying(most with certified warranties) fit into my price requirement.

so then i started looking online at pictures of all these, picking out things i didn't like or i like about each...

Dislikes:
Audi got canned due to too "blah" styling.
CTS shot down since the STS in my mind is a step up.
The Lancer got nixed due to a cheap looking interior.
Lincoln LS got a no, since i wont buy a ford based product.
Infiniti had blah styling inside and out for my taste.
I hate the radio on the Jag x type
Nose of the s type takes a lot to get used to.
WRX is a car every ricer and their mom has...

Likes:
STS has the 4.6 northstar option.
300, Charger and Magnum have r/t srt8 variations
G8 has a GT option
S60 R is a quick car.

so that left 6....

the G8 for some reason doesnt do it for me, i cant put my finger on it, plus they are hard to come by at my price range as of now, even though i found a handful. so... thats out.

The volvo s60 R.. 5cylinder turbo...mmm sweet, but rare, once again that jacks up price and hard to find... byebye volvo s60r

Chrysler 300... wants to be a rolls royce too much, i cant drive a car with an identity crisis even with a 6.1l hemi... sorry, thats a no go.

Dodge charger, my friend had a '05 R/t was a very nice car, i even stole it once and gave Kasey a ride, moves for what it is and comfy on long trips to NC when he had it. problem is, my friend had one, i dont like doing that, i like my unique stuff... so no charger...

Now, Down to only 2, and this is the point at which I am now... but i think im leaning towards one.

1st.. 2005-2006 Cadillac STS, with 4.6 Northstar V8 rwd.
In '98 i rocked a 95 STS, one of my most favorite cars ive owned.
I'd love to get back into an STS. Its just "classy". Interior is sweet. Heated seats. Only thing that gets me kinda is the ford fusion looking front grille... lol

2nd.. 2005-2006 Dodge Magnum, in either r/t or SRT8 trim. Suprisingly, ive came across several SRT8s, certified with at least 40k miles of warranty left AND in my price range. navi, 20" wheels, 425 hp hemi... that makes a good opening debate for me. heated seats as well. The extra cargo space would be a plus for me too since im always buying/selling/transporting parts. Definately a vehicle thats unique.



SO..........In sept, when im on R&R, the SKY will be coming out and visiting some local Caddy and Dodge dealers... possibly staying at one, and i'll be rocking something new to me(STS or magnum SRT8) as early as then....

...see how picky i am... haha :twisted:

if you have any other vehicle suggestions, let me know, ill post up why i didnt consider them or perhaps i overlooked some make/model.

[sweetbmxrider]

first, 300 = bentley :mrgreen:

caddys are ballin, as soon as i saw it on your list, i knew it would be a choice in the end.

magnums are sweet but since they have massive wheels, they eat tie rod ends. also, if you end up with brembos, they eat those suckers too and are rather $$$ and also tend to develop p/s leaks for the obvious

best of luck in the choice though, both are very nice

[V]

ah yes, Bently is what i meant. lol


...its def gonna be a toss up, but the magnums hp advantage will only help it.
and i like the 06-07 srt8s... not much visible exterior differences... shave the badges and no one would know...

[maroman88]

MMmmMMmmmm caddy FTW, while i also love the magnum, im saving that car for when i have kids :)

[V]

IF i can find a STS-V... (which would be a miracle) then theres no competition.. 469hp mmhmm.

[Camvill]

g8 or evo. The funniest car i have ever driven was a evo i would take it out for a test drive then see what you think. Just my 2 cents

[Ian]

FYI a set of front brake pads for an SRT-8 is going to run you about $400. That is just for the pads! the rotors aren't cheap either and they can't be machined according to chrysler.

if you are even remotely concerned about fuel mileage, skip the SRT-8.

ETA: its too bad you wont consider the WRX, those are great cars.

[V]

ive driven an evo 8. i did like it, i even almost bought a evo MR brand new. its just the interior stills screams cheap to me. im getting older, i want the luxury now too. lol


EVO interior.....
http://images4.ecarlist.com/photos/974_338018/640/15.jpg


STS interior....

http://i.ebayimg.com/13/%21BUSUeJ%21B2k%7E$%28KGrHgoH-DIEjlLlul7eBKMtcUQysQ%7E%7E_1.JPG




after looking at hundreds of pictures, the caddy is pulling into the lead decently.. even just the 320hp v8... in black on black.. a sick car, the grille blends away then... lol... or swap in a v series grille/bumpers...





Ian...hmm thats good to know about the brakes.... that def comes into play....
gas mileage isnt a main concern though, but also good to know.


i think after admiring these pics.... i made up my mind....

http://i.ebayimg.com/06/%21BUSUDtg%21Wk%7E$%28KGrHgoH-CMEjlLly1TnBKMtZ3p,s%21%7E%7E_1.JPG
http://i.ebayimg.com/05/%21BUSUOBw%21mk%7E$%28KGrHgoH-CcEjlLlzSkuBKMt,4K,KQ%7E%7E_1.JPG
http://i.ebayimg.com/08/%21BUSUTpQ%21mk%7E$%28KGrHgoH-DgEjlLlgJ6SBKMtb%28uwfw%7E%7E_1.JPG


this particular black sts is from a private seller though, 67k miles, 15,999 obo....

[V]

heres my old STS... taken in '99 or early 2000

i found a stock one to park it next to... straight pipes are kinda noticeable(square zr1 tips)...lol...

ran 13.8, had 5%tints all around, Killer FX was our local lil car club, says Cadillac on the back window.
clear bulbs in front directionals, no stupid front bumper stubs, no plate, smaller superwhite fogs...

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d50/SmokingSS/STS2.jpg
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d50/SmokingSS/STS.jpg

[Squirrel]

Caddy no questions
/thread

[Knipps]

If I ever get a G8 it's getting the Holden bumper

http://img35.imageshack.us/img35/9308/holdenve1.jpg




The STS would definitely get my pick over the Magnum

[Anti_Rice_Guy]

The STS would definitely get my pick over the Magnum

:nod:

STS-V if possible

[Tru2Chevy]

Blacked out STS would be pretty damn nice Paul. And a V series would be icing on the cake.

- Justin

[Blackbirdws6]

I would go with the Caddy STS. One of those cars which you will prob. not mod with any seriousness also. I would obviously recommend a G8 since you can steal a GT pretty cheap these days. You may mod that car so my choice is still the Caddy. Comfortable ride, respectable performance and great looks. If you find a V...all the better.

[Crayface]

i would go with the Evo, next year im planning on buying a new Evo

[Jersey Mike]

STS is a heavy pig.
I owned a V6 3.6L CTS from 06-early 09. Lease ended a few months ago.
V6 CTSes can be had for as little as 7k for 3.2L V6, to low 20s for 2007 (last year of 1st gen) 3.6L V6.


I *loved* my CTS. Amazing car. Snow sucked, but it was a small price to pay for the other 350+ amazing days of the year.



For 25k, you can get a 2004-2005 CTS-V. LS6, 6speed T56, 400HP crank, fully loaded with Navigation, Sunroof, Heated seats, Suede interior, Bose (all these features were *stock* on CTS-V's).
The V won't disappoint you, and the Cadillac wreath is a nice reminder of the luxury roots.

[Squirrel]

WTF

i said /thread!!

[MonmouthCtyAntz]

Evo ftw

[Savage_Messiah]

I would go with the Caddy STS. One of those cars which you will prob. not mod with any seriousness also.


L O L

[Teds89IROC]

Caddy all the way

[BigAls87Z28]

Total failure.
Scratch the STS...ugh
Grab a 2008 CTS with DI. Tons better quality then the STS, same options, better handling, same performance of teh Northstar with better economy.
2008 CTS 3.6 SIDI RWD 6spd auto.

Stay away from any of teh LX cars. Charger/300/Magnum.
S60R would be cool, but can be expensive to repair.

[Jersey Mike]

a 95 degree day back in late April.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MTcNOlsQOMU&feature=channel_page

2006 CTS - 3.6L, K&N intake kit, custom catback with only 1 magnaflow center muffler
200? STS - V6 (not the V8 you're looking at), bone stock, weighed in at 43050llbs
2004 CTSV - V8 LS6, K&N & catback

that was me in the T/A. Pitiful performance, I know, but in my defense it was my first time at a track so I didn't know how to read the tree or launch :p

[BigAls87Z28]

D3 performance makes a kit to boost the power of the 3.6 SIDI engine from 304 to 340hp.

[Jersey Mike]

D3 performance makes a kit to boost the power of the 3.6 SIDI engine from 304 to 340hp.

D3 specializes in rimz and b0dykitz :lol:
They've promised a supercharger to the gen2 CTS guys for close to 2 years. Their "Cold Air Intake Kit" that they were charging $400+ for was a K&N filter and a piece of HomeDepot tubing with a "D3" sticker.
Then there was the spark plug debacle... :lol:
They are a big joke over on the cadillac forums (even though Mark @ D3 is a good guy).


*edit*
their site hasn't changed in a long time: http://www.d3cadillac.com/

[V]

yea.... i think dodge chryslers products are out... now its just deciding which caddy...lol

I would def get a CTS-v IF i can find one in my price range at a dealer, from what ive found, they still go for 29-32k for a 2004-2005.

i found a very few sts-v cars, but they still in the 32-37k range(05/06)

i could rock a v6 sts IF i did a v series body "conversion" lol( big mod, so thats bad )

And, im saying dealer all this time because most likely i wont be able to sell my SKY privately and id trade it in. its trade in value is right around 23k. so i could drop a few extra grand so basically i wont be upside down on my loan, id get a car i could use more, (translates as: something new and shiny to distract me for a year or so) lol, and keep my payments the same for the same length of time.

i breifly thought about a lease but dont know how good they are. For a person like me who wants a diff car every year, it may be good... i dunno, opinions? i wouldnt mind trading in the sky to dump it, and picking up a 3 year lease... IF payments are reasonable.

problem with a v6 CTS(03-07) would be that id want to eventually do a v8 swap...
the sky was gonna get an LSx motor when i paid it off.... i cant avoid large mods. haha

anyways, find me an '05 cts-v, at a dealer, in sept, used certified, under 50kmiles, for 25k and ill buy it... 'nuff said

otherwise ill look at STS's and CTS's. (only reason in my mind for a cts would be because i could get a 05-06 cheaper than a same year STS to save some money... i wouldnt be concerned with DI, sorry Al.)


edit: oh actually there is kind of a reason i was staying away from a CTSv... cause i know id be to easy to drop my SS motor out and put it in the caddy(and start breaking rears). ive been planning on building an iron block boosted LSx motor for the SS one day... a ctsv would be too easy of an excuse... i couldnt control myself enough to leave it stock, honestly.

[Jersey Mike]

... now its just deciding which caddy...lol

I would def get a CTS-v IF i can find one in my price range at a dealer, from what ive found, they still go for 29-32k for a 2004-2005.

i found a very few sts-v cars, but they still in the 32-37k range(05/06)

i could rock a v6 sts IF i did a v series body "conversion" lol( big mod, so thats bad )

And, im saying dealer all this time because most likely i wont be able to sell my SKY privately and id trade it in. its trade in value is right around 23k. so i could drop a few extra grand so basically i wont be upside down on my loan, id get a car i could use more, (translates as: something new and shiny to distract me for a year or so) lol, and keep my payments the same for the same length of time.

i breifly thought about a lease but dont know how good they are. For a person like me who wants a diff car every year, it may be good... i dunno, opinions? i wouldnt mind trading in the sky to dump it, and picking up a 3 year lease... IF payments are reasonable.

problem with a v6 CTS(03-07) would be that id want to eventually do a v8 swap... (<<<< for the price, you're better off just spending an extra couple thousand and getting a V from the get-go)
the sky was gonna get an LSx motor when i paid it off.... i cant avoid large mods. haha

anyways, find me an '05 cts-v, at a dealer, in sept, used certified, under 50kmiles, for 25k and ill buy it... 'nuff said

otherwise ill look at STS's and CTS's. (only reason in my mind for a cts would be because i could get a 05-06 cheaper than a same year STS to save some money... i wouldnt be concerned with DI, sorry Al.)

The banner at cadillacowners.com randomly features certain items in the classifieds. This was one of them: http://www.cadillacforums.com/cadillac-classifieds/showproduct.php/product/5297/cat/23/page/1
( ^ ^ just to give you an idea of what the market for these cars is like right now)
2005, CTS-V, Certified Pre-Owned, 53,331 miles, asking $20,000.

It's not a dealership, but it serves just to give ya an idea.

if you're in Northern NJ, check out Brogan Cadillac on Rt. 46

[V]

Originally Posted by Blackbirdws6 http://www.njfboa.org/forums/images/buttons/viewpost.gif (http://www.njfboa.org/forums/showthread.php?p=602431#post602431)
I would go with the Caddy STS. One of those cars which you will prob. not mod with any seriousness also.

L O L


id have to agree with kasey on this one...
when i had my 95 STS, it had corvette zr1 "mufflers", accel coil packs, gutted air box, modded trans solenoids, custom traction control deactivation switch, and a few other mods.
I was also in contact with paxton and NOS directly about custom applications for a northstar.
did u know a ls1 dry system would theoretically work with the dry intake manifold an tb setup on a northstar due to its similarities to an lsx motor... and a paxton head unit could be mounted on the drivers side after moving the air box and running a pulley/shaft drive from the belt on the passenger side?... yeaaaa....
lol

[V]

The banner at cadillacowners.com randomly features certain items in the classifieds. This was one of them: http://www.cadillacforums.com/cadillac-classifieds/showproduct.php/product/5297/cat/23/page/1
( ^ ^ just to give you an idea of what the market for these cars is like right now)
2005, CTS-V, Certified Pre-Owned, 53,331 miles, asking $20,000.

It's not a dealership, but it serves just to give ya an idea.

if you're in Northern NJ, check out Brogan Cadillac on Rt. 46

exactly, a v would be worth the extra grand over doing a swap, but i dont wanna put the extra money out there right now.
i'm picking up my 2010 Harley in jan, and trying to pay that off quick.

if that cts is not at a caddy dealer, its not certified, it MUST have a warranty of some kind.
also i posted up after u replied about my main issue with a ctsv(putting my ss motor in it)
i bought my 95 from brogan in ridgewood in '98, they are since out of business, but i have been checking brogan on 46s inventory along with martin cadillac and others in the area.


edit: just read that ad, i have no idea how a private seller can call a car certified and extend the warranty to 100k... doesnt seem right

[Jersey Mike]

Yeah... maybe you should stay away from a V... the LSx really do have too much mod potential :lol:

[JerzyIroc]

WHEN DOES THE WARRANTY RUN OUT?
The warranty runs out 6yrs from the in service date (2/14/06), so that gives you until Feb 2012 or 100,000miles.

HOW LONG HAVE YOU OWNED THE CAR?
I have owned the car since Nov 9, 2007. I bought it certified pre-owned with 17,000 miles. The previous owner had the car on a lease and it was turned in with low mileage.

I copied that from his ad. He bought it pre-owned certified. So i guess he's assuming that warranty is transferable.

[V]

WHEN DOES THE WARRANTY RUN OUT?
The warranty runs out 6yrs from the in service date (2/14/06), so that gives you until Feb 2012 or 100,000miles.

HOW LONG HAVE YOU OWNED THE CAR?
I have owned the car since Nov 9, 2007. I bought it certified pre-owned with 17,000 miles. The previous owner had the car on a lease and it was turned in with low mileage.

I copied that from his ad. He bought it pre-owned certified. So i guess he's assuming that warranty is transferable.


ah ok... good catch lol, but yea i dunno if it is transferable. makes sense though.

[V]

ok, i made up my mind...

2005 CTS 3.6l v6
heated seats, navi, moonroof..
hopefully black on black, and of course certified used.
going rate seems to be around $18,900.

im gonna stick with caddy for the luxury, but the CTS because it is cheaper than an sts, and this is the time i want to be saving up for buying a house in 2012.

[Jersey Mike]

register on caddillacowners.com ...but beware, since an 03 CTS can be had for as little as 8k nowadays, the "bling-bling" crowd is all over it. I swear every other thread in CTS is turning into a Rimz thread and everyone is labeled as a "hater" if they don't like 22s and chrome pillars :shock:


but aside from that, you'll enjoy the car a lot, I'm sure. :nod:

[V]

'03's cant qualify for Cadillac's certified program plus they have a smaller displacement v6.

I'll be happy with factory 17" wheels. Car will get 5% tints all around and all lights smoked, maybe even powdercoated black wheels, or ill just paint the stockers like i did with my denali. looks awesome, and held up great through a rough winter.
maybe i'll even do some type of streo upgrade but other than that, stock it wil stay.

[Jersey Mike]

Smoking-
I wouldn't recommend the 3.2L to any one, that's not what I meant.
My post was meant to refer you to an active & helpful form while also warning you of the inevitable "urban perfection" threads (since 03-07 CTS are all lumped in the same forum).


heres a quick example from the 2008 CTS forum :lol: :
http://img198.imageshack.us/img198/2892/dsc00565z.jpg


The trunk open like that is actually a "mod." :| This crap is spreading to the 1st gen CTS forum too...

[V]

Smoking-
I wouldn't recommend the 3.2L to any one, that's not what I meant.
My post was meant to refer you to an active & helpful form while also warning you of the inevitable "urban perfection" threads (since 03-07 CTS are all lumped in the same forum).



ah ok, now i got ya. yea, i never liked car forums other than this one.
i left ls1tech because everyone always tried one upping everyone else. it got old. fullsizechevy is just about lifted or lowered trucks, no real help ever, skyroadster.com is all middle aged people who think the sky is the greatest car ever built, gimme a break. i'd just stay away from caddy forums all together because it isnt worth it to me. i have the abiity to fix anything myself and custom mods id think up/do myself.


as for the "look" i'm going for... "murdered out" would best describe it. lol.
heres how my Denali looks...

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d50/SmokingSS/DSC00800.jpg

[BigAls87Z28]

05 CTS, good call. At 18k, great price.

[CamaroJoe1987]

Audi A4
Cadillac STS
Cadillac CTS
Chrysler 300
Dodge Charger
Dodge Magnum
Infiniti G35 x sedan
Infiniti M35 sedan
Jaguar X type
Jaguar S type
Lincoln LS
Mitsubishi Lancer Evo
Pontiac G8
Subaru WRX
Volvo S60

the A4 is too small, my friends mother has one. if you want american, go with the CTS or the 300, both cars have a soft/smooth ride, and very comfertable and roomy. the G35x has a pretty good AWD system. i dont know much about the new G8 to say anything. but if your looking for handling and AWD, go with the subaru hands down, their AWD is amazing, with my experience, the steering is a lil stiff but not enough to spoil the drive.

[Jersey Mike]

Nice Denali, Smokin. Hope you don't try to do that (snow) with the CTS though :lol:

[Jersey Mike]

Saw this just now and thought of you, Smoking...
http://www.cadillacforums.com/forums/cadillac-cts-v-series-forum-2004/172574-herss-car-i-bought.html