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Entry Level Luxury Performance Sedans

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What is this discussion about? BMW 3 Series, Infiniti G37, Acura TL, Lexus IS 350, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Cadillac CTS, Volvo S60, Audi A4, Acura TSX, Car Comparisons, Sedan

Messages Page 1040 of 1610

#10383 of 16087 Buyer Beware by circlew

Sep 26, 2007 (11:52 am)

2003-2006 Cadillac CTS Reliability
Trouble Spots
Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer, however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.
Automatic transmission: The transmission may quit working due to fluid loss caused by the output flange nut coming loose. (2003-04)
Battery: The battery may go dead overnight if the brightness lever for the panel lights is set to bright and inadvertently goes far enough to power up the dash integration module, but not far enough to turn on the courtesy lights inside the car. (2003-04)
Electrical problem: The fuel gauge will read empty after filling up if the engine is left running. Trouble codes may also be set which will have to be cleared by the dealer. (2003)
Engine noise: The brackets attached to the catalytic converter may crack or break resulting in a rattle or buzzing noise that seems to come from the engine compartment. (2003-04)
Steering problems: -Service Steering System+ warning light comes on because of failure of the variable effort steering solenoid. (2003)
Water leak: Passenger side carpet gets wet in winter due to ice forming in the HVAC plenum drain hose unless it is modified. (2003)
Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs
This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership to be slightly higher.
Item Name Repair Cost
A/C Compressor $750
Alternator $460
Automatic Transmission or Transaxle $3,550
Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing $0
Constant Velocity Joints $1,550
Exhaust System $565
Radiator $780
Shocks and/or Struts $2,710
Timing Chain or Belt $750
NHTSA Recall History
2004: Driver+s frontal airbag and/or roof-mounted side-impact airbag in some cars could deploy when ignition key is turned to -on+ position.
2004: Washers for ball stud assemblies on lower control arm of some cars could fracture; separation of control arm from its knuckle will cause a corner of the vehicle to drop, and control arm may contact the wheel, resulting in dragging action and unwanted tendency to turn.
 
What makes anyone think this will change in 2008??
 
Regards,
OW

#10384 of 16087 Re: 3990 lbs?! [blueguydotcom] by louiswei

Sep 26, 2007 (12:13 pm)

Replying to: blueguydotcom (Sep 26, 2007 11:27 am)
Well, who said that GM has to beat 335i/535i in acceleration with this new car. Granted that I LOVE straight line performance but I understand that not everyone is like me. There are people who value ride comfort, nice interior, sleek looking exterior (I am not saying CTS has one) and gadgets. The new CTS could by far has the best infotainment system in this class. I know that you don't value those much, for you it's handling and handling only but at the end of the day you are only one buyer out of millions. If people like you consist about 50% of the buying population then I'll start questioning Caddy for not making a 3-series replica.
 
The new CTS will not be my choice if I am buying a car today. As matter of fact it won't even be the top 3 choices on my list. However, I do give credit when credit is due and I say kudos to GM for providing another alternative for this segment. More power to the buyer.

#10385 of 16087 Buyer Beware Part 2 by louiswei

Sep 26, 2007 (12:21 pm)

Replying to: circlew (Sep 26, 2007 11:52 am)
1999-2005 BMW 3-Series Reliability
Trouble Spots
Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer, however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.
Engine knock: The 3.2-L (S54) engine reportedly suffers connecting-rod-bearing failures at a higher than normal rate, perhaps because some car owners are not using the required 10W-60 synthetic oil which is not readily available in the aftermarket. BMW is extending the warranty to 6 years/100,000 miles, (2001-03)
Exhaust system: BMW issued a voluntary emissions recall to replace faulty crankshaft position sensors. (1999)
Steering noise: Steering wheel buzzes or vibrates due to poor isolation of the power steering pump. (1999)
Transmission leak: Manual transmissions' drain plugs may leak. BMW also suggests replacing the fill plug. (1999)
Transmission slippage: Transmission may slip and/or check-engine light may glow due to torque converter clutch (TCC) slipping and/or TCC solenoid failure. (1999)
Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs
This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership to be slightly higher.
  
Item Name Repair Cost
  
A/C Compressor $770
  
Alternator $640
  
Automatic Transmission or Transaxle $810
  
Brakes $445
  
Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing $725
  
Constant Velocity Joints $1,235
  
Exhaust System $895
  
Radiator $650
  
Shocks and/or Struts $1,320
  
Timing Chain or Belt $415
  
 
NHTSA Recall History
1999 323i/328i: Retaining clip that secures brake-booster pushrod to brake-pedal arm could detach from pin, allowing pushrod to disconnect, causing brake failure.
1999: Side airbag system is unduly sensitive to certain noncrash impacts, such as contacting large potholes or curbs at substantial speed; could deploy without an actual side crash. Battery Safety Terminal could also activate, disconnecting starter cable from battery, so engine could not be restarted after being shut off.
2000 323i/328i: Brake-lamp switch could fail internally, remaining either in "off" or "on" position; brake lamps would then either not operate or be continuously illuminated.
2001 315i/335i: On some vehicles, tires could lose air suddenly, affecting vehicle control.
2001 M3: Screws could fall into the parking-brake drum, reducing effectiveness or making screeching noises.
2001: Failure of engine-fan motor can cause electrical circuitry to overload and fail, causing fan to stop operating, with consequent engine overheating and possible engine damage.
2002 325Xi: There may be a crack in the rear brake rotor(s) that could expand due to braking torque, separating the brake drum from the disc.
2002 325i, 330i: The front strut could separate from the upper mount due to an improperly installed thrust bearing.
2003 325Ci/330i: Antiwindow pinching devices are not functioning properly on some vehicles. Dealer will inspect and replace all affected parts.
 
What makes anyone think this will change for the E90?
 
This is so pointless, I can make this argument about every car out there.

#10386 of 16087 Re: Buyer Beware [circlew] by mz6greyghost

Sep 26, 2007 (12:34 pm)

Replying to: circlew (Sep 26, 2007 11:52 am)
What makes anyone think this will change in 2008??
 
What makes you think this WON'T??
 
Let's be fair here. If you can find out the info for the CTS, then post up the info from CG for the other cars on the list, notably the 3-series, C-class, IS, and G35.
 
Edit: Thank you louiswei

#10387 of 16087 Re: Buyer Beware Part 2 [louiswei] by imidazol97

Sep 26, 2007 (12:42 pm)

Replying to: louiswei (Sep 26, 2007 12:21 pm)
Thank you for posting.

#10388 of 16087 Re: Buyer Beware [mz6greyghost] by circlew

Sep 26, 2007 (1:10 pm)

Replying to: mz6greyghost (Sep 26, 2007 12:34 pm)
What makes you think this WON'T??

 
Because of GM's business model. As you can see, the cts had way more serious issues. I checked before I posted.
 
Anyone can find out the issues of all cars in the ELLPS category. Thanks for the feedback.
 
Regards,
OW

#10389 of 16087 Re: Buyer Beware Part 2 [louiswei] by kdshapiro

Sep 26, 2007 (1:11 pm)

Replying to: louiswei (Sep 26, 2007 12:21 pm)
Do you notice the only issue of substance related to this conversation is for 2002? The M3 and 323 are so far removed from this discussion to be meaningless.

#10390 of 16087 Re: Buyer Beware Part 2 [kdshapiro] by texases

Sep 26, 2007 (1:13 pm)

Replying to: kdshapiro (Sep 26, 2007 1:11 pm)
I put the Caddy, BMW, and MB in the same poor pot, based on a number of years of CR surveys.

#10391 of 16087 Re: Buyer Beware Part 2 [texases] by circlew

Sep 26, 2007 (1:17 pm)

Replying to: texases (Sep 26, 2007 1:13 pm)
Agree. Asian is top, german next, US dead last, as usual. The dead last spot comes from many years of personal experience.
 
Regards,
OW

#10392 of 16087 Re: 3990 lbs?! [louiswei] by blueguydotcom

Sep 26, 2007 (1:18 pm)

Replying to: louiswei (Sep 26, 2007 12:13 pm)
Well, who said that GM has to beat 335i/535i in acceleration with this new car.
 
The law of the jungle. The escalating arms race necessitates that eventually somebody will produce a car with a Pratt and Whitney 50,000 HP turbine. I want to see that day and bask in the soul-warming heat of a jet-fuel-driven engine's exhaust.
 
The new CTS could by far has the best infotainment system in this class.
 
I don't even understand that. It's all just pops and bleeps to me unless you're outfitting the car with 50 caliber machine guns so I can take down accident lookie-loos and idiots that won't use turn signals.

Messages Page 1040 of 1610

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