Quick poll: Would you rather have a Cadillac Cimarron, a Cadillac Catera, or a 500+ horsepower Cadillac STS-V? Let’s see those hands. 1, 2, 49, and now we’re up to 300,884. Ok, I think we have a clear winner. This 2006 Cadillac STS-V is posted here on craigslist in Glenmoore, Pennsylvania, and the seller is asking $14,000. Here is the original listing, and thanks to Mitchell G. for the tip!
I’m a big Cimarron guy, but even for me, that poll was pretty easy. The Opel-based Catera was never on my radar, but I’ve heard some good things about them from previous owners. The Cimarron is mainly for the unusual factor; the comparison between that car and an STS, especially an STS-V, is otherworldly, and not really fair, now that I think about it. The smaller CTS-V would be more fair. One thing I noticed is that “rebuilt” is listed under the title heading on the craigslist ad.
The STS is said to stand for Seville Touring Sedan, and Cadillac offered this model from 2004 for the 2005 model year until the end of 2011 here in the U.S. The high-performance “V” version was offered beginning in 2005 until the end of 2009, and I haven’t seen one in years. Design-wise, I really like the crisp styling of the STS and CTS era of the mid-2000s. The STS was a bit bigger than the CTS and was based on the Seville. Here’s what the trunk looks like inside, by the way.
This looks like a really nice example. A big difference between the CTS and STS is that these cars only came with a GM 6L80-speed automatic, rather than the 6-speed manual that most would rather have. The seller says that the transmission is new as of 2,000 miles ago and is still under warranty, so that’s good, right? The rest of the interior looks great, down to the back seat.
Yowsa! This isn’t a stock engine bay; this 4.4-liter Northstar V8 is supercharged and would have had 469 horsepower and 439 lb-ft of torque, but it’s been modified a bit with what appears to be a Research & Design D3 supercharger. The seller says it puts out 500 horsepower. A 4.4-second 0-60 time is very impressive even today, for a decade ago that was nuts, and this car has even more power than it did from the factory. Power is sent to the rear wheels, and it has a new serpentine belt and synthetic oil change, according to the seller, who says they’ve owned it for three years. Any thoughts on this upgraded STS-V?
Great write-up, Scotty.
I love these things but they are way out of my price range.
This one seemed too cheap until I saw that the title is rebuilt, and I would probably would opt for one without the engine mods but the price still seems a little low.
The CTS-V’s I’ve been looking at are $30k for an older one to above $100k for a 2019.
I could get almost new Corvette for $100k.
Anyway GLWTS
After reading Cadman’s comment below I realized I confused this STS with a CTS.
That would explain my price confusion. The ask is pretty close to the value given by KBB VG condition for this car.
So ignore my previous babbling…
First Gen CTS-Vs are maybe $15k-$25K depending on miles and condition. I paid $10k for mine 5 years ago that had a few cosmetic issues to sort out.
I like the car but I’m not very fussy about the induction system. You could destroy the driveline with very little effort. However, the car looks to be well looked after. It’s somewhat similar to the early 80s Eldorado I always had an eye for…
Nothing against these but that North Star engine I had reservations. So I went for the CTS -V it’s an 05 and have had no regrets. It’s the LS6 so it’s a hoot with the six speed manual transmission. Put close to 50 thousand miles on it and other than the typical LS harmonic balancer it’s been a solid used car.This a good looking sedan and some new owner should get some smiles per mile and that’s what it’s all about.
This Era Northstar has no problems many have gone over 200,000 miles . Very strong reliable engine. Not to be confused with early 90s northstars
Maybe it’s just me, but getting excited over a badly overstuffed Chevy Cadavalier, which is what the Cimarron was, is something that’s not going to happen. About the STS-V, it was proof that Cadillac could make a performance luxury car when they put their mind to it. About this particular unit, three things worry me. Why did the transmission fail? Those are pretty robust units. It’s got a rebuilt title, so what’s the story there? And the Northstar engine is supercharged. That’s about the last engine I’d supercharge due to its past history.
Dogs, cats. Red, blue. We all like what we like, Terrry. The Cimarron was about the oddball factor for me. I hope we can all agree that people like what they like, it’s just their personal preference.
You said it best when your opening line, “Maybe it’s just me…” That’s exactly the point, you don’t like them, and that’s 100% ok with me.
Caddy purposely redid the Northstar with longer course headbolts in 2003. The supercharger Northstar has seen 700 plus rear wheel horsepower with no issues.
I think you might be on to something, connecting the new 6L80 with the oversized supercharger. It’s just a feeling, but the 6L80 was purported to be a great Automatic Transmission. And yet, it’s been replaced. I’m not accusing: Inquiring minds need to know….
These CTS-V’s are destined to be future collectibles, especially wagons and stick shifts. I’m not sure about prices, but the performance LS’s are great engines, once you get past the less than attractive look.
Steve R
I have to admit, Cadillac was really trying to get some high performance vehicles in their lineup. Their edgy design caught my eye too back then, and going back to RWD as well, you could tell they ( Cadillac) meant business. I knew of one guy who had a really nice blue STS and I admired it. You have another great write up here Scotty, I enjoyed it. Thank you.
I had a Catera. On paper it looked like a good car. I’ve owned dozens of cars in my life, and “the Caddy that zigs” was without question the absolute WORST automobile on the planet. I would pull into the service dept at my Cadillac dealer so often that Kevin the service intake guy knew me by sight. I would list the all the problems but it would take far too much time
The Catera was a fine car in Germany. When Cadillac brought it here they added all the bells and whistles such as power windows and door looks. Those were big problems. The worse thing GM did was to not tell buyers the timing belt had to be changed at 60000 miles. People bought them and the timing belts let go and GM said sorry it’s out of warranty. Then GM finally stood up and took care of them but the damage had been done. I liked the cars driving and handling but I will not buy a GM product any longer. Too many problems today and the repair prices have gone thru the roof for parts etc.
Good write up, Scott! Finally, someone who actually knows what the letter models stood for.
STS Seville Touring Sedan
DTS. de Ville Touring Sedan
CTS. Catera Touring Sedan
Once we got into the 2000s Cadillac kinda lost me with things like XT5 and the names they used for their SUVs.
The XLR should stand for Experimental Luxury Roadster but that’s just in my head. There’s a lot going on up there and its not all good.
I have a lot of things going on up there too in my “attic”, but unfortunately, the elevator is getting a little bit slower, bringing them down
I have always loved these V series Caddys since the CTS-V made its debut. It has been on the bucket list ever since. Especially the wagon version with manual transmission.
Thanks Scotty for featuring this one. I don’t think I’ve ever seen an STS-V up close.