MAC Posted July 11, 2009 Report Share Posted July 11, 2009 I want to buy a OBD-II code reader (preferably under $100) that will work with a 2005 STS, V8. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BodybyFisher Posted July 11, 2009 Report Share Posted July 11, 2009 I want to buy a OBD-II code reader (preferably under $100) that will work with a 2005 STS, V8. Mac did you buy the 05 STS?, I remember you saw one, but I didnt know you bought it Mac, this thread was started the other day, http://caddyinfo.ipbhost.com/index.php?showtopic=22340 Pre-1995 - DTC codes OBD1 >> 1996 and newer - DTC codes OBD2 >> https://www.obd-codes.com/trouble_codes/gm/obd_codes.htm How to check for codes Caddyinfo How To Technical Archive >> http://www.caddyinfo.com/wordpress/cadillac-how-to-faq/ Cadillac History & Specifications Year by Year http://www.motorera.com/cadillac/index.htm Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bigjayzway Posted July 11, 2009 Report Share Posted July 11, 2009 I want to buy a OBD-II code reader (preferably under $100) that will work with a 2005 STS, V8. I have seen several good ones on Ebay for a really good price. Life is too short to grow up! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BodybyFisher Posted July 11, 2009 Report Share Posted July 11, 2009 I want to buy a OBD-II code reader (preferably under $100) that will work with a 2005 STS, V8. I have seen several good ones on Ebay for a really good price. Long time no see Jay, how have you been? Pre-1995 - DTC codes OBD1 >> 1996 and newer - DTC codes OBD2 >> https://www.obd-codes.com/trouble_codes/gm/obd_codes.htm How to check for codes Caddyinfo How To Technical Archive >> http://www.caddyinfo.com/wordpress/cadillac-how-to-faq/ Cadillac History & Specifications Year by Year http://www.motorera.com/cadillac/index.htm Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MAC Posted July 11, 2009 Author Report Share Posted July 11, 2009 I want to buy a OBD-II code reader (preferably under $100) that will work with a 2005 STS, V8. Mac did you buy the 05 STS?, I remember you saw one, but I didnt know you bought it Mac, this thread was started the other day, http://caddyinfo.ipbhost.com/index.php?showtopic=22340 Hi BBF, I did just buy a 2005 STS this morning. It's Raven/with black interior. Though I'm not one to go for black and black, I must say the interior is not dark so it's not bad. And the STS is not bad looking in black either. It's also loaded! Here are the installed options: Northstar V8 (All wheel drive) Moon roof Heated seats Navigation Push button start with remote start Of course it comes with a Bose sound system I gave a $500 deposit. The purchase is unofficial until I'm approved for financing. I was told the financing will be submitted on Monday and that it shouldn't be a problem. So if all goes according to plan, I should officially own the car on Monday. The car is essentially clean; however, the dealer didn't clean it up so I'm going to detail it myself. Who knows, maybe they'll clean it for me? Here's the kicker: It has 150,000 highway miles on it. Less than 5 years old and 150k. So obviously, the original owner did a lot of highway driving since there is no other way he could have racked up 150K doing anything less. I did some research last night and it appears the consensus is that highway miles put less wear and tear on the engine/drivetrain. So, based on this factor, the price, and the installed options, I figured that it's probably a good deal. I actually priced low mileage engines (30-50k) for $2,000. So if the engine craps out (which I doubt it will) I'll likely have a Northstar/low mileage installed since everything else is good. However, I bought it for under $10,000--though I don't have 10K in cash lying around. I also bough a 6-month/7,500 mile warranty for $180. I figured that I might as well get the minimum insurance in case the transmission falls out on the way home. I read the warranty terms and conditions and is covers engine, transmission, differential, cooling system, steering, and suspension. It also provides for a rental car and towing. I also did an inspection and when I drove it, all seemed well, i.e., shifted fine, no hesitation, no noises, and the A/C worked great. I could have spent $18,000+ for a 2005 STS with 45-60K miles on it, but I figured that I would take a chance considering the highway miles and the overall condition of the STS I purchased is definitely in the Good range. This car was for sale quite a while. Obviously, the 150K miles spooked people off. Oh well, it looks like I'm the sucker. Anyway, life would be boring if we didn't take a chance now and then. P.S. Thanks for the link to the code scanner discussion. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BodybyFisher Posted July 11, 2009 Report Share Posted July 11, 2009 CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!! Cant wait to see what you think and to see photos! Pre-1995 - DTC codes OBD1 >> 1996 and newer - DTC codes OBD2 >> https://www.obd-codes.com/trouble_codes/gm/obd_codes.htm How to check for codes Caddyinfo How To Technical Archive >> http://www.caddyinfo.com/wordpress/cadillac-how-to-faq/ Cadillac History & Specifications Year by Year http://www.motorera.com/cadillac/index.htm Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MAC Posted July 12, 2009 Author Report Share Posted July 12, 2009 CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!! Cant wait to see what you think and to see photos! I posted a few pics. I just hope the deal goes through on Monday or else they have to come down. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MAC Posted July 15, 2009 Author Report Share Posted July 15, 2009 Here is an update regarding the purchase of the '05 STS. I was contacted by the salesman and was advised that the lender's terms would be a minimum of $2,000 down with an interest rate of 19.5% for a 36-month loan. And to add insult to injury, the lender wanted a $500 processing fee. So, the loan amount would be about $8,800 at 19.5% interest rate. Based on the monthly payment figure I was given, the total amount of the loan would be over $11,500. That means that interest over the life of the loan would be about $2,757. The monthly payment would be over $320 for a car with 151,000+ miles since the owner of the dealership has been driving the STS back and forth to work. How lame! This reminds me of the 1981 Hall and Oates song, "I Can't Go for That (No Can Do)" I'm in contact with another lender and I'll see what happens tomorrow. Otherwise, I have my eye on a 2007 STS, V8. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Texas Jim Posted July 15, 2009 Report Share Posted July 15, 2009 Sorry that you couldn't get it on better terms. That is a terribly high interest rate. In my opinion. Maybe the new lender will have better terms, and/or the 2007 will work out to be a better deal. Either way....GOOD LUCK. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JimD Posted July 15, 2009 Report Share Posted July 15, 2009 A Credit Union can be a "reasonable" source of financing. Credit Union loan interest rates would certainly be less than the 19% that a (US taxpayer supported) giant monster mega-bank such as Bank of America, or GMAC, or any of their derivatives would propose. Lending institutions can borrow (Federal) money at less than 1% interest rates. Anyone that has the balls to charge 19% for credit would send me running to the sidelines. Jim Drive your car. Use your cell phone. CHOOSE ONE ! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RalPh Posted July 15, 2009 Report Share Posted July 15, 2009 I want to buy a OBD-II code reader (preferably under $100) that will work with a 2005 STS, V8. Actually you need a CAN-Bus reader for your car. This is about the cheapest Can Reader I know of -> http://obddiagnostics.com/order.html Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MAC Posted July 17, 2009 Author Report Share Posted July 17, 2009 Status update: I was just granted a loan for a 2007 STS which is loaded. Problem is that I put a $500 deposit on the 2005 STS w/150,000 miles on it. The loan for the 2007 is $292/month for 60 months. Here is my dilemma: Should I abandon the 2005 and go for the 2007 even though it will cost me about $6,000 more? Then I have to try to get my $500 deposit back. I'm tempted to tell the dealer to keep it and I'll move on to the 2007. Otherwise, I will have to put the balance owed for the 2005 on my credit card since the dealer is unable to finance it at a reasonable rate. The rate I was offered is 17% even after I told him that the initial quote of 19.5% was ridiculous. So, would anyone here abandon the 2005 and go for the 2007? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BodybyFisher Posted July 17, 2009 Report Share Posted July 17, 2009 Mac how many miles are on the 07? Honestly, 150K miles on the 05, would make me very nervous. I would go for the 07 for the mileage reason, is the $500 non refundable?, they should return it due to the financing not being adequate Pre-1995 - DTC codes OBD1 >> 1996 and newer - DTC codes OBD2 >> https://www.obd-codes.com/trouble_codes/gm/obd_codes.htm How to check for codes Caddyinfo How To Technical Archive >> http://www.caddyinfo.com/wordpress/cadillac-how-to-faq/ Cadillac History & Specifications Year by Year http://www.motorera.com/cadillac/index.htm Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Texas Jim Posted July 17, 2009 Report Share Posted July 17, 2009 Your deposit should be returned to you, because the financing was not to your terms. I agree with BBF...150,000 on a car...it would have to be DIRT CHEAP before I would consider it. I would go with the 2007...for sure, assuming it don't have a ton of miles on it. It shouldn't have much over 30,000 or MAYBE 40,000 TOPS. It would still be under factory warranty, and if you are getting it from a Cadillac dealer, have then CERTIFY it. Then the warranty runs for 6 years from the original purchase date or 100,000 miles...whichever comes first. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MAC Posted July 17, 2009 Author Report Share Posted July 17, 2009 Mac how many miles are on the 07? Honestly, 150K miles on the 05, would make me very nervous. I would go for the 07 for the mileage reason, is the $500 non refundable?, they should return it due to the financing not being adequate The 07 has 98,304. I just realized that it's not a V8 Northstar, but the 3.6L all-wheel drive, which just popped my balloon. I was looking at the pics and noticed no Northstar badge on the left side of the trunk. So I Googled the VIN # and Car Fax came up with the 3.6L. This sucks! The ad says it's the V8. The 05 I know has a V8 because I saw the engine. I agree that the 150K miles is a lot of miles--though they're highway miles I don't know how well the engine was maintained. I can only attest to the fact that I didn't notice any noises or problems with the engine or trans when I test drove it. The $500 should be refundable as the document I signed has no language stating it's nonrefundable. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MAC Posted July 17, 2009 Author Report Share Posted July 17, 2009 My decision is to buy the 2005. Since the Silver one is not the V8 Northstar. I'm going to finalize the sale tomorrow, Saturday. Here is the link to where you can find what I'm buying: 2005 STS Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BodybyFisher Posted July 17, 2009 Report Share Posted July 17, 2009 My decision is to buy the 2005. Since the Silver one is not the V8 Northstar. I'm going to finalize the sale tomorrow, Saturday. Here is the link to where you can find what I'm buying: 2005 Cadillac STS That is a good looking car and you have NAV, congratulations and much luck with it Pre-1995 - DTC codes OBD1 >> 1996 and newer - DTC codes OBD2 >> https://www.obd-codes.com/trouble_codes/gm/obd_codes.htm How to check for codes Caddyinfo How To Technical Archive >> http://www.caddyinfo.com/wordpress/cadillac-how-to-faq/ Cadillac History & Specifications Year by Year http://www.motorera.com/cadillac/index.htm Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MAC Posted July 17, 2009 Author Report Share Posted July 17, 2009 My decision is to buy the 2005. Since the Silver one is not the V8 Northstar. I'm going to finalize the sale tomorrow, Saturday. Here is the link to where you can find what I'm buying: 2005 Cadillac STS That is a good looking car and you have NAV, congratulations and much luck with it Thank you! I'll detail it and flag any body imperfections and fix them. Hopefully, I'll not end up a fool for buying it. I don't think there will be any immediate problems to deal with. The only thing that I noticed right away is that I will need to do a brake job. I can do the job myself. The parts (including rotors), however, will cost upwards of $400. I won't buy cheap stuff. I'll either buy Napa's Ultra Premium rotors or Brembo. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BodybyFisher Posted July 17, 2009 Report Share Posted July 17, 2009 My decision is to buy the 2005. Since the Silver one is not the V8 Northstar. I'm going to finalize the sale tomorrow, Saturday. Here is the link to where you can find what I'm buying: 2005 Cadillac STS That is a good looking car and you have NAV, congratulations and much luck with it Thank you! I'll detail it and flag any body imperfections and fix them. Hopefully, I'll not end up a fool for buying it. I don't think there will be any immediate problems to deal with. The only thing that I noticed right away is that I will need to do a brake job. I can do the job myself. The parts (including rotors), however, will cost upwards of $400. I won't buy cheap stuff. I'll either buy Napa's Ultra Premium rotors or Brembo. I have liked this car since the first time I have seen it on the highway, I love the rear LCD brake lights, the interior with NAV looks cool. Cant wait for your impressions.... Pre-1995 - DTC codes OBD1 >> 1996 and newer - DTC codes OBD2 >> https://www.obd-codes.com/trouble_codes/gm/obd_codes.htm How to check for codes Caddyinfo How To Technical Archive >> http://www.caddyinfo.com/wordpress/cadillac-how-to-faq/ Cadillac History & Specifications Year by Year http://www.motorera.com/cadillac/index.htm Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MAC Posted July 17, 2009 Author Report Share Posted July 17, 2009 I have liked this car since the first time I have seen it on the highway, I love the rear LCD brake lights, the interior with NAV looks cool. Cant wait for your impressions.... Edmonds has a bunch of favorable reviews. I actually read these reviews as part of my decision to consider the 05 STS. At the top of the webpage where it says "Select a Specific Style", you can narrow the reviews to the 05 STS 4.6L. I linked to all reviews for both the 3.6L and 4.6L. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MAC Posted July 19, 2009 Author Report Share Posted July 19, 2009 I have liked this car since the first time I have seen it on the highway, I love the rear LCD brake lights, the interior with NAV looks cool. Cant wait for your impressions.... It's official! Yesterday I finalized the sale of the '05 STS. I drove it about 60 miles without a problem. Like I said before, I'll have to do a brake job sooner than later. Today, I'm going to replace the rear brakes. Then I must check the antifreeze. The Carfax report shows this car was serviced at Brogan Cadillac. The oil was changed at Brogan in March, which is the last service record on the Carfax report. The '05 STS is a very enjoyable car to drive. I like the suspension which handles bumps well. Performance is excellent. The 320hp Northstar V8 provides very smooth and effortless acceleration. I spent a good amount of time giving the interior some TLC. It cleaned up very nicely. It does look as though I will have to buy a navigation CD. No big deal! As I was driving home sure enough I was passed by a black STS-V. The multi-colored "V" badge on the left side of the trunk gave it away. It was nice to see one on the road. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BodybyFisher Posted July 19, 2009 Report Share Posted July 19, 2009 320 HP! WOW! Good Luck with it Mac! Pre-1995 - DTC codes OBD1 >> 1996 and newer - DTC codes OBD2 >> https://www.obd-codes.com/trouble_codes/gm/obd_codes.htm How to check for codes Caddyinfo How To Technical Archive >> http://www.caddyinfo.com/wordpress/cadillac-how-to-faq/ Cadillac History & Specifications Year by Year http://www.motorera.com/cadillac/index.htm Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Texas Jim Posted July 19, 2009 Report Share Posted July 19, 2009 320 HP! WOW! Good Luck with it Mac! Yep...the STS has Variable Valve Timing. Gives it an extra 45 HP over the regular DTS and 28 HP over the DTS Performance Sedan. Plus it is a little bit lighter than the DTS. Should be a fun car to drive. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
joeb Posted July 20, 2009 Report Share Posted July 20, 2009 any chance of getting a home equity loan? mine is right around 5% interest now. not sure about AWD setup. traction is probably nice for winter driving but if you live somewhere warm, like fl, tx, or ca. than its debatable. does it help dry weather handling? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MAC Posted July 29, 2009 Author Report Share Posted July 29, 2009 Here is another scanner that looks like a good product for only $89. OBDCOM OBDCOM Software Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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