The Cadillac CTS, also known as the Cadillac CTS-V or simply just “CTS,” was introduced in 2006 to replace the STS.
It has been available since 2007, and it’s still one of Cadillac’s most popular models despite being discontinued in 2019.
Before taking the plunge into buying a CTS, it’s essential to know how long they typically last and what sort of maintenance costs you would be looking at.
How long does a Cadillac CTS last?
The average life expectancy of the CTS is about ten years. As a result, the vehicle is one of Cadillac’s longest-lasting models, and many owners report their cars lasting over 200,000 miles with regular maintenance.
How Many Miles Do Cadillac CTS Last?
The Cadillac CTS can last up to 200K-300k when maintained and taken care of.
Several owners shared on a CarGurus forum experiences owning Cadillac CTS with over 200k miles that still are running great.
Since most CTS purchases are likely to be from other owners, ask for maintenance and service records, and accident history, and bring it by a mechanic to ensure the CTS is in great shape.
These owners suggested staying on top of things like oil changes, brakes, tires, etc., to maximize the longevity of the CTS.
Are Cadillac CTS Reliable Cars?
The Cadillac CTS has received average reliability ratings from popular publications like U.S. News.
Some of the earlier models from 2003-2007 seem to have reliability issues like engine failure, but the CTS went through a redesign in 2008 and 2014 to address previous reliability issues.
Most Reliable Cadillac CTS Years
According to Consumer Reports, the 2016 model year models of the Cadillac CTS are the most reliable.
Any model after the 2014 redesign should have excellent reliability.
Kelley Blue Book gave 2019 a glowing review which seems to be a consistent trend with models launched since 2014.
In addition, they gave the CTS a 4.7 reliability rating, surpassing several of the CTS’ German rivals.
Cadillac CTS Years To Avoid
According to Consumer Reports, the Cadillac CTS models you should stay away from are those made from 2003-2007.
These models had more problems with things like engine failure, tire issues, and license plate issues.
Are Cadillac CTS Expensive To Maintain?
According to Repairpal, the Cadillac CTS is not as expensive to maintain compared to most vehicles.
The average annual maintenance cost of a Cadillac CTS is $663.
This is slightly below the average cost of $739 for a typical midsize luxury car.
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Does a Cadillac CTS Have A Lot Of Problems?
The early CTS models have several documented problems that have come up over the years.
If you can afford a newer model, you are less likely to run into maintenance issues.
The CTS went through an extensive redesign in 2014 and has received glowing reviews on models since then.
How Long Does A Cadillac CTS Battery Last?
The average battery life for a Cadillac CTS is three to five years.
As you would with any car, check the battery frequently for signs of corrosion and avoid parking in extreme climates to maximize the life of a CTS battery.
How Long Does A Cadillac CTS engine last?
A CTS engine can last over 150,000 miles with proper care and maintenance.
While researching the CTS, I found a forum with several owners of the early CTS models sharing tips on maximizing the engine’s life.
A consistent theme from CTS owners to maximize the longevity was performing the scheduled maintenance.
One CTS owner shared that you would be lucky to get over 100k miles on a CTS without changing the oil every 5,000 miles.
How Long Do Cadillac CTS Brakes last?
A Cadillac CTS has a brake life of about 60,000 miles. This is usually about the time when the brake pads and rotors are replaced.
The life of brakes is also dependent on the driver’s driving habits.
If a driver performs hard stops or sudden turns, which put more pressure on the brakes than usual, then replacement may still be needed sooner than 60,000 miles for some applications.
Always invest in high-quality brake pads, as they will last longer and perform better during hard braking incidents.
Rotors (the discs that receive pressure from the brake pads)
How Long Do Cadillac CTS Tires last?
The longevity of Cadillac CTS tires depends on a variety of factors, including driving style, region, and the type and severity of weather where you drive.
In general, drivers in mild-weather conditions can expect their tires to last for about ten years or more; those in three seasons or more may get six years or longer.
Cadillac CTS tires are typically designed to last between 30,000 and 40,000 miles.
However, based on the wide range of driving conditions one may encounter.
At the same time, in control of a Cadillac CTS, many drivers may come close to or surpass this average mileage number while operating their vehicle.
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How To Make Your Cadillac CTS Last Longer?
Here are a few tips to make your Cadillac CTS last longer:
- Protect your car’s engine from harmful debris. If you’re like me, then you hate stopping at a gas station or, worse, the local quick lube shop.
- Drive and maintain your Cadillac CTS in good condition to help make it last longer. In short, keep an eye on your engine oil level and always check if the car is overheating. Don’t forget to check your tire pressure, and as a rule, don’t drive over 65mph.
- Don’t push the car too hard. If you tend to floor it whenever you’re on the road, I suggest changing your driving habits. Pushing the CTS too hard doesn’t only prevent your Cadillac CTS from lasting longer, it also lowers your car’s gas mileage and increases the chances of an accident.
- Invest in high-quality replacement Cadillac CTS parts, aftermarket accessories, OEM auto parts, performance upgrades, and custom accessories for your vehicle.
Final Thoughts – Cadillac CTS Life Expectancy
If you can follow the above tips, along with routine maintenance, then your Cadillac CTS can last a very long time.
Avoid the earlier models of the CTS (2003-2007) if you can to avoid running into well-documented maintenance issues.
If you are looking for a luxury sedan that is reliable and not as expensive as higher-end luxury cars, the CTS can be a great option.