Faults:

The car is stored for the winter. I had it stored for the first two years without a problem. However, by February 2010, the battery failed. I was able to recharge the battery and drove it without any trouble until I went on vacation in August. I parked the car outside the hotel during a very bad storm to wait out the rain before unloading my luggage. When the rain subsided, I turned the key and got nothing but a click and dimly illuminated warning lights. I called Cadillac Roadside service, a man arrived and placed a portable charger on the car, and the car immediately started. I thought this was a one-time occurrence until I took the car to a car wash and the battery failed again. I called Cadillac Roadside service and the same man came out and placed the portable charger on it and the car started immediately. To save my vacation, I purchased my own portable charger and used it intermittently throughout the remainder of my stay. Upon my return, I immediately took the car to the local Cadillac dealer. The battery tested bad and was replaced. Apparently, these cars don't like to sit for a long period of time. A friend of mine has a Buick Lucerne, which is the same platform as the DTS, and has experienced the same problem if the car wasn't driven for a period of time.

Another problem was a recall for the heated windshield-washer fluid. I thought this was a cool feature for winter driving and was sorry to see it disconnected. I was reimbursed by GM, but I'd have rather seen a satisfactory replacement for the part instead. I do very little winter driving in this car, so it shouldn't affect me too much.

General Comments:

Other than the issue with the battery, which I must admit is mostly my fault, the car has been excellent. It is an extremely comfortable car on long trips. OnStar and XM Radio are most definitely a plus. The HVAC system heats and cools the car rapidly. The car accelerates quickly, smoothly, and quietly. It stops just as well. Cadillac really did a great job on the quality of the interior. It's a vast improvement over previous Cadillacs I've owned.

It looks stunning in Black Raven with the 18" chrome wheels, but it's very labor-intensive to keep its finish looking top-notch. I'd say it takes me three times as long to detail the car to my satisfaction than my former White Diamond 2002 Cadillac Seville STS.

Faults:

I had to replace the front brakes.

General Comments:

I have owned many cars and SUV's, from Lincoln Town Cars to Chevy Suburbans. This Cadillac DTS has to be the most comfortable and relaxing ride I've experienced. The power is mind blowing.

This DTS is black with chrome wheels and a head turner for once was called "Dad's Car". In the Cadillac commerical on TV, when the hot girl says, "When you turn your car on, does it return the favor?" It does!

Faults:

Great driving car with DTS package, leather seats and all thing working when we bought it from private party.

1. In a year, within 4 months all four window regulators failed (the plastic clip breaks when the window motor jumps or is stopped in its cycle) $1200

2. We had a road hazard flat on the right rear tire, and expected warranty, negative. Vogue tires cost $500 for two new one.

3. In same year we began to have check lights start. Low coolant, check stability system, etc.

4. Next the right front wheel assembly hub became loose, and we replace for $585, the whole assembly is required... gone are the wheel bearing replacement days.

5. Boiling pot lid noise, taken to dealer. Ouch $400 for air conditioning blower baffle replacement and blower motor... more oops, the noise persisted... and dealer diagnosed as struts and shocks... my my...

6. Oops another right front wheel hub assembly needed, as diagnosed by dealer... out of the 12000 and 12 month warranty...

7. The dreaded front wheel vibrations, shaking... dealer balanced... turned out to be two rear tires with belt separation, expected some adjustment from Vogue... not a chance...$550 for two more new tires...

8. Motor mount replaced... just 4 months ago... now dealer says the other mount needs replacing.

9. Oil user too.

10. Wife had small front bumper bender... private repair estimate $1200... Dealer repairs $5800, and the paint was poorly done.

10. Battery replacement... after tow to dealer in Ontario... nearly four weeks later and terrible service dept communication (lies mostly), we got our DTS back with $800 service bill... for check out and battery replacement... Dealer bought the bill after I complained to Cadillac... and Calif Bureau of Auto Repair...

11. Air conditioning no cold blowing... and burning replacement fuses... Dealer estimate $1280 for new AC compressor and dryer... my repair at local auto electric... $125...

Why do I keep this car? The ride, when it is not shaking... the road mileage of 26 when driving freeway, the fabulous metallic cherry red color, and the unique 2000 style... there is a price for arrogance and elegance.