98,000 miles and running strong
 

We're nearing the 100,000 mile mark on our 2004 Cadillac SRC v6 and here's an update on repairs so far:

• Numerous recalls and software updates on the car during the first couple years. For a while I thought Microsoft had developed the software in the car.
• Right front shock started leaking fluid - had to be replaced.
• Tires - we're on our third set. The odd sizes and inability to rotate make for accelerated wear. Be ready to replace early and often.
• Brakes - both the orignal rotors/pads and the NAPA premium replacements have lasted very long and still are smooth as glass.
• Tie rod at 80,000
• Air conditioning line - it rubbed against the frame and wore a hole in the line - had to replace and recharge the system.
• Rear washer fluid line came disconnected inside the right rear body panel, dripping fluid on one of the computers inside the car that runs the rear lights and third row seat. Fortunately, the computer came back to life (but not the circuit that tells if the rear hatch is open).
• Water leaks on the rear hatch, letting water ac***ulate in the well for the jack and headrests.
• Replaced the rear differential at 85,000 miles (main seal and pinion bearing failed). We were fortunate to find a remanufactured unit for half the cost of a new differential.
• Soon after the differential, the left rear spindle ABS sensor failed - had to replace the whole spindle. (I suspect this was a side effect of the above repairs)
• Oil consumption - I've been very dilligent all along to change the oil well before the computer tells me to and to use Mobil 1 as recommended. However, I'm now using a quart or more every 3,000 miles - way more than any other engine I've ever owned. Next car gets more frequent oil changes and ignore the computer.

By now you're wondering "why would anyone keep this car?", and we do ask ourselves the same question, but it does ride nice and still has plenty of life in her. No rust and she still shines up with a good car wash.

Nonetheless, I would think twice about another first-year GM car. Many of these issues were addressed in later models of the SRX.

Good driving!