Topic: Used Vehicle Review: Cadillac CTS, 2008-2013

[Autos_Editor]

There's a new CTS coming soon, meaning the second-generation model has transitioned into used-car territory. Caution is advised.

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[Solstice2006]

Nice to see a used review while the current generation is still around.  Seems likes its more reliable then the 1st generation.  Some of the problems described can be attributed to hard driving.  It doesn't seem any less reliable than german competitors, with a good value. Nice that manual is offered with the 3.6L, too bad no manual with AWD, but I don't care, wouldn't get AWD anyway..

[Fobroader]

Besides the V series....dont understand why anyone would buy a CTS over the german/asian competition.

[mixmanmash]

Besides the V series....dont understand why anyone would buy a CTS over the german/asian competition.

Agreed.  I remember sitting in a CTS about 2 years ago at the car show.  I was not impressed, and rather disappointed.

[Fobroader]

Besides the V series....dont understand why anyone would buy a CTS over the german/asian competition.

Agreed.  I remember sitting in a CTS about 2 years ago at the car show.  I was not impressed, and rather disappointed.

Sat in a V coupe a few years ago with a 6 spd manual and thought...."yeah, I would rock this" 

[carcrazed]

Besides the V series....dont understand why anyone would buy a CTS over the german/asian competition.

I'd buy a CTS 3.6 Wagon over the competition.

Looks great.

http://www.autotrader.ca/a/CADILLAC/CTS/CAMBRIDGE/Ontario/19_7192966_/?showcpo=ShowCPO

[Northernridge]

The husband of a staffer bought a used CTS. He liked how it drove but hated the quality and cited many examples including too much time in the shop and silver paint wearing off the centre stack revealing cheepo plastic underneath. He sold it after a few months and bought a G37 which he thinks is miles better.

[mixmanmash]

The husband of a staffer bought a used CTS. He liked how it drove but hated the quality and cited many examples including too much time in the shop and silver paint wearing off the centre stack revealing cheepo plastic underneath. He sold it after a few months and bought a G37 which he thinks is miles better.

Yup,  I would probably buy a G37 over the CTS.

[Solstice2006]

Besides the V series....dont understand why anyone would buy a CTS over the german/asian competition.

For various reasons, some people prefer the design of the Caddy, even the 1st generation looks modern.  And then there is the value factor.  Cheaper than a 3 series, but roomier, and similar performance numbers to a 335. 

[Vanstar]

One of my business associates had a 2009 on lease and he experienced all the issues stated in the article. He did not keep it after the 36 month lease was up. He now has a 2012 GS350 which has no issues. He is much happier with the Lexus.

When he turned it in, GM practically begged him to buy it out and even offered a substantial discount on the residual. He wasn't interested.

[whaddaiknow]

Besides the V series....dont understand why anyone would buy a CTS over the german/asian competition.

I'd buy a CTS 3.6 Wagon over the competition.

Even if you knew your chances of trouble free motoring were slim? You are a brave man or loaded to a point you don't care if it lasts.

[Fobroader]

Besides the V series....dont understand why anyone would buy a CTS over the german/asian competition.

I'd buy a CTS 3.6 Wagon over the competition.

Even if you knew your chances of trouble free motoring were slim? You are a brave man or loaded to a point you don't care if it lasts.

If you are that loaded, you wouldnt be buying a V6 Cadillac.....

[Fobroader]

I dunno man. My folks had several GM vehicles while I was growing up and years of trouble-free ownership. I'd have no problem buying a GM again (my first car was a GM).

I think the biggest problem with this thing is the amount of gizmos and doodads that it has, those Id be afraid of breaking.

[Fobroader]

I dunno man. My folks had several GM vehicles while I was growing up and years of trouble-free ownership. I'd have no problem buying a GM again (my first car was a GM).

I think the biggest problem with this thing is the amount of gizmos and doodads that it has, those Id be afraid of breaking.

Yeah, but I'd be equally afraid buying a Benz, Audi, Jag, or BMW.

Honestly, I think they would be on par as far as reliability goes.....just god forbid you have to pay dealer prices for repairs and parts for the brit or zee germans.

[Sir Osis of Liver]

I'd be favouring the CTS over a 535 as far as not costing an arm and leg to keep rolling.

[sailor723]

The husband of a staffer bought a used CTS. He liked how it drove but hated the quality and cited many examples including too much time in the shop and silver paint wearing off the centre stack revealing cheepo plastic underneath. He sold it after a few months and bought a G37 which he thinks is miles better.

We (briefly) looked at a CTS while my wife was car shopping in 2011. The poor quality interior (you could see the Chevy peeking out from underneath the Cadillac) and the horrendous experience I had with a SRX led us to move on pretty quickly.

[Oldsguy]

This is what bugs me about Buicks. You can still tell its a Chevy.

And you can still see the Datsun under the Infiniti veneer too.  All brands do this.

[Solstice2006]

exactly, Acuras and Honda share so much. Audi and VW as well, I feel Audi/VW should do a better job with their powertrain sharing, the same 2.0L turbo is offered in VW/Audi vehicles that are $7-$9k difference.  Like you see an Audi A5 with a 2.0L, hey, that's what a 5 year old bug has... And how is it the old 2.0L (non turbo)and 2.5L engine are still the same, nothing revised...I know the new golf is bringing new engines, but still, hurry the heck up...

[Vanstar]

This is what bugs me about Buicks. You can still tell its a Chevy.

And you can still see the Datsun under the Infiniti veneer too.  All brands do this.

True. I could always see the Chevy veneer under and Oldsmobile, too.

[PJ]

Besides the V series....dont understand why anyone would buy a CTS over the german/asian competition.

I would buy a CTS over the German/ Asian competition, especially used.  Performance is about the same, reliability doesn't match the Asians but is equal to the Germans (and cheaper to fix) and it's looks better.

Biggest reason is I like the character and attitude of the CTS.  German cars have a more refined feel that comes off as aloof and distant to me.  Just can't warm up to them.  The Asian cars don't really have much character.  Best description I've heard is they are like a CD as opposed to a live show.  Technically perfect but just not the same.