Okay everyone, you can now officially welcome me here! I am one of you!

[NJRonbo]

Well folks, as of this morning I officially (on paper) became
the owner of a 2008 CTS. I am soon to be delivered a *loaded*
3.6L DI (304HP) in approximately 3 weeks. The reason for the
delay is that the dealer did not have a crystal red/ebony combination
on the lot. That's fine, I can wait.

There are quite a few things I need to say here that I think
you will all be interested in so I ask that you bear with me.

Firstly, I am sure that all of you know of me. I joined here
a week ago and in that short time I have been posting like
a madman. I am currently ending a lease on a 2005 Acura RL
and I had a very tough choice whether to go with a 2008 RL
or a Cadillac CTS.

Everything was working against the CTS. Though the car was
$4k cheaper than the RL the lease was $30 more expensive.
The Cadillac lacked bluetooth, a backup camera and even the
roominess of the Acura.

Today I went back to the dealer and took the CTS out on the
road for a second try -- this time putting an emphasis on the
navigation and Bose system. I felt the navigation was a bit
more cumbersome to use than the RL. Additionally, I had to
continually adjust the volume of the guidance because as I
raised the volume on some songs, the guidance volume grew
more silent. There's got to be a way to level it out, but I did
notice that at one point the guidance voice did lower the music.

That "BONG" is absolutely horrid. That's something I am going
to have to learn to live with as the RL navigation never put you
through that noise. On a whole, I was not greatly impressed
with the NAV system except for the fact that it did manage to
display restaurant chain logos. I saw a DENNY'S come up --
something the RL navigation never did. The CTS navigation
seems "prettier" which I think is a plus as well.

Next thing I did was play some favorite CDs. Before doing
so I tweaked the sound at full bass and raised the treble and
mids rather high (but not full). I also brought along a DVD-A
of The Beatles: LOVE. Honestly, I thought the system sounded
pretty decent but noticeably short of the Bose System in the
Acura that has the same amount of speakers, and about 40
watts less.

Another thing that bothered me was the really "cheesy" fabric
cover that separates my bald head from the sunroof. I can see
that on a hot day there will be absolutely no protection from sun
getting into the car. That fabric isn't keeping anything out and I
am wondering if I should wear a hat on sunny days.

All these negative remarks and I bet you are wondering why
I decided to lease the vehicle after all.

In a word....change.

I have been driving an Acura RL for the past 3 years. It is the
best car I have ever driven, and I hope in time I can say the same
thing about the CTS. The problem is, the RL has become boring.

To the credit of the CTS, it is the obvious choice of where one
must go when someone is looking for a sexier interior and a more
"fun" driving experience. With the CTS I feel as if I have a hybrid
sporty and luxury vehicle.

I have already gone to a dealer recommended cellular installer
and have an appointment to get a Parrot bluetooth device installed
for about $350. I have more to say about the device in another
thread (which you will easily find), and I am confident that with
a new kit just coming available, this device will probably exceed
what GM will offer '08 drivers in some respects. So, my biggest
fears about no bluetooth are now alleviated.

Now to move on to the most important part....

It's amazing that in a very short time here I have gotten such
a positive impression of the members that reside on this forum.
I spent an entire week bitchin' and moanin' about the lease deal
I was being offered. Members such as 08CTS, RRUIZ357 and
Trijicon came to my rescue to research the lease numbers
to let me know if I got a good deal or not.

In fact, as far as the deal is concerned it was a good one.
$4k down and with the conquest rebate rolled in (I only qualified
for $1500 because I only had 3 Acura payments left) my monthly
lease was about $566 a month. Would have been around $540
if I had 4 payments left on my Acura. So 08CTS, you will
be happy to know that rolling the rebate back into the lease did
get me significantly lower monthly payments. That was the
incentive I needed to sign the deal.

I am just very proud to now be an official part of this online
community. I run one of the largest Home Theater forum
websites on the Internet and we pride ourselves on being the
most polite and professional discussion forums of its kind. I
can immediately see that this forum takes the same pride within
itself. You should all be proud.

One last thing. I owe an apology to Gold Coast Cadillac
in Oakhurst, NJ. I initially accused them of being untrustworthy
in the lease quotes they were giving me. This morning, I was
blown away by the fact that the sales manager, Jeff Genovese,
took personal time out to explain the lease, suggest I roll the
rebate back into the lease to lower payments, and assured me
that he was giving me the most fair price possible because he
wanted me in the GM family.

It's a scary thought knowing that I might be getting into a
vehicle that may not live up to the standards I have adored
with my Acura. However, something tells me that in a few
months my opinion of that brand may be outflanked for my
love of the Cadillac CTS.

I look forward to sharing my driving experiences with the
rest of you.

[NOT ON MY WATCH]

OFFICIALLY WELCOMED, Ron! Glad to have you here and I hope you get to enjoy your new car sooner rather than later!

[RAB]

NJRonbo, congratulations on your becoming a 2008 CTS owner!! (or perhaps I should say "defacto CTS owner" until the car actually shows up!).
I enjoyed reading your comments in this thread, and look forward to your future posts regarding your impressions & experiences with your new CTS.
Welcome to the forums.

[Trijicon]

All I can say is "told ya so!"

[Loveldos]

Welcome & good luck with your new CTS! You will love it--the '08 CTS is that perfect blend of "sport" and "luxury" in a car!

[RustedElvis]

WoW! Good story. Congrats

[redvett94]

Your delivery date maybe short lived. American Axle that makes the axles & transfer case went on strike today. If they don't get back to work in a few days production will halt at Grand River where the CTS is built.
Sorry to be the barer of bad news but i am in the same boat. Mine was ordered 2/8/08 and should have been built 3/17/08

[Bender]

Oh, in my earlier replies, I forgot to mention that I've been having endless problems with the powertrain and Cadillac has denied everything. Just kidding! Welcome to the club!

[NJRonbo]

Your delivery date maybe short lived. American Axle that makes the axles & transfer case went on strike today. If they don't get back to work in a few days production will halt at Grand River where the CTS is built.

Redvette,

I was told my car was already "inbound"

Does this mean it's off the assembly line or that the strike may affect me?

[doncrystalred]

Originally Posted by redvett94

Your delivery date maybe short lived. American Axle that makes the axles & transfer case went on strike today. If they don't get back to work in a few days production will halt at Grand River where the CTS is built.
Sorry to be the barer of bad news but i am in the same boat. Mine was ordered 2/8/08 and should have been built 3/17/08

Tried to do a litle research on this and found this quote on Reuters: "A prolonged UAW strike against American Axle could disrupt production of GM trucks and sport utility vehicles, analysts have said." They don't mention the CTS in this article, or any others I have read. I'm not sure how to find the axle and transfer case build location for the CTS. Do any of you know the definitive answer to this?

[08CTS]

Congrats Ron! I'm happy that you got your payment to where it SHOULD be!

[redvett94]

Originally Posted by doncrystalred

Tried to do a Little research on this and found this quote on Reuters: "A prolonged UAW strike against American Axle could disrupt production of GM trucks and sport utility vehicles, analysts have said." They don't mention the CTS in this article, or any others I have read. I'm not sure how to find the axle and transfer case build location for the CTS. Do any of you know the definitive answer to this?

I will have more info late this week or the first of next week. AM Axle builds most of GM's drive line including FWD & AWD i have a call in to my old friend Dick Douch (we worked together at GM in 64) hopefully he will return my call.

[cjackso]

Congrats and welcome aboard. I've got to admit you were making me nervous. You sure get get into the details. Anyway good luck. I also am a new CTS owner who has found the folks on this site helpful and supportive.Thanks all!............CJ from Ohio

[rc135tx]

Congratulations! Hope delivery happens soon. But ... gotta admit ... I was nervous too. And I'm still nervous about how you're going to adapt. I really think you're going to have Acura post-partum problems. :-}}
Seriously, good luck and enjoy the new CTS! It really is a top-notch car.

[RQFinMD]

Congratulations!

Part of me wants to say there'll be some major adjustments for you because after all, the RL is the flagship for Acura and the CTS is the entry-level model for Cadillac (all superlatives notwithstanding).

Best wishes, and if everyone--including the folks over at Motor Trend--is to be believed, you are getting one sweet, superb, gorgeous vehicle in the CTS. Can't wait to get mine!