Need to locate dealership with 6MT DI FE2 or FE3

JoeKr · #1 (**permalink**) 04-01-09, 06:03 PM

Forum Memebers,

I am trying to locate the above vehicle in inventory at a dealership. Lacking that, I would like a time estimate on getting one built.

I need to replace my 2005 3.6 6MT Sport. It is a leased company car through a well known leasing company. I would like to tell them where one can be located on a lot for my new vehicle.

I am located in the midwest but travel extensively on business.

I located an '09 base unit, but I wanted a firmer suspension and would prefer more ponies that the DI offers. Priority is Engine then suspension.

I assume I can upgrade the suspension at some point.

Your help is appreciated.

FrankRizzo · #2 (**permalink**) 04-01-09, 07:24 PM

I was in a similar situation and could only get what I wanted if I ordered it. Manual transmissions are a tiny percentage of the CTS build - the only ones I found were ordered by mistake or ditched by the person who originally ordered it. To make matters worse, I didn't want a sunroof and that's a very hard combo to run into in any CTS. A local dealer had something close in a non-di that was new but he had had it on the lot for 12 months (cadillac of naperville). They were very polite but refused to acknowledge reality and bend on the price at all.

I'm glad I passed as I later found a used 2008 DI MTX w/ sport package, navigation, FE3, etc. as a program car just a month ago at a dealership in Indiana. The vehicle had 5k miles on it, was 12 months old (gm owned vehicle) and they were asking $30k for it. They sold it to me for $29.5 which seemed to be a pretty amazing deal as sticker was $46k(and I'm sure they made their fair share on it). Getting it under $30k sealed the deal for me and got my significant other to stop trying to talk me into a 'sensible' Malibu

JoeKr · #3 (**permalink**) 04-01-09, 07:34 PM

So, did you compare the ride of the FE3 to the basic? Currently have the Sport suspension on my '05. Had to wait 5 months in '05 to get that one built.

I'm also trying to locate an Infinite G37 Sport MT. Talk about aggravation - no one at Infiniti dealership can even locate one for me. Calling Infiniti Corporate is even less helpful.

I guess you need to live south of the Mason Dixon line to be a car enthusiast.

FrankRizzo · #4 (**permalink**) 04-02-09, 12:35 PM

I came out of a 2005 CTS-V, so the 2008 FE3 seemed quite pleasant

The new V is simply too much coin, so I took the above approach.

After a month and 1,000 miles I'm very happy with the ride, however I tend to prefer a firmer suspension. I did test drive a base MTX non-di and didn't notice a huge difference. I read quite a few reviews that labeled the FE3 as too harsh, but I would strongly disagree. Unless of course you view this as a town car replacement....

The infiniti is a nice car. I have a freind that bought one a year ago: He had a hard time getting exactly the options he wanted, the dealership was unwilling to negotiate on price, and his wife wanted to drive it home that day. He ended up paying more than planned, but it's a sharp looking and well made vehicle.

endo · #5 (**permalink**) 04-02-09, 04:49 PM

Malibu > CTS

Just kidding

waffleman · #6 (**permalink**) 04-02-09, 05:48 PM

I don't undestand why there aren't more manual transmission CTS available at dealer lots. They say noone wants them - but if they don't offer them, how can people buy them?

I also don't understand why, when you order one online, you can only get a manual if you choose the summer tires. They should let you do a manual with whatever tires you want - I live up North and don't want, or need summer tires. I also don't want to have to go through the extra step of having the dealer change the tires.

I emailed GM about it, but they didn't seem to care. Maybe that's why they are going bankrupt.

JoeKr · #7 (**permalink**) 04-02-09, 06:45 PM

Well, I would prefer the FE3. The firmer the better. Also, I test drove the DI unit with an auto, and the power is there. The manual transmission feels good/better than the '05 on the standard engine. I just want the power and suspension. I drive spiritly whenever I can.

Waffleman - Are you telling me the Summer tires only with stick? The base unit I drove had all season tires and it assuredly wasn't an FE3 suspension. It was a "no options' car.

Dealers have a herd mentality and GM/Caddy don't know how to market performance sedans. They think that most want a stick to save $$$$$ - unless you want the V (which I can't afford). Anyone that isn't an car nut has no idea that Cadillac offers a manual. They say they know their customer base - and they do. What they don't quite understand is the customer base that Cadillac says they are pursuing - German or Japanese import sport sedan owners. Guess what, those companies will always have a manual version because their base market demands it.

I am tired of being told by Cadillac and Infiniti dealers that I am an oddball. Stick, rear wheel drive, firm suspension, and as much power as possible with a reasonable price tag. (G37 CTS). I know I am a small demographic. What they need to remember, is that its the car nuts that influence other buyers. This car is a company vehicle. If it was me buying one, I'd just wait to find a V of the first generation.

Regarding the stick - If you search the threads from 2005, you will find that I complained loudly about the length of time it took to get my unit after it was ordered. I really like my '05, but the additional weight of the new version has irritated me a bit. Want to improve gas mileage - how about some weight savings.

I am very fearful that due to them pulling back in Europe the stick will go way of the dinosaur. A dual clutch tranny would suffice for me, but GM makes Autos, VW makes dual clutch. If I knew they could build one quickly (DI, FE3 MT), I would probably go that way. Probably a good deal for a dealer.

They promote the car being developed on the Nurburgring. I go the "Ring" once or twice a year with my friends for a bit o' fun since '05. Now, I am the demographic they state they want in the commercials, yet I can't get my hands on a vehicle to test drive. No problem at the BMW dealership.

BTW, during my visit in Oct '07 to the ring, I saw two DI CTS 6MT FE3 parked at the gas station (Dttinger Hhe) near the Ring. Spoke to the drivers (GM) and they were going on the track for testing the next day. The black one in the background has a roll cage. Spent the weekend riding in E30 & E36 M3 - friends vehicles.

928S · #8 (**permalink**) 04-02-09, 06:49 PM

Uh-huh, waffleman.

Nowadays GM/Cadillac's options packages and collections are not about giving buyers what they want. Instead it's all about luring buyers in, upselling, thereby increasing average selling prices, and, hopefully, profitability - well, maybe someday.

JoeKr · #9 (**permalink**) 04-02-09, 10:40 PM

I am disappointed that no dealership or anyone associated with Cadillac has answered the original post. Not surprise, just disappointed.

When I was purchasing my '05 and posted at least I got some type of response that was actually helpful from Cadillac.

FrankRizzo · #10 (**permalink**) 04-03-09, 12:05 AM

I was looking for 5 things in my recent purchase: MTX, DI, black interior, no sunroof, sport package (18" wheels, HID, etc.)

I could only find one new vehicle in the area with an MTX, but was amazed that nearly every vehicle had a sunroof. I realize that the dealers order the cars, but I agree with the above sentiment: I really only found stipped down vehicles and loaded up comfy cruisers. Not much in between.

C "T" ess · #11 (**permalink**) 04-05-09, 03:33 PM

Look at eBay 390040968038

Z71 · #12 (**permalink**) 04-06-09, 04:46 PM

You find the same thing with trucks. You would think a truck would be easy to find with a manual trans but its not. I know someone who wanted one and there was only 1 in the whole US with a manual trans but it was a plain jane work truck in white and 2,000 miles away. Demand it not there for a dealer to take the risk. How do they know what color to order? If they stocked one, the buyers would then complain the did not like the color.

CorreCaminos · #13 (**permalink**) 04-08-09, 03:38 PM

Give Jan Janiak at Cadillac Village of Norwood (just outside Boston, MA) a call. They carry manual transmission cars on a regular basis and was surprised I couldn't find one anywhere in Texas.

I looked all over for a 2009 CTS 6MT earlier this year and there were plenty of 6MT cars in the Northeast; some n Colorado and Utah as well. Jan gave me the best deal and he was incredibly helpful. I flew in one weekend, spend a morning sightseeing, picked up the car on a Monday afternoon, and went on a gorgeous cross-country road trip.

I would buy another car from him w/o any reservations.

sid1200 · #14 (**permalink**) 04-13-09, 11:11 PM

I had very similar problems and finally got one from Moore Cadillac in VA.

Best way to find what you're looking for is have a dealer you trust do a search (nationwide if that is what it takes) on what dealers have the car you want. Yes the FE3 is summer tire only, but not a huge deal since they do wear out fairly fast so by winter they will likely be almost gone and you can replace with all seasons or just get winter tires. GM is doing an awful job advertising the 6MT which is pretty awesome, but that will just make the rarer and cooler for lucky people like us. Good luck. Feel free to PM me with any questions.

JoeKr · #15 (**permalink**) 07-01-09, 02:08 PM

This is to close the thread...

I did get the 6MT through Moore Cadillac in VA.

They were the only ones that went looking for me. It is a base unit, only option is the leather seating - but, I am very happy with it in the week I have had it.

BTW, it had a horrible rattle on the rear package deck - bad MI roads - and the dealer said there wasn't a fix. They did find a TSB just sent out that did fix it under warrranty. So, problem solved at Superior Cadillac in Brighton MI.