Cadillac STS4 V6 vs Mercedes E350 4Matic vs Infiniti M35x

[new_sts_fan]

Please help forum members. I have an opportunity to buy either a Cadillac STS4 V6, an E350 4Matic Mercedes, or an Infiniti M35x.

Why should I go with the Cadillac? I'm 24 years old, and want one of these 3, but am leaning towards the Caddy.

Let me know. Thanks.

[new_sts_fan]

What makes the STS better? How is the V6 with the 4 wheel drive??? Please help!!!

[Benjamin Simon]

Are you considering an 2008 STS what has been refreshened?
I personally suggest getting a v8, especailly if you are considering preowned 05 - 07. The v6 has only 255 HP in those years, the v8 has 320. The new DI v6 has 302 Hp. I realize those a just numbers, but HP is rather important to myself.
Can you tell us some more about what you are looking for? Tell us more about yourself.

[shudog]

What's your price range? You'll probably pay more upfront for the Benz but it will hold it's value better too.

[96Fleetwood]

The M35x has options you can't get on the STS4 or E350 4 matic.

My fiancee is on her third Infiniti, first was a I30T, then a G35, and now a QX4. We are currently selling the QX4 to buy a slightly used M35X

Why? Because they have been relatively problem free. Minus oil changes, brake pads, and tires... we havent had to spend any money on maintenance! Her 2001 QX4 is at 90,000 miles and runs like new and the interior still feels and looks new.

IMO, you get Lexus like quality for less money with the Infiniti. The GS350 AWD is a beautiful car, but costs more and does not depreciate as quickly. If you have the money, get the Lexus!

[Benjamin Simon]

Originally Posted by 96Fleetwood

The M35x has options you can't get on the STS4 or E350 4 matic.

My fiancee is on her third Infiniti, first was a I30T, then a G35, and now a QX4. We are currently selling the QX4 to buy a slightly used M35X

Why? Because they have been relatively problem free. Minus oil changes, brake pads, and tires... we havent had to spend any money on maintenance! Her 2001 QX4 is at 90,000 miles and runs like new and the interior still feels and looks new.

IMO, you get Lexus like quality for less money with the Infiniti. The GS350 AWD is a beautiful car, but costs more and does not depreciate as quickly. If you have the money, get the Lexus!

I do not like the image of Lexus. It is too cliché. MB also falls into that category, but not nearly as bad.

Have you considered a 5 Series?

[96Fleetwood]

Originally Posted by Benjamin Simon

I do not like the image of Lexus. It is too cliché. MB also falls into that category, but not nearly as bad.

Have you considered a 5 Series?

We did consider a 530xi... but when you load it up with the options of a fully loaded M35x, you are talking $8-10K more!

[GETLADE]

are you planning on buying or leasing? if you are leasing mb or infiniti will be able to compete with caddy, but if you are buying i definately think that the infinity has alot of features that caddy or mercedes have put into their current model. the STS and the E-class are both due for some facelifts, so it all depends on what your looking for. As far as opting for the v8 if it a 2008 that your looking into don't bother its really bad on gas and its only a 15 hp difference, and i believe the price is quite a bit less too...

[LakeMISTS]

I considered the same three vehicles. Mercedes was too expensive for what you get (compared to STS) and no good lease deal. Infiniti is a lot of car for the money but everytime I test drove it the road and engine noise really bothered me. So far I'm happy with the STS ('08).

[new_sts_fan]

I am planning on buying a car. The price isn't that important, but I want to buy something after the first depreciation hit...

I like the idea of a decent sized sports sedans, loaded with options and toys, with good power, and the ability to plow through any weather. I need it for business, and do like the fact that the Caddy is identifiable and looks like nothing else.

I also like the autostarter which is very beneficial, the stereo, and so on. 0-60 in 6.5 seconds is good enough for me for now. I'll probably pick up a sports car in the spring as well...

I pay for cars in cash, write a check, and that's it. So, there is no way I'm going to pay $55,000 for a new STS, when I can get a 2007 with about 5000 miles for $32,000. It makes no sense to me.

Let me know though. How good is the 4 wheel drive on it? How fast is the V6 vs V8 (I heard 6.8 vs 6.1)?

[LakeMISTS]

Even though we've had record snowfall here in Michigan, I haven't given the Caddy's 4 wheel drive much of a test. I've been driving my Jeep mostly for the ground clearance needed to get out of the driveway. I have driven it on solid ice and it was very stable.

The power seems plenty to me and that's after having an Audi with the V6 twin turbo previously. I was spoiled by that engine and still found the Caddy to be an acceptable successor.

[loman]

I have an 06 , V6 , STS4 awd , 1sc package , since sept 07 , paid about 40 % less than sticker price . I am in Toronto and i plowed through a construction site with about 8 inches of snow ( the level of the snow was above the axles )with all season tires and did not get stuck .The V6 is adequate for the car, i previously had a STS with the V8 , and quite frankly , i dont miss it . The gearing in the tranny is matched very nicely to the engine. I`d say it`s pretty quick for a V6 .
Take one for a test-drive to see for yourself . The remote start is handy
in cold weather also. I am very satisfied with the purchase . Wanted a V8
but it never came up with right color etc, and have no issues with this one.
Real quiet and smooth on the highway too.

[Benjamin Simon]

On thing to note is the 1SG in 2005 and 2006 has 3.43 gears opposed to 3.23 gears in other models. It decreases gas mileage slightly, but I do not drive a Cadillac to worry about gas. If you get a 1SG AWD, it has 3.23 gears.

[justgreat]

[quote=new_sts_fan;1416142]I am planning on buying a car. The price isn't that important, but I want to buy something after the first depreciation hit...

I like the idea of a decent sized sports sedans, loaded with options and toys, with good power, and the ability to plow through any weather. I need it for business, and do like the fact that the Caddy is identifiable and looks like nothing else.

I also like the autostarter which is very beneficial, the stereo, and so on. 0-60 in 6.5 seconds is good enough for me for now. I'll probably pick up a sports car in the spring as well...

I pay for cars in cash, write a check, and that's it. So, there is no way I'm going to pay $55,000 for a new STS, when I can get a 2007 with about 5000 miles for $32,000. It makes no sense to me.



i have the 2wd 06 sts with the 3.6...i got the 6 because of the handling benefits over the v8....the turn in and balance on the 6 is great and the acceleration is fine for me...i can smoke the tires if i so choose and this is the 5 speed.

as fas as the ride is concerned and this is totally subjective, the base sts which i have is definitely on the hard side...more so than an audi...somewhere between a bmw and a merc....so i would suggest thoroughly road testing all models you're interested in...going over some familair roads if possible.

one last point; the awd sts has a different rear end gear than the 2wd...so the additional weight and the taller gears will add to slower accelaration times, but a little better on the fuel economy numbers.



jackg
06 sts6