Absolutely no idea if it’s a “good buy”. Don’t know what it looks like, service history, accident report, or even the price.

As far as the car itself, they are fantastic. The 3.6 is a good motor.

 

The Carfax showed that it had regular oil changes. It is a AWD, also if that makes a difference.

 

The ATS Premium was the top car for more standard options.

It was only the 2.0 engine that had some piston issue.
If it is RWD, it has MRC shocks, so the runflats might not feel too bad.

It comes with runflats, but that may have changed by the owner.
Note there is no donut spare, unless you add it.

 

It is a AWD and shows regular oil changes. Two owner car.

 

I have a 2013 Premium RWD with about 82k miles, overall happy with the reliability, engine has few known problems, 6 speed transmission is good. Replaced my rear MRC shocks (have them because of Premium RWD), had diff leak but it was fixed years ago under warranty, had CUE screen crack, also replaced years ago under warranty and no further problem.

Weak spots include the differential and CUE (user interface) where the screen cracks, CUE has relatively inexpensive aftermarket solutions, rear diff is more expensive. I would check to see if it is leaking.

Documentation on any of it would help. With any car like this, if I didn't get maintenance info I would assume it hasn't been done and get it all done after you buy it.

 

The car is a AWD, Carfax shows regular oil changes, notes state car player was replaced. One rear wheel bearing replaced. Two owner car.

 

How much are they selling it for? And also, how reliable has your CTS been? Last, what are you looking for in a car that is drawing you to the ATS?

My experience is not every ATS, but I would make sure you are okay accommodating for what could be larger maintenance bills. The 3.6L/6-speed combo is near bulletproof, but I have had to repair the follow larger ticket (ie >$500) items, that are not "accident related", on my 135k mile 3.6L RWD Premium over the past 8 years:

-Front and Rear magnetic ride shocks
-Multiple rear axle seal leaks
-new rear wheel bearings
-radiator replacement
-alternator replacement
-HUD replacement

Total maintenance items (not including tires) for 110k miles of driving and 8 years is around $15k, which has not been enjoyable. I do love the car though, and those costs combined with the purchase price is cheaper than a car payment on something that would bring me at least 90% of the enjoyment. Most everything has been dealer maintained, as the expense of paying dealer prices is okay with me after a couple less informed repairs by other shops didn't save money in the long wrong. Also getting loaners makes for great convenience.

You are retired, so you will likely drive a lot less miles than I do and therefore hit part-wear-out milestones later (if at all), but if you are on a fixed income that cannot absorb a potential $2k repair without issue, I'd look somewhere else as this is a 12 year old car and things happen to old cars. That said, if you're requirement is 300+ HP, AWD, and fun, just about anything else will probably be the same money eventually (looking at you, German AWD sedans). If you can compromise on 180+HP, AWD, and little less special feeling, something like a Mazda 3 AWD might be better and hit the wallet less over time.