Normally they say the first year of a model, in ATS case 2013, is better to be avoided. That being said, I had a '13 ATS for 3 years and no single issue. ATS is a solid car with very few issues. Go for 2014 or newer just to be sure, but if you stumble on a '13 for a good price that you really like, I don't think there is anything wrong with '13 either.

 

I totally agree! If you treat them right they will be good to you! I love my 13!

 

Bear in mind from introduction in Sept 2012 to Dec 2013 Cadillac had sales of 45K ATSs mostly 13s, the 2014 run sold 31K+ cars, these were far and away the 2 best years for the ATS so its not surprising that there have been a larger number of 2013 issues posted. that being said I would not buy anything under a 2015 unless you are getting a great deal and a long term warranty. JMO

 

I’m curious around how many miles the issues start to pop up? I got a used 14 and have now just hit 40k miles. I did get the extended warranty so I’m not worried as much curious


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I had to have the motor mounts and valve timing solenoid replaced before 35k. Just at 38k my CUE touchscreen stopped responding at the bottom center and had to be replaced. That's been it so far on my '13.

 

My 2013 has had the entire LSD replaced and then the seals about a year later and the exhaust side cam actuator solenoid crapped itself (which is actually a cheap and easy part to replace). Other than that, it's been a really good car! It's also the year with the most over-engineered one-off pieces. Nothing really important, just a bunch of little things that they simplified and made cheaper throughout the years.

That said, if I had to buy again, I'd go for the 2015. Although I prefer the 13-14 styling, the huge boost in torque they added that year far outweighs that (of course, that's just the 2.0T model). Also, as far as CUE is concerned, by that year, it was very snappy to use (pretty laggy in 2013 and a little better in 2014) and although it's the year before Android Auto/Car Play was added, that's the last year that allows you to timeshift (so, pause, fast forward, rewind live radio even if you turn off your car for less than 20 minutes, so pause the radio, do some quick shopping, pick up where you left off and then fast forward through commercials or songs to catch up to live).

 

I prefer the '13-'14 look as well over the later, course I also like the wreath and crest too so what do I know. My '13 V6 had a few issues but it was first model year (though the same problems seemed to happen to newer model years as well so....) and all taken care of under warranty and none were major. I would buy my exact car again in a heart beat, but in a V version, LOL.

 

My dad has a 2014 premium V6 and it's been a solid car. As far as I know only warranty work it had was to replace a headlight because the auto level feature failed and one headlight got stuck in an upward position. They bought it new and probably have like 30 k miles on it now. Great car!
I have a 2016 premium V6 and it's also been great. Love the car. Bought it with 3,000 miles, it now has 10,400.
To answer your question though generally speaking, rule of thumb is always get the latest and greatest you can afford. When I was searching I wanted 2016 or newer for the new V6, 8spd tranny, and most up to date Cue. If I was in the market again I wouldn't change a thing. If I was looking at older ATS I would probably avoid 2013, not because it's a bad car or has common issues, but just because you can probably get a 2014 for same price.

 

2013: first year, most issues are with motor mounts, and some moldy AC smell
2014: added frameless rearview mirror, CUE updated but still pretty slow, Siri push-to-talk, I think some HVAC adjustments, but mostly has same issues as 2013 regarding forum complaints about motor mounts and AC
2015: has new Cadillac badge, better tuned 2.0T engine, fast CUE
2016: updated 3.6L engine, CUE is even faster and has Apple Carplay and Android Auto (through free update)

Personally I hate the auto start-stop on the 2016+ vehicles. The styling on the 2013 and 2014 does date the cars somewhat, but like another poster mentioned those were the years that Cadillac moved the most units.

 

If I could afford it, I'd look at a 15 or up. As several others posted, its a good rule of thumb to avoid a first year model car from ANY manufacturer as they tend to have the most problems, recalls, etc.

That being said, any recalls on a 13 should have been taken care of by now. If the car runs good and has been maintained well, I fail to see a reason it should suddenly realize it's a 13 model and decide to quit on you.

By the way, look very hard at the Cadillac CPO offerings...... Pez.

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For the record, I HATE the frameless mirror (my 2013 is framed, thank goodness). Sure, it looks fantastic, but it's truly a form over function situation. When it goes into dim mode, there's a good quarter to a third inch non-dimmed boarder all around the mirror. When that SUV/high beamer/douche bag Subaru with LED bar is behind you, you're getting the full brightness coming off that boarder and blinding you anyway! Useless!

 

Funny you mention the frameless mirror. So although I will say it absolutely looks great, you are actually 100% correct about the small outlined border that does not dim and I have noticed that when a headlight gets into that non-dimming strip around the edges, it gets you in the eye and is for sure kind of annoying. It's not enough to really bother me, but it is noticeable and I have noticed myself moving my head a little to get out of the bright light.

As far as whether or not people prefer the 2013-2014 styling or the 2015+, that's all personal preference and you will find most 2013-2014 owners will say they like the older style and wreath emblems better, and 2015+ owners will say they like the newer styles. I think both are good looking cars and you can't go wrong with either. As far as the emblems though, I say without a doubt the newer modern Cadillac crest is the winner there. The wreath just reminds me of old school cadillacs and I feel that the ATS is worlds apart from how Cadillac used to be. The ATS is a edgy and modern design and I feel the crest suits it well.

 

My 2013 3.6 awd premium was built in Sept 12 so is an early one. Normally I would not buy a first year model but I got a great deal on it. We are up in the NC mountains on vacation right now with it. Fixing to hit 57k and no issues. I love it.

 

Except for features you may not like, odds are better to avoid issues with the newer years.

In general 2013 is the most risky, but as with all cars, there will be 2013's with less issues than 2016's.

 

We had the CUE replaced due to cosmetic issues but other than that our '14 has been trouble free.

 

why no 2014?

 

I would go with the newest you can afford. A 2015 has the faster CUE and will likely have over a year of warranty remaining. If I buy used I like knowing I will have warranty coverage through all 4 seasons, especially during the extremes of summer and winter to see if there are any temp related problems that got covered-up by mild weather.

2016+ get Apple Car Play / Android auto, a very nice feature.

 

I would go with the newest you can afford.

...rarely bad advice! I did see one report (darned if I can find it again) that showed the 2015 MY had slightly more issues than 2014, which may have been related to the MCE and some new electronics. But otherwise it's always fair to assume that the later years in a model's run will have more of the kinks worked out.

 

I have had my 14 ATS Premium for a year and half and put 20K miles over the 8500 on her when I bought, only in for one warranty work they found during an oil change. Rear Axel seals.

 

I'm glad other owners have had a better time with their ATS's. I had a 13 ATS Standard...purchased with 50,000 miles from Cadillac dealer. I had to have the following replacedinion seal (was slinging hydraulic gear fluid like it was nobody's business), both rear axle seals, cracked rim, exhaust fumes in the cabin (was told it was a loose bolt on an exhaust flange after bringing it back twice), CUE Screen, and two vacuum hoses that go between between the firewall and the engine. I had it for about 10,000 miles before I got rid of it, couldn't stand going back and forth to the dealer after work to find out what went wrong with for that month.