[BlackZenith]

I'm the proud owner of a 2008 RWD CTS (as of 3/20/2011) but I am thinking of "swapping" up to either a (two different dealers):

A) 2008 AWD PFI CTS with 23k miles (Performance Luxury pkg)
B) 2008 AWD DI CTS with 41k miles (Nav)

Considering other options like heated seats, power seats, sun roof, and memory seats are on both vehicles AND the condition of both is excellent AND the prices are the same, which would you buy?

My bad if this is the wrong way to start my membership (actually I wanted to wait until I officially had one) but man this is a hard decision. I've done blue book values on both and the DI comes out ahead by only $300. But my mind is stuck on mileage...

 

[caddad08]

Do the prices for these cars include the CPO warranty? That would be a determining factor for me. Unless you are seeking out the most performance - short of a V - the engine difference would not be a tipping point in most cases. However, I went the DI route just to have that little bit of extra oomph!

 

[rayle]

Have you test driven them both to see how they perform? Since I got burned on my vehicle by not test driving prior to buying, I'm now a big proponent of the test drive.

If they perform similarly, I would definitely go with A.

 

[MoFex]

I am "purist" and prefer RWD. I also went with DI engine for extra performance. But drive both of them and "feel them".
In the end it is your money and you will have to live with what ever you select.

 

[BlackZenith]

Thanks for the votes...

I test drove them both today and could not tell the difference between the DI and the PFI. I dunno, maybe its because I ride a 2007 Yamaha R1 and know what real acceleration is... Which is why I didn't really care about the DI in the first place, but I do think it would be a decent investment (resale) in the long run so long as I don't rack up the miles. But hell it already has 41k lol

The AWD DI was loaded though (Nav, DVD, Heated seats, A/C seats...) in the end I couldn't get over the mileage and the fact that it had the tan leather which was all discolored...

I ended up not buying either of them and holding onto the one I already have (RWD PFI). But damn I just moved to Pittsburgh from Atlanta and really think I should get a CTS4... Has anyone tried to tackle snow with just the RWD traction control? I mean I see RWD cars in Pittsburgh including numerous 1st generation CTS's... How have they managed? I would have "swapped" up to the AWD PFI but the idiots at the dealership didn't bother to clean it or fix the driver side door actuator! Couldn't even get in the damn thing properly!

I dunno, I still have 1 more day to figure this out for the next 5 years lol. Maybe I should grab the DI... Is 41k too many miles for a 2008?

 

[brothleutner]

Not really especially if the build is an early one. I have AWD and it's weird, because it's so subtle how it works. It is pretty much a rwd car until it needs the front 2 wheels, then they just start spinning (say in the snow) and you never really noticed, except that you are moving and the back end is not swinging out in front of you. Remember, nav updates are expensive, so if you go that way, try to get the dealer to update it now for free. I think the performance package is almost a must. The hid's, fog lights and 18" wheels make a huge difference. My phones nav is so much better than any cars is ever going to be, I never cared about the nav.

 

[MoFex]

BlackZenith
if you are concerned with winter and snow traction your best bet would be to invest in a set of good winter tires. I frequently traveled to Europe in recent years and greatly appreciated winter tires while driving out there on snow. The tires make more difference than AWD. At least it is my experience.

 

[rayle]

From your additional information (door doesn't operate properly on the 23K; discolored tan leather seats on the 41K), I wouldn't want either one. Have you looked around for a 2009?

 

[C "T" ess]

I'm confused, you just bought a 2008 CTS 4 days ago and now you want to trade it in. Aren't you going to take a hit on the trade in value. You may be able to get a set of winter tires for what you may lose on the trade. Weren't the awd cars available last week?

 

[caddad08]

He most likely has 3 days to change his mind and swap to another vehicle. If the dealer isn't a cadillac dealer who can certify the car for 6yrs. 100K then I would shy away from a car with 41K as the warranty will expire soon and any repairs will have to be paid for. The higher end the vehicle with more bells and whistles, the greater the likelihood of problems after a few years and 50K plus miles.

 

[BlackZenith]

Caddad08 you are correct, well almost... I have 5 days.
I've been buying and swapping (yes, swapped once already from a w/1SA to w/1SB+luxury pkg) through Carmax and have been pleased with their service. I took the one I have now to get checked by a real Cadillac dealer and they said it was in great condition and passed everything they tested (said even the brakes looked new, even with the car having 21k miles). They also said I could get GMs extended warranty since it is still under warranty.

 

[caddad08]

Based on your last post I guess I would tell you to stick with the one you have! I would also advise to get the GMPP plan. Personally, when I was looking back in January I found that Carmax pricing was a couple of thousand higher than what I could find at some Cadillac dealers. I did have to go about 250 miles to pick up my car but it saved me over $3K from what my local Carmax had or could transfer in without a major transfer fee. Plus I got the extended CPO warranty at no additional cost.

 

[BlackZenith]

Unfortunantly I didn't have that luxury (pun intended) to drive around car shopping. The only reason I got into the market for a different car was because my faithful 94 Honda Prelude VTEC got totaled a few weeks ago. I quickly found out that the "Catch 22" to buying a new car is that you gotta have one in order to shop around... Enter CarMax... And even when I got the w/1SA I looked around locally for a better deal since I now had a car to drive around and even use as a negotiating tool... "I got this CTS here, if you (random dealer) can give me a better deal I'll buy yours and take this one back." But I never found a dealer (semi local) that had one worth going too, except other CarMax's in other states.

 

[caddad08]

I understand. Actually I didn't do any driving. I shopped via the internet, found the best deals for the 08 CTS model with options I wanted and then called and negotiated with the dealers up front. It ended up being a choice between 3 different dealers with similar CTS's, 2 in Michigan and 1 in Ohio. After I made the final choice, all paperwork was handled via Fedex by the dealer I agreed to buy from and then I went and drove it back. They even offered to deliver it to me but I didn't want to pay them for that. If you aren't fully satisfied with your purchase I would suggest getting a cheap short term rental, ( yes it still costs you more money), but at least you don't have to make a 1 day decision that you have to live with for many years. Best of luck with whatever you decide to do.

 

[BlackZenith]

Since I'm a new owner this will be my *intro into this forum community:

The CTS I have is a direct reflection of what I perceived a Cadillac to be... before I ever knew what CTS4 and DI even meant. *I know that probably sounds bad coming from a guy but I've been a fanatic of sport bikes since I graduated college (I'm 28 now) and never cared for cars; which is why I've had 6 different bikes in 5 years and the same car until now. But the 08 caddy always had my admiration when I passed it on the highway on my bike I'm happy with my CTS because it represents me, my desires and personality the best. If I initially cared anything about driving in the snow I would have bought a Subaru. If I cared about going fast in a car I would have bought a 350z or something. But I didn't and still kinda don't, I just saw that I could have one and still kinda stay in my budget.*

I have the CTS that I set out to have in the first place (interior bells and whistles) and feel blessed to be among you all.*

PS. Besides, I plan on moving back down South (Atlanta or Birmingham) in the next year or two, and I definitely won't need AWD there. *

 

[rayle]

I'm happy with my CTS . . . I have the CTS that I set out to have in the first place . . . I definitely won't need AWD . . .

You have worked this problem yourself, and good for you! I hope you will continue to join us here and share your experience with your new Cadillac!

 

[BlackZenith]

Yep I'll be here...
Thanks