I've also been a front-wheel drive GM big car fan, coming from several supercharged Pontiac Bonnevilles. CT6 is a nice replacement.

2019/2020 have the 10-speed trans and the newer CUE system (volume controls on the center console, etc.)
2016-2018 have the sometimes problematic 8-speed transmission.

I keep a search on cars.com for the 4.2l cars just to watch prices - I've started to see them dip into the 60s for cars with ~20,000 miles. There are usually about 40 Blackwing-engined cars for sale nationwide at any one time.

One of our loaners before I got my V was a Platinum with supercruise and the 3.6l. It was a very nice ride with decent power, but I decided to go for the extra power of the Blackwing engine. I haven't driven a 3.0 TT yet, so I can't comment on that.

Feature-wise, I'd look for a Premium Luxury or a Platinum with the Magnetic ride suspension, Panaray sound system, and driver assist package (adaptive cruise control, etc.) Supercruise would be a plus, unless you get a V (it's not available).

 

Thanks @mzbk2l - great comments. Which reminded me to ask, what’s the difference between the V-series and Blackwing (which I honestly thought had replaced the V)?

And I would love Supercruise, although for me in the Midwest its usability would probably be limited. And IIRC it also requires an ongoing monthly subscription (similar to Onstar) which doesn’t interest me much.

My budget will be around $30-35 depending on year and mileage, which I’m seeing regularly now on 18-19’s (3.6 or 3.0) on AutoTrader and CarGuru ads. I realize I’m probably pricing myself out of the higher power models. Knowing about that transmission upgrade for 2019, I may lean that way. I’m still saving cash and not in a hurry to buy, so I’ve got time to find the right deal.

 

Back in (2018?) when GM announced there would be a 2019 CT6 V-Sport (which they later renamed the V without the sport), they also announced the brand new 4.2l TT engine, named the "Blackwing." The CT6 cars built with the 4.2l (whether the Platinum with 500 hp or the V with 550 hp) all have the Blackwing engine.

The name apparently proved popular, as GM appropriated it for the top-of-the-line CT4 and CT5 cars (even though they don't have the Blackwing engine).

So CT4/CT5s can be Blackwings, but they don't have the Blackwing engine.
CT6s can have the Blackwing engine, but they're not Blackwings.

Seems perfectly in keeping with GM's muddled mess of Cadillac branding.

 

I would recommend a 2019 3.0 TT.. Great transmission, nice styling updates, great power and fantastic fuel economy.

 

I'd second this. That or a 2020.

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Are there particular RPO codes affiliated with the Premium Luxury or Platinum packages (or some of those desired features listed above) vs. “base”? I find that’s a more reliable way to verify model details… have the seller send me a photo of the RPO sticker, assuming it’s inside the glovebox like most cars.

 

Unfortunately, it's not. There's a QR code on the sticker inside the drivers door at the bottom of the B pillar that'll give you some of the RPO codes, but it seems it tends to get truncated.

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Is there a conclusive list of features/options available for base vs. Luxury (or is that base?) vs. Premium Luxury vs. Platinum?

Some YouTuber had that on screen for a few seconds in one of the many CT6 review videos I watched some months ago, but I haven't been able to find it again. I’d like the “cameras around the car recording to an SD card in the trunk” feature too, but don’t know what that’s called.

 

I BELIEVE that's standard on the Sport trim level. Mine has it. Its called 'SURROUND Vision Recorder'.

This might help: https://www.cars.com/research/cadillac-ct6/

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CT6 Sport fills the bill. I have one and the performance is great.

 

When I was considering one, the only one I focused on was the 2019 Sport. It's a great car. Tremendous performance, great ride, gets the great 10sp auto, has all the bells and whistles and gets pretty good gas mileage to boot. And, looks great while doing all these things.

 

I wasn’t even aware of the Sport option until this conversation… great info! Is that its own trim level, or more like an add-on to Luxury, Premium Luxury, or Platinum?

The seat-embedded video screens for rear seat passengers look pretty awesome too, but that seems to be a Platinum option that will likely be out of my price range.

 

It would be a trim level and you would have been able to add options to it but it was fairly well loaded as is. The big difference was the 3.0 TT V6. Unfortunately it was around for just one model year. It was dropped for 2020.


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Will any 2019 with the 3.0TT be a Sport model by default then?

Edit: You guys are awesome!

 

No--I think the 3.0TT was available on lesser models, but to me,the Sport is the jewel. You can google and find the Cadillac brochures that outline which model gets what.

 

The rear seat entertainment was available on premium luxury and possibly lower trims as well. It’s a bit quirky but once you figure it out it’s a very nice system, my kids love it.

 

I have a 2018 Premium Luxury, 3.0 TT. Love it. Fast, quite, comfortable and plenty of room. Not sure why they stopped making them. Had some minor transmission issues, but nothing that required repair.

 

Good luck in your search for a CT6! I'm on my second one, a 2019 Platinum with the 3.0TT. Our first CT6 was a 2017 Luxury with the 3.0TT. With a budget of $30k - $35k you'll be hard pressed to find a 2019 with the 3.0TT unless it has quite a few miles.

I've never driven a CT6 with the 3.6, but had a 2017 LaCrosse and 2014 Impala with that engine and neither cars were slow, just not as powerful and fast as the CT6's.

We bought our 2019 a year ago used after a short stint with a 2021 CT5 that had the 3.0TT. The CT5 just didn't compare to the CT6.

I've left my AutoTrader search active and currently the least expensive 2019 CT6 Sport is $27,998, but has 121,000 miles. The next least expensive is $37,987 with 56k miles. My search is limited to Black, Red or White and the Sport or Platinum model. You might be able to find a 2018 in the $30k - $35k price range, but it would have the jerky 8 speed trans. It was bothersome in our 2017, but not a complete deal breaker. Or you might be able to find a 2019 or 2020 with the 3.6L in that price range. In 2019 the 3.0TT was only available on the Sport or Platinum models. 2018 and earlier the 3.0TT was available on the Luxury, Premium Luxury and Platinum models. The 3.0TT was not available at all on 2020 models which is why we had to buy our 2019 CT6 used.

Overall I love the CT6 and can't recommend it enough. I grew up around Cadillacs, have been a GM fan all my life and currently work on the GM account for my employer. Hope you find what you're looking for!

 

[all of it]

As with quite a few replies, copy/pasted to the sheet of running notes - tkx.

And for reference it may even be posted somewhere above I caught that GM improved on at least 'some' of the defects for the 8-speed's final '18 model year, if that opens up the field a tad for a 3.0TT.

 

Thanks for the comments @rmward … I’ve got searches running with email notifications from Autotrader, CarGurus, and Cars.com on 2018-2020 with under 60k miles, and over the last couple months I’ve had some 2018’s appear in $28k-30k range. And I may be looking at spring or summer before buying (I typically research car purchases for a LONG time), so more time for additional 2019’s to hit the market and prices to drop some more. That’s my theory anyway! 🙂

 

Good call! I've noticed pricing is all over the board right now with some of the 2019 Sport models with acceptable miles going for under $45k right now. Hopefully they'll drop a little more and you can find exactly what you want. For me the 3.0TT was a must have. Wasn't looking for the Platinum, but it was a great price at the time.

 

As others have stated, 2019s with the 3.0TT is (to me) the sweet spot for these cars in that they offer looks, luxury, performance, fuel efficiency, and affordability. Unfortunately, GM dropped the 3.0TT for 2020 leaving 2019 as the only year with the restyled exterior (which is killer IMO), the improved CUE interface, 10 speed auto, and the 3.0TT. The 3.0L engine is only on the Sport and Platinum trims for 2019.

IMO, the 3.6 just isn't strong enough to propel these vehicles into the performance machines they can be. Still, if you're not a speed demon, the 3.6 does offer adequate power, decent reliability and an abundant parts supply. I have no experience driving one of these with the 4.2 (BW or otherwise).

 

I’m updating my various ongoing online searches to narrow to 2019 and 3.0TT. I really appreciate how you all have helped shape the benefits of that combo!

I’m not a speed demon necessarily but don’t want to skimp on the performance side of this performance/luxury combo. 4.2 V8 would be ideal but I’m probably not willing to pay the premium that rarer option would bring. Our current Chevy Traverse has the standard 3.6 (same engine?) and it’s respectable for a midsize SUV but I definitely want an upgrade for the future Caddy.

 

I’m not a speed demon necessarily but don’t want to skimp on the performance side of this performance/luxury combo. 4.2 V8 would be ideal but I’m probably not willing to pay the premium that rarer option would bring. Our current Chevy Traverse has the standard 3.6 (same engine?) and it’s respectable for a midsize SUV but I definitely want an upgrade for the future Caddy.

Thanks for saying that, I currently have a DTS with a Northstar and was hoping to find a 3.6 because I didn't want the extra expense of fixing a turbo. But from what you're saying, I'd be disappointed with a 3.6 so I should opt for the 3.0TT..

 

@scottydl not sure where you're at, but a Certified 2019 Sport in Black came up in my search yesterday for just over $40k with 45,000 miles +/-. It's at Penske Cadillac South Bay in Torrance, CA.

 

Midwest... middle of Illinois, but I'd travel for the right model. I'm still in early stages of researching through, and probably won't buy until summer at the earliest. Still putting away cash and watching pricing trends, which I'd like to think will settle down by then + more of the ongoing supply chain issues resolved.

 

You should try a couple of these at a local dealership. For most the 3.6 is just fine, but the 3.0TT is outstanding. Don't forget that for several years you could get the 2.0T which wasn't all bad either.

 

But only in RWD. Kept the weight down.


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I've had the 3.6 liter in four Cadillacs'; two STS's, an XT5 and currently the CT6. All have provided adequate power and never left me lacking. If you feel you need extra, then by all means get the 3.0 turbo, but I've found 300 plus h/p just fine.

 

I didn't notice the HP in the 3.6 is higher than the N*. So it would be an upgrade from my DTS (which is no slouch by the way).

 

Agree whole-heartedly with C&C. I've had three V-8's in my previous Cadillacs, and the 3.6 in my current two cars is more than adequate for passing. At least road test one before fixating on a 3.0TT.

 

"So Bob, just how old are you?"
I'm so old....that I'll definitely be taking this advice when getting into serious hunting.

I've picked up a batch of valuable intel on this and similar threads that must be just muscle memory for those who have a CT6 or any of other models with the 6cyl. There was a time not too many eons back when it was a matter of, "Go V8 or go home." But, see how I've matured. Even 20 years ago the teeny 3.0NA V6 in the wife's Tribute impressed with what a DOHC can do. Her current 2.5NA L4 lacks any torque, but perfectly serviceable and safe absolutely anywhere except off-line. And who on earth drag-races a Tucson?
A 3.5 at 335horse & 284#-ft. in the right conditions can be a monster value alternate for the 3.0TT at 404 & 400.

 

Thanks @jkeldo, ownership experience is always super valuable. I like the idea of choosing a CT6 based on options & features (which probably would be more important day by day compared to powertrain), if say I had a 3.6 vs. 3.0TT sitting side by side to choose from. There are features I’d really like, such as sunroof, cooled seats, SD card recording capability on perimeter cameras, rear entertainment, and SuperCruise if possible.

Is it correct that SuperCruise requires an ongoing paid subscription? If so I might knock that one off the list.

 

Thanks @jkeldo, ownership experience is always super valuable. I like the idea of choosing a CT6 based on options & features (which probably would be more important day by day compared to powertrain), if say I had a 3.6 vs. 3.0TT sitting side by side to choose from. There are features I’d really like, such as sunroof, cooled seats, SD card recording capability on perimeter cameras, rear entertainment, and SuperCruise if possible.

Is it correct that SuperCruise requires an ongoing paid subscription? If so I might knock that one off the list.

SuperCruise does require OnStar and a monthly subscription which is discounted if paid on an annual basis. I'm coming up on three years which came with the new car so I will see around March or so what the cost will be. I don't use it much as I'm not driving on the highway all that often but it's still nice to have.

The 2020 Personal Luxury package had the items you mentioned. In 2019 and previous, those were part of other packages so you have to look carefully to see how equipped they are. One thing I don't have is massaging seats as that came with the Platinum.