I'm the owner of a 2008 CTS with about 103,000 miles on it. I loved the car when I bought it and I love the car today. I'm not looking to make a new purchase in the immediate future, but I've been looking around some. The price of the Third Gen CTS is a concern for me. When I bought my car, I felt like I got a lot of car for the price. I don't necessarily get that feeling with the Third Gen, even though there plenty that I like about it. That said, I just don't think that I can justify $55,000on a new vehicle. I suppose I could move down to a ATS for a more budget friendly option, but I don't think I'm going to like the smaller size of it. So all that being said, what are those of you who are moving away from the CTS and cadillac looking to buy? Genesis has been suggested, and that's something I'll check out. I'm sure someone will mention the 300. Anything else?
Other options
1 - 15 of 15 Posts
Since you have a 2008 CTS and like it, consider a
2012-2013 CTS. There are improvements, more HP,
etc and there are low mile 12/13's on dealer lots,
that are off lease.
I also have concerns between the more lux higher
priced 14+ CTS and fun but smaller ATS.
For the same size at the 2nd gen CTS, look at the
Buick Regal. The GS version has a lot of the ATS
features, but you are limited to the 2.0T.
2012-2013 CTS. There are improvements, more HP,
etc and there are low mile 12/13's on dealer lots,
that are off lease.
I also have concerns between the more lux higher
priced 14+ CTS and fun but smaller ATS.
For the same size at the 2nd gen CTS, look at the
Buick Regal. The GS version has a lot of the ATS
features, but you are limited to the 2.0T.
I started a thread on the Genesis and this is the car I plan to lease. However for fun I stopped at a Lexus dealer and the GS350 is a
really nice car. To show how"greedy"(I should say stupid greedy) Caddy has become the 2.0 Luxury AWD is higher list than GS 350
AWD.
Lexus is offering a free Nav package.
This is amazing since the Lexus has a much higher cachet for those who considerthese things and has a V-6 and standard 18" wheels. Otherwise features are very similar across the board.
As seems to be your experience (and mine) Caddy has driven many of their loyal customers to reluctantly look at what else the market
is offering and the answer is 'much more than Cadillac' in many cases.
Lexus really needs to upgrade their engine line up. Basically same 3.5 306 HP I had in my 2006 IS 350 is all they have other than the F 5.0. I would have looked at Lexus again this go around, but behind big time in power train options. Can't beat the 420 HP LF3 in my Vsport.
Thanks for the thoughts everyone. Not sure what direction I'll go, but for now I'll continue to enjoy my '08. I wish there was a car out there that gave me the feeling that I was getting a lot of car and style that I liked for a really good price. As of right now, I don't think there is.
I'd agree with a refresh on the 08 to an 12 or 13. In my case I had an 08 CTS I loved, but in 11 I decided to switch to a V wagon variant and could not be happier. I am sure you could find a certified gen-II in regular or V format that would give you a warranty and keep you in a car you like. If you want much more power, the V's are fantastic, just be ready for the fuel bill, they drink the stuff.
Why not check out a 2014 CTS. . . there are aggressive incentives available and you are getting the latest generation technologies (different grille than the 15 but mostly the same car). . . dealers are anxious to move what is left on the lots. Demo/exec car deals are especially attractive.
Not a bad idea to stay in the same generation with a 12 or 13. Only thing I don't like about it is then it seems like I'm plunking down money on a car that is already somewhat out of date, i.e., there already a new version of it. Same could be said for my 08 but at least I've owned it from the start and am not buying it right now.
I just bought a 14; I took advantage of employee pricing w/a special March incentive; but even without that, there are very good deals to be had; I considered a wagon (my preferred configuration) but went w/a sedan b/c of the technology differences with the latest generation. I agree that you miss out on some of the features (push button start, better nav and CUE, etc.) I did a lot of research and my opinion is that the best two options for the 14s are:
- the entry level; good price point but you don't get a lot of features
- the luxury level w/the selected options you want; you get what you want and pay less than the performance / premium trim levels which get very expensive
- the entry level; good price point but you don't get a lot of features
- the luxury level w/the selected options you want; you get what you want and pay less than the performance / premium trim levels which get very expensive
Just get the ATS if you dont like the price of the 3rd gen CTS. CTS never really had a direct competitor and was always a stop gap between the 3/C and 5/E series cars. Its now a full on 5/E competitor and priced to match.
All you really lose going from 2nd gen CTS to an ATS is 3" of rear seat leg room.
All you really lose going from 2nd gen CTS to an ATS is 3" of rear seat leg room.
| 2nd gen | ATS | 3rd Gen | |
| Wheelbase | 113.40 (2880) | 109.30 (2776) | 114.60 (2911) |
| Overall length | 191.30 (4859) | 182.80 (4643) | 195.50 (4966) |
| Body width | 72.50 (1842) | 71.10 (1806) | 72.20 (1834) |
| Overall height | 58.00 (1473) | 55.90 (1420) | 57.20 (1453) |
| Front track width, with 19" wheels | 61.80 (1570) | 59.50 (1511) | 61.40 (1560) |
| Rear track width, with 19" wheels | 62.20 (1580) | 60.90 (1547) | 61.70 (1567) |
| Head room, front | 38.80 (986) | 38.60 (980) | 40.40 (1026) |
| Head room, rear | 37.20 (945) | 36.80 (935) | 37.50 (952) |
| Shoulder room, front | 56.73 (1441) | 55.20 (1402) | 56.90 (1445) |
| Shoulder room, rear | 54.72 (1390) | 53.90 (1369) | 54.80 (1392) |
| Hip room, front | 53.74 (1365) | 53.00 (1346) | 53.80 (1367) |
| Hip room, rear | 52.99 (1346) | 52.30 (1328) | 53.30 (1354) |
| Leg room, front | 42.44 (1078) | 42.50 (1080) | 45.70 (1161) |
| Leg room, rear | 36.06 (916) | 33.50 (851) | 35.40 (899) |
none now, but will look at CT5. 2017 Lincoln MKZ 3.0T. Former 14 ATS 3.6
Joined
·
218 Posts
I agree with WGross. People tell themselves that the ATS is too small, but I find it perfectly acceptable. My teenagers fit in the back seat just fine. The ATS will out-handle any other car that has been suggested here.
I thought the second generation CTS (owned two) was a perfect size. Sporty with a usable back seat and trunk. The new CTS size
doesn't strike me as offering much more room either in back or trunk. Get the feeling the new size dictated by having to have something bigger than the ATS. JMHO
I did just spend some more time looking at (and driving) GS350. Despite nice drive and handling was not impressed. GS looks a lot like new ES now.
doesn't strike me as offering much more room either in back or trunk. Get the feeling the new size dictated by having to have something bigger than the ATS. JMHO
I did just spend some more time looking at (and driving) GS350. Despite nice drive and handling was not impressed. GS looks a lot like new ES now.
So the fact that the new CTS has a larger trunk and bigger back seat than the "perfect" sizes of the second gen's is somehow negative? I don't understand. The trunk of the ATS is smaller than my 2010 Camaro's and that one is a disaster.bradj said:
1 - 15 of 15 Posts
