Which options and years to avoid.

Pretty much like you said 2010 or newer. I'd steer clear of the pana sunroof. I hear issues with drain clogging up. AWD systems in the newer CTS's is fine. I'd just get a bumper to bumper warranty no matter what. It's basically extra insurance.

I have an '11. It's a 3.0 Luxury w/pana sunroof. @ 28,000 miles no issues at all. I have owned 3.6's in the past. The 275HP 3.0 is more than enough for this car. I have had no issues with the sunroof and I use it all the time. You are in the "sweet" spot for price and refinement on these cars. get a low mile example that is CPO'd if you can. In any case a late '12 should still have some of the 4/50 left on it.

I'm not sure what package it's in, but avoid the keyless entry feature if you can/ it's not lumped in with features you really want. While it's neat to have, the 08's and 09's have issues with them breaking in cold weather (I'm dealing with it now in Detroit). It's about $400/ handle to fix, apparently not covered by extended warranty. Being that you're further north, this might be a headache.

The tsb (SB-09104) does not mention models past 09, so this may have been corrected. I'd definitely check into it though if this option is on a car you're considering.

There's also the timing chain issue that I believe was corrected for '10, so ask about that if you go with the prior years.

Just stick with 2010 or later. AWD has its issues. Heated/cooled seats do break down. Sunroof is fine if you clean out the drains. If you park in a wooded area all the time then you might be asking for trouble as the debris can mess with your 'roof drains. Nav is a waste (more or less) as your Garmin or Waze is much, much better with free upgrades vs. $200 from Cadillac. Bose system, while not necessarily the best, is top of the Caddy line and there is a difference from Base.

slowmyke said:

I'm not sure what package it's in, but avoid the keyless entry feature if you can/ it's not lumped in with features you really want. While it's neat to have, the 08's and 09's have issues with them breaking in cold weather (I'm dealing with it now in Detroit). It's about $400/ handle to fix, apparently not covered by extended warranty. Being that you're further north, this might be a headache.

The tsb (SB-09104) does not mention models past 09, so this may have been corrected. I'd definitely check into it though if this option is on a car you're considering.

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My 2012 has keyless and with -8 with a windchill of -20 here in Chicago, I had no issues whatsoever with the keyless entry. They may have corrected the issue. I could never go back to a non-key-less car. Love it (despite being a knob instead of button). The level of confusion when anybody tries to start my car for the first time is hilarious

As others have said you should be good to go if its a 2010 or later. Sunroof has had leak and drainage problems, AWD adds mechanical complexity but seems OK in late models, no other problems I would be concerned about.