Monthly Archives: April 2011

2011 Cadillac CTS Coupe Day 2

Posted on by
Reply

This week I’m testing a 2011 Cadillac CTS Performance Coupe provide by Crest Cadillac of Plano.

You can find my short summary after pickup here.

Cadillac CTS Coupe Console

Cadillac CTS Coupe Console

The test car is a Cadillac CTS Performance Coupe with the luxury and navigation package, so it has all the extras and the pop-up nav system.  I prefer a couple of stations on XM radio, including Watercolors Jazz (71); I was pleased to find that the test car had XM turned on, so that I could enjoy my music during the test.  Thanks XM!

For my next Cadillac I am shopping for a 2010 Cadillac CTS Sedan — the 4-door version of the CTS as opposed to the test model, which is the 2-door Coupe.  The Coupe has some beautiful styling touches, and I only *need* 2 doors most days.  So a Coupe could fit for my current empty nest lifestyle.  However, the Coupe started production in 2011, and the budget I care to spend on my next Cadillac only stretches to a 2010 model.

So how does the CTS Coupe drive in real life?  It is a marvelous car.  Beautiful, stylish exterior, with plentiful acceleration, and an amazing 6 speed automatic.  My 2005 CTS has a Corsa aftermarket exhaust, and so is louder, but the new CTS is much more refined in general as well.  I would prefer a bit more exhaust note, but I appreciate the work Cadillac has done in refining noise, vibration, and harshness.

The 304 hp LLT 3.6L V6 is an ideal power-plant for this car especially if you are the one buying the gas.  Now, that said, I do recall that during my CTS-V test drive I wrote that any gas that car needed served its purpose, due to the high level of fun the V generates.   At my house the difference between a Sedan budget and a V budget is significant, so I’m focused on the sedan or coupe.  If the V ever comes within reach, then I’ll figure out how to pay for the gas too perhaps.

The view out the back of the Coupe is supplemented by a rear-view camera that displays on the navigation system screen.  I find that this is useful for an initial review of what is behind the Coupe before moving, but then prefer to look directly out the back window while backing.  The Rear quarter windows are smaller in the Coupe, and I have to lean forward to peer to the rear quarters, but that is probably a familiarity thing that would become natural with use.

The CTS Coupe makes a perfectly delightful daily driver.  I love the Crystal Red Tint-coat on this car and highly recommend it.

 

Living with the Cadillac CTS Coupe

Posted on by
2

I ran by Crest Cadillac in Plano this morning and picked up a 2011 Cadillac CTS Performance Coupe in Crystal Red Tintcoat for a test drive.  I have been focused on the Sedan for my next Cadillac, but I am interested to test my thinking about how well a Coupe might fit instead.

Crest Auto Group is one of our ‘Friends of CaddyInfo’ Sponsors, and I appreciate their support for test drives.

2011 Cadillac CTS Coupe

This one is the CTS Coupe Performance Model, with the Performance Luxury and Navigation option (PCK).  This configuration apparently gives you everything that the top of the line Premium Model would have except the Sunroof.  Since due to the outline on the Coupe the sunroof is limited on this model anyway,  this certainly seems an inviting option set.

The CTS Coupe is very artistic in its design language and consistency.  Many touches from the recessed, handle-less doors to the sculpture-like pass-through exhaust are  remarkable.  Cadillac is using chrome cues for highlights, and a color like the Crystal Red Tintcoat contrasts nicely with these.

Could I trade off some rear head room for more art in my life and a better final drive ratio?  Stay tuned.

The best time to shop for a new Cadillac is

Posted on by
Reply

This will seem like core common sense to some of you, but I feel it bears repeating, especially in the car market:

The best time to look for a new Cadillac is while your current Cadillac is still  doing well and going well.

You don’t want to squeeze the deal by depending on selling your Cadillac just in time to have the cash to buy or help fund your next Cadillac.  You want to be in a position to have some cash set aside that you can use to buy the new or new to you Cadillac, and to have time to sell your Cadillac at your leisure.   This way you have no pressure on the acquisition — no timers — and can wait for just the right deal to come along for your perfect next Cadillac.

I am chatting with Darin Partin over at Crest Cadillac to get help in finding my next Cadillac, which hopefully will be a nice used 2010 Cadillac CTS Premium model with under 15K miles, in Crystal Red Tintcoat.  But my shopping journey didn’t start with looking up and realizing my 2005 Cadillac CTS was about ready for replacement.

My shopping journey started as soon as I made the last payment on the 2005 years ago, and started putting funds away to help pay for the next Cadillac.  Almost all cars will need to be replaced at some point — unless you are able to keep a lot of cars — so one should plan ahead for this eventuality and budget appropriately.    It simplifies the deal if you have money in hand and know what Cadillac you want to buy.

If you have ever made payments or leased a car, then you have enough funding to save up and purchase a new or used car with cash.  All you need now is the will to do so and a plan.

My 2005 Cadillac CTS has been a great, reliable car.  But I know I will be getting a replacement, so I have planned and budgeted ahead to do so, and am shopping for the next Cadillac while my 2005 still has lots of miles left.  That’s the best way to shop for a new Cadillac — with money in hand and time to wait for the right deal.