Cadillac marketplace

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I am still watching prices on a few Cadillac Models.  The used car market has been unusually strong this year, so normal trends are out the door.

The Cadillac CTS-V was redesigned in 2009, and has been very well received.  The least expensive 2009 Cadillac CTS-V seems to float around $47K, keeping these out of my budget range. KBB.com retail is $55K.

The Cadillac STS-V stopped production in 2009, with low numbers in 2008 and 2009.  The lowest lightly used model 2008 Cadillac STS-V are running $38K.  That puts this model closer to my target but still not quite there.  KBB retail with 24k miles is $39K.

I have also been looking at the 2010 Cadillac CTS Premium Models.  These are still priced close to new of course with the 2011 models just getting out.  The least expensive RWD CTS 3.6L Premium currently is around $38K.  KBB retail with RWD and Premium package at 12k miles is $35K.

It may still be a horse race between the 2008 STS-V and the 2010 CTS RWD Premium for which reaches my budget first with the right car.   A lot of shopping for used cars is being able to have a wide time window to shop and being ready with the money when you find the right car.

As the summer comes to an end the V cars may become more affordable, since they fall into the ‘fun’ car category.   We’ll see.

A Cadillac can’t make you happy. But it can help.

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An Automobile can’t make you successful.

An Automobile can’t make you happy.

Owning a car does not change who you are, or who you want to be.

However,

If you appreciate fine things, a fine automobile can thrill you.

If you want to be more than you are, stepping into or out of a luxury automobile can help give you the confidence and bearing to do the things you want to do.  A luxury car is like a formal dress, or a suit — you feel better about yourself when you arrive.

If fine craftsmanship, careful engineering, and exacting performance are things you appreciate, then spending time in a current Cadillac will stimulate your sensibilities.

An Automobile can’t MAKE you happy.  Happiness does not depend on the things we own, but on our desires, and the dreams we dream.

Happiness depends on our dispositions, and not our circumstances.

Fine leather has a certain feel, and aroma.  Wood touches when used to accent tastefully draw the mind to classic vehicles.  Efficient, powerful engines quietly propel with confidence and surety in a straight line or around the corners of a racing facility.   When you appreciate finer things, you want a vehicle that is elegant and stylish.

When you appreciate finer things, you are ready for a Cadillac.

Shopping Navigation Units

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I have found again recently after managing to take a long wander though a small town that I need a navigation unit I can take with me on trips.  Ideally one that would fit in my shirt pocket or portfolio, so if I fly in and get a rental car I can carry with.  Yes, I know that National and other rental car companies offer nav units to rent, but at least at National it is another $11 or something a day, so I tend to pass even when someone else is paying; money is money.

I like Garmin units, but they make approximately infinity different models, and even with a matrix it is not clear to me what the various models do or don’t do.  I do need USA maps, but unlikely to use in Canada or Europe.  I do want text to speech street names, but all seem to have that.  I do want small form factor. I do want lane assist, which is where the nav unit shows a diagram of intersections and which lane you need to be in for the upcoming intersection.

The latest Garmin models appear to be the 3750 to 3790T.  These are about as thick as a pencil, but have the 4.3″ screen.  The 3790 adds voice recognition for cue-ing.  The least expensive 3750 is $312 today at Amazon, and the 3790T is $421.

I am lukewarm at that price point.  These offer a lot of coolness, but let’s look at what can be had for say $150.

Down at around $150 we slide to the Garmin 265WT ($139) or the 1350T ($152).  Now, in Garmin’s naming system “T” means that it includes traffic updates.  The 265WT is 0.8″ deep and 6.1 ounces; the 1350T is 0.6″ deep and 5.7 ounces.  Both have 480×272 pixel displays.  The 1350 has lane assist, while  the 265 does not — one of the main features I am looking for.  The 1370T would add bluetooth, but pushes the price up to $199.

Which is the better value / gadget for the money:  A Garmin 1350T at $152 or a 3750 at $312?  The 3750 is only 0.35″ deep, and has a nice 800×480 pixel display — much better graphically.  It weighs 4 ounces vs 6 for the 1350.   Both offer speed limit indicator.   The 3750 adds “locate” so that it marks its position when taken out of the car, to help find the car again in a parking lot or garage.  Do these features make it worth another $160 (twice as much)?  It likely depends on how much you plan to use the nav unit, and how much enjoyment and appreciation you have of newer gadgets.