Tag Archives: Cadillac CTS

CTS Seat Experiment — The Loaner CTS

Posted on by
Reply

Took my 2005 Cadillac CTS over to Crest Cadillac in Plano, Texas today to see about the Service Air Bag light on from The Great Cadillac CTS Seat Experiment. I had emailed and called ahead to make an appointment, and my Service Adviser was waiting for me when I arrived.  We briefly discussed the situation, and then I worked with the Loaner Car desk to get the Loaner car setup and I was off.  In and out around 20 minutes total.  Everyone was very nice and helpful, especially since I arrived at the extended hours opening time of 7 am.  Crest’s service hours make it super easy to drop off your Cadillac for service and still get to work on time.

The Loaner CTS appears to be a 2010? Cadillac CTS 3L with 9k miles or so.  Light platinum exterior, neutral leather (now called cashmere?) interior.

UPDATE:  the loaner car is a 2010 CTS 1SD 3.0L Luxury Model.  So it has Luxury Level One Package, including (ARH) heavy-duty pet guard cargo net, (RYJ) retractable cargo area shade, (UA6) theft-deterrent alarm system, (U2R) audio system, and (TSQ) accent lighting, 6 disc CD player, leather upgraded seats, and bluetooth.  The wood trim accents are also part of this package.


No insignia on the rear left which I think indicates this is the 3.0L model and not the 3.6L model.


These wheels are a 1000% improvement over the 08-09 base model wheels. I love these, although I suppose they are difficult to clean. Certainly worth the trouble though.


Engine compartment shot. No markings on the engine cover, which seems uncharacteristic. I would have expected the cover to say VVT, DI, 3L etc. Look at that strut brace! Here is a closeup:


This has a very ‘aftermarket’, serious look to me with the exposed weld. I like it, but surprised to see it as the ‘stock’ piece.


I am a sucker for the wood trim steering wheel and shifter.

Overall this CTS drives very well. I am jealous of the manual-shift option on the 6-speed automatic transmission, and it holds selected gears which is perfect.  The 3L seems to have plenty of power for the CTS.  This combination has gotten a lot of mixed reviews from the buff books, but I am not sure why.  The 3L and 6-speed automatic seem to work very well together to me.

Hopefully I’ll get my 2005 CTS back today; God willing and the creek don’t rise they just need to run a diagnostic to correct the airbag issue.  I have ordered a new control panel for the driver’s door to address the new discovery that the new driver’s seat is a memory seat.  In other words, it wants to move to the position that I select when I open the door with my remote so it is ready for driver 1 or driver 2.  Unfortunately, my CTS does not have the position selector switch, so I have ordered one.

Shopping for a 2008 CTS

Posted on by
Reply

Cadillac redesigned the Cadillac CTS in 2008.  Using an advanced, Cadillac unique Sigma II architecture and the new direct injection V6 engine, the 2008+ CTS Sedan is an attractive sports sedan.  Engine options in 2008 were the 3.6L DOHC VVT V6 with 263 hp, or a similar engine with direct injection and 304 hp.  We’re looking for the DI model.  In general, in a used CTS I would shop for one that is truly ‘fully loaded’ — the maxed out examples.  Now that the 2008 models have been on a road for a bit and had a chance to ‘cure’ (depreciate), which are the best options to search for in a used CTS?

First of all, there was no CTS-V in 2008.  The updated CTS-V arrived in 2009.  However, the 2007 Gen 1 CTS-V with LS2 engine is definitely in a good bargain zone.

But the newer 2008 CTS sedan has the new interior and the new chassis, so let’s stick with it a bit to see what is what.  How can you tell what options a used CTS has on it?  This is one of my pet peeves, as often used car ads have very little information.  But if you have the VIN for the vehicle, there is a VIN decoder at CompNine that can help.  If you have access to the actual vehicle, under the spare tire cover in the floor of the trunk is an RPO list that shows all the items installed on the vehicle.

The key option we are looking for in this case is PDW — Performance Luxury Package, which includes the Luxury 1 and Luxury II package, and the Performance items.

Referring to kbb.com, an Automatic 2008 CTS with DI V6 and under 30K miles should cost around $25K from a private party.  The same CTS with under 20K miles from an individual should cost $26K, so I would shop for the fewer miles all in all.  A certified pre-owned example from a Cadillac Dealer will be a bit more, at around $32K for an example with 20K miles, but offer an extended warranty.

Here is more info on how to decode other options you might find:

2008  CTS INTERIOR
S = Standard Equipment   A = Available   — (dashes) = Not Available   D = ADI Available
= Included in Equipment Group    = Included in Equipment Group but upgradeable
Codes listed in the shaded column titled Ref. Only RPO Code are for internal use only and should not be ordered.
Free
Flow
RPO
Code		 Ref.
Only
RPO
Code		 DESCRIPTION 6DM69 6DP69
1SA 1SB
PDP CTS Luxury Collection, includes (Y40) Luxury Level One Package and (Y44) Seating Package
1 – Not available with (PDQ) CTS Premium Luxury Collection, (PDR) CTS Performance Collection, (PDW) Performance Luxury Package, (Y41) Luxury Level Two Package, (Y42) Performance Package, 18″ (45.7 cm) All-Season Tire or Fleet order types.
2 – Not available with (PDQ) CTS Premium Luxury Collection, (PDR) CTS Performance Collection, (PDW) Performance Luxury Package, (Y41) Luxury Level Two Package, (Y42) Performance Package 18″ (45.7 cm) All-Season Tire, (Y43) Performance Package, 18″ (45.7 cm) Summer Tire or Fleet order types.		 A1 A2
PDQ CTS Premium Luxury Collection, includes (Y40) Luxury Level One Package, (Y41) Luxury Level Two Package, (Y44) Seating Package, (UAV) audio system with navigation, (C3U) UltraView sunroof, (B19) Wood Trim Package and (B20) Wood Trim Package
1 – Not available with (PDP) CTS Luxury Collection, (PDR) CTS Performance Collection, (PDW) Performance Luxury Package or Fleet order types.		 A1 A1
PDR CTS Performance Collection, includes (Y42) 18″ (45.7 cm) All-Season Tire Performance Package and (Y44) Seating Package
1 – Not available with (PDP) CTS Luxury Collection, (PDQ) CTS Premium Luxury Collection, (MN6) 6-speed manual transmission or Fleet order types.
2 – Not available with (PDP) CTS Luxury Collection, (PDQ) CTS Premium Luxury Collection, (MN6) 6-speed manual transmission or Fleet order types. Available with (Y40) Luxury Level One Package and (Y43) Performance Package, 18″ (45.7 cm) Summer Tire . (P75) 18″ x 8″ (45.7 cm x 20.3 cm) aluminum wheels with premium multi-coat painted finish and (QKE) P235/50R18 V-rated all-season blackwall tires are upgradeable to (P63) 18″ x 8″ (45.7 cm x 20.3 cm) aluminum wheels with high-polished finish and (QUR) P235/50ZR18 Y-rated summer only performance blackwall tires when (Y43) Performance Package, 18″ (45.7 cm) Summer Tire is ordered.		 A1 A2
PDW NEW! Performance Luxury Package, includes (Y40) Luxury Level One Package and (Y41) Luxury Level Two Package
1 – Requires (PDR) CTS Performance Collection. Not available with (MN6) Aisin 6-speed manual transmission, (PDP) CTS Luxury Collection, (PDQ) CTS Premium Luxury Collection, (UAV) AM/FM stereo with CD/DVD player, MP3 playback, Bose 5.1 Cabin Surround Sound 10-speaker system and HDD-based navigation with XM NavTraffic/Real Time Weather or Fleet order types. Can upgrade (P75) 18″ x 8″ (45.7 cm x 20.3 cm) aluminum wheels with premium multi-coat painted finish to (P63) 18″ x 8″ (45.7 cm x 20.3 cm) aluminum wheels with high-polished finish.
2 – Requires (PDR) CTS Performance Collection. Not available with (MX7) 6-speed automatic transmission for AWD, (PDP) CTS Luxury Collection, (PDQ) CTS Premium Luxury Collection, (UAV) AM/FM stereo with CD/DVD player, MP3 playback, Bose 5.1 Cabin Surround Sound 10-speaker system and HDD-based navigation with XM NavTraffic/Real Time Weather or Fleet order types. Can upgrade (P75) 18″ x 8″ (45.7 cm x 20.3 cm) aluminum wheels with premium multi-coat painted finish to (P63) 18″ x 8″ (45.7 cm x 20.3 cm) aluminum wheels with high-polished finish. Also, can replace (Y42) Performance Package, 18″ (45.7 cm) All-Season Tire with (Y43) Performance Package, 18″ (45.7 cm) Summer Tire .		 A1 A2
PDZ NEW! Hot Lava Edition, includes (PDQ) CTS Premium Luxury Collection, (Y42) Performance Package, exclusive exterior color (56U) Hot Lava and interior trim (194) Ebony
1 – No longer available to order.		 A1 A1
Y40 Luxury Level One Package, includes (UA6) Theft-deterrent alarm system, (U2R) Audio system, (CE1) Rainsense wipers, (TSQ) Accent lighting, and (P62) 17″ x 8″ machined-faced wheels
1 – Requires (Y44) Seating Package. (U2R) AM/FM stereo with 6-disc in-dash CD changer and MP3 playback is upgradeable to (U2S) AM/FM stereo with CD/DVD player, MP3 playback and Bose 5.1 Cabin Surround Sound 10-speaker system or (UAV) AM/FM stereo with CD/DVD player, MP3 playback, Bose 5.1 Cabin Surround Sound 10-speaker system and HDD-based navigation. (P62) 17″ x 8″ (43.2 cm x 20.3 cm) machined aluminum wheels replace (P61) 17″ x 8″ (43.2 cm x 20.3 cm) painted aluminum wheels when (Y40) Luxury Level One Package is ordered. (P62) 17″ x 8″ (43. cm x 20.3 cm) machined aluminum wheels will be upgraded to (P75) 18″ x 8″ (45.7 cm x 20.3 cm) aluminum wheels with premium multi-coat painted finish and (QKE) P235/50R18 V-rated all-season, blackwall tires when ordered with (PDR) CTS Performance Collection. If desired, (P75) 18″ x 8″ (45.7 cm x 20.3 cm) aluminum wheels with premium multi-coat painted finish can be upgraded to (P63) 18″ x 8″ (45.7 cm x 20.3 cm) aluminum wheels with high-polished finish with (QKE) P235/50R18 V-rated all-season, blackwall tires when (PDR) CTS Performance Collection is ordered with (Y40) Luxury Level One Package. Must order (P63) 18″ x 8″ (45.7 cm x 20.3cm) aluminum wheels with high-polished finish separately.		 A1 A1
Y41 Luxury Level Two Package, includes (KB6) heated/ventilated front seats, (AM9) split-folding rear seat, (N38) Power rake wheel and telescopic steering column, (UG1) Universal Home Remote, (UHA) EZ Key passive entry system (automatic transmission version with remote start. Included when equipped with (MX0) or (MX7) transmissions), (UHF) EZ Key passive entry system (manual transmission without remote start. Included when equipped with (MN6) transmission), (UD7) Ultrasonic Rear Parking Assist
1 – Included and only available in (PDW) Performance Luxury Package (except for Fleet order types). Requires (Y44) Seating Package. For Fleet, requires either (U2R) AM/FM stereo with 6-disc in-dash CD changer and MP3 playback, (U2S) AM/FM stereo with CD/DVD player, MP3 playback and Bose 5.1 Cabin Surround Sound 10-speaker system or (UAV) AM/FM stereo with CD/DVD player, MP3 playback, Bose 5.1 Cabin Surround Sound 10-speaker system and HDD-based navigation. When (Y41) is ordered with (U2R) audio system, you must also order (Y40) Luxury Level One Package.		 A1 A1
Y44 Seating Package, includes leather seating surfaces, (AH8) 10-way power passenger seat, (AL2) 2-way power driver and front passenger lumbar control, (A45) Memory Package, (KA1) heated front seats, (UPF) Bluetooth for phone and (XA7) heated windshield washer fluid
1 – Not available with Leatherette interior.		 A1 A1
AY0 Air bags, dual-stage frontal driver, dual-depth frontal passenger with passenger sensing system, seat-mounted driver and right-front passenger side impact and front and rear outboard head curtain
1 – Head curtain side air bags are designed to help reduce the risk of head and neck injuries to front and outboard rear seat occupants on the near side of certain side-impact collisions. Always use safety belts and the correct child restraints for your child’s age and size. Even in vehicles equipped with air bags and the Passenger Sensing System, children are safer when properly secured in a rear seat. Never place a rear-facing infant restraint in the front seat of any vehicle equipped with an active frontal air bag. See the vehicle’s Owner’s Manual and child safety seat instructions for more safety information.		 S1 S1
Armrest, front center S S
Armrest, rear center with dual cup holders S S
U2R Audio system, AM/FM stereo with 6-disc in-dash CD changer and MP3 playback with Radio Data System (RDS) and Bose 8-speaker system
1 – Included and only available with (Y40) Luxury Level One Package. (Y40) requires (Y44) Seating Package. Includes 6-disc in-dash CD changer when (Y40) Luxury Level One Package is ordered. Upgradeable to (U2S) AM/FM stereo with CD/DVD player, MP3 playback and Bose 5.1 Cabin Surround Sound 10-speaker system or (UAV) AM/FM stereo with CD/DVD player, MP3 playback, Bose 5.1 Cabin Surround Sound 10-speaker system and HDD-based navigation.		 A1 A1
U2S Audio system, AM/FM stereo with CD/DVD player, MP3 playback and Bose 5.1 Cabin Surround Sound 10-speaker system with Radio Data System (RDS), 40GB Hard Drive Device (HDD), USB and audio connectivity with steering wheel controls
1 – Requires (Y44) Seating Package. Not available with (UAV) AM/FM stereo with CD/DVD player, MP3 playback, Bose 5.1 Cabin Surround Sound 10-speaker system and HDD-based navigation.		 A1 A1
U2T Audio system, AM/FM stereo with single-slot CD player and MP3 playback with Radio Data System (RDS) and Bose 8-speaker system S S
UAV Audio system with navigation, AM/FM stereo with CD/DVD player, MP3 playback, Bose 5.1 Cabin Surround Sound 10-speaker system and HDD-based navigation with XM NavTraffic/Real Time Weather, Radio Data System (RDS), 40GB Hard Drive Device (HDD), USB with audio connectivity and steering wheel controls
1 – Requires (Y44) Seating Package. Not available with (PDW) Performance Luxury Package or (U2S) AM/FM stereo with CD/DVD player, MP3 playback and Bose 5.1 Cabin Surround Sound 10-speaker system.		 A1 A1
UPF NEW! Bluetooth for phone, personal cell phone connectivity to vehicle audio system
1 – Included and only available with (Y44) Seating Package.		 A1 A1
U2K XM Satellite Radio. With a wide variety of programming, XM has something to excite any driver. Whether you want to be entertained or informed, to laugh, think, or sing, XM has the perfect channel for you – coast-to-coast, and in digital-quality sound. 3 trial months – no obligation
1 – Available in the 48 contiguous United States. Required $12.95 monthly subscription sold separately after 3 trial months. All fees and programming subject to change. Subscription subject to customer agreement. For more information, visit gm.xmradio.com.		 S1 S1
AT8 Child seat restraint system S S
CJ2 Climate control, dual-zone automatic with individual climate settings for driver and right-front passenger S S
Console, floor with floor shifter, integral armrest, storage compartment and cup holders S S
Cruise control, electronic with set and resume speed S S
Defogger, rear-window electric with front and side window outlets for the driver and right-front passenger S S
Door locks, power programmable S S
Door locks, rear child security S S
UHA EZ Key, passive entry system with remote start
1 – Included and only available with (Y41) Luxury Level Two Package. (Y41) requires (Y44) Seating Package, (MX0) 6-speed automatic transmission RWD or (MX7) 6-speed automatic transmission AWD.		 A1 A1
UHF EZ Key passive entry system without remote start
1 – Included and only available with (Y41) Luxury Level Two Package. (Y41) requires (Y44) Seating Package, and (MN6) Aisin 6-speed manual transmission.		 A1 A1
Floor mats, carpeted front and rear S S
Fuel gauge, analog S S
U30 Instrumentation, analog with speedometer, tachometer, fuel gauge, oil pressure gauge, engine water temperature gauge and Driver Information Center S S
TSQ Lighting accent, LED spotlights with lighting pipes
1 – Included and only available with (Y40) Luxury Level One Package. (Y40) requires (Y44) Seating Package.		 A1 A1
A45 Memory Package, recalls 2 driver “presets” for 10-way power driver seat, outside mirrors and driver personalization
1 – Included and only available with (Y44) Seating Package.		 A1 A1
DD8 Mirror, inside rearview auto-dimming with OnStar controls S S
UE1 OnStar, 1-year of Directions and Connections plan. Includes the innovative easy to use Turn-by-Turn Navigation services which provide voice-guided directions (where available). Also includes Automatic Notification of Air Bag Deployment, Stolen Vehicle Location Assistance, Emergency Services, Roadside Assistance, Remote Door Unlock, OnStar Vehicle Diagnostics, Hands-Free Calling, AccidentAssist, Remote Horn and Lights, Information and Convenience Services, and Driving Directions
1 – OnStar services require vehicle electrical system (including battery), wireless service and GPS satellite signals to be available and operating for features to function properly. OnStar acts as a link to existing emergency service providers. Stolen Vehicle Location Assistance and Remote Door Unlock success varies with conditions. OnStar Vehicle Diagnostics available on most 2004 MY and newer GM vehicles. Diagnostic capability varies by model. Turn-by-Turn Navigation requires ABS and is not available in certain areas. Visit onstar.com or call 1-888-466-7827 for system limitations and details.		 S1 S1
Remote Keyless Entry S S
Safety belts, 3-point, driver and right-front passenger S S
Seat, rear pass-through, center armrest S S
Seat adjuster, front passenger manual recline S S
AH8 Seat adjusters, 10-way power driver and front passenger with power recliner and 2-way power lumbar
1 – Included and only available with (Y44) Seating Package.		 A1 A1
AL2 Seat adjusters, 2-way power driver and front passenger lumbar control
1 – Included and only available with (Y44) Seating Package.		 A1 A1
AM9 Seat, rear split-folding
1 – Included and only available with (Y41) Luxury Level Two Package. Requires (Y44) Seating Package.		 A1 A1
AQ9 Seats, front bucket, includes 8-way power driver seat adjuster and articulating head restraints S S
KA1 Seats, heated driver and front passenger
1 – Included and only available with (Y44) Seating Package.		 A1 A1
KB6 Seats, heated/ventilated driver and front passenger
1 – Included and only available with (Y41) Luxury Level Two Package. (Y41) requires (Y44) Seating Package.		 A1 A1
Steering column, manual rake wheel and telescopic S S
N38 Steering column, power rake wheel and telescopic with memory
1 – Included and only available with (Y41) Luxury Level Two Package. (Y41) requires (Y44) Seating Package.		 A1 A1
NP5 Steering wheel, leather-wrapped S S
N30 Steering wheel, leather-wrapped with wood trim
1 – Included and only available with (B20) Wood Trim. Package. Requires (B19) Wood Trim Package.		 A1 A1
Steering wheel controls, mounted controls for audio, HVAC and cruise S S
C3U Sunroof, power UltraView double-sized, tilt-sliding with express-open and power sunshade A A
UA6 Theft-deterrent alarm system
1 – Included and only available with (Y40) Luxury Level One Package. (Y40) requires (Y44) Seating Package.		 A1 A1
Theft-deterrent system, vehicle, PASS-Key III S S
UJ6 Tire Pressure Monitor System S S
Trunk release, power S S
UG1 Universal Home Remote, includes garage door opener, 3-channel programmable
1 – Included and only available with (Y41) Luxury Level Two Package. Requires (Y44) Seating Package.		 A1 A1
Visors, driver and front passenger illuminated vanity mirrors S S
Windows, power with front and rear Express-Down, front Express-Up and rear passenger lockout S S
B19 Wood Trim Package, real Sapele wood on the instrument panel, center console and door trim A A
B20 Wood Trim Package, real Sapele wood on the steering wheel and shift knob
1 – Requires (B19) Wood Trim Package.		 A1 A1

Ext

2008  CTS EXTERIOR
S = Standard Equipment   A = Available   — (dashes) = Not Available   D = ADI Available
Codes listed in the shaded column titled Ref. Only RPO Code are for internal use only and should not be ordered.
Free
Flow
RPO
Code		 Ref.
Only
RPO
Code		 DESCRIPTION 6DM69 6DP69
1SA 1SB
Y42 Performance Package, 18″ (45.7 cm) All-Season Tire, includes (TT6) HID headlamps, (CE4) headlamp washers, (T96) fog lamps, (P75) 18″ x 8″ (45.7 cm x 20.3 cm) aluminum wheels with premium multi-coat painted finish, (QKE) P235/50R18 V-rated all-season blackwall tires, (G80) limited slip differential, (FE2) sport suspension, (J55) performance braking system (only available with [MX7] 6-speed automatic AWD transmission, at an additional charge), and (V03) Performance Cooling System ([MX0)/MX7] transmissions only).
1 – (P75) 18″ x 8″ (45.7 cm x 20.3 cm) aluminum wheels with premium multi-coat painted finish can be upgraded to (P63) 18″ x 8″ (45.7 cm x 20.3 cm) aluminum wheels with high-polished finish. Not available with (MN6) 6-speed manual transmission.
2 – Not available with (Y43) Performance Package, 18″ Summer Tire. (P75) 18″ x 8″ (45.7 cm x 20.3 cm) wheels can be upgraded to (P63) 18″ x 8″ (45.7 cm x 20.3 cm) aluminum wheels with high-polished finish. Not available with (MN6) 6-speed manual transmission.		 A1 A2
Y43 Performance Package, 18″ (45.7 cm) Summer Tire, includes (TT6) HID headlamps, (CE4) headlamp washers, (T96) fog lamps, (P63) 18″ x 8″ (45.7 cm x 20.3 cm) aluminum wheels with high-polished finish, (QUR) P235/50ZR18 Y-rated summer only performance blackwall tires, (FE3) performance handling suspension, (G80) limited slip differential, (J55) performance braking system and (V03) performance cooling system ([MX0] transmission only
1 – Not available with (MX7) 6-speed automatic transmission AWD or (Y42) Performance Package, 18″ All-Season Tire.		 — A1
Antenna, integral front and rear S S
Daytime Running Lamps S S
T96 Fog lamps, front
1 – Included and only available with (Y42) Performance Package, 18″ All-Season Tire.
2 – Included and only available with (Y42) Performance Package, 18″ All-Season Tire or (Y43) Performance Package, 18″ Summer Tire.		 A1 A2
Glass, Solar-Ray light-tinted S S
Headlamps, halogen Tungsten, windshield wiper-activated with Twilight Sentinel and flash-to-pass feature S S
TT6 Headlamps, Xenon, High-Intensity Discharge (HID), windshield wiper-activated with Adaptive Forward Lighting system, headlamp washers and night-time flash-to-pass feature
1 – Included and only available with (Y42) Performance Package, 18″ All-Season Tire.
2 – Included and only available with (Y42) Performance Package, 18″ All-Season Tire or (Y43) Performance Package, 18″ Summer Tire.		 A1 A2
CE4 Headlamp washer system
1 – Included and only available with (TT6) Xenon High-Intensity Discharge headlamps.		 A1 A1
VK3 License plate bracket, front
1 – Included for required states. No charge option.		 A1 A1
DR5 Mirrors, outside heated power-adjustable, body-color, manual-folding S S
UD7 Rear Parking Assist, Ultrasonic
1 – Included and only available with (Y41) Luxury Level Two Package.		 A1 A1
ZAA Tire, compact spare
1 – Includes compact spare and jack assembly. Replaces standard Inflator Kit. Vehicle does not include traditional compact spare as standard.		 A1 A1
QCH Tires, P235/55R17 H-rated all-season, blackwall S S
QKE Tires, P235/50R18 V-rated all-season, blackwall
1 – Included and only available with (Y42) Performance Package, 18″ All-Season Tire.		 A1 A1
QUR Tires, P235/50ZR18 Y-rated summer only performance, blackwall
1 – Included and only available with (Y43) Performance Package, 18″ Summer Tire.		 — A1
XA7 Washer fluid, heated
1 – Included and only available with (Y44) Seating Package.		 A1 A1
P61 Wheels, 17″ x 8″ (43.2 cm x 20.3 cm) painted aluminum S S
P62 Wheels, 17″ x 8″ (43.2 cm x 20.3 cm) machined aluminum
1 – Included and only available with (Y40) Luxury Level One Package. (Y40) requires (Y44) Seating Package.		 A1 A1
P63 Wheels, 18″ x 8″ (45.7 cm x 20.3 cm) aluminum with high-polished finish
1 – Optional upgrade from (P75) 18″ x 8″ (45.7 cm x 20.3 cm) aluminum wheels with premium multi-coat painted finish in (Y42) Performance Package, 18″ All-Season Tire.
2 – Included in (Y43) Performance Package, 18″ Summer Tire. Optional upgrade from (P75) 18″ x 8″ (45.7 cm x 20.3 cm) aluminum wheels with premium multi-coat painted finish in (Y42) Performance Package, 18″ All-Season Tire.		 A1 A2
P75 Wheels, 18″ x 8″ (45.7 cm x 20.3 cm) aluminum with premium multi-coat painted finish
1 – Included and only available with (Y42) Performance Package, 18″ all-Season Tire. Upgradeable to (P63) 18″ x 8″ (45.7 cm x 20.3 cm) aluminum wheels with high-polished finish when (Y42) Performance Package, 18″ All-Season Tire is ordered.		 A1 A1
Wipers, front intermittent with washers S S
CE1 Wipers, Rainsense
1 – Included and only available with (Y40) Luxury Level One Package. (Y40) requires (Y44) Seating Package.		 A1 A1

ext

2008  CTS MECHANICAL
S = Standard Equipment   A = Available   — (dashes) = Not Available   D = ADI Available
Codes listed in the shaded column titled Ref. Only RPO Code are for internal use only and should not be ordered.
Free
Flow
RPO
Code		 Ref.
Only
RPO
Code		 DESCRIPTION 6DM69 6DP69
1SA 1SB
Battery, maintenance-free with rundown protection S S
Brakes, 4-wheel antilock, 4-wheel disc S S
J55 Brakes, performance 4-wheel antilock, 4-wheel disc
1 – Not an orderable option. Included and only available with (Y42) Performance Package, 18″ All-Season Tire when (MX7) 6-speed automatic transmission AWD is ordered. Additional charge for (J55) performance brakes will apply.
2 – Included and only available with (Y42) Performance Package, 18″ All-Season Tire when (MX7) 6-speed automatic transmission AWD is ordered (additional charge for [J55] performance brakes will apply), or with (Y43) Performance Package, 18″ Summer Tire when (MX0) 6-speed automatic transmission RWD is ordered (no additional charge for [J55] performance brakes will apply with [Y43] Performance Package, 18″ Summer Tire).		 A1 A2
G80 Differential, limited slip
1 – Included and only available with (Y42) Performance Package, 18″ All-Season Tire.
2 – Included and only available with (Y42) Performance Package, 18″ All-Season Tire or (Y43) Performance Package, 18″ Summer Tire.		 A1 A2
Drivetrain, rear-wheel drive S S
FE9 Emissions, Federal requirements A A
NE1 Emissions, Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island and Vermont state requirements A A
YF5 Emissions, California state requirements A A
NB8 Emissions override, California, Connecticut, Massachusetts, New York, Pennsylvania or Rhode Island (for vehicles ordered by dealers in the states of California, Connecticut, Massachusetts, New York, Pennsylvania or Rhode Island with Federal emissions)
1 – Requires (FE9) Federal emissions requirements. Not available in Maine or Vermont.		 A1 A1
NC7 Emissions override, Federal (for vehicles ordered by dealers in Federal emission states with California, Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island or Vermont emissions; may also be used by dealers in states of California, Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island or Vermont to order different state-specific emissions)
1 – Requires (YF5) Emissions, California state requirements or (NE1) Emissions, Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island or Vermont state requirements.		 A1 A1
K05 Engine block heater A A
LY7 Engine, 3.6L Variable Valve Timing V6 PFI (263 hp [196.1 kW] @ 6400 rpm, 253 lb-ft of torque [341.6 N-m] @ 3100 rpm) S —
LLT Engine, 3.6L Variable Valve Timing V6 DI Direct Injection (304 hp [226.7 kW] @ 6400 rpm, 273 lb-ft of torque [368.6 N-m] @ 5200 rpm) — S
Exhaust, stainless-steel S S
Exhaust tips, polished S S
V03 Performance Cooling System
1 – Included and only available with (Y42) Performance Package, 18″ (45.7 cm) All-Season Tire (MX0/MX7) transmissions.
2 – Included and only available with (Y42) Performance Package, 18″ (45.7 cm) All-Season Tire (MX0/MX7) transmissions or (Y43) Performance Package, 18″ (45.7 cm) Summer Tire (MX0) transmission.		 A1 A2
StabiliTrak, stability enhancement system S S
Steering, power, rack-and-pinion S S
FE1 Suspension, 4-wheel independent S S
FE2 Suspension, Sport
1 – Included and only available with (Y42) Performance Package, 18″ All-Season Tire.		 A1 A1
FE3 Suspension, Performance
1 – Included and only available with (Y43) Performance Package, 18″ Summer Tire.		 — A1
Traction control, all-speed, brake and engine controlled S S
MN6 Transmission, Aisin 6-speed manual
1 – Must specify a transmission. Not available with (PDW) Performance Luxury Package or (Y42) Performance Package, 18″ (45.7 cm) All-Season Tire. Base MSRP includes (MN6) Aisin 6-speed manual transmission.
2 – Must specify a transmission. Requires (Y43) Performance Package, 18″ (45.7 cm) Summer Tire.		 S1 A2
MX0 Transmission, 6-speed automatic
1 – Must specify a transmission.
2 – Must specify a transmission. Base MSRP includes (MX0) 6-speed automatic transmission.		 A1 S2
MX7 Transmission, 6-speed automatic for AWD
1 – Must specify a transmission. (J55) performance brakes added at an additional charge when (MX7) 6-speed automatic transmission for AWD is ordered with (Y42) Performance Package, 18″ (45.7 cm) All-Season Tire. (J55) performance brakes is not an orderable option.
2 – Must specify a transmission. Not available with (PDW) Performance Luxury Package or (Y43) Performance Package, 18″ (45.7 cm) Summer Tire. (J55) performance brakes added at an additional charge when (MX7) 6-speed automatic transmission for AWD is ordered with (Y42) Performance Package, 18″ (45.7 cm) All-Season Tire. (J55) performance brakes is not an orderable option.		 A1 A2

Cadillac CTS Sedan — What do you get for the money?

Posted on by
Reply

There are a variety of options and features that can be ordered on the Cadillac CTS.  However, there are the main branches for 2010 models for the CTS Sedan:

  • 3.0L CTS Sedan

    • Base RWD $35K or AWD $38K
    • Luxury RWD $38K or AWD $41K
    • Performance RWD $40K or AWD $42K

  • 3.6L CTS Sedan

    • Performance RWD $42K or AWD $43K
    • Premium RWD $47K or AWD $49K

Gone are the heady days of 2003-2004 when one could buy the base model CTS for under $30K! So what do you get for the money today?

For simplicity the numbers to follow focus only on the rear wheel drive models:

3.0L CTS Sedan $35K:

  • 270 hp 3.0L V6 VVT engine
  • StabiliTrak electronic stability control system
  • Premium steering
  • Bose Sound System
  • Luxury Model at $38K adds:
    • Wood trim
    • Bluetooth for phone interface
    • Interior Ambient Lighting
  • Performance Model at $40K adds:
    • 18″ aluminum wheels with premium multi-coat painted finish
    • Sport performance suspension system
    • Adaptive Forward Lighting

3.6L Performance Model for $42K includes:

  • 304 hp 3.6L V6 VVT engine
  • 18″ aluminum wheels with premium multi-coat painted finish
  • Sport performance suspension system
  • Adaptive Forward Lighting

3.6L Premium Model for $47K includes:

  • 304 hp 3.6L V6 VVT engine
  • Pop-up Navigation
  • UltraView Sunroof
  • Keyless Access/Smart Remote Start

Fuel Economy – Constant

The base 3.0L V6 and the 3.6L V6 both are rated for the same fuel economy: 18 mpg city and 27 mpg highway.  So there is no advantage other than cost savings to selecting the 3L over the 3.6L V6.

I want the sport suspension but…

I could not see getting the Sport Suspension and Performance option without also getting the 3.6L engine.  However, selecting the 3.6L Performance package is a sharp $7K option above the base price for the 3L V6.  This seems a large price of entry for a performance oriented CTS.
Interesting to note that the sportiest CTS Sedan suspension offered is now the FE2.  Previously CTS offered FE1, FE2 on the lux, and FE3 on the Sport model.   There was some feeling from reviewers that FE2 was nearly as good as FE3 on the track and much better on the street, so perhaps Cadillac made a smart selection here.

If price is no object

Is there a compelling case for the Premium CTS 3.6L over the Performance CTS 3.6L?  The Performance Model costs $42K, and the Premium model $47K.

For the extra $5K one would get standard on the Premium CTS Sedan (highlights):

  • Interior ambient mood lighting
  • Wood Trim
  • Audio system with Navigation
  • Ultrasonic rear parking
  • Heated, Ventilated seats
  • Ultraview Sunroof
  • Keyless Access / Smart remote start

The Performance model gets summer tires; the Premium model gets all-season tires.  The All-season tires give up a bit of dry grip but handle weather better.

All of these seem worthwhile for a fully optioned CTS, so if I were going $42K for the CTS Performance I would probably look for a way to move up to the $47K CTS Premium.

You have to pay to play…

The base 3L CTS at $35K includes Automatic Transmission, Stabilitrak and Bose sound, which the base Generation 1 CTS back in 2003/2004 did not.  The 3L engine at 270 hp is slightly more powerful than the non-Di 3.6L engine of 2004-2007, which put out 255 hp.
With these premium features the price has increased.  The range of price across the CTS range goes up quickly however, from the base $32K to the high-flying $47K premium package.    Maximum full featured price on a CTS can break $52K with selection of a few options.
Is the CTS even with Premium option and extra selections a good value at $52K?

Making room for the ATS

Cadillac needs pricing room below the CTS for the upcoming smaller-than-a-CTS model, the ATS.  With the arrival of the ATS, I would certainly make the CTS Sedan DI 3.6L only, and let the ATS have exclusive domain over the 3L V6.  I would price the ATS at $25-35K, and the CTS V6 at $35K-$40K.  i would introduce a CTS V8 with a 6.2L LS3 engine and 425 hp starting at $45K.  Finally, I would price the CTS-V at $60K even (currently $62K).

So my unsolicited recommendations for a CTS Sedan refresh for 2011 are:

  • 3.0L CTS Sedan – I would eliminate the 3.0L in the 2011 CTS

  • 3.6L 304 hp CTS V6 Sedan:

    • Performance RWD $35K
    • Premium RWD $40K

  • 6.2L 425 hp CTS V8 Sedan

    • Performance RWD $45K

  • Supercharged 6.2L 556 hp CTS-V

    • Performance RWD $60K

This would put the CTS in the right value ranges so that any CTS one buys is a terrific value for the money.