Tag Archives: cadillac

Shots of the new-to-me STS-V

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Here are some shots in day to day driving patina to highlight some of the features of my new 2008 Cadillac STS-V.  I apologize that it is not immaculate, but was just enjoying grabbing some snaps.

Click on images to see larger versions.

The STS-V was made from 2006-2009; this is a 2008 Model.  The 2008 gained a Heads-up Display compared to the 06/07.  The 09 was similar to the 08.  Under 500 of this year/model were produced starting at $78,775.

The V-Series for Cadillac means a performance tuned model that is capable of operating well on the road or track.  That is what a ‘sports car’ used to mean.  This car has a tuned suspension, high performance Brembo brakes, high output powerplant, and extra cooling for all systems so that it can run flat out without misstep.  It has a competition mode for the stabilitrak to yield more control for the Driver in high dynamics. This is a gentleman’s racer.

Cadillac has used a metal mesh as a consistent V-series theme.

Engine Shot – Supercharged 4.4L DOHC VVT V8 making 469hp.  That is a beauty cover, under which the Supercharger sits atop a 4.4L Northstar engine.  For the STS-V the engine actually sits 2″ lower in the chassis for balance.  This also perhaps helped the composite hood fit with only a small power bump.

Each of the STS-V engines, designated LC3, were made by hand by a single Engine Techician.

Here is a dyno graph of the STS-V LC3 engine output:

Tail View; note continued V-theme mesh grill at the bottom

At 17K underside still looks fresh enough.

Nice V touch on the door threshold.  Interior needs a vacuum, but I let that go for the weekend so I could write this for you.

More pics to follow soon with other details.

What do you think of the STS-V?

2011 Cadillac CTS Coupe Day 2

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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.

 

Sighting the sweet spot in used car pricing

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Generally, cars depreciate.  Once you drive your new car off the new car lot, it becomes less desirable for me to buy from you versus buying the same car from the Dealer.    Another way to think of it is that your car’s resale value goes from the retail price you paid for it to the wholesale price you could resell it for.

After a few years, a car’s depreciation starts to level out.  My current 2005 Cadillac is depreciating at around $1.5K per year.  At some point depreciation basically stops, and occasionally a vehicle starts to appreciate in value.  For the most part however in most cases cars lose a lot of value in the first year or two, then lesser amounts until you are ready to sell/trade/move on to your next vehicle.

I’m setting my sights on grabbing up a 2008 Cadillac STS-V, or a 2010 Cadillac CTS Premium Model.  Honorable mention to a 2009 Cadillac CTS Premium Collection, but there is a minor detail that drives me to prefer the 2010 because of the way that the keyless ignition is implemented (button vs switch).

Edmund’s offers a true cost to own analysis.  What they suggest is that a 2010 Cadillac Premium has an initial cost (with no other options) of $46K.  In the first year of ownership it will depreciate around $10K.  Now, no one is going to post their 1 year old car for sale at a $10K decrease, but that would be our target for grabbing up a 1 year old 2010 CTS Premium.

2010 Cadillac CTS Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year 5 5-yr Total
Depreciation $10,425 $4,887 $4,301 $3,814 $3,423 $26,850

and, to get to closer to $30K as a target, we would need to wait and get a 2-year old 2010 CTS Premium in 2011.

Now, considering the 2008 Cadillac STS-V is a little more tricky, as it can only be evaluated by Edmunds as a used car, so we only see the further down the slope values.  Edmunds estimates that the STS-V is currently worth around $40K.  It originally sold for $78K+. Some examples are creeping into the low 30s but some are in the 50s still, so keep in mind that their estimate is an average. I changed the year #s to tie out with the way that they are evaluating:

2008 Cadillac STS-V Year 3 Year 4 Year 5 Year 6 Year 7 Total
Depreciation $4,826 $4,232 $3,723 $3,302 $2,962 $19,045

So the 2008 STS-V is depreciating at around $4-5K per year.  So if there are 2008 STS-V’s available now for $35K then next year they might be in the $30K range.

Conclusion:  In another 6-12 months one could expect to grab up a 2009 CTS Premium Collection or 2008 STS-V in the high 20s / low 30s if you hunt for the lower edge of the market / find a bargain.  Wait a year and the 2010 Cadillac CTS Premium Model might slide into the right range.