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Comments
I figured by ordering my '09 CTS without the sunroof I was saving some $ and gaining some rear seat headroom. Eases the pain somewhat!
I have friend who also has an 08 CTS with navigation. He couldn't figure out the nav system and just called OnStar for directions.
I have found the nav to work well, but did have to read the manual first, and then experiment with entering addresses. Generally the street name is entered without a direction (East, west...) and if the direction is needed a choice will be presented with a range of numbers. I really like having a map displayed on long trips so that I can see where I am. Much safer than trying to look at a paper map while driving. Also is very helpful going through big cities like Chicago.
One thing I find a bit disconcerting is the voice directions. The verbs (action instructions) such as turn left at the end of the road are given in a very smooth voice but the nouns (street names) are the given in a rushed voice after a slight pause. They were obviously recorded separately, and possibly by a different announcer. Setting up a route is much easier than it was with my '03, and the screen is easier to read. I also like the fact that you can vary the intensity of the screen independent of the dash lighting.
Caddy ( in particular ) seems to have changed what is included in their packages – and what other options are available ( only ) when purchased with certain packages more often than most. And I do not see any logic ( from the customer’s standpoint ) in many of the choices.
While I do understand some issues \ implications regarding options such as final drive ratio, the Corvette has long been available with an optional ‘performance’ final drive ratio – and for 2008 one is available again.
I see no rational explanation for requiring ( for example – on an STS, when I was looking seriously at buying ) that one select the highest & most expensive option package ( 1SG, on the STS – for something over $8,000, last I remember ) before one could also select the QAF \ Performance Handling package. There is simply no connection here – except a completely artificial one.
And – seriously - If I had been able to “cherry pick” exactly & only the options I wanted, and was willing to pay for, on an STS, I’d have almost certainly bought one. In order to configure one with what I wanted, there was $5,000 or more of stuff that I did ** NOT ** want.
I do see the advantage, from the standpoint of Dealerships ordering cars for stock, in bundling options together. ( The “Pattern Orders” further address this. )
My recollection of the initial intent when packages began to appear was basically: Order these 4 items & we’ll discount the “Package” – compared to the MSRP of the 4 items individually.
Now, I believe it is largely a marketing strategy designed to sell more expensive versions of the product, at larger margins. Since, in order for customers to buy what they really want, they typically must also purchase options they don’t really want, need or even care about. . .
The ‘un-bundling’ of the sunroof a while back for the STS gave me hope. That hope is now faded completely.
And if I drove regularly to unfamiliar areas ( like our Outside Sales People do ) and \ or at night, I would definitely have a NAV system in my vehicle. In my view - Paper maps are fine, if you have a co-pilot. And I find them useful in deciding what order to use when planning multi-destination routing. Otherwise, I think that a built-in or portable NAV system would pay for itself in time saved very quickly when under those conditions.
- Ray
Now convinced that GM \ Caddy will never change their paradigm regarding option packages . . .
In the good old days, I remember( 70's) that if the manufacturer had it on the shelf you could order it. I am a Mustang fanatic, own a clasic Mustang, and there are numerous documented cases where options that were meant for the T-Bird or other Ford cars found their way onto the Mustang. One case in particular is a Mustang that was ordered with the Landau bars on the rear quarters.
Does anyone know what the strap is intended for? I have not been able to find any reference to it on the placards in the trunk, or in the owners manual. Is it a towing strap? is it to strap something down? What is it for, and how is it intended to be used? I sure would like to know.
I think when the STS was first put into production, they may have wanted to limit the number of Performance editions so that the STS fuel consumption was mainly based on the 2.73:1 axle ratio. Now that the six speed transmission is standard with a 3.42:1 axle on all models you have a valid point about the performance options being available without a lot of luxury stuff. However, I would not assume that they should be cheap.
Cadillac's options packages are not all that much different from what BMW does with packaging of options. Cadillac may have gone too far in packaging everything. I think that packages should save the customer some money, but if the options are not available unbundled, then you really are not saving money.
The opener is firmly affixed and out the way.
Cosmo
I am beginning to think it was meant to be used to snug the tire to the back edge of the trunk using two "D" rings attached to either side of the lip of the trunk. It would have been nice if the manual showed this use. The manual also lacks any description of how the cargo net was intended to be used.
First I am speaking from reading several articles such as :
http://www.milliondollarjourney.com/hybrid-vs-gasoline-vehicle-comparison-are-hy- brids-worth-it.htm
If you look at the price of a hybrid vehicle vs. its non hybrid counterpart it will take you more than the time that you will probably own it to actually reap any actual cost savings. The 6 years I refered to was the low end of the spectrum with the Honda civic.
Using the cargo net should be easy to sort out. I did not get one and some sort of net would be useful.
As to the cargo net, in the '03 it was a single panel that stretched across the trunk and was anchored at the side top and on the floor, in a vertical position to divide the front from the back. In the '08 it is a "V" shaped pocket anchored at the side top and at the floor just in front of the trunk sill in a sloping position. It appears to be intended to hold things in the pocket rather than to divide the trunk. The change in operation was a bit confusing until I came to understand the lack of a hold down under the side hooking points.
That said its an incredible deal when youre looking for a used one. A used STS v6 cost almost the same as the equivalent CTS. $25k for a certified 06 STS, about the same as 06 CTS, which will you choose? Duh...
A used STS may be a good deal if you can find one at the price that you think it is worth. There are a lot of them on the market.
http://www.autospies.com/news/My-Cadillac-Story-Disaster-32036/
This is a 2007 CTS, you would think after four years of production they would get the kinks out of the car. I ask anyone who currently owns a 08 CTS, if they have had any initial problems that may inhibit the vehicle down the road. Also, has anyone actually used the Bluetooth on the car yet?
Every manufacturer has its own problems. Toyota had an engine sludge problem and Mercedes had quality complaints. BMW service prices are outrageous.
I have been buying GM for fifty years (except for one Mustang II) and have never had a major problem. Maybe it is luck, maybe the way I drive and maintain my vehicles, but I think in the vast majority of cases it is simply good manufacturing.
It is really not in the interest of any producer to put trash on the market, and I think American engineering is still about the best. But one has to recognize that the engineering goes into cars for the mass market and not specialty niches.
Assembly is a different problem. Individuals do a job over and over and sometimes they make a mistake or become careless. I've had a rear universal joint with a missing bolt, and a disconnected door lock, but they were quickly fixed.
Over all I am a satisfied purchaser of GM products,and I've had samples from almost all of the car divisions.
1. What are the benefits of the DI engine? I am told 3% better fuel economy. For me the added HP is not important.
2. We live in Southern Ohio- maybe 3-4 snows per year. Is AWD worthwhile?
3. Any suggestions on how the different color combinations look:
Black/Ebony
Black/Cashmere
Thunder Gray/Ebony
4. Should I find an '08 that fits my needs or order/wait for an '09?
Thanks for any input you provide.
3. To me the black on black would be the best, but also the hottest too. Nothing beats a clean shiny black car. But again only you can decide.
1. Again only you can decide. My STS has the unDI engine and being a heavier car than the CTS is still powerful enough and I come from the supercar days and owned a Ford 406 tri-power, Boss Mustang etc. I would get the DI if I ordered but wouldn't let it bother me if I could find a 08 I liked for a good price if there is such a thing.
First, does anyone know if the parts and pieces can be secured to install the Homelind transmitter. I have to believe that all is required in the transmitter, the buttons, and the cover plate. Once it is hooked up to a 12v power source and a ground it should be good to go. In any case, I would like to do so.
Second, I live in PA but the dealer obtained my CTS from WV. As a result the front license plate mounting frame was already installed and rivited to the front bumper. I would like to have it removed. Years ago Honda had painted plugs for just such a purpose. Does anyone know is such plugs exist or will the bumper have to be repaired or replaced.
Third, I have a slight vibration in sunroof. Has anyone had any experience with this issue and more importantly, how was it resolved.
Thanks for you time and patience with me as a new poster.
AWD? don't know here in southern Oklahoma there isn't much need for it.
Color? Mine is goldmist with cashmere interior and I love it. Really dusty around here so a dark color wasn't for me. The Thundr Gray with ebony would appeal to me though.
Caddy was running so great interest rates on the o8, don't know if those have expired yet or not. All depends if you want the best new options, or can live with the 08 options.
As far as the engine is concerned, you will need timing lights or a stopwatch to tell the difference in performance. Fuel economy--is $1000 price differential worth a 3% (less than 1 mpg) differential?
For 3 to 4 snows a year, I think traction control is sufficient. In my younger years I lived in PA and owned several Chrysler 300 letter series (300 to 400 hp) with traction control. I never had a problem in the snow.
"Around town, the base V-6 emits a charming growl right to is 7000-rpm redline. At full whack, it is 2dBA noisier than the DI. On the other hand, it's quieter at idle and at a 70mph cruise. Both engines offer smooth throttle tip-in and excellent idle quality." Speaking of both engines he goes on to say, "...in terms of engineering, value, and dynamic charm---(they) likely represent the finest effort in Cadillac's 106 year history." I hope that helps. Also for what it is worth, my new CST with the standard V-6 is a quiet as a tomb.
Survey: I usually keep a car for about 7 years. Do you think resale would be any better (or worse) with or without these 2 additional options?
Thanks for your opinions.
1. Can a route be programmed into the unit while driving, or does the vehicle have to be in park, or stopped?
2. Does the screen always rise out of the dash when starting the car, or can it be programmed to stay down until called for?
3. How is the database for the POI and streets updated? Can you download from Cadillac and enter via a USB, or do you have to buy new DVD's, or via OnStar, or?
Thanks! :confuse:
2. Don't know I have a STS
3. You must buy the DVD's but GM gives you the first 3 years worth for free. I find that things don't really change that much except for new sub divisions and maybe new malls. A road always stays the same and the same McDonalds doesn't move either :-)
I was told a navigation upgrade could be downloaded from OnStar, but I believe that was ended when GM discontinued the three year free navigation upgrade earlier this year.
If ordered, when do you expect delivery?
In any case, congratulations and use it well.
Thanks.