Edmunds Members - Cars and Conversations (Archived)

graphicguy

So, spent last night with the Cadillac dealer. He found a Phantom Grey Metallic (Looks black at night, and dark grey metallic during the day) with Platinum leather interior Performance edition (with 18" upgraded wheels and tires and magnetic ride control, but with a 3.6L V6). I drove it to run some errands. Nice motor. But, it's a shade slower than the 2.0 Turbo. And, not sure why, but the 6 speed trans in the 4 cyl was much more responsive than the 8 speed in the V6. Plus, I kind of liked the snarl of the turbo 4. Then, there's the difference in price (V6 about $1,200 more). Plus, GM has $5K in trunk money on demos, which new ones don't have.

No brainer to me. The owner's demo only had ~1,700 miles. It was EXACTLY what I wanted (as described above). It still smelled new.

It's a 2014, but the only difference between it and a 2015 is the fact that the '15s can become WiFi hotspots, and they slightly redesigned the cadillac emblem. It no longer has a wreath around it (liked the old one better, anyway). And, there are no incentives on the 2015s (which are substantial....see below).

Let's do the deal.

So, it cost me $6K depreciation on the TL after 2 years of ownership. It's strange to say, but I feel really good about that.

There's about a $2,500 difference between MSRP and invoice. I got it at invoice, less holdback (about $1,700 give or take), less $4,000 in some sort of Alternative purchase rebate (not sure what that is, but I'll take it), less $2,000 in bonus cash, less $5,000 in dealer money since it's a demo.

Tallying it up, it was over $15,000 off MSRP. So, for those keeping score, bought it for low $40s and less than a $10K delta with my trade.


Feeling good about the car and the deal. I think this is the best deal I've ever done. Tip my hat to the dealership. They made lemonade out of lemons. Talk about a turnaround from how I felt about the brand, and even worse about the dealership.

I wanted a fresh wax job, which they agreed to, using Klasse. Not my normal Zaino, but good stuff nonetheless. Instead of making me wait, they let me take a service loaner to grab dinner. I was gone about two hours. Came back. spent another 15-20 minutes in F&I (looking at the paperwork, which is normally a blur of signings). I did slip up, though. All of their paperwork has a $250 doc fee which I didn't look for while I was signing. I ordinarily don't let that fly. C'est la vie!

graphicguy

graphicguy

graphicguy

graphicguy

graphicguy

Michaell

@graphicguy‌

Let me be one of the first to congratulate you on your new car.

Nice car, and a nice (no, great) deal. $15K off sticker? Unheard of!

Glad that the dealer went over and above to make you a happy, satisfied and (ideally) a potential repeat customer.

Enjoy.

graphicguy

graphicguy

driver100

graphicguy said:

So, spent last night with the Cadillac dealer.

Tallying it up, it was over $15,000 off MSRP. So, for those keeping score, bought it for low $40s and less than a $10K delta with my trade.


Feeling good about the car and the deal. I think this is the best deal I've ever done. Tip my hat to the dealership. They made lemonade out of lemons. Talk about a turnaround from how I felt about the brand, and even worse about the dealership.

That is an incredible deal GG. You basically bought a new car (not just a car....a state of the art car of the year kind of car) with 4 years warranty for a minimal amount. That is just about impossible!

Car looks really nice. A nice new car is more than just the car, it makes you feel better and in some cases can alter your life.

Congrats....looks like you are on a winning streak!

stickguy

Good job. I knew this was inevitable. I think you may actually be ahead doing it now instead of 2 years down the line. Killer deal.

roadburner

Congrats!

cdnpinhead

graphicguy said:

Feeling good about the car and the deal.

Well done! Enjoy.

ab348

Congrats! Two Cadillac deliveries here on the same day! Incredible deal, they really wanted to get you back in the fold. The CTS is beautiful.

One note: I can see the thumbnails, but every one that I click on says "Page not found".

bwia

Congrats on purchase and I'm glad the dealer did everything possible to earn back your business and hopefully your loyalty.

With that said, that is the deal of the century--$15K off sticker? Wow!
Don't know if it is my browser but I cannot see the Flickr images.

And by the way, two Cadillac sales in two days, not to shabby for good old GM.

graphicguy

bwia......Thanks!

Not certain how to post "bigger" pics with the new format. It used to be you just did a copy/paste from the hosting site (flikr) and the pic would post filling up (sometimes overfilling) the boundaries.

Kind of surprised it only comes up as a thumbnail. Maybe someone here can give me a clue what's changed?

graphicguy

Thanks everyone. Funny how these things go. Happy with the current wheels. Not looking. To all of a sudden.......I want THAT car. And, BOOM!

Lots of new rides here recently. If we can get oldfarmer's Eclipse sold, we can get even more........

mako1a

Great job getting into the CTS, GG.
Pictures are tiny. Email them to yourself and post from folder on your computer (if you still use one). Or send to stever and he'll post them (he did offer).

driver100

We have sold a lot of cars around here this year....we had a bit of a slump for awhile, but we must have set a record in 2014.

I know we all have been waiting for CRs reliability ratings. Here's hi-lites.

*Toyota continues its winning streak.The company's Toyota and Lexus brands top the survey, while its Scion brand is in the top 10. (CR's says they win because, ""They take a conservative approach to redesign and roll out new features slowly. The risk is they may not have the latest bells and whistles, but the reward is world-class reliability". No secret there!

*Mazda, Honda and Subaru joined Toyota in the top 10. Audi was the highest-scoring non-Japanese brand, while Buick was the only domestic brand in the top 10.

*Ford's luxury Lincoln brand moved up 12 spots in the survey, the most of any brand, after fixing bugs in its touch-screen dashboard. Hyundai gained eight spots, mostly because it had few new vehicles

*This is what some of you said the other day:
New cars and trucks tend to have more problems, and the magazine recommends waiting a year or two after a new model comes out before buying it.

*Truck buyers complained about new full-size pickups from Chevrolet and GMC, which were plagued by squeaks and rattles. Mercedes-Benz fell the hardest, by 11 spots in the rankings, because of quality issues with its new lower-priced CLA sedan and complaints about the electronics in the higher-end S Class

*The recently merged Fiat Chrysler Automobiles fared worst in the rankings, with its Dodge, Ram, Jeep and Fiat brands in the bottom four spots. The new nine-speed transmission in the Jeep Cherokee was among the company's headaches.

For what it is worth! :@

graphicguy

Not sure what I think about the wealth of safety nannies that seem to have cropped up in the last couple of years. Maybe I'm really getting to the age where I don't like change.

But, from what I'm reading. there are airbags then there are AIRBAGS. AIRBAGS seem to be mounted not only in the steering wheel and front dash, but for my knees, side curtain airbags which are supposed to deploy if someone T-Bones me, side seat airbags to protect my ribs, and who knows what other ones will pop out if I'm unlucky enough to have an accident. I have no problem with these.

Also good, which I just found out, the car's brakes are Brembos. Firm and easy to modulate. Just how I like them. They are also "auto dry" which my BMW had. That is good, too. Keeps them from being less effective in the wet

Blind side warnings? I had those in the TL and they saved my bacon a couple of times. I like those, too. Rear camera with an articulating guide to help guide you while backing and a chime to make you aware that you're getting too close to an obstacle or another car is within close proximity of the rear of the car.

But, here's where things get a bit "nannyfied"..... Caddy has something called "Driver Awareness Systems". Driver's seat actually vibrates a little, making you aware you're crossing a lane line. That's a little unnerving. I think I'll shut that off.

The other "feature" I'm unsure about is the car will brake for you if it believes you're getting too close to the car in front of you and too fast of a speed. That gets turned off, too.

I'll make those decisions on my own.

There's a "park assist" which I probably won't trust to leave on, too.

Enough babbling. Carry on. Someone else buy a car.

robr2

graphicguy said:

Also good, which I just found out, the car's brakes are Brembos. Firm and easy to modulate. Just how I like them. They are also "auto dry" which my BMW had. That is good, too. Keeps them from being less effective in the wet

Don't get too excited about the Brembo brakes. Cadillac uses Brembo as their OEM supplier as do many other automakers brembo.com/en/car/original-equipment/customers/Pages/default.aspx). Cadillac also offers a Brembo "High Performance" front brake package.

I guess Cadillac is really trying to cater to some enthusiasts by advertising Brembo brakes as the base brake system.

driver100

GG, Like you I will see how I like those features, but, I am not sure, especially the Driver awareness.

I emptied out my car in the garage, have boxes for things that go into the door on the new car, trunk, glove box, centre console etc, so they just have to be loaded into the new car.

That's another advantage to buying a new car (or new house) every few years.......you get to clean out the old one. I had half pakges of Life Savers, change, google maps, addresses, work orders etc. Nice to start over again.....................

graphicguy

driver100 said:

GG, Like you I will see how I like those features, but, I am not sure, especially the Driver awareness.

I emptied out my car in the garage, have boxes for things that go into the door on the new car, trunk, glove box, centre console etc, so they just have to be loaded into the new car.

That's another advantage to buying a new car (or new house) every few years.......you get to clean out the old one. I had half pakges of Life Savers, change, google maps, addresses, work orders etc. Nice to start over again.....................

Driver....ain't that the truth.

Robr....personally, I don't care if the brand is BobbyJo's brakes and bait. If they work well, I'm in.

stickguy

GG, I am trying to get on the punch list. Hopefully before NY day.

as to the nannies, yeah, some seem to have gone overboard. Though I do wonder what would happen, given how litigious society is now, if you hit someone and it is determined that you had a feature turned off (say you rear end a car, but the auto brake was turned off).

The one feature I am getting more sure I will hold out for is the blind spot warning. Especially now that overall visibility tends to be limited in new cars. Hard enough to keep an eye on the loonies ahead of you on I95, being 100% sure of all your blindspots (especially at night/in the rain) is tough. Not that you shouldn't look and stay aware, but that is a case where a little backup coverage is welcome.

that and the back up cam. I love that feature on the RDX.

I think I will make those 2 must haves on the next car.

bwia

stickguy said:

...that and the back up cam. I love that feature on the RDX.

I think I will make those 2 must haves on the next car.

Speaking of back-up cameras, I wonder when dash cams will become popular as they are in Russia for example. I have not yet seen any built-in units but it won't be long before they become ubiquitous as the GPS unit.

henryn

driver100 said:

GG, Like you I will see how I like those features, but, I am not sure, especially the Driver awareness.

I emptied out my car in the garage, have boxes for things that go into the door on the new car, trunk, glove box, centre console etc, so they just have to be loaded into the new car.

That's another advantage to buying a new car (or new house) every few years.......you get to clean out the old one. I had half pakges of Life Savers, change, google maps, addresses, work orders etc. Nice to start over again.....................

You are aware that you can clean out your car at any time, you don't have to be trading it in.

abacomike

bwia said:

...that and the back up cam. I love that feature on the RDX. I think I will make those 2 must haves on the next car.

Speaking of back-up cameras, I wonder when dash cams will become popular as they are in Russia for example. I have not yet seen any built-in units but it won't be long before they become ubiquitous as the GPS unit.

I am not sure if you would consider two different camera functions on the MB E400 as dash cams.

My dash screen displays a front camera view of up to 3 lanes of traffic once I activate it.  Same for a rear view while driving forward or backward.

The second cam is a 360 degree top view looking down showing both sides of the car as well as front and rear in juxtaposition of other vehicles within 50 feet of you.

robr2

graphicguy said:

Robr....personally, I don't care if the brand is BobbyJo's brakes and bait. If they work well, I'm in.

I just find it interesting that Cadillac is marketing it's standard brakes as Brembo. Usually automakers don't give credit to their suppliers unless it's something special.

stickguy

That's a prestigious name. Like bose. People know it and associate it with high quality, expensive stuff. Even if it is a lower end product the name still carries weight

venture

abacomike said:

bwia said:

stickguy said:

...that and the back up cam. I love that feature on the RDX.

I think I will make those 2 must haves on the next car.

Speaking of back-up cameras, I wonder when dash cams will become popular as they are in Russia for example. I have not yet seen any built-in units but it won't be long before they become ubiquitous as the GPS unit.

I am not sure if you would consider two different camera functions on the MB E400 as dash cams.

My dash screen displays a front camera view of up to 3 lanes of traffic once I activate it.  Same for a rear view while driving forward or backward.

The second cam is a 360 degree top view looking down showing both sides of the car as well as front and rear in juxtaposition of other vehicles within 50 feet of you.

A dash cam will record what it's seeing. I don't think those record - do they?

robr2

stickguy said:

That's a prestigious name. Like bose. People know it and associate it with high quality, expensive stuff. Even if it is a lower end product the name still carries weight

Brembo is a prestigious name to auto enthusiasts. To Mr. and Mrs. Smith, not so much IMHO. OTOH, Bose is seen as prestigious to the Smiths but is snickered at by audio enthusiasts. They've done a great job marketing themselves. BTW, I own some 30 year old Bose 301 Series II speakers which audiophiles say are great speakers and others say are the spawn of satan himself.

When an automaker points out the supplier it's usually because there is a marketing agreement. Cadillac is trying to improve it's image among enthusiasts so I can see why they would do so.

It's like "Recaro" seats. Many of us sit in Recaro seats in cars, airplanes, buses and trains but no one tells you unless of course it's a big deal.

Kirstie_H

Two VERY nice Cadillacs got loving new homes this week! Yay!

Loved the photos. I've never been a huge fan of Cadillacs, but the more recent styling is turning my opinion around.

graphicguy

Kirstie_H said:

Two VERY nice Cadillacs got loving new homes this week! Yay!

Loved the photos. I've never been a huge fan of Cadillacs, but the more recent styling is turning my opinion around.

Thanks Kirstie. Seems as if all I can post are thumbnail pics. Any ideas how to post larger photos?

Thanks!

[Deleted User]

Wow! Two new Caddies join the forum fleet. Congrats to both GG and AB on the beautiful new additions. I genuinely love how Cadillac has responded to their past issues and are now delivering products that compete in the world market. The styling is unique to Cadillac rather than a me-too design, and the motors and suspensions are top notch. What an awesome turnaround this has been to behold.

I haven't watched the newest Top Gear UK episodes, so maybe someone can educate me. Is Clarkson still railing against American cars because they "can't go around a corner"? The latest crop should shut him up

robr2

Well in series 22 (UK airing early 2015), Jeremy tests the C7. We will just have to wait and see.

IMHO, his hating of American cars is pretty much an act. Remember that his schitck is that of a grumpy, conservative Englishman who hates everything except Jaguars, the Queen and warm beer.

ab348

graphicguy said:

Thanks Kirstie. Seems as if all I can post are thumbnail pics. Any ideas how to post larger photos?

Thanks!

If you have them on the computer that you're posting from, you click the icon on top of the text entry box here that looks like a piece of paper with the corner folded down. Then you follow the commands to browse to the folder on your computer with the pics and attach them to your post.

driver100

henryn said:

driver100 said:

GG, Like you I will see how I like those features, but, I am not sure, especially the Driver awareness.

I emptied out my car in the garage, have boxes for things that go into the door on the new car, trunk, glove box, centre console etc, so they just have to be loaded into the new car.

That's another advantage to buying a new car (or new house) every few years.......you get to clean out the old one. I had half pakges of Life Savers, change, google maps, addresses, work orders etc. Nice to start over again.....................

You are aware that you can clean out your car at any time, you don't have to be trading it in.

Nah....since the ash trays don't get used it's the best way of knowing it's time to trade.

We picked up the E400 and it was the first 2015 sold at the dealership. It does look great, other salesmen said people wanted to buy it.

Thank goodness, it has the blind spot warnings. It also has park assist and they showed me how to do it, but, I don't know if I'll have the nerve to let it park itself. It's a wierd feeling.

First impressions. I love the seating position and the interior more than the 535, it is more comfortable and quieter. Only things I think were better in the 535 was the pick up (The E has two settings, economy and sport, 535 had comfort in the middle which was faster than economy....sport settings are similar), steering is floatier, will take time to adjust. I think this will be the better car for long trips, seating is higher and more chair like.

There's a huge amount to learn. Our IT guy from work will help me set up a few things, maybe I can get him to take some pictures.......could rain though, hope not!

abacomike

driver100 said:

GG, Like you I will see how I like those features, but, I am not sure, especially the Driver awareness. I emptied out my car in the garage, have boxes for things that go into the door on the new car, trunk, glove box, centre console etc, so they just have to be loaded into the new car. That's another advantage to buying a new car (or new house) every few years.......you get to clean out the old one. I had half pakges of Life Savers, change, google maps, addresses, work orders etc. Nice to start over again.....................

You are aware that you can clean out your car at any time, you don't have to be trading it in.

Nah....since the ash trays don't get used it's the best way of knowing it's time to trade. We picked up the E400 and it was the first 2015 sold at the dealership. It does look great, other salesmen said people wanted to buy it. Thank goodness, it has the blind spot warnings. It also has park assist and they showed me how to do it, but, I don't know if I'll have the nerve to let it park itself. It's a wierd feeling. First impressions. I love the seating position and the interior more than the 535, it is more comfortable and quieter. Only things I think were better in the 535 was the pick up (The E has two settings, economy and sport, 535 had comfort in the middle which was faster than economy....sport settings are similar), steering is floatier, will take time to adjust. I think this will be the better car for long trips, seating is higher and more chair like. There's a huge amount to learn. Our IT guy from work will help me set up a few things, maybe I can get him to take some pictures.......could rain though, hope not!

Good luck with the new E400.  I think you'll find it more of a comfortable vehicle to drive.  You'll need time to learn its features and how to use them - a true myriad of new technology.  I also noticed that Sirius Traffic and Weather is now free for 3 years - but the channels are for 6 months.

You will find the Mbrace features are a big plus knowing you are always on satellite telemetry and a press of a button away for any emergency or even concierge services.  You might want to use that free service to make dinner reservations or motel reservations on your way down here next week.

Just enjoy its features and let us know your feedback as you drive.

stickguy

Sounds nice driver. I always liked the E class. To sit in, I have never tortured myself driving one.

abacomike

Got a call this afternoon from Mercedes Benz in Montvale, NJ.  I was asked if my concerns were handled appropriately by the dealership.  I responded that I was given a 2015 E350 to drive until my new car arrives from Germany.  Also, that a car was ordered with identical options as the first one, but that to ensure there will be no production mishaps with Lane Tracking and Blind Spot Monitors, the Driver Assistance Package was added at no additional cost to me.  Further that I received a buyer's order, signed by the dealership, showing that the new car has been paid for and that the trade-in was received, showing a balance of about $3000 which the buyer (me) will not be liable for.

I asked the Mercedes Rep if there was any way this car could be further expedited for manufacture.  The response was that the regional Mercedes Benz Msnager would get involved with Germany to see if there was anything that could be done to get the new car produced now rather than having to wait the 2 weeks, as scheduled for production.  They would contact me with an update as soon as they had more information.

So, I guess they are bending over backwards to resolve this.

My main concern is auto insurance.  Since I don't actually own a car right now, Geico said I have a 30 day grace period, after which they would be forced to cancel my insurance.  I shared that with Montvale, NJ, and they are aware of the problem.  My dealership GM said if it came to that (cancellation of my policy), they would solve that problem at the dealership level.

Anyone have any ideas about what options I have or what I could do to avoid this cancellation issue?

stickguy

Simple. Buy another car to tide you over!

Seriously though, not sure why geico can't just suspend you and restart when new car comes in. If cost won't change shouldn't matter

abacomike

stickguy said:

Simple. Buy another car to tide you over! Seriously though, not sure why geico can't just suspend you and restart when new car comes in. If cost won't change shouldn't matter

But I am required to have insurance to drive a car in Florida.  If I am at fault in an accident, I am liable, thus I need insurance to protect myself.  I sure don't want my insurance to lapse.

graphicguy

Mike....I'm thinking your insurance is what would cover the Benz if the unfortunate were to happen and you are in an accident in the dealership's car. So, in short, they are indeed insuring your car. It just so happens to belong to someone else.

I have State Farm. They've treated me well the last few years.

I think if you call them and explain the situation (you're waiting for your car to be built), you should be OK. You're paying them money to cover you (and whatever you're driving). You just so happen to be driving a dealership car.

If not, no had, no foul. You tell the dealership if they're covering you. If they aren't find an insurance company who will be more flexible. Who knows? You may save yourself a little cash by shopping around a little.

graphicguy

driver100 said:

henryn said:

driver100 said:

GG, Like you I will see how I like those features, but, I am not sure, especially the Driver awareness.

I emptied out my car in the garage, have boxes for things that go into the door on the new car, trunk, glove box, centre console etc, so they just have to be loaded into the new car.

That's another advantage to buying a new car (or new house) every few years.......you get to clean out the old one. I had half pakges of Life Savers, change, google maps, addresses, work orders etc. Nice to start over again.....................

You are aware that you can clean out your car at any time, you don't have to be trading it in.

Nah....since the ash trays don't get used it's the best way of knowing it's time to trade.

We picked up the E400 and it was the first 2015 sold at the dealership. It does look great, other salesmen said people wanted to buy it.

Thank goodness, it has the blind spot warnings. It also has park assist and they showed me how to do it, but, I don't know if I'll have the nerve to let it park itself. It's a wierd feeling.

First impressions. I love the seating position and the interior more than the 535, it is more comfortable and quieter. Only things I think were better in the 535 was the pick up (The E has two settings, economy and sport, 535 had comfort in the middle which was faster than economy....sport settings are similar), steering is floatier, will take time to adjust. I think this will be the better car for long trips, seating is higher and more chair like.

There's a huge amount to learn. Our IT guy from work will help me set up a few things, maybe I can get him to take some pictures.......could rain though, hope not!

Driver...congratz.....nice car. Pics please!

graphicguy

graphicguy

ab348 said:

graphicguy said:

Thanks Kirstie. Seems as if all I can post are thumbnail pics. Any ideas how to post larger photos?

Thanks!

If you have them on the computer that you're posting from, you click the icon on top of the text entry box here that looks like a piece of paper with the corner folded down. Then you follow the commands to browse to the folder on your computer with the pics and attach them to your post.

Thanks AB...that worked.

graphicguy

graphicguy

graphicguy

Of course, the lighting is part of the stylish look of these, so this is the money shot....

graphicguy

Hard to really tell in pictures how well these are assembled and how high quality the materials are. Wood, suede, sculpted aluminum, leather, real double French stitching abound. Even the automatic shifter feels like you are moving it through silk. While a little overboard (OK, a lot overboard), even the cup holder cover is motorized...you know, in case you're so feeble you can't open or close it without assistance.