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2008 Cadillac CTS

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Comments

  • univguy1999univguy1999 Member Posts: 8
    When do you get yours?

    Mine should come in this week. It was ordered with almost all options but it was built without the wood steering wheel or shift knob because they were not in stock.
  • puckspucks Member Posts: 47
    Did any of you guys who already ordered look into an extended GMPP warranty? Just curious what they are going for on an 08.
  • plektoplekto Member Posts: 3,738
    LaCrosse Super has an invoice of $29,558? Oh wow - that's going to be a silly ride. With 300HP, it's a poor man's CTS(first gen CTS suspension and brakes, btw).
  • fueledupfueledup Member Posts: 64
    pretty much loaded, premium lux pck, fe3, auto,blue chip,no spare, no awd. msrp 45,938, paid 44,000 no dealer fees.
  • rayainswrayainsw Member Posts: 3,192
    "LaCrosse Super has an invoice of $29,558? Oh wow - that's going to be a silly ride. With 300HP, it's a poor man's CTS(first gen CTS suspension and brakes, btw). "

    Um.
    No.
    LaCrosse = FWD.
    And no relation to the 1st gen CTS.
    2022 X3 M40i
  • plektoplekto Member Posts: 3,738
    Same power(well, more, actually), same suspension, roughly the same size and weight.

    It's a lot like the Lecerne - a lower cost FWD version of the DTS. IF you can live with FWD intead of RWD, it's a good car for not a lot of money.
  • univguy1999univguy1999 Member Posts: 8
    Buicks are the same as Cadillac's??? The Lucerne and LaCrosse have NOTHING in common with the Cadillac's. No drivetrain, suspension, etc... They are completely different vehicles.
  • 14871487 Member Posts: 2,407
    actually the 3.6 in the lacrosse is a detuned version of the CTS' engine. The Lucerne has LOTS in common with the DTS as I'm sure you know. The Lucerne uses the same northstar in the DTS that used to be in the old STS and ETC.

    The Lacrosse isnt as sporty as the CTS but it is of similar size and weight and costs less.
  • markcincinnatimarkcincinnati Member Posts: 5,343
    I am spoiled. I've gone beyond my "best if used by date," I know this.

    But for Pity's Sake (as my mom used to say) is it too much to ask of the dealership to have some avenue into product information beyond the brochure?

    Here is why I am spoiled: after buying Audis and a couple of VW's and two BMW's since 1976, I expect the dealership to be "full of car guys" (men and women) in the sales department, in sales management and even at the service management area.

    I ask, "what, when, how much, how does it work, what does it look like, how does it drive, etc etc etc," at either the Bimmer or Audi store here in River City, and I literally get a chorus of "pick me, pick me, I know the answer" from the sales and management of the dealership.

    The service writer at the BMW store is an absolute S4 fan and also a BMW 335i fan and can quote chapter and verse the various configurations.

    The head BMW sales rep seems quite taken with A8's and the junior Audi sales reps keeps up on EVERYTHING so it seems.

    Stump the German Car dealers is not a game to play, unless you want to lose, or so it seems.

    Point is, I ask some questions of the Cadillac dealer pertaining to combinations and permutations of the new CTS -- and the rep didn't know. Indeed, none of the reps seem to know much about their products.

    I would ask things pertaining to features I would hope are "standard normal" questions and the helpful response was "I'll look into that."

    Anyway, where was I?

    Oh yea -- I read SOMEWHERE that the "oversight" regarding Bluetooth wasn't really an oversight at all, and in fact the Cadillacs bound for Europe WOULD have factory Bluetooth and that commencing in month 7, the US cars would have it.

    Was I dreaming? Where is or was this written and is the source credible?

    The folks at the dealer are very pleasant and in terms of knowing the TRANSACTION are, no doubt, fine.

    They seem to know very little about the CARS they sell however.

    Same thing happens at Best Buy and Circuit City, no one seems to know a damn thing about the stuff they sell either.

    "Just once. . . ."

    Bye-gones. :surprise:
  • nextone1nextone1 Member Posts: 15
    6-8 weeks. Just ordered it on the 14th.
  • nextone1nextone1 Member Posts: 15
    I agree 100% I had this same experience with my dealer, explaining why the salesman needs to be much more informed about their product. But they say they're used to the old-time customer just pointing and saying: "I want that one." So I explained why I wanted a CTS over a BMW, a Mercedes, or an STS. Shouldn't it be the other way around? While GM obviously doesn't provide nor require extensive product education, a salesman can learn a lot by reading the internet and reading the car mags. Heck, just read the owner's manual! If GM is going to compete with the imports, it's got to compete on the showroom floor and provide a complete buying experience. Folks aren't just buying a car; they're buying an experience. That said, I'd probably starve as a car salesman.
  • univguy1999univguy1999 Member Posts: 8
    GM announced today a $500 DEALER rebate on the 2008 CTS. A well informed shopper should be able to get that passed along to them.
  • puckspucks Member Posts: 47
    What does dealer rebate mean? It is not announced to the public and pads the dealer's profit margin assuming the public doesn't know about it? Where did you find the news and when is the rebate in effect until?

    Thanks.
  • 150mphclub150mphclub Member Posts: 316
    In the long run, a people person will sell many more cars than a techie. Techies have trouble making a living selling cars. So the techie you want to talk to will probably be at the bottom of the sales charts month after month. Not good for the techie or the dealer.
  • cdnpinheadcdnpinhead Member Posts: 5,504
    This is sadly reminiscent of what Lincoln LS enthusiasts had to deal with. Granted, 95-99% of the people who ended up driving an LS had no clue which two wheels drove the car, but for the ones who did know (& care, passionately), it was crystal clear that the dealer network had not a clue.

    Lincoln did a big training thing prior to the rollout of the car & required that each dealership had at least one "specialist" who was supposed to know the LS inside-out, as well as the competition. In the course of many visits at several dealers back in '00, I ran into only one of these guys, and he was good. The others spent all their time trying to talk me out of ordering a car with a manual transmission.

    So far, the CTS seems to have avoided the LS's fate, but tales like yours make me wonder if it's all just a matter of time. The people who actually care about a car like the CTS have several other choices, and having a dealer that understands "car people" is certainly part of the equation. It's largely why I'd never consider a CTS. Once is enough.
    '08 Acura TSX, '17 Subaru Forester
  • 14871487 Member Posts: 2,407
    autoblog has a very positive review posted today.
  • belvbelv Member Posts: 8
    Having seen this car in person I have to admit I was stunned by it, it's simply beautiful. I'm waiting for the 2.9 liter diesel that is to arrive in the U. S. in 2010. I might buy two of them, one to drive and one to put in storage so I can sell at barret jackson in fourty years for millions.
  • univguy1999univguy1999 Member Posts: 8
    There are two kinds of rebates: consumer rebates direct to the car buyer and dealer rebates that may, or may not be, passed along to the consumer.

    My CTS is due to be delivered this week and my dealer called to let me know he will be dropping our agreed upon price by $500 because GM just announced $500 dealer cash on the vehicle.

    I havent seen it in print anywhere, but since my purchase price just dropped, I have to think its accurate!
  • puckspucks Member Posts: 47
    Thanks and good luck with the car. I actually found the rebate on Edmunds. Expires on 9/4. That's about the time I figure to be placing my order. Maybe they'll be something going on when mine comes in, but I doubt it.
  • cdnpinheadcdnpinhead Member Posts: 5,504
    "I'm waiting for the 2.9 liter diesel that is to arrive . . ."

    Is this diesel an engine that's been proven elsewhere in the world? If so, in what vehicles? GM is much of why most Americans think diesel engines in cars are horrible, thanks to the offerings in the late 70's & early 80's.
    '08 Acura TSX, '17 Subaru Forester
  • 150mphclub150mphclub Member Posts: 316
    It is currently available in the CTS being sold in Europe.
  • univguy1999univguy1999 Member Posts: 8
    It is clearly a mistake that Cadillac made by not including Bluetooth functionality as an integrated option at the outset of production. They have indicated it is an aftermarket option, but that device requires you to drill a hole in the overhead console or in the dashboard and install a speaker and button device that almost certainly will not match the much touted improved interior. It also has no integration with the audio speakers and radio system. I cant imagine anyone spending $40K on a car wanting to "drill in" some cheap looking aftermarket item.

    OnStar, however, has a microphone and is integrated with the entertainment system. One would sure think that there has to be a way to use these components to add Bluetooth functionality. Does anyone know how to "hack" into this system to accomplish this?

    I know verizon is offered but this is a VERY LAME alternative to Bluetooth. It requires you be on Verizon, buy a 2nd line, forward your phone to the car every time you get in, and unforward your phone every time you get out.

    Certainly there has to be a way to utilize the hardware that is in the car to add Bluetooth capability. Anyone know how to do that???
  • belvbelv Member Posts: 8
    This is what the new diesel will be when it arrives around 2010.


    The 2008 Cadillac CTS had its world debut at the Detroit show in January, but Cadillac saved the news of a new diesel engine for the CTS for the Geneva show.

    The new engine is a 2.9-liter V-6 turbodiesel with state-of-the-art emissions technology, GM said in a release.



    The diesel is destined mainly for the European market. The CTS will be the first application of the engine, and will appear in the 2009 model year in the newest Cadillac. It can be installed transversely or longitudinally, GM says, meaning it could be used across a wide spectrum of GM vehicles, with either two- or four-wheel drive.



    The engine is the product of a joint effort with Italy 's VM Motori. GM will develop the engine's emissions profile and technology, while VW Motori will adapt the engine to production and will build it at a plant in Italy.



    Cadillac says the engine produces 406 pound-feet of torque, but no other power nor any fuel economy estimates were released.
    It (the diesel) will also be available in the next gen Saturn aura. These are very exciting times.
  • cdnpinheadcdnpinhead Member Posts: 5,504
    Thanks much for the information, but it does sound like it's a brand new engine.

    Call me stupid (you'll need to get in line), but I much prefer engines that have been proven over a number of years and millions, if not billions, of miles.

    Call me again in ten (well, five) years.
    '08 Acura TSX, '17 Subaru Forester
  • bhill2bhill2 Member Posts: 2,471
    Yeah, I'd give it at least 5 years. GM tends to do its beta testing by selling the product to the unfortunate public. And remember, GM's corporate slogan is 'caveat emptor'. Anyway, it usually takes 5 years or so before the howling gets loud and threatening enough that GM actually concludes that it better clean up its act (until the next time it decides to introduce some new technology, of course). The problem is, there are some GM products that I really like (my daily driver is a Corvette C5), and the new CTS shows serious promise. Oh well, maybe I'll pick up a lease return something until GM gets the CTS and the diesel sorted out.

    2009 BMW 335i, 2003 Corvette cnv. (RIP 2001 Jaguar XK8 cnv and 1985 MB 380SE [the best of the lot])

  • belvbelv Member Posts: 8
    I don't understand the notion that gm vehicals are somehow less reliable than other makes. I'm a genetasist now but I worked for a concrete company for two years who had 8 silverados with duramax engines and the oldest one one had over 250,000 miles on it. He's (the owner)never has any trouble with any of them which is amazing because they (his employees and himself) simply beat the [non-permissible content removed] of them. So I don't buy it. Also check out the reviews on the 2007 camry on edmunds or yahoo to find out how "reliable" toyota really is.
  • puckspucks Member Posts: 47
    Just like the 3.6 that was introduced in 2003. Exactly what problems has that had? Brand new engine back then. C'mon, lets be fair.
  • budibudi Member Posts: 41
    I have one of the earlier built CTS w/ 3.6 and have no problems. It is smooth, powerful and reasonably fuel efficient for its application. One of the reasons why I was first interested in the Enclave was because it had the 3.6.
  • brauch15brauch15 Member Posts: 4
    I was wondering if anyone heard about the future Cadillac sedan lineup:
    • A new small rwd sedan to cmpete with the BMW 3 series- BLS
    • A current rwd sedan to compete with the BMW 5 series- CTS
    • A new, flagship rwd sedan to tackle the BMW 7 series- DTS
    Also, is there a new small SUV in the cards?? How about a four door coupe of new XLR???
  • readerreaderreaderreader Member Posts: 253
    Replying to: cdnpinhead (Aug 22, 2007 2:34 pm)
    Yeah, I'd give it at least 5 years. GM tends to do its beta testing by selling the product to the unfortunate public. And remember, GM's corporate slogan is 'caveat emptor'. Anyway, it usually takes 5 years or so before the howling gets loud and threatening enough that GM actually concludes that it better clean up its act (until the next time it decides to introduce some new technology, of course). The problem is, there are some GM products that I really like (my daily driver is a Corvette C5), and the new CTS shows serious promise. Oh well, maybe I'll pick up a lease return something until GM gets the CTS and the diesel sorted out.
    ========================================================

    You're twenty years behind the times.
    Modern, informed car researchers know that to be untrue--and that that has been so for a long time (even in the worst of times decades ago, this was an exaggeration).
    Hyperbole is no substitute for the truth.
  • readerreaderreaderreader Member Posts: 253
    Here are some pictures from Autoblog. I will link to the entire gallery here:

    http://www.autoblog.com/photos/first-drive-2008-cadillac-cts/

    Here is the review:

    http://www.autoblog.com/2007/08/21/first-drive-2008-cadillac-cts/

    "It's easy to write off a new model when clever ad campaigns and the PR machine work overtime to convince you that it's God's gift to tarmac. In the case of the new CTS, a hard sell is completely unnecessary. Eschewing the hype and the art-and-science drivel, you're left with a striking exterior and the driving dynamics to match. Surprised? We were. And after a day of merciless flogging though the undulating hills of the Pacific coast, followed by a two-hour all-out assault on Laguna Seca, we came away with a newfound respect for not only Caddy's 2008 sports sedan, but the automaker as a whole."
    -----------------------------------------

    Here are some picture from that review:















    Here are some interior shots:

    http://www.autoblog.com/photos/first-drive-2008-cadillac-cts-interior-and-infota- inment/

















  • readerreaderreaderreader Member Posts: 253
    Here is a video from Autospies of the CTS, with interior night shots:

    http://www.autospies.com/video/AutoSpies-com-s-exclusive-look-at-the-2008-Cadill- - ac-CTS-282/

    or

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f22w2UGhkBU

    Here are the night shots:











  • readerreaderreaderreader Member Posts: 253
    Does it not like this site? Or is it banned?

  • readerreaderreaderreader Member Posts: 253
  • readerreaderreaderreader Member Posts: 253
  • Kirstie_HKirstie_H Administrator Posts: 11,148
    Dunno why it's not working... nothing we're doing here. You might just want to post the links since the photos aren't showing up.

    MODERATOR /ADMINISTRATOR
    Need help navigating? kirstie_h@edmunds.com - or send a private message by clicking on my name.
    Share your vehicle reviews

  • readerreaderreaderreader Member Posts: 253
    I kind of figured it out. The coding seems to have changed since I was last on here. I will try again.
  • readerreaderreaderreader Member Posts: 253
    I will post this again--

    Here are some pictures from Autoblog. I will link to the entire gallery here:

    http://www.autoblog.com/photos/first-drive-2008-cadillac-cts/

    Here is the review:

    http://www.autoblog.com/2007/08/21/first-drive-2008-cadillac-cts/

    "It's easy to write off a new model when clever ad campaigns and the PR machine work overtime to convince you that it's God's gift to tarmac. In the case of the new CTS, a hard sell is completely unnecessary. Eschewing the hype and the art-and-science drivel, you're left with a striking exterior and the driving dynamics to match. Surprised? We were. And after a day of merciless flogging though the undulating hills of the Pacific coast, followed by a two-hour all-out assault on Laguna Seca, we came away with a newfound respect for not only Caddy's 2008 sports sedan, but the automaker as a whole."
    ----------------------------------------------

    Here are some exterior pictures from that review:

    image

    image

    image

    image

    image

    image

    image

    That should work.
  • readerreaderreaderreader Member Posts: 253
    image

    image

    image

    image

    image

    image

    image

    image

    image

    Here is the link:

    http://www.autoblog.com/photos/first-drive-2008-cadillac-cts-interior-and-infota- inment/
  • readerreaderreaderreader Member Posts: 253
    image

    image

    image

    image

    image

    image
  • readerreaderreaderreader Member Posts: 253
    I will also try to look for other magazine reviews later and post the links:

    image

    image

    image
  • readerreaderreaderreader Member Posts: 253
    http://www.brightcove.com/title.jsp?title=1078629520&channel=8017
  • bingomanbingoman Member Posts: 373
    Well, I've just had a chance to sit in an '08 CTS and I am thoroughly disappointed. The car is beautiful but the seats appear to be impossible to get comfortable in. The problem is the headrests. They are adjustable vertically but fixed fore and aft. Sitting back in the seat my head seems to be hitting the headrest before my shoulders hit the seatback. This creates a very uncomfortable seating position. It is even worse in the passenger seat where a person would try to maintain an even more relaxed position. A situation similar to this caused me to leave a Lexus showroom without even taking a test drive when my wife said she could not find a comfortable position in the passenger seat.

    I hope a solution to this problem can be found as I was really looking forward to purchasing the car. :(
  • bingomanbingoman Member Posts: 373
    Regarding the inflator kit in place of the compact spare: It is an 12 volt air compressor with an attached (but replaceable) can of sealant goo which can be plugged into one of the cigarette lighter sockets to seal and inflate a flat tire. There are some cryptic instructions on the unit which indicate a limit of 55 mph and five miles, but I could not figure out if those were the limits of use or instructions to drive under 55 mph for at least 5 miles to distribute the sealant. The sticker referred you to the users manual, which was not available to me. Also, in answer to someone else's question, the spare wheel well is standard with or without the purchase of the compact spare. The compressor is held down by the hold down for the spare in the middle of the well.

    On another note, I found the battery in a compartment on the right hand side of the trunk, not under the hood.
  • readerreaderreaderreader Member Posts: 253
    Well, I've just had a chance to sit in an '08 CTS and I am thoroughly disappointed. The car is beautiful but the seats appear to be impossible to get comfortable in. The problem is the headrests. They are adjustable vertically but fixed fore and aft. Sitting back in the seat my head seems to be hitting the headrest before my shoulders hit the seatback. This creates a very uncomfortable seating position. It is even worse in the passenger seat where a person would try to maintain an even more relaxed position. A situation similar to this caused me to leave a Lexus showroom without even taking a test drive when my wife said she could not find a comfortable position in the passenger seat.

    I hope a solution to this problem can be found as I was really looking forward to purchasing the car.
    =====================================================

    All I can say is I hope so too.
    Di you try adjusting the rake of the seat, and retracting the headrests all the way?
  • arby1arby1 Member Posts: 83
    If you have the same problem, both on the Lexus and the Cadillac, maybe it is that you desire a odd placement. I recently had neck pain, and was told by my therapist that I was not sitting in my car properly. He was right. I always adjusted my seat in a way that most people did not. It is possible that the CTS seat is made for a natural healthy posture. I will have to check it out, because my lease is up soon.
  • taxesquiretaxesquire Member Posts: 681
    Also, in answer to someone else's question, the spare wheel well is standard with or without the purchase of the compact spare

    That was my question - thank you for the answer!!! :D
  • bingomanbingoman Member Posts: 373
    Having had the evening to reconsider my problem with the headrest in the CTS I realize I did not exercise the full range of motion of the seat. I will have to make another visit to the showroom to try again to find a comfortable position in the seat. Another idea I will pursue is to swap the headrest for one of the headrests in the back seat, which are much smaller and less intrusive. I will have to see is the supports match the front seats.
  • Kirstie_HKirstie_H Administrator Posts: 11,148
    Bookmark this discussion now - we're moving it to its permanent home on the Sedans board in a few days. If you already have it in your tracked items, nothing will change for you. You can also find it using the search functions on the left side of each Forums page.

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    Share your vehicle reviews

  • 14871487 Member Posts: 2,407
    I saw an ad for the CTS in automobile magazine. Its about 5 pages long with lots of pics and wording. It is impressive and just the type of ad Cadillac needs for this car. It talks about the performance, the design, the interior craftsmanship and draws direct comparisons between the car and its competition, mentioning some by name.

    If you dont want the car before seeing the ad, you will afterwards.
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