Topic: Another Saturday Test Drive (Review!)

[DriverJeff]

Again, what's the point?  It takes the same amount of energy for me to push slightly on the door than to pull it the rest of the way open when the "release" releases it.  It has never bothered me at all.

Come to think of it, my BMW didn't have the auto release either.  I guess the higher end European car makers don't see the need for such frivolous mechanical pieces.

[wing]

I asked the salesman about the warranty, the caddy's come with 4 year full-service warranty including tires.  That's also a nice option to have especially if you decide to lease one.

[ovr50]

And I can't let it pass that the pix on Saturday of James home with all that SNOW reminds again of why I live in BC - little rain last night, 6C at 6am today, was 17C yesterday and the grass is getting quite green in the lawn (and this isn't even Vanc. or Victoria). Yep.

[wing]

25cm of snow today

[DriverJeff]

Yowsa!  It's 10*C and raining in the GTA right now (11:20 Monday).

[wing]

Wow, looking at more CTSs, Manuals are tough to find, although not impossible.  Also to note, a lot of dealerships are ummmm IGNORANT.  There is a couple listing the CTS as FWD!  And one on leasebusters listed it like that as well, Ummmm they don't even know and they drive it?

[RayT]

Have to agree with Jeff, what's the point of a fill filler release. As long as it locks when the doors are locked that's fine.

Nice writeup James. Have to admit that the CTS is one of the few cars that GM makes that is actually worthy of consideration. I rented a boat of a car last week on my trip in the US and it was actually nice sitting in a QUIET car for a change compared to what I normally drive. I can see why people like cars like the CTS that provide good refinement, but with reasonably balanced and sporty handling. For normal driving around town, a CTS would definitely be a good compromise. It's nice having the choice of MANUAL tranmission when most of the cars in this price range are saddled with automatic only and FWD (TL, ES300 etc)

(Message edited by rayt on March 07, 2005)

[Shnak]

Have to agree with Jeff, what's the point of a fill filler release. As long as it locks when the doors are locked that's fine.

I agree with that too. When I first read, I didn't notice that it locked. But does that mean that you have to unlock all 4 doors to fill up your gas tank?

[sirAQUAMAN64]

Jeff, when I was driving a 3-Series I spent a good 12 minutes trying to figure out how to open it. Floor beside the seat? Underside of driver's door armrest? Centre console? Glovebox? Keyfob? Then I just tried to pry it open but didn't want to break it with it being a BMW Canada car, and told a gal at the gas bar "I don't know how to get the flipping thing open" when I just tapped the thing and it came out at me. Boy, was I embarrassed but laughed it off! I was sure to let the person I gave the keys to next know about it. I didn't realize that it would stay locked if the car was locked, and if so I would prefer a unit like this myself.  

James, yet another awesome review. Keep it up, and keep 'er comin'! Very objective, as others have mentioned. Thanks for posting between photos so we know what you're talking about! As a used car, or a base new one, the CTS is a pretty good deal. But I find the interior, especially the wheel and dash golf-ball-diamond-like surface texture very low-rent. And I REALLY dislike the angles, and the way the dash comes out at you at your knees for no apparent reason, cutting useable space. I remember seeing the new CTS at a dealership in Barrie when it came out and my friend and I laughed - so fackin' cheap inside we couldn't get over it. In fact, the Catera they had was WAAAAY more solid in comparison.  

The CTS-V is a nice mechanical package tho. Have to respect it... and I don't mind the exterior either.

[Crolly]

great job James!  keep 'em comin'

[inco]

Well JB - if ever you find yourself out looking for a career change - you may just have found your calling in writing.

Now splain to us how you get those pix there please....

[Corey]

I'm sure it's a steal for $30k but Wow! That's a lot of depreciation! A friend of mine just picked up a 2003 Acura CL Type S for about the same price here in Vancouver. Sure, it's 10k cheaper when new but the car only had 800km on it and was only registered a month ago (full warranty). Despite the fact it's FWD, I think I like it better than the Caddy (not driven one though). I guess what I'm saying is that for $50,000 I would rather have fewer gadgets, a nicer interior and much more power.

The CTS may lose to the CL-Type S in 0-60 but I'm sure it would be faster on a track.

Good review, though.

[Barrie1]

The 3.6 engine is so good that it is going to used by Suzuki in the year 2007 for some of their cars.  Sqwauk Sqwauk about the Fuel Filler Door, I am not going to say anymore but I'll post 2 more times about it. Not much on keeping your word are you. You probably have the Fuel filler release cable to hold on to the door when it falls off. You won't loose it that way.

[Shnak]

Why don't you address the other points that came up in this thread? Notably, the cheap plasticky interior? And how about that huge cable dangling from the trunk? Is that to hold on to the trunk lid when it falls off?

[Roadrunner]

Now now children. Behave please.

[S60]

Super review and nice lay out Jamesbe.
For sure thats a lot of car for $30,000,
too funny/odd looking for my taste though.
Ditto on SirA comments on the interior.

(Message edited by S60 on March 07, 2005)

[Barrie1]

You are the one who stated I won't post anymore on this topic yet you continue to do so. You have been answered by other Posters in this Forum. You should learn something about cars before you post as You are trolling again.

[Bladerunner]

I dunno, for 30k I would rather buy a new Accord V6 or a Subaru Forester.

[Shnak]

Whatever Barrie...

[ktm525]

Pay Schnak no mind Barrie. For $30k he would rather drive a Jetta.