[basscadet]

First of all, never in a million years did I ever think I would spend my money on a Cadillac...I am typically a Japanese and German car guy.

My last car was a GT-R which is probably the best car I have ever driven. However, a family addition required a sedan for easy transportation so the GT-R was sold and my search for the best sports sedan I could afford (<$100k) was started.

I drove every fast car in this segment but ultimately the CTS-V was what won me over. I frankly detest the styling of the car but after being in the driver's seat, it was very clear that this is really the best sports sedan money can buy for under $100k. I simply cannot put into words just how well GM dialed-in the steering and suspension of this car. You would never believe it weighs over 2 tons because it just does not feel like it. Visibility is great, the car is MUCH more predictable and easy to drive than my Z06, and the creature comforts are just ridiculous.

As far as performance goes, it is just in an entirely different league than the E9X M3, pulling hard from any RPM and doesn't get winded once you hit the century mark. The worst part of the car is the garbage auto transmission; coming from a DCT car, I don't understand how transmissions like this one can even make it into a car with this much performance.

I bought the car used with only 11k miles for $43k and will flip it within the year, like I do with most of my cars. Original sticker was $72k so the original owner got absolutely hosed on depreciation. Once I get my little gal in a forward-facing seat I look forward to stepping back into a smaller coupe such as a 997.2 Turbo, new high-po Mustang, or even the F80 M3 if there is any ability to tune that motor for more power.

For reference, here are my past cars: '11 Mustang GT, '09 Z06, '07 335i, '05 Legacy GT Ltd, '03 Evo VII, '02 A4 1.8T Quattro, '96 Supra TT, '94 RX-7

I've also driven every variation of the E9x M3 and cars like the B8 S4, E60 M5...all which were fantastic in their own way but just not as fun/fast as the CTS-V.

[ybbiz34]

Nice! Congratulations!

Looking forward to the pics and further impressions!

As you know, I was close to pulling the trigger on a CTS-V Sedan at one point.

[johanness]

Came very close myself. Congrats!!

[basscadet]

ybbiz, to answer your question, it really just came down to this question:

Which car would be the easiest for me to purchase and sell in a year or so without losing too much money. Unbelievably, the '12 C63 I looked at was $100 a month more than my CTS-V to insure. (and $80 more a month than my GT-R). I have no idea why. Probably more than anything, this deterred me from the AMG.

For some reason the '10 and '11 AMGs were much less insurance-wise, but as you mentioned to me earlier, those cars just don't feel as nice as the '12+ C63s.

FWIW, I did check with another insurance carrier and the prices were similar.

BTW I do agree with you about the 12 vs pre-12 model year AMGs. In the end I would only accept a 2012+ C63 and I felt the CTS-V and AMG were split down the middle on pros/cons. I was REALLY undecided between the two until I encountered the insurance price differences.

[wakeboarder109]

Originally Posted by basscadet

ybbiz, to answer your question, it really just came down to this question:

Which car would be the easiest for me to purchase and sell in a year or so without losing too much money. Unbelievably, the '12 C63 I looked at was $100 a month more than my CTS-V to insure. (and $80 more a month than my GT-R). I have no idea why. Probably more than anything, this deterred me from the AMG.

For some reason the '10 and '11 AMGs were much less insurance-wise, but as you mentioned to me earlier, those cars just don't feel as nice as the '12+ C63s.

FWIW, I did check with another insurance carrier and the prices were similar.

BTW I do agree with you about the 12 vs pre-12 model year AMGs. In the end I would only accept a 2012+ C63 and I felt the CTS-V and AMG were split down the middle on pros/cons. I was REALLY undecided between the two until I encountered the insurance price differences.

Congrats on the purchase. My cousin has a CTS-V sedan (Black Diamond Edition) which really looks good with the features the package adds. After he got it, it started to grow on me. I haven't gotten a chance to drive it yet but hopefully sometime soon.

Out of curiosity, did you purchase the GTR new or used? I'm trying to decide on my next coupe before my wife and I start to have kids. I've always been a GTR fan and am thinking it would be best to get something slightly used to not take the initial depreciation hit.

[bimmerjph]

Congrats! Although you really should have gotten one with a stick. Again though, congrats!!

[Ezio]

i think CTS V are some badass cars. love that LSA engine. although if i got a V it would have to be a DCT ( not available) or a 6 speed. those autos are terrible. non the less nice car though.

i will be looking into next generation CTS V no doubt.

[ybbiz34]

Originally Posted by basscadet

ybbiz, to answer your question, it really just came down to this question:

Which car would be the easiest for me to purchase and sell in a year or so without losing too much money. Unbelievably, the '12 C63 I looked at was $100 a month more than my CTS-V to insure. (and $80 more a month than my GT-R). I have no idea why. Probably more than anything, this deterred me from the AMG.

For some reason the '10 and '11 AMGs were much less insurance-wise, but as you mentioned to me earlier, those cars just don't feel as nice as the '12+ C63s.

FWIW, I did check with another insurance carrier and the prices were similar.

BTW I do agree with you about the 12 vs pre-12 model year AMGs. In the end I would only accept a 2012+ C63 and I felt the CTS-V and AMG were split down the middle on pros/cons. I was REALLY undecided between the two until I encountered the insurance price differences.

That makes sense.

You really couldn't lose with that decision. Both are excellent cars. There aren't a lot of cars out there that will be able to catch up with you, that's for sure!

Congrats again.

[bjayfan]

One of the better 'bang for the buck' cars out there, almost was convinced a few years ago, if not for what I thought were the most uncomfortable seats. Did they fix those?

[Malibu1]

+ you will never have to worry about:

Coils
Injectors
Spark Plugs
Fuel Pumps
Waste Gates
Turbos
on and on....

Nice Car!

[majin ssj eric]

Really jealous mate! The second generation CTS-V is one of my all time favorites...

[blutattoo]

Rented one from hertz in San Diego last week and it absolutely blew me away with how it drove. It drove much smaller than I imagined. It handled as good as any sedan I've ever driven, including the new M5. The steering was a tad light at low speeds, but the feel was brilliant at speed. Even the automatic performed really well, felt much better than the vette's automatic. I'm very seriously considering dumping my roundel for the wagon with a 6mt if I can find one since I have a new baby too.

[swanson]

Originally Posted by blutattoo

Rented one from hertz in San Diego last week and it absolutely blew me away with how it drove. It drove much smaller than I imagined. It handled as good as any sedan I've ever driven, including the new M5. The steering was a tad light at low speeds, but the feel was brilliant at speed. Even the automatic performed really well, felt much better than the vette's automatic. I'm very seriously considering dumping my roundel for the wagon with a 6mt if I can find one since I have a new baby too.

LOVE the V wagon.

[Efthreeoh]

^ Yeah, OP you should have got the CTS-V Wagon and kept it. A nice family hauler that is destined to be (is) a classic.

A just wait for the 3rd-Gen CTS-V...

[basscadet]

Originally Posted by wakeboarder109

Out of curiosity, did you purchase the GTR new or used?

I bought my 2009 used. Bought it for $64k back in Winter 2011. Drove it nearly exactly 2 years, put about 8000 miles on it, and sold it for $60k. I spent $1600 on tires for the car and that was the only out-of-pocket maintenance I had to pay other than oil changes. It was an absolutely fantastic purchase. After my daughter was born I was only driving it on weekends and spending all of my time driving a 2005 Acura TL. I realized I wanted to spend more of my time driving a fun car which is why I bought the Cadillac.

The GT-Rs have the best depreciation of any non-exotic or classic car you can buy. Nothing, not even 997 Turbos, hold their value as well. If I were entering the GT-R market again (which I might!) I would look for bargains nationally and be ready to pounce when you find the right car. (The day I put my car online to sell I had 8 phone calls and 3 serious offers to fly in over the weekend.) Don't get hung up on the pre-2012 vs 2012 model differences, I have driven both and the differences are truly very minor. The powertrain is bullet-proof, the car is easy to mod for more power, and it is very easy to live with it as a daily driver, especially if you replace the stock runflat tires with Michelin Pilot Super Sports.

[basscadet]

Originally Posted by bjayfan

One of the better 'bang for the buck' cars out there, almost was convinced a few years ago, if not for what I thought were the most uncomfortable seats. Did they fix those?

No. The seats are not comfortable and I had to adjust mine for 30 minutes to get them to fit me (i'm 6'1", 180lbs, athletic build). Once you get them dialed in they aren't bad, but they're not great either.

The non-recaro seats are very comfortable but you lose ventilation and there is just about zero side bolstering. If you live someplace that isn't hot and you aren't going to get frisky with the car, I'd go with the stock seats honestly.

[son_of_siggy]

Originally Posted by basscadet

No. The seats are not comfortable and I had to adjust mine for 30 minutes to get them to fit me (i'm 6'1", 180lbs, athletic build). Once you get them dialed in they aren't bad, but they're not great either.

The non-recaro seats are very comfortable but you lose ventilation and there is just about zero side bolstering. If you live someplace that isn't hot and you aren't going to get frisky with the car, I'd go with the stock seats honestly.

The guy I bought my Gen 1 CTS-V from had a Gen 2 with Recaros. I also got to sit in them at the auto show a few years back. I also remember the Recaros not being very comfortable. I'm 6'1 ~195 and just couldn't find the sweet spot. I also remember the non-recaro seats being really comfy, but as you mentioned, the side support was very limited.

[majin ssj eric]

Really considering one of these for my next vehicle. Too bad I've only narrowed it down to like 20 cars so far!

[US///M3]

This thread is useless.

[LDSM]

congrats, post some pics!

I think the CTS-V coupe is an awesome looking car, like it's sole purpose is to go fast.

[johanness]

Originally Posted by US///M3

This thread is useless.

Like most of your posts?

[wakeboarder109]

Originally Posted by basscadet

I bought my 2009 used. Bought it for $64k back in Winter 2011. Drove it nearly exactly 2 years, put about 8000 miles on it, and sold it for $60k. I spent $1600 on tires for the car and that was the only out-of-pocket maintenance I had to pay other than oil changes. It was an absolutely fantastic purchase. After my daughter was born I was only driving it on weekends and spending all of my time driving a 2005 Acura TL. I realized I wanted to spend more of my time driving a fun car which is why I bought the Cadillac.

The GT-Rs have the best depreciation of any non-exotic or classic car you can buy. Nothing, not even 997 Turbos, hold their value as well. If I were entering the GT-R market again (which I might!) I would look for bargains nationally and be ready to pounce when you find the right car. (The day I put my car online to sell I had 8 phone calls and 3 serious offers to fly in over the weekend.) Don't get hung up on the pre-2012 vs 2012 model differences, I have driven both and the differences are truly very minor. The powertrain is bullet-proof, the car is easy to mod for more power, and it is very easy to live with it as a daily driver, especially if you replace the stock runflat tires with Michelin Pilot Super Sports.

Values must have gone up on these then. From looking around I haven't seen any with this similar mileage for low 60s. I don't know if its that surprising but most also seem to be multiple owner cars. Don't know if that such a big deal or not.