Cadillac DTS

warmodder

Senior member
Nov 1, 2007
553
0
0
We needed to bring our Cadillac STS to the dealer for service because the computers been spitting out a bunch of errors every time we drive, so they gave us a DTS as a loaner.

It's surprisingly fun for being the quintessential old man car. The northstar V8 is a real beast, and because the cabin is so quiet you'll find yourself going much faster than you expect most of the time. I found myself regularly hitting 50 when I thought I was doing 35-40!

It's hardly a sports car with it's mush suspension, but it's really exciting. It doesn't look all that bad either.

We've had terrible luck with our sts. For the price you expect much more, but it really misses the mark on a lot of things. We got the very first model year though so that is probably a major contributer. It seems they've worked a lot of the kinks out on the 09's though. I might have to rethink them when we trade ours in. The new cts looks pretty sick!

Just thought you'd be interested to know. Does anybody have any comparisons to other models in the price bracket (around 50k, preferably under)? We've never had anything but American cars (Although my dad has an older A4 that he and I both love) and the fact that this land yacht impressed so much leads me to believe we've been missing out.
 

Xyclone

Lifer
Aug 24, 2004
10,312
0
76
I would get a Mercedes E350 (E500 is over 50K) in that price bracket. I love the way that car looks. Either that or an Infiniti M45.

EDIT: I wouldn't get the Mercedes if I was worried about reliability.
 

TimeKeeper

Diamond Member
Nov 3, 1999
4,927
0
0
Originally posted by: Xyclone
I would get a Mercedes E350 (E500 is over 50K) in that price bracket. I love the way that car looks. Either that or an Infiniti M45.

EDIT: I wouldn't get the Mercedes if I was worried about reliability.

Actually, E350 class will be over 50K no matter how you cut it. And E500 already discontinued on 2006

My first E-class coupe was back in 1988, that car last me 9 years w/out any problem beside regular service.

Then, I moved on to 1997 E420. That car is another bullet proof car. Only issue I have was the instrument display tends to wash out.

Now I am on current model E320 sports, and yes, Earlier model is bit jerky w/ electronic at first. But it was all fixed under warranty. Mercedes constantly update their Service board and recall, and I have yet to pay anything out of my pocket besides regular service.

It is a very reliable car and great performance for its class.


 

warmodder

Senior member
Nov 1, 2007
553
0
0
Originally posted by: TimeKeeper
Originally posted by: Xyclone
I would get a Mercedes E350 (E500 is over 50K) in that price bracket. I love the way that car looks. Either that or an Infiniti M45.

EDIT: I wouldn't get the Mercedes if I was worried about reliability.

Actually, E350 class will be over 50K no matter how you cut it. And E500 already discontinued on 2006

My first E-class coupe was back in 1988, that car last me 9 years w/out any problem beside regular service.

Then, I moved on to 1997 E420. That car is another bullet proof car. Only issue I have was the instrument display tends to wash out.

Now I am on current model E320 sports, and yes, Earlier model is bit jerky w/ electronic at first. But it was all fixed under warranty. Mercedes constantly update their Service board and recall, and I have yet to pay anything out of my pocket besides regular service.

It is a very reliable car and great performance for its class.

How's the E compared to the C? We like the look of the new C class. My dad doesn't really like Merc for some reason but he does like the new and C and the CLS. How about the E and the 5 series BMW? The E's looks are kinda dated imo. I suppose we'd wait for the refresh.
 

TimeKeeper

Diamond Member
Nov 3, 1999
4,927
0
0
Originally posted by: warmodder

How's the E compared to the C? We like the look of the new C class. My dad doesn't really like Merc for some reason but he does like the new and C and the CLS. How about the E and the 5 series BMW? The E's looks are kinda dated imo. I suppose we'd wait for the refresh.

I must said, C class is always C class. And I really don't think it should be even consider as "luxury" car.
CLS on the other hand, packed w/ Luxury feather. Although, it is placed between S-class and E-class, but it share more feature as of E-class. Including suspension, Command Center, wheels, which all inter-changeable w/ E-class.

I have never driven a BMW before,so I can't comment on it.

E-class does look DATED now, because it is ready for new designe on summer of 2009. (code W212) If I can still afford one when new model debute, E-class will still be my only choice.
 

sniperruff

Lifer
Apr 17, 2002
11,644
2
0
50K comparable cars? BMW 5-series, MB E-class, Audi A6, Volvo S80 are some European alternatives

Some Japanese alternatives would be the Lexus GS, Acura RL, Infiniti M45

Note that if you're willing to buy used, some very good bargains such as the VW Phaeton W12 can be found under $50k

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors...VWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

An ultra rare luxury sedan with 420bhp under the hood sharing the same platform with Bentley's is cool in my book!
 

warmodder

Senior member
Nov 1, 2007
553
0
0
Originally posted by: sniperruff
50K comparable cars? BMW 5-series, MB E-class, Audi A6, Volvo S80 are some European alternatives

Some Japanese alternatives would be the Lexus GS, Acura RL, Infiniti M45

Note that if you're willing to buy used, some very good bargains such as the VW Phaeton W12 can be found under $50k

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors...VWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

An ultra rare luxury sedan with 420bhp under the hood sharing the same platform with Bentley's is cool in my book!

The Phaeton is really cool. And the W12 is an amazing engine. Unfortunately the styling is as boring as the rest of the car is great. If we can find one, it might be worth a test drive. There are a ton of used cars at 50k worth getting. I'm not sure if I can sell a used car though. Hell we could probably get a pair of cars (wholesale) for that price. (Audi A8/7 series BMW/Phaeton + A4/3series etc)
 

TimeKeeper

Diamond Member
Nov 3, 1999
4,927
0
0
Originally posted by: warmodder

The Phaeton is really cool. And the W12 is an amazing engine. Unfortunately the styling is as boring as the rest of the car is great. If we can find one, it might be worth a test drive. There are a ton of used cars at 50k worth getting. I'm not sure if I can sell a used car though. Hell we could probably get a pair of cars (wholesale) for that price. (Audi A8/7 series BMW/Phaeton + A4/3series etc)

Seems your family doesn't like Mercedes. And if he doesn't keep the car for more than 7 years like I do.

Then, he could try 2 year lease? Get the feel of it first?
And if he still like it, by end of 2 years, he will be ready for the new fresh design which will last him another 7 years.
 

warmodder

Senior member
Nov 1, 2007
553
0
0
Originally posted by: TimeKeeper
Originally posted by: warmodder

The Phaeton is really cool. And the W12 is an amazing engine. Unfortunately the styling is as boring as the rest of the car is great. If we can find one, it might be worth a test drive. There are a ton of used cars at 50k worth getting. I'm not sure if I can sell a used car though. Hell we could probably get a pair of cars (wholesale) for that price. (Audi A8/7 series BMW/Phaeton + A4/3series etc)

Seems your family doesn't like Mercedes. And if he doesn't keep the car for more than 7 years like I do.

Then, he could try 2 year lease? Get the feel of it first?
And if he still like it, by end of 2 years, he will be ready for the new fresh design which will last him another 7 years.

Yea he doesn't think the quality is there for some reason. I don't think he feels the expense is justified (although it's the same with our caddy so i don't get the logic...)

We've always leased in the past--it always starts feeling a little tired towards the end of the agreement. When the STS expires he's probably gunna get another caddy if the dealer gives him a good deal, but I think we'd probably like a german sedan better. (My a4 and liberty are both german--sorta--and they're terrific)

Especially if they offer the early out thing and he jumps on the new CTS, we'll be stuck with another brand new car that they haven't ironed the kinks out of yet.
 

Xyclone

Lifer
Aug 24, 2004
10,312
0
76
On second thought, I would get the Infiniti M45 all the way. It's pretty fucking baller for a <$50k car.
 

Dr. Detroit

Diamond Member
Sep 25, 2004
8,341
789
126
Honestly, the DTS is in the same class of interior space as a 7-Series or S-class.

If you are looking for a highway luxo cruiser with copious amounts of trunk space and under $50K:

Lincoln MKS - will release in a few months - should start around $32K
Toyota Avalon
Buick Lucerne (built on the DTS platform)
Hyundai Azera - light on luxury doodads but great price
Volvo S80 - same platform as the Lincoln MKS with V8 powa!