2009 G37x Sedan vs Caddy CTS?

[ecuguru]

Hey guys,

Cause the American car industry is so completely screwed, I might be able to get a better deal on a CTS than a g37x. I'm pretty set to the g37x, but if anyone else went shopping and ended up with these two cars on the short list, I'd like it a lot if you'd share you thoughts with me on it..

The Caddy seems bigger (exterior and interior), and slower. Any help appreciated..

Thanks!

[Tampa G35 Sedan 6MT]

You will wish you had the g at 50k miles! Trust me!

[gbear]

It is an easy answer: If you like quiet, smooth, reliable performance get the G. If you are a fan of rattles and visiting the service department get the CTS.

[marlin29311]

It is an easy answer: If you like quiet, smooth, reliable performance get the G. If you are a fan of rattles and visiting the service department get the CTS.

Typical fanboy comments. Do you actually own one, or do you just like to spew nonsense?

The CTS is an amazing car - so is the G. For me, it would go either way really - I guess the one that made the best deal for me. Only gripe I usually have against GM is the lack of Navi system, but if you're not going for one, you won't miss it. I think the Caddy is more comfortable in the end personally - the G is a little squashed up for me. The CTS is a tad slower (it's heavier and has less HP), but in the end is still an amazing car.

Our 03 CTS has been to the shop once for a dead headlight - that's it. Ever since, it's been perfect driving, and the 08-09's are built even better.

[joe603]

...and the G is no stranger to dealer visits!

I'd look at the CTS-V

[Goat_Wiz]

My friend has a CTS-V. He's just at about 25k miles, and he has been at the dealer quite for small problems. They also are trying really hard not to honor the warranty now. His clutch i acting up, as well as his supercharger. He had several weird chunky noises before this, and he had to fight them all the way to get them to cover it by warranty. And the dealer also refused to give him a loaner car while his car has been in the shop, which is over a week now. His experience with his service department and my experience with the infiniti service are polar opposites.

[ecuguru]

You will wish you had the g at 50k miles! Trust me!

Awesome posts, thanks guys.. I know these sorta posts can lead to some prideful noise and be real flame bait, but it's the best way to get some really constructive comments too.

The warranty is indeed what spooks me. My g35x has been the picture of reliability, and it's the first non-American car I've bought. On the other hand, it was also leaps and bounds away in price from all my other cars too so it's not a great metric.

The whole, where will that company be in 50k miles, or 100k miles, concerns me. No lie. I think it's swayed me away from Saab a few times, which once you sit in, you'll never like your infiniti interior again. But it's too unreliable, and it's always on the brink of bankruptcy.. And in the bigger picture, I gotta make sure in 3-5 years I have a car I can service, or better, don't need to cause it's that reliable..

Thanks again.. This is really helpful.

[ecuguru]

The CTS is an amazing car - so is the G. For me, it would go either way really -

Only gripe I usually have against GM is the lack of Navi system

Great stuff, thanks Marlin.

The CTS definitely has Navigation as an option. But I want to make sure I'm understanding you right, did it not always, or is their navigation bad?

But you're right, at some level when comparing these cars, it does kinda seem like it could be a push. Or at least that I won't be going wrong.

[marlin29311]

Great stuff, thanks Marlin.

The CTS definitely has Navigation as an option. But I want to make sure I'm understanding you right, did it not always, or is their navigation bad?

But you're right, at some level when comparing these cars, it does kinda seem like it could be a push. Or at least that I won't be going wrong.

GM ususally strays away from the navi systems because of the On-Star system and their own turn by turn nav thing. With the Caddy's, they do use it, but I've never used one before, so i cannot speak to it. I do know that the Nissan/Infiniti nav system is one of the easiest to use though out of any that i've ever touch, and I love it. I would expect no less from the Caddy, but like I said, I'm not too sure, as I've never played around with it.

From a car standpoint though, you definatly cannot go wrong with the CTS - as I mentioned before, I do prefer the interior of the CTS to the G, as I feel it is a tad more comfortable.

Saab and Cadillac are different - Saab is on the list for GM to chop off if it goes that way, but Cadillac is at the core of GM's business - no matter what happens, your car will always be safe and there will always be someone to work on it with the warranty honored.

[notalk]

Awesome posts, thanks guys.. I know these sorta posts can lead to some prideful noise and be real flame bait, but it's the best way to get some really constructive comments too.

I have to call BS on thinking this forum is the best way to learn about both of these cars and their differences. I would say the best way to get an informed view of the differences between these two cars is to read the Road & Track comparison test of these two (albeit rear wheel drive versions) exact cars.

Second, if you want to know about the quality of the two cars, look at the long term quality reports, although since both are only two years old do not go back before the 2008 model year (when the current CTS first came out). Check JD Power, Consumer Reports and other reporting services. See if Mike Karesh has the Cadillac in his surveys. The G is in his surveys and you should find a link or sticky post above.

Third, see how good your local dealers are. I have been apalled at how poor my local Infiniti dealers are. My local Cadillac dealers are much better. Your situation may the same or the opposite.

Finally, drive both of them. One may really speak to you.
Modified by notalk at 1:18 PM 4/13/2009

[ACoupe]

If it came down to optics (if both cars being equal from a technical standpoint) I would go with the G as I loath the "Art and Science" look of the Cadillac, especially their coupe which is about as ugly a car as I've ever seen. I've only ever been a passenger in a Cadillac so I can't speak for it personally...

[johnparkyourcar]

Wow I was expecting some very biased answers since this is a G forum and all... I'll be the first to say.. G37>CTS.

[kmckis1029]

i like the CTS... and the spec V has some great engine numbers... like someone said the interior is way better than the g35/g37... it wasnt on my short list though... too big for me... and i really wanted AWD.

[gbear]

I have 2 different friends with CTS's, one regular and one V. When riding in them they rattle like tin cans (both are about 25000 miles). The V is very fast, but rides hard and squirms over bumps that the G takes smoothly. Also the CTS is rated poorly by consumers for reliability.

[notalk]

Also the CTS is rated poorly by consumers for reliability.

Which consumers would that be? Actually, JD Powers ranks Cadillac better than average. Infiniti ranks higher than Cadillac. But, Cadillac ranks higher than most, and certainly not "poorly" as you say.

[G37 Man]

Well,I would like to know what the resell value of the Caddy would be in say 4 years as compared to the G.

If you think the Caddy would hold it's value better than go for the Caddy if not the G is your choice.I say 4 years because that is the Warranty for both and for me after 4 years I look to trade in unless it is a great car and than I will hold on a little longer.

[Babu]

I was interested in the CTS, but there were none available with a stick and the dealers said I would have to special order and pay in advance. That got me worried about whether my upfront payment would be lost due to dealer or GM bankruptcy, or whether a stick would have a lower resale value. Anyway, if no one is buying the manual transmission, you know it is not an enthusiasts car in the long term.

[pfarmer]

Which consumers would that be? Actually, JD Powers ranks Cadillac better than average. Infiniti ranks higher than Cadillac. But, Cadillac ranks higher than most, and certainly not "poorly" as you say.

To me the issue is how would it rank next year. If a company is downsizing, laying people off, and/or in some sort of major financial turmoil how well are its products being assembled?

Perry

[notalk]

To me the issue is how would it rank next year. If a company is downsizing, laying people off, and/or in some sort of major financial turmoil how well are its products being assembled?

Have you read anything that said layoffs or cutbacks are affecting the workforce quality? If so, please let me know. I spend a fair amount of my work time dealing with the automotive financial world, and I have not seen or heard anything that would leave me to believe the manufacturing or parts quality of GM cars is decreasing. If you have some facts or evidence of this, please let me know. Thanks.

As a matter of fact, a great many in the industry are saying just the opposite. Since the GM line workers and the GM suppliers all know their futures depend upon them doing the best possible job, all are doing their jobs better than in the past. Please remember Buick just took away the number one spot on the JD Power initial quality survey from Lexus.
Modified by notalk at 10:34 PM 4/13/2009

[ACoupe]

Quote »"Please remember Buick just took away the number one spot on the JD Power initial quality survey from Lexus."[/quote]That's because the geriatrics that buy Buicks leave them in the garage 99% of the time, it's hard for anything to go wrong with them the other 1%

[marlin29311]

That's because the geriatrics that buy Buicks leave them in the garage 99% of the time, it's hard for anything to go wrong with them the other 1%

Fanboy comments like these are why people need places like Consumer Reports to make an educated decision about car purchases.

GM is too big to fail - if they go bankrupt, the government won't let them go away completely, and they will have them restructure with more of the core business - GM is too intertwined with the day to day operations of the USA. Cadillac has been mentioned as one of the core parts of the business (and have been the driving force along with Chevy as the few profitable endeavours for GM) and will not be removed and everything will still be honored. There should be no worries of a "I gave my check and now they're gone!" type thing, nor about warranties.

As notalk noted, quality of all American branded vehicles has risen significantly in recent months, which is also noted by independent quality control research.

Cadillac's hold their value quite well over time, if not better than Infiniti's.

I was interested in the CTS, but there were none available with a stick and the dealers said I would have to special order and pay in advance. That got me worried about whether my upfront payment would be lost due to dealer or GM bankruptcy, or whether a stick would have a lower resale value. Anyway, if no one is buying the manual transmission, you know it is not an enthusiasts car in the long term.

I guess Ferrari's are not enthusiast cars since they have automatic's

I have 2 different friends with CTS's, one regular and one V. When riding in them they rattle like tin cans (both are about 25000 miles). The V is very fast, but rides hard and squirms over bumps that the G takes smoothly. Also the CTS is rated poorly by consumers for reliability.

Comparing the CTS-V to a G is no fair comparison, as the CTS-V is a high-end sports sedan - those bumps are due to a track tuned suspension set up and other higher performance tunings. The regular CTS vs. a G will be about the same thing. And to tell you the truth, my mom's G had more creaks that my old Ford Focus did.

And show me this "rated poorly" thing you speak of - I'd love to read about it next to all of the high ratings the CTS gets.

FWIW, get the car that speaks to you most OP. Both the G and the CTS are amazing vehicles and are both a blast to drive.

[ACoupe]

Quote »"Fanboy comments like these are why people need places like Consumer Reports to make an educated decision about car purchases."[/quote]It was a JOKE about the average age of Buick owners.

A quick scan of the net for a rough number:

Q: What is the average age of a Buick customer?

A: It's 65 years old.

He speaks of it being HIGHER on average previously, and only dropping with the introduction of trucks, so it would have been in the 70s:http://www.autoweek.com/apps/p.../1041

And no, I'm not a "fan boy", but nice try. It's "Fan Man".

[ACoupe]

Quote »"Cadillac's hold their value quite well over time, if not better than Infiniti's."[/quote]Do you have actual numbers on this?

[joe603]

That's because the geriatrics that buy Buicks leave them in the garage 99% of the time, it's hard for anything to go wrong with them the other 1%

There is some truth to this statement...

Cadillac's hold their value quite well over time, if not better than Infiniti's.

Both hold their value and are recommended...

http://www.marketwire.com/pres....html

I guess Ferrari's are not enthusiast cars since they have automatic's

That is a misleading statement as Ferrari's have a twin-clutch setup for a true racing-type of transmission.

FWIW, get the car that speaks to you most OP. Both the G and the CTS are amazing vehicles and are both a blast to drive.

Great advice!!

[ACoupe]

Thanks for the link Joe!

I have nothing against Buicks or Caddys, and the best advice is what has already been posted, buy what appeals to you personally.

[pfarmer]

Have you read anything that said layoffs or cutbacks are affecting the workforce quality? If so, please let me know. I spend a fair amount of my work time dealing with the automotive financial world, and I have not seen or heard anything that would leave me to believe the manufacturing or parts quality of GM cars is decreasing. If you have some facts or evidence of this, please let me know. Thanks.

As a matter of fact, a great many in the industry are saying just the opposite. Since the GM line workers and the GM suppliers all know their futures depend upon them doing the best possible job, all are doing their jobs better than in the past. Please remember Buick just took away the number one spot on the JD Power initial quality survey from Lexus.

Modified by notalk at 10:34 PM 4/13/2009

Whenever employee moral is low, you have to consider what may occur afterwards. As far as JD Power is concerned, are these the ones that are coming off the assembly line now, or ones that are sitting in lots waiting to be sold?

You mention one good point about jobs being on the line so they do a good job. The other side of the coin is when workers figure they are toast anyway so why bother. As far as workers are concerned it is not necessarily the survival of the fittest so much as survival based on seniority. Once the transition is complete then that is when I would put more trust in the final product.

Perry

[G37 Man]

Top 10 Cars With the Best Residual ValueBy Warren Clarke, Automotive Content Editor

If you're looking to purchase a new car, you'll probably want one that won't lose too much of its value to depreciation. Well, potential buyers, take note: With resale value in mind, we've compiled this list of the 10 cars likely to depreciate the least during ownership. Included is the percentage of its original value that each vehicle is likely to retain after five years with an annual mileage of 15,000. Our residual value percentages are based on each car's national True Market Value (TMV®) price plus typical options and destination charge. Rankings and figures are updated monthly.

1. 2006 Honda S2000 — 51.7%

2. 2006 Mini Cooper — 51.5%

3. 2006 Acura TSX — 47.7%

4. 2006 BMW M3 — 47.6%

5. 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class — 47.0%

2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK55 AMG — 47.0%

7. 2006 Infiniti G35 — 46.9%

8. 2006 Acura RSX — 46.5%

9. 2006 Lexus SC 430 — 46.5%

10. 2006 Subaru Impreza WRX STI — 46.4%

[pfarmer]

GM is too big to fail - if they go bankrupt, the government won't let them go away completely, and they will have them restructure with more of the core business - GM is too intertwined with the day to day operations of the USA.

GM will not fail even if they fold up shop in the U.S. GM is too intertwined with the day to day operations of the World.

Perry

[ecuguru]

Thanks guys..

I went with the G.. The caddy was an awesome car. I liked it over the Bmw I drove.. But..I couldn't handle another $10k.. Even if I could afford it, there wasn't 10k more car to me.. And that's after haggling and haggling showing them the final quote on the g37.. I don't like the physical front end, too blingy too me..A strange one.. I thought it was too hard to see behind you.. The rear view mirror is more like a periscope than a rear-view..

What I did like:It's got interior and exterior features that go against the M45, not the G.. The following headlights, the radar, fan cooled seats, a billion buttons, and this sorta interior mood lighting.. They had some illuminesence (sp?) going on in the interior that was just smooth..It handled really well.. I was surprsed for a 4kpound car. And had better breaking stopping distance.Warranty was longer, ran on normal gas..

G37 for me.. But I won't be ripping on CTS owners anytime soon..Thanks guys!