After exactly three fun-filled, grin-inducing years with the 2010 SS, my local Cadillac dealer made me an offer I couldn't refuse. My wife and I have been having this conversation on a monthly basis (she wants 4 doors and a slushbox, I want a V8 performance car). I told her the ONLY car I could give up the SS for is the V. She loved the CTS 3.6 we drove in San Francisco in February. She felt right at home in the V's deep Recarro seats and plush interior. I got giggly over the V's supercharger whine and magnetic ride control.
The dealer was trying to move the remaining six 2011 CTS-V sedans on the lot to make room for 2013's in August. I was hoping for thunder grey with painted wheels but they only had black raven, silver, white diamond and crystal red. Gave me $29,000 for the SS (12,000mi) and $11,000 off MSRP (not sure what invoice was...) Now, the obligatory pro's and con's:
Pro:
- Exceptional ride on the street with little body roll through corners
- Interior fit and finish is very nice
- Improved visibility out the front and sides (rear slightly better than the SS)
- Very quiet in the cabin (too quite for some)
- The auto in D or S is quick and doesn't hunt for gears
- The backseat is usable with ample room for child seats
Cons:
- Doesn't attract attention like the Camaro (might be a pro)
- Doesn't feel as responsive in the 1200-2500 RPM range as the SS w/6M
- Gas mileage is abysmal (drill baby drill)
- Exterior and interior styling starting to look dated next to the XTS and ATS.
Insurance was an extra $6 a month (USAA) and of course the car costs twice as much as a 1SS. It lacks the bang-for-the-buck charm the SS has, but considering it competes with cars approaching the $100,000 mark, it's a relative bargain performance luxury sedan. You just don't expect so much acceleration sitting in a Cadillac, it's kind of funny.
And just so we're clear, I'm not going anywhere. I have grown to love the C5 community and will continue to post all of my questions, comments and snide remarks in these forums
