Standard Transmission of the World: 2006 Cadillac CTS
I remember quite vividly the first time I drove a Cadillac CTS sedan in anger. It was at one of those GM ride & drive events that were all the rage before the 2008 carpocalypse killed many a marketing boondogle budget item — but GM put us in the seats of a CTS, BMW 3-series, and some kinda Volvo (forget which one…it was that good) and told us to tear up an autocross style parking lot cone track. The BMW handled the best out of all of the cars, but the CTS was shockingly well composed compared to the previous “grandpadillacs” that we were used to seeing from the brand that claims to be “the Standard of the World”. The CTS in 2.8 or 3.6 liter trim wasn’t as fast as the CTS-V version, but the V6 was peppy and the car was happy to NOT attract the attention of the 5-0 or leave pieces of carbon fiber and plastic on every speed bump in town. Prices when new were approaching an Audi/BMW/Merc, but now they are used and cheap cheap cheap..which is exactly how I like my manual gearbox equipped late model luxury sedans. Find this 2006 Cadillac CTS offered for $4,500 in Cohocton, NY via craigslist. Tip from Joker.
From the seller:
2006 cadillac cts
condition: excellent
cylinders: 6 cylinders
drive: rwd
fuel: gas
odometer: 118000
paint color: blue
size: full-size
title status: clean
transmission: manual
type: sedan
3600 6 cylinder. Rear wheel drive
Antilock Brakes and Traction Control
Fresh NYS Inspection –
225/50/17 inch performance tires-Original Alloy Rims
Dual Power Heated Leather Seats –
Separate Driver and Passenger Heat and Air Conditioning Controls
Lots of Woodgrain Interior. All Original
Interior Excellent – Like New
Exterior 9 of 10
Power Everything and Everything Works
Cruise- Power Windows Locks Trunk Release
Ice Cold Air Conditioning
Front and Side Airbags
Bose Sound System
Trip Computer with Driver Information Center
Heated Mirrors
Power Sunroof
Original Window Sticker and Owners Manual
2 sets of Keys with Fobs
Located in Cohocton NY
1 Hr South of Rochester
1 Hr North of Elmira
Just off of Interstate 390
See a better way to drive a late model on the cheap? tips@dailyturismo.com
I've always liked these, and even more now that they're so cheap. Anyone here have first-hand ownership experience? Are they good to live with? Major faults?
Honestly, very appealing. If this was the wagon version, I would be planning a springtime drive to NY state, as it is within an easy driveable distance. I also look forward to hearing some real-work experiences.
"real world", not real work. I have lots of real work experience…..
Hard pass. It's GM, plus it is in the early stages of metal moth infestation. If I had to have one, I'd look in the South.
My 92 year old grandfather has a 2006 with 3.6, auto, and about 35k miles. It is shocking how poorly put together it is. I feel bad that the man wanted a Cadillac his entire life and this is the turd he ended up with.
1 Hr South of Rochester
1 Hr North of Elmira
Yep, in the middle of no-where. Been there, done nothing.
(thank God I had to click on cars for verification)
So this car was intended to compete with the BMW 3-Series of the era? Well, for this price, you could easily buy an E46 or E90 330i sedan of that general era with comparable mileage and in compable shape, with a 6-speed, and have money left over. And it would be a better car than this Caddy in just about every way, wouldn’t it?