Should I Buy C230 Coupe Or Cadillac Cts?
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 1,109
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From: Vienna, Austria
Audi S4
That CTS looks like a modified trash bin. You could not PAY me to drive one of those around. But... thats just my opinion and its not based on any fact whatsoever. 
Its really unfortunate since it seems to be an extremely capable car, if a little lacking in power.
Its really unfortunate since it seems to be an extremely capable car, if a little lacking in power.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 1,249
Likes: 17
From: Chicagoland, IL
09 C63
On the one hand.. GM product. On the other (albeit part Chrysler - very small part 
) an MB product.
YOU decide!
I personally couldn't put a GM in my driveway.
Although I agree, it looks neat - but I don't think it'll age well.
P
) an MB product.YOU decide!
I personally couldn't put a GM in my driveway.
Although I agree, it looks neat - but I don't think it'll age well.
P
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 6,211
Likes: 2
From: Laguna Niguel, CA
I'm not fond of the Caddy design but it does grow on you in the right color with the right wheels. The interior on the other hand I can't get used to. The car I like in that segment is the Lincoln LS, not to out there in styling but elegent, looks sharp with the right wheels, lowered a bit in the right color. I can tell you that it's a great handling car (for it's segment, don't compare it to a 'vette) and very comfortable and quiet. I've test driven it on a track event that Lexus did about a year ago and the LS had great composure on uneven surfaces (the spread out old tire threads on a sharp turn to see if the car can track well even in rough conditions), great sound insulation from outside noises (they setup a jack hammer and I couldn't even tell it was there, thought it was not working until I drove the Acura and heard it loud and clear) and hardly squealed or dove on sharp turns when braking.
Member
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 100
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From: Portland Or
2000 300m, 2003 C-Coupe
I like the Caddy in all views except the rear. It appears that the trunk lid was designed by 6th graders. It must have been selected due to a lost bet or something, it just doesn't fit the car. Besides my personal subjective view, just take a look at the resale value of any Caddy and any MB. In 5 years your MB C Class will likely hold a value in the upper 20's, the caddy in the upper teens, if it was well taken care of. I do tend to notice a CTS whenever one is around, but I do the same with the C Class (and pretty much the E, S, CL, CLK, SLK, ML... Classes). The MB just stires the emotions whereas the Caddy tends to shake them. My folks have owned several to GM brands that were all great cars until 4 years or 45k-50K miles. On every one, the electronics started going out, not covered under warrante. Everything from Radio/amp issues, leveling system, electric seats... Just something for you to consider.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 2,916
Likes: 1
From: The blue white rock, third out.
2002 C230 Coupe(M111)
The CTS is a four door...the C230 a Coupe...well a two door anyway
Seriously, this is apples to oranges. I think that if you want a two door, get the C230....if you need more space, get the CTS...but maybe wait for the new motor...or 2 new motors I should say. A version of the CTS with the Corvette Z06 motor is on the way for next summer...405HP.
Originally, this car, the CTSi, was supposed to have used a twin turbo V6 making like 340HP-350hp...I don't know why they went with the Z06 motor instead. An interior upgrade is coming too(this might be here already).
A new from the ground up DOHC v6 is supposed to debut as well. The current V6 is a nice motor, but its also a bit gruff when the R's come up...and its the same motor as used in the Saturn L300...interestingly enough, the Saturn could give the CTS a run for its money despite being rated at 40 less HP than the caddy.
So, if you want a four door, you should be looking at other four doors like the boring C240 sedan, the much more fun C320, the Acura TL(boring looking, and boring interior...reminds you of an accord from every angle), the Jag X-type, and the Audi A4...
If you want a two door car that's a blast to drive with a nice interior and very unique looks, get the C230.
Seriously, this is apples to oranges. I think that if you want a two door, get the C230....if you need more space, get the CTS...but maybe wait for the new motor...or 2 new motors I should say. A version of the CTS with the Corvette Z06 motor is on the way for next summer...405HP.
Originally, this car, the CTSi, was supposed to have used a twin turbo V6 making like 340HP-350hp...I don't know why they went with the Z06 motor instead. An interior upgrade is coming too(this might be here already).A new from the ground up DOHC v6 is supposed to debut as well. The current V6 is a nice motor, but its also a bit gruff when the R's come up...and its the same motor as used in the Saturn L300...interestingly enough, the Saturn could give the CTS a run for its money despite being rated at 40 less HP than the caddy.
So, if you want a four door, you should be looking at other four doors like the boring C240 sedan, the much more fun C320, the Acura TL(boring looking, and boring interior...reminds you of an accord from every angle), the Jag X-type, and the Audi A4...
If you want a two door car that's a blast to drive with a nice interior and very unique looks, get the C230.
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'01 C240/6
Originally posted by grn300m
In 5 years your MB C Class will likely hold a value in the upper 20's, the caddy in the upper teens, if it was well taken care of.
In 5 years your MB C Class will likely hold a value in the upper 20's, the caddy in the upper teens, if it was well taken care of.
As a used car, that's about where it is now.
In 5 years, it will be in the mid to upper teens.
Guest
Posts: n/a
If you can get a 2002 CTS take it!
GM is offering 0% financing and other deals on the leftover 2002s, so if you could find a 2002 CTS you could get quite the deal.
The CTS looks amazing in black, so so good in all the other colours, but its a 4 door larger sized caddy, says something about your personality, just like the 2 door MB coupe does too.
So choose what better suits your lifestyle and image, they are both great cars, wish I could have both. Chose the C230 because its sporty look and feel fit my age and style better.
GM is offering 0% financing and other deals on the leftover 2002s, so if you could find a 2002 CTS you could get quite the deal.
The CTS looks amazing in black, so so good in all the other colours, but its a 4 door larger sized caddy, says something about your personality, just like the 2 door MB coupe does too.
So choose what better suits your lifestyle and image, they are both great cars, wish I could have both. Chose the C230 because its sporty look and feel fit my age and style better.
Member
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 224
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From: FairFax, Virginia
Totally Agree w/ SoCal
Originally posted by SoCal240/6
You are dreaming if you think a used C230 will be in the "upper 20's" in 5 years.
As a used car, that's about where it is now.
In 5 years, it will be in the mid to upper teens.
You are dreaming if you think a used C230 will be in the "upper 20's" in 5 years.
As a used car, that's about where it is now.
In 5 years, it will be in the mid to upper teens.
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 756
Likes: 1
From: Canada
Beware of the paint finish on the CTS. The quality control on the ones I have seen is horrible. They may have fixed this problem by now but the fact that some of these cars even left the factory makes me wonder about overall quality. Also consider the fact that domestic luxury vehicles depreciate very fast. This may be a concern to you if you keep the vehicle a number of years.
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: buy the CTS
Originally posted by Benzer
the C230K Coupe is nasty - especially in the C7 Brilliant Silver servion.
the C230K Coupe is nasty - especially in the C7 Brilliant Silver servion.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 1,230
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From: Gaithersburg, MD
2002 C240 6-spd (ret)
I recently test drove a CTS as a replacement for my wife's Buick Regal GS. I've always like Caddy's and held out some hope for the CTS. I was very disappointed after my up-close experience.
Have you actually looked inside? A black interior might not be so bad (which I usually don't prefer), but the beige interior looks pretty bad with all the light gray plastic trim pieces. The whole upper dash is made of an ugly patterned soft gray plastic, and the majority of the door trim is also light gray -- looks awful with the beige.
I was also disappointed to see a lot of the current cheap switchgear being used -- not the high quality stuff -- looks like Chevy/Pontiac quality. Then, the drive. Lots of wind noise at 60 mph. I think the exterior looks are carrying whatever sales they're getting. IMO, it's not worth $30K when compared to Acura 3.2TL, Infiniti I35, etc. I left telling the sales guy it's going to be yet another failure for Caddy/GM until they really get their house in order and compete with the proven segment leaders.
Have you actually looked inside? A black interior might not be so bad (which I usually don't prefer), but the beige interior looks pretty bad with all the light gray plastic trim pieces. The whole upper dash is made of an ugly patterned soft gray plastic, and the majority of the door trim is also light gray -- looks awful with the beige.
I was also disappointed to see a lot of the current cheap switchgear being used -- not the high quality stuff -- looks like Chevy/Pontiac quality. Then, the drive. Lots of wind noise at 60 mph. I think the exterior looks are carrying whatever sales they're getting. IMO, it's not worth $30K when compared to Acura 3.2TL, Infiniti I35, etc. I left telling the sales guy it's going to be yet another failure for Caddy/GM until they really get their house in order and compete with the proven segment leaders.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 7,737
Likes: 1
From: San Diego, Ca
2003 Citron Green C230KMT
hmm
well its all your personal taste i suppose. my family is a big GM fan, dad has 2 camero's, brother has a pontiac, grandparents have buicks and caddies, mom has a tahoe, sister has a buick. personal ive been the black sheep having interest in german cars. ive had 2 mercedes, a volkswagen and awaiting delivery of my next mercedes. not only do you have to compare the 4 door 2 door issue and the amercian and foreign issue but its all inpersonal taste. i ordered my C230 in Citron Green. the color that no one seems to like. while everyone burns their eyes out while looking at my car ill still enjoy it. plus ill like it that much more as it will be one of the rare colors on the road, not as common as a black, silver, white C230. basically get the color and the car you want. i loved the color so i got it for me. dont worry about what others think. as long as you enjoy it, thats all that really matter.
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 291
Likes: 0
From: Portland, OR
2001 CLK320
Originally posted by grn300m
... It appears that the trunk lid was designed by 6th graders. It must have been selected due to a lost bet or something, it just doesn't fit the car. Besides my personal subjective view, just take a look at the resale value of any Caddy and any MB. In 5 years your MB C Class will likely hold a value in the upper 20's, the caddy in the upper teens, if it was well taken care of.
My folks have owned several to GM brands that were all great cars until 4 years or 45k-50K miles. On every one, the electronics started going out, not covered under warrante. Everything from Radio/amp issues, leveling system, electric seats... Just something for you to consider.
... It appears that the trunk lid was designed by 6th graders. It must have been selected due to a lost bet or something, it just doesn't fit the car. Besides my personal subjective view, just take a look at the resale value of any Caddy and any MB. In 5 years your MB C Class will likely hold a value in the upper 20's, the caddy in the upper teens, if it was well taken care of.
My folks have owned several to GM brands that were all great cars until 4 years or 45k-50K miles. On every one, the electronics started going out, not covered under warrante. Everything from Radio/amp issues, leveling system, electric seats... Just something for you to consider.
Then factor in the low resale value on American makes 4/5 year old along with the ongoing QC issues that GM can't seem to resolve until a model has been around for almost 10 years - not a good prognosis.
