Article Comments - Comparison Test: 2007-2008 Sport Sedans

475 messages, Last post on Jul 25, 2008 at 4:41 PM

You are in the Sedans Forum. Your Hosts are pat & karens

What is this discussion about? Cadillac CTS, BMW 3 Series, Infiniti G35, Mercedes-Benz 350-Class, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Car Comparisons, Sedan

Comparison Test: 2007-2008 Sport Sedans - This is exactly why we gathered this group of sport sedans. That is, to find out if the 2008 Cadillac CTS, 2007 Infiniti G35 Sport, 2008 Lexus IS 350 or 2008 Mercedes-Benz C350 Sport can topple the Bavarian champ — the 2007 BMW 335i. In the spirit of the segment, each car in the test is outfitted with sport package hardware — usually a stiffer suspension and bigger wheels and tires — and an automatic transmission. (more)

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#397 of 475 Re: CTS weight problems [habitat1] by circlew Dec 10, 2007 (5:28 am)
Replying to: habitat1 (Dec 10, 2007 2:52 am) What is the waiting period for the new CTS? I see some '08 models now but was wondering on the terrible history GM has for new model intros? While I was servicing my wife's Yukon on Saturday (third visit for On-Star Upgrade to digital format - 4th visit in 2 weeks) the Enclave is STILL nowhere to be seen after 4 weeks before with the same sales guys. Talking to the sales team, they are depressed because there are none for even a test drive! The same dealer has an allocation of 1 Pontiac G8 going into January from a first batch of 800 country-wide. Not a good time to depend on commissions at Pont-Bui-GMC. All of the AVAILABLE floor models are typical GM boring. Sounds like business as usual to me. Way to go GM. Is the CTS debut a failure as well in terms of delivery time? Regards, OW Replies to this message: habitat1 (Dec 10, 2007 6:21 am)
#398 of 475 Re: CTS weight problems [circlew] by habitat1 Dec 10, 2007 (6:21 am)
Replying to: circlew (Dec 10, 2007 5:28 am) Can't help you, I haven't been to any GM showroom myself since about 1978. But I thought one of my associates was invited to a 2008 CTS test drive event here in the DC and at least one other claims to have had no difficulty getting a test drive when they were shopping a few weeks ago. It does seem, however, that the GM dealerships seem to be loaded with the cars people don't want. Apparantly, if you want any Caddy other than the CTS or blinged up Escalade, they will just about give them away.
#399 of 475 Consumer Reports/Guide info by poorstudent2 Dec 10, 2007 (2:06 pm)
According to the 2008 Consumer Reports Buying Guide: Infiniti G35 Journey was rated at 92 Lexus IS250 was rated at 84 BMW 328i was rated at 79 Sorry, no ratings provided for the CTS or C350 (PS M35x was rated at 97, 535i was rated at 78) The 2008 Consumer Guide to Autos had all of them in it: CTS w/Direct Injection was rated at 76 G35 w/Premium was rated at 73 335i w/Navigation was rated at 72 CTS Base w/Auto was rated at 71 C350 w/Auto was rated at 70 IS350 w/Navigation was rated at 62 (PS M35 was rated at 75, 550i was rated at 69) For your information only. Replies to this message: 150mphclub (Jan 18, 2008 6:35 am)
#400 of 475 Re: CTS weight problems [habitat1] by lonestar2 Dec 10, 2007 (2:08 pm)
Replying to: habitat1 (Dec 10, 2007 2:52 am) I'll have to take your advice on doing a "test fit" as close together as possible. I've sat in the new 3, 5, & CTS, but were spread out over a couple of weeks, and the 3 felt smaller inside. Edmunds does show the CTS .4in less & 2.6in less in Rear Shoulder Room than the other two. It's 1.3in greater than the 3, but .6in less than the 5 in Front Shoulder Room. I only have a 12 yr old daughter, so emphasis for me is more the front than rear. What's confusing to me is why C&D in the comparo w/ the CTS,328,G35& C300 said the CTS had "the most spacious and comfortable rear seat." I'm used to the Bimmer praises, but not sure what to make of this, unless they also took into account head & leg room as well. One impressive stat to me is the 70 - 0 stopping distance. CTS 155ft. 550 & 328, both 161ft. Pretty good for two tons. I'm also glad GM is finally putting forth the effort it should have years ago. It will take some doing to get me away from Munich, but will thoroughly enjoy the test driving to make my decision. I live in the sun belt, and if I had your garage, I'd be in the 911 as often as possible! Replies to this message: arby1 (Dec 10, 2007 6:17 pm) lonestar2 (Dec 10, 2007 7:02 pm) arby1 (Dec 10, 2007 9:49 pm)
#401 of 475 KBB resale values by poorstudent2 Dec 10, 2007 (2:22 pm)
While at Barnes also checked out the Kelley Blue Book Used Car Guide January-June 2008 edition. Used the Private Party Good value/Original MSRP for calculations. Just used the base car w/o worrying about options. May not be the best, but provides an equal footing for comparisons. For 2003 Models: G35 15650/29495 = 53.1% IS300 16400/32485 = 50.5% CTS 14600/29900 = 48.8% 330i 18700/39070 = 47.9% C230 Sport 13900/30310 = 45.9% For 2004 Models: IS300 18650/32815 = 56.8% G35 17700/31690 = 55.9% 330i 21400/39270 = 54.5% C230 Sport 16300/33180 = 49.1% CTS 15950/33155 = 48.1% (PS 2006 530i 34600/47495 = 72.8%, 2006 M35 30000/41250 = 72.7% - first year available) For your information only
#402 of 475 Re: CTS weight problems [lonestar2] by arby1 Dec 10, 2007 (6:17 pm)
Replying to: lonestar2 (Dec 10, 2007 2:08 pm) If you live in the sun belt , beware of the sun roof on the CTS . Replies to this message: lonestar2 (Dec 10, 2007 7:02 pm) arby1 (Dec 10, 2007 9:49 pm)
#403 of 475 Re: CTS weight problems [arby1] by lonestar2 Dec 10, 2007 (7:02 pm)
Replying to: arby1 (Dec 10, 2007 6:17 pm) Yes...in Texas. Read concerns over the sun roof cover. It's thin, and rolls back, b/c of the double roof. The real test on that would be starting in May for me. Have to go back through posts and see people from south Fla, or Az. who might have checked it out already in 90+ degree temps. Would the ventilated/cooled seats be any consolation.(maybe if I wear a hat ) Also thought depreciation would be worse than my BMW, but not according to the KBB post above, even though I personally have found it didn't carry much weight in my real world negotiating. Replies to this message: arby1 (Dec 10, 2007 9:49 pm)
#404 of 475 Re: CTS weight problems [lonestar2] by arby1 Dec 10, 2007 (9:49 pm)
Replying to: lonestar2 (Dec 10, 2007 7:02 pm) I always lease to avoid any fear of excess depreciation .
#405 of 475 KBB resale values for used cars by poorstudent2 Dec 12, 2007 (1:30 pm)
Because I'm still in B-school my finances dictate that I buy a used (pre-owned) vehicle. To determine the resale hit went back to the Kelley Blue Book Used Car Guide January-June 2008 edition. Used the Private Party Good value for each year for calculations. Just used the base car w/o worrying about options. May not be the best, but again provides an equal footing for comparisons. Because most cars are leased for three years compared the resale value to the 2005 value. So if I bought a 2005 model and kept it for three years would use 2002 values. Four years would use the 2001 value. 2002 - keep car for three years IS300 14600/21100 = 69.2% 330i 16400/24700 = 66.4% C320 14500/23400 = 62.0% 2001 - keep car for four years IS300 12900/21100 = 61.1% 330i 14350/24700 = 58.1% C320 12150/23400 = 51.9% For information only Replies to this message: pat (Dec 12, 2007 3:57 pm)
#406 of 475 Re: KBB resale values for used cars [poorstudent2] by pat HOST Dec 12, 2007 (3:57 pm)
Replying to: poorstudent2 (Dec 12, 2007 1:30 pm) Here's a discussion that covers the cars you've listed: Entry Level Luxury Performance Sedans. If you're looking for some help making a decision, check it out. The folks hanging out there will help you. This discussion is about the article linked at the top. Have you read it? What did you think of it?