My current car is a 6MT and I have been thinking about getting an auto so that my fiance could drive the car when needed. Also, I kind of dig the looks of the car. I got a great deal on my TL when I bought it and can get $29k trade in on it. I owe about $10k less than that and could trade it in on a CPO '13 ATS premium with 14k miles. My payment would drop $80/mo, but would also extend my car payment 2 years (have 3 years left on mine).

What do you guys think of the '13 ATS? This is the car:

http://www.capitolcadillac.com/Vehic...-MD/2164357473

 

That's a really nice looking car. I will say though that if your fiancee has her own car, is it worth two years of extra payments just so she can drive yours?

 

Probably not, but the tech is better and so is the mpg. Also, it doesn't require premium fuel.

 

Ok. Your original description sounded like the MT/AT issue was the primary motivation.

I think that car looks great. Have you driven it? The only thing that concerns me (and this is nitpicking) is that scratch in one of those photos. I'm not sure where it is on the car (probably somewhere on the dash) but it makes me think the previous owner was careless. Plus the car is a little dirty inside, which for photos of a car for sale at a dealer is really unforgiveable.

But if you've driven it and you like it, I think it's worth considering.

 

I have not driven it, or any ATS for that matter. It has been raining constantly the last few days, so I might check it out on the next sunny day.

 

You've got a few good choices of used ATSes for sale locally here in MD.

ATS 3.6 under $35K

A couple have certified '14s for $35k.

 

They look nice and I haven't driven one but based on what you've said I wouldn't buy it. I can understand your reasoning because I've been there but you've gotta realize that you're getting into a cycle that's hard to get out of for some. Pay off your car and buy something new or newish when you're all paid off. Personally I'd rather have a new car in 3 years vs driving that for 5 good luck

 

If he can swing a certified '14 for the price he wants, it's essentially a new car

 

Drive it and tell us if the AT really is as clunky as the magazine reviews suggest, or if the criticism is overblown.

 

I think the ATS looks great but I would not give up your MMC SH-AWD 6MT TL.

Swap fiancés or teach her the ways of the clutch world!

 

Get the ATS and then this... http://www.vtunerperformance.com/?p=764

 

I think he's looking at a 3.6L actually.

 

Trust me, I have already. She is scared to drive my car because the last manual she drove, she made the headlight fall out.

 

Lol, how did she do that?

 

It was an old pickup truck and I assume it was not in the best condition to start with.

 

My manager has a '13 ATS 3.6 and he let me borrow it for a weekend when my car was in the shop. A few quick bullet points:

- Chassis was well balanced. Felt light in the corners, but steering feedback was a bit muted.
- Disliked the 3.6. It had an unpleasant sound (especially in the upper rev range) and it definitely didn't feel like it had 321hp. However, it had decent midrange which is good for a daily driver/highway cruiser.
- The fit and finish was average. It felt like it was trying too hard to look more upscale, especially the cheap piano black bits. That said, the soft plastics were of decent quality.
- Interior is very cramped, especially in the back. I'm 6'0" and my friend who was 5'8" couldn't fit in the back comfortably. I think the TL is larger.
- CUE was OK. I didn't find it as bad as the reviews say, but it frustrated me when the occasional input wasn't recognized. This only happened a few times, but it may get annoying over time.

Again, this was just my take in the brief time I drove it. I would definitely take one for an extended test drive as I could see a few things that could feel like significant downgrades compared to your TL.

 

I agree about your impressions of the ATS, though my brother and I chose to drive the 2.0T motor instead of the 3.6 V6. While the chassis is great, the interior is indeed cramped and the quality of materials drops off significantly for the rear seat passengers. CUE does not annoy me half as much as the capacitive touch everything else for the center console.

Overall, I would not select an ATS over a 3-series at this point unless you absolutely must drive American.

Further thoughts here: http://www.eastwestbrothersgarage.co...illac-ats.html

 

I drove a couple of the 2.0L and they were pretty quick and they were AWD. Check out the ATS listed at the site listed below http://www.enterprisecarsales.com/li...dillac--ats%22 . Seems like they are pretty cheap.

 

I've heard nothing but good things about them. I'd probably go for the 2.0...

Make sure CUE doesn't piss you off either. Though it seems like a smallish thing, you'll be interacting with it everyday and I've heard mixed things about it. Its important you and your fiancé can easily use the car's in-cabin technology.

 

The things I've seen done to rentals would never allow me to buy one.

 

they seel new cars too . so you check into that . Just let them know that you want one with little to no miles.