So I was in getting my 55K Volvo in for service and I went over to look at the new Cadillac CTS V and the Wagon because it is time for me to buy a new car. (I buy one every three years.)
I've never had a problem on the Volvo side of RIckenbaugh, in fact Dwight Davis in Service is the best service person I have ever had from any company! Five Solid Stars for Rickenbaugh Volvo.
Anyway, I go into Cadillac looking for a CTS V and somewhat a CTS Wagon. After about four minutes of looking around a somewhat young salesman came up to me and asked if I had any questions. I told him that I am interested in a CTS V, S80 R, M3, or a C63. He did not acknowledge that he even knew what those cars were. I told him I have some concerns with the build quality of this 60k automobile.
Looking a little miffed, he asked me what I meant. I told him that the car has a lot of plastic, especially in the center console and dash, not to mention the car seat literally rocks. (If a car seat rocks a few centimeters right out of the factory, what other bolts are not tightened down in the car.)
(I also noticed the typical GM bureaucratic part sharing with things like a hands free fob. However you still had to turn a knob meant to go where the key went for the ignition. In addition the car had non electric headrest with serious play in it. I don't know what to tell you, I came in after Bob Lutz "May the Best Car Win" marketing competition with the CTS V as a "world beater." )
I know a lot about cars, i subscribe to 4 car magazines, read autoblog.com and fastlanedaily.com four times a week, and watch Top Gear religiously. All of these sources suggest that American cars don't compare to European cars. They all say sit in the car and look at the build quality. Push on the passenger door sheet metal with two fingers and see how much it moves. I have to say they are right because I sat in a M3 and C63. I did all the same tests and the Cadillac feels like a car that should have a sticker 15K less. The Cadillac may have a good engine and suspension but unlike the European cars, everything else is far worse on the Cadillac.
Anyway, the salesman became very snide and offended. He said, "It's clear you don't like what we have to offer." Then he walked off riled. I do marketing for a living and the salesman should have at least tried to be suave. He could have tried to up-sell me into another model because if I'm looking at a 60 - 70k car at 33. It is clear that I can clearly afford anything on their lot. Maybe there is a more expensive car that has better build quality. At very least he could say, "Check us back in a few years or come back in a year and look at the CTS V Coupe, it's supposed to be outstanding."
Personally, it amazes me that that you walk into a premium American show room after 2 nightmare years for the American auto industry and they still don't get it. They still act like it's 1975. They are going to build a non-competitive product and you, the consumer, are going to buy it with a smile. read more