Future Problem With Car Purchase

"PatBateman" (PatBateman) 05/23/2014 at 18:29 • Filed to: 1st World Problems

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For literally years, I've wanted a CTS. However, I am a very practical man when it comes to finances, so I have not pulled the trigger. The Vsport has been my target, but I'm having a dilemma. DAMN YOU HELLCAT!!!

I keep reading about the engine that'll be slapped in the Challenger later this year for the 2015 model. I've seen the video on the FP of the engine being revved. It makes me salivate. It makes me yearn. It gives me a funny feeling in my pants. But, the Vsport!!! Maybe if I see interior shots of the Challenger, it'll make me come to my senses...

DAMMIT, it had the opposite effect!!!

I don't even know the numbers on the engine, 60 time, or other performance data yet, and I still want it. Like, WANT it want it (no Dragoning).

I need your help. If you were a 37 year old with three kids and a wife, which would you choose: a Cadillac CTS-Vsport Premium or a 2015 Challenger SRT Hellcat?

Help me Oppo Wan KeLockbi. You're my only hope.

desertdog5051 > PatBateman 05/23/2014 at 18:32

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Cattle Truck. It has proven itself for several years. I watched the video of the the startup of the Hellcat and was not impressed with the blue smoke that came out of the pipes. The HP difference it negligible.

Twingo Tamer - About to descend into project car hell. > PatBateman 05/23/2014 at 18:33

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Hell yeah Hellcat!

PatBateman > desertdog5051 05/23/2014 at 18:34

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My next vehicle will be fast. I've driven trucks all my life, and it's time to get into some speeding tickets (sans kids in the car).

PatBateman > Twingo Tamer - About to descend into project car hell. 05/23/2014 at 18:35

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I'm leaning that way. If the performance comes out ahead of the Caddy, I'll have a real problem on my hands.

Leadbull > PatBateman 05/23/2014 at 18:37

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Hellcat. It's got a backseat.

If I can fit in the back of a Challenger — all 6'3" of me — then your kids should do fine.

cabarne4 > PatBateman 05/23/2014 at 18:37

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What does the wife drive?

shpuker > PatBateman 05/23/2014 at 18:37

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Hellcat all the way. The kids will love you for it. Seriously. This car gets me all sorts of hot and bothered.

shpuker > PatBateman 05/23/2014 at 18:39

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Oh I don't think you'll have to worry about that. It'll be way ahead. I'd be surprised if they didn't give it an edge over the GT500 just as that added "fuck you" to Ford.

Garrett Davis > PatBateman 05/23/2014 at 18:40

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Do you even have to ask the question? Hellcat all the way.

Arch Duke Maxyenko, Shit Talk Extraordinaire > PatBateman 05/23/2014 at 18:40

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DAT ENGINE TURNING DOE.

Twingo Tamer - About to descend into project car hell. > PatBateman 05/23/2014 at 18:41

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Maybe the best way is to just test drive both, there could be something about them you haven't seen yet that sways your decision.

PatBateman > cabarne4 05/23/2014 at 18:42

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Just got her a loaded Expedition.

yamahog > PatBateman 05/23/2014 at 18:42

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I'm a lifelong Mustang fan from a Ford family and I'm still drooling over this thing. Luckily I'm pretty sure it'll be out of my new car price range so I don't have to physically stop myself, but you my friend? Go for it!

PatBateman > Leadbull 05/23/2014 at 18:42

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My wife originally told me "no" to any coupes. I might have to override her veto.

PatBateman > shpuker 05/23/2014 at 18:44

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They'd love the sound of it, that's for sure.

PatBateman > shpuker 05/23/2014 at 18:48

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The weight might keep it out of GT500 numbers, but I'd expect it to be close enough.

desertdog5051 > PatBateman 05/23/2014 at 18:48

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I have driven trucks for the last 15 or more years, but 556 hp vs 600. Would you even feel the difference as you are cruising in luxury? Remember why you bought it.

PatBateman > Garrett Davis 05/23/2014 at 18:49

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I have to ask this question because it helps cement my choice. Wanted to make sure I wasn't just loopy with exhaust note.

yamahog > PatBateman 05/23/2014 at 18:49

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Tell her it's built on the same platform as the Charger and 300. Super spacious!

PatBateman > Arch Duke Maxyenko, Shit Talk Extraordinaire 05/23/2014 at 18:50

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Note the easy click Launch Control as well.

Garrett Davis > PatBateman 05/23/2014 at 18:50

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Hahaha, yeah I'm just giving you a hard time. When would this be, anyway?

PatBateman > Twingo Tamer - About to descend into project car hell. 05/23/2014 at 18:51

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I'll have to trick my wife into going to the Dodge dealership next year.

"No honey, we're going to go look at reasonably priced Chargers. It's all good. Put down the gun and get in the truck, babe."

cabarne4 > PatBateman 05/23/2014 at 18:52

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So then... You need a useable back seat WHY exactly?

PatBateman > yamahog 05/23/2014 at 18:53

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Yeah, it won't be cheap. That might help sway my choice, but it might (probably) will be worth it.

PatBateman > desertdog5051 05/23/2014 at 18:54

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Oh, no no. The Vsport is the new model with the TT3.6. 425 HP, 0-60 in 4.4. It's not a full on V, but it's no slouch.

PatBateman > yamahog 05/23/2014 at 18:55

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I wouldn't be lying... >:)

desertdog5051 > PatBateman 05/23/2014 at 18:55

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Still would go with the Vsport. Even more.

yamahog > PatBateman 05/23/2014 at 18:57

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Cheap compared to a CTS-V though?

PatBateman > Garrett Davis 05/23/2014 at 18:57

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Probably late 2014/early 2015. I'm not going this weekend, but... I plan well in advance.

PatBateman > cabarne4 05/23/2014 at 18:58

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The kiddos regularly ride in my truck. I'd need decent enough space to fit them and wife in the front seat.

PatBateman > yamahog 05/23/2014 at 19:00

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The Vsport Premium retails for about $72k with my desired options. I have a strong feeling that the SRT HC will be around that price point.

Leadbull > PatBateman 05/23/2014 at 19:01

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Enlist your kids. A 2/3 majority vote can override the veto, legally speaking.

PatBateman > desertdog5051 05/23/2014 at 19:02

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The reason why the Cadillac is still very much on the radar is that I like the design, interior, and the engine. PLUS, I'm a professional in finance that occasionally ferries very wealthy clients around. Many of them would LOVE the SRT. Others might look at it as a juvenile choice for a car.

PatBateman > Leadbull 05/23/2014 at 19:03

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I'll have to teach my then 3 year old to yell "AYE"!

Garrett Davis > PatBateman 05/23/2014 at 19:04

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Well it goes without saying that you have to post up when you do!

cabarne4 > PatBateman 05/23/2014 at 19:08

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Sorry, I just don't understand the mindset... if you're going out as a family, why not just let the wife's truck do that?

Only reasonable explanation I can think of is if the wife works early or late or something, and you're left with the school run. Otherwise, Expedition = kiddo hauler, dad's car = no kids allowed. Growing up, my mom had a large van and later an '03 Ford Expedition (which she still has). My dad always had nice cars (Mercedes, Saab, etc), which would basically never see child duty. It worked out well, while my mom was a stay at home mom and my dad worked.

desertdog5051 > PatBateman 05/23/2014 at 19:08

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Agree. The Cad certainly projects a refined and successful image to all clients. The SRT may not. Ahhh, 1'st world problems, eh?

Somethingwittyer likes noisy > PatBateman 05/23/2014 at 19:08

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As much as everyone gives the Challenger shit, Dodge did make the right choice to lean more towards GT car then super sport sedan fighter given what they had to work with(think of it as the M6 to the M3 fighting Mustang). Plus as others have said the backseats are pretty usable despite being a coupe. One thing I am interested about is what SRT is going to do with the suspension. If they have super sporting intentions then I fear it might be a little too hard. Still thought I'd buy it just for the noise, honestly it's like one of the 10 best sounding cars on the market (I don't care what you say desertdog,) . Like an F-type but a lot less artificial sounding.

Twingo Tamer - About to descend into project car hell. > PatBateman 05/23/2014 at 19:12

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The noise of that hellcat exhaust might even be enough to drown out the angry noises of your partner so you wont notice her protests over the car. If that's the case let me know because I could use something like that haha.

Leadbull > PatBateman 05/23/2014 at 19:13

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And, conversely, *not* teach them how to yell "NAY".

jariten1781 > PatBateman 05/23/2014 at 19:14

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I'd throw the SS into that mix since it's coming with a manual now. Don't like the CTS and the Challenger is too attention seeking.

heliochrome85 > PatBateman 05/23/2014 at 19:37

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the Vsport is by far the superior car. The build and features alone are better. They likely spent 90% of the budget on the motor for that challenger, and 10% on marketing. If the current gen 300/charger interiors are any indicator, FCA is really good at making good looking, but shittily built interiors. I love when the metal trim deforms with the lightest touch.

Plus that shifter is just stupid.

alexotics > PatBateman 05/23/2014 at 19:54

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Tough choice, and since I haven't driven either, my opinion here is worthless. I would take the CTS-Vsport as it is more refined based on sitting in both cars a few times before. Although I can't speak for the new Challenger interior, pretty much any product Dodge makes, leave for the pickups and maybe the Viper, is complete junk inside and out.

Squid > PatBateman 05/23/2014 at 20:01

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I'd lean towards the Hellcat. But I'd want to take one for a spin first to see how the suspension felt. But that engine noise. . . I don't think I'd be able to resist that and those rear tires would hate me ad the Chevron station would love me. . .

BadMotorScooter > PatBateman 05/23/2014 at 20:05

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How about wait for the next CTS-V? It will have the comfort and space you seek and the 600+HP V8. Rumor is it may be around $80k, not that far away.

I have a Vsport Premium now. It is a great car, handles great, looks great, surprisingly quick. If you catch 2nd in full boost it feels very close to a current CTS-V. It is crazy all these supersedans and 600HP muscle cars are crazy fast, but in real world driving they are not all that much faster than their 400+ HP 'regular' performance versions. There are just so few places where you can exploit the additional power. But I too hear the siren's song of more power!!

BadMotorScooter > PatBateman 05/23/2014 at 20:07

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Also, if I had 3 kids that I might need to transport all together on some occasions, no way would I buy a 2-door anything (unless it is a 3rd car).

PatBateman > jariten1781 05/23/2014 at 22:12

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I've thought about the SS a lot. It's still in contention, but I know I'd put an air intake and a cat-back system on it. The car would be noticed.

PatBateman > heliochrome85 05/23/2014 at 22:14

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IF I got the SRT, it MIGHT be in 8 speed auto form.

FLAME SUIT ON!

PatBateman > alexotics 05/23/2014 at 22:15

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Interior quality is a concern. It looks great in the pics, but I can make a dog turd look nice with some creative lighting and some accents.

heliochrome85 > PatBateman 05/23/2014 at 22:16

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if it were me, Id skip right past this car and what ever small dick connotations that come with it, and walk right into the Cadillac showroom. The buying experience and sales aftercare makes the purchase easy.

nothing like having the dealer come and pick your car up from your place of work, and leave you a loaner of equivalent status for you to use.

Infiniti and Lexus are the best at this. Mercedes and BMW and Cadillac are close behind them.

PatBateman > Squid 05/23/2014 at 22:19

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Yeah, I'd have to really take the two on a test drive. I've come to the conclusion that my next vehicle will be something that I thoroughly want to drive and would put a deviant smirk on my face when the right pedal is mashed down. If the CTS fulfills that, then I'd probably go with it.

But the Hellcat.... That sound is pure evil.

PatBateman > BadMotorScooter 05/23/2014 at 22:22

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OOH!!! I haven't even seen a Vsport on the street yet!! I'm dying to get behind the wheel of one.

So you like yours? What color did you get?

PatBateman > BadMotorScooter 05/23/2014 at 22:24

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Also, I've thought about waiting a bit longer to see how the V is priced, but I must admit that I like my vehicles loaded to the hilt (I keep my cars for a while). I'd be afraid to price out a fully-loaded V.

PatBateman > heliochrome85 05/23/2014 at 22:27

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We used to have a Lexus G350 and loved the service. My wife's previous car was a Buick Enclave that we bought from the local Cadillac dealer. Service there was great, too.

PatBateman > cabarne4 05/23/2014 at 22:29

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Our schedules are hectic. We're about 2 years away from my wife staying home, so right now she works. Sometimes I pick up the kids from the nanny (at cheer practice or voice lessons), sometimes she does.

PatBateman > desertdog5051 05/23/2014 at 22:30

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LOL First world problems indeed.

PatBateman > Somethingwittyer likes noisy 05/23/2014 at 22:34

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The SRT website shows that there are adjustable settings for the transmission, engine, AND suspension. The way they present the data makes it appear that it's adjustable from the cockpit on the UConnect system (street, sport, and track modes).

PatBateman > Twingo Tamer - About to descend into project car hell. 05/23/2014 at 22:36

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"Pat, I can't believe you..."

VRRRRROOOOOMMMMMM GLUB GLUB GLUB

"Sorry, wife. What was that? I couldn't hear you over the sound of awesomeness. Seriously though, put the gun down."

BadMotorScooter > PatBateman 05/23/2014 at 22:57

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Mine is a Black Diamond with the Morello red carbon fiber interior. MSRP was $72k. I leased it using a GM employee pricing deal which was out this winter with a sale price around $62k. There were a couple other incentives which applied as well. When I leased they had very competitive lease terms through Ally, better than the MB and BMW (550 cars) leases I checked.

The car is spectacular, really a great handling and driving car. Materials are much better than anything I've seen from GM. The technology is very good with just a few bugs too. The engine is very strong, I've been impressed.

Weaknesses are an issue I had with front tire alignment that caused the front tires to be replaced, all covered under warranty. GM has been very good with service so far. I highly recommend the car!

And I too have not seen another Vsport on the road yet!

BadMotorScooter > PatBateman 05/23/2014 at 23:05

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I expect a fully loaded model will be around $90k, maybe more. Who knows though, that is a lot of money for any car. The great thing about GM though is the the deals you can get if you are patient and look for the best opportunity. I bought a Corvette with a $100k MSRP for less than $80k.

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > PatBateman 05/24/2014 at 00:20

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The V-Sport has the wonderful chassis under it to help throw you through the corners. And 400-something horsepower is nothing to frown at! Plus just look at it!

cabarne4 > PatBateman 05/24/2014 at 07:56

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How old are the little ones?

PatBateman > cabarne4 05/24/2014 at 09:46

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8, 6, and 2 (9, 7, and 3 by then end of the year). The middle child just outgrew booster seats, and the baby just sized into the booster seat with a bolstered back (say it five times real quick).

ETA: All daughters. Pray for me (and the poor saps that try to date them).

cabarne4 > PatBateman 05/24/2014 at 19:15

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Well, the oldest is almost old enough to sit in the front seat. The other two should fit fine in the back...

When it comes to the three of them dating, the answer to that is simple: whichever guy comes over and says "Is that a Hellcat?" is a keeper! ;)

PatBateman > cabarne4 05/24/2014 at 19:39

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You are correct: the oldest has been sitting in the front seat for about a year now. JUST the three kids, no problem. Add in wife for whatever reason and we get cramped.

The fathers of the women I dates were all too easy on me. Even the dads that tried to be hard on me weren't hard on me. I'll be strict, but fair. Car talk will be bonus points, but I can't let them know it's bonus points.

cabarne4 > PatBateman 05/24/2014 at 19:51

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Once again, if the wife is along for the ride, take the Expedition! The kids can all fit in the Hellcat when necessary.

I've had good luck with gf's dad's, too. It's the gf's I've had problems with. Too much damn drama. Single and proud right now.

1337HPMustang > PatBateman 07/19/2014 at 13:43

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are you getting da hellcat?

PatBateman > 1337HPMustang 07/19/2014 at 14:19

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I thought about this earlier today. Half of my subconscious says "drive what you want to drive, get it and make it your mid-life crisis car before you can afford a Ferrari", and the other half says "Get a Vsport, because 0-60 in 4.4 is fast enough, plus V6 MPG and four doors make it practical".

Basically, I'm still horribly torn.

samssun > PatBateman 07/19/2014 at 23:01

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A medium-large sedan vs. a muscle coupe...if you don't need the extra size, how about go right in between the two with an ATS-V? V > V-sport, plus you'll save some cash.

PatBateman > samssun 07/20/2014 at 11:57

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I've thought about this option as well. I have three young daughters (ages 2-8) and whatever car I get will need to fit them plus my wife and I.