2017 Cadillac CTS 3.6 or Lexus GS350?

[KGMtech]

Just toying with the idea of getting a new-to-me car in the next 1-2 years, this would replace my 2013 Maxima. I like both the 2017-18 Cadillac CTS 3.6 with AWD and the 2017-18 Lexus GS 350 AWD.

Both are available in the used, CPO markets near me. Lexus will be at least 10-15% more money than Cadillac, but the difference in cost is not so important.

I want a car that has style, comfort, up to date safety features, luxury toys, reliable but not too boring, doesn't cost an arm and leg for parts, will allow tall people to take 1-2 hour trips without neck pain.

Pros for Cadillac CTS 3.6 AWD
- right size, rear seats fold down for long items, uses 87 octane, good on gas for the power and size, great looks IMO.
Cons for Cadillac
- timing chain stretch issues if not well maintained, some of the CUE features can be annoying from what I read.

Pros for Lexus GS350 AWD
- right size, Toyota reputation, nice exterior lines.
Cons for Lexus
- requires 91 octane, interior dashboard is busy, and centre console area is sort of fussy in design.

Can any of you offer constructive insight to this search?
Thanks, Ken

 

[JeffKeryk]

The GS350 is a great car. One of the best Lexi; that's saying something. A great driver's car.
You won't be sorry.
Apologies in advance for my lousy photography...

 

[Ram02]

I'm a GM guy and my dad just turn in is caddy CTS 17 3.6V6 the car has been flawless. He also had a 08 CTS 3.6V6DI which did require timing chain replacement. But the newer ones don't have that problem. I say caddy but truthfully you can't go wrong with either car

 

[IMSA_Racing_Fan]

I own a CTS4 3.0 AWD, the 3.6s are rumored to have timing chain stretch issues so would investigate that. The handling is great with a wide wheel placement. I say go with the Cadillac and use good oil changed regularly.

 

[slacktide_bitog]

GS350 every time. Toyota makes the best cars

The only time I'd take the CTS is the wagon

 

[IMSA_Racing_Fan]

Originally Posted by slacktide_bitog
GS350 every time. Toyota makes the best cars

https://www.consumerreports.org/car...-stall-abruptly-while-driving-fuel-pump/

https://www.classaction.org/toyota-highlander-avalon-sienna-lexus-transmission-lawsuits
Which Models?
2017-2020 Lexus ES, 2017-2020 Toyota Highlander, 2017-2020 Toyota Sienna, 2018-2020 Toyota Avalon, 2019 Toyota RAV4 and 2018-2020 Lexus GS 350.

 

[dwcopple]

Lexus, ALWAYS Lexus

 

[IMSA_Racing_Fan]

When we compare the 2017 Cadillac CTS near Fayetteville, AR, with the Lexus GS 350 we need to look at performance specs. With a 3.5-liter V6 engine married to an 8-speed transmission, the Lexus generates 311 horsepower and 280 lb.-ft. of torque. The Cadillac CTS comes equipped with a 3.6-liter V6 engine matched with an 8-speed automatic that delivers 335 horsepower and 285 lb.-ft. of torque, something you'll truly appreciate when cruising near Fort Smith or near Springdale, AR. So in terms of power and torque, the Cadillac CTS is clearly the winner. With rear-wheel drive (RWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD), independent rear suspension, traction control systems and 4-wheel ABS brakes on both the Lexus and Cadillac, we'll call a tie on the chassis. The Lexus GS 350 RWD comes standard with 18-inch aluminum alloy wheels where the Cadillac CTS Luxury offers 19-inch wheels alloy wheels as an option—a win for the Lexus but the Cadillac has far more wheel choices available.

https://www.cadillacofbentonville.com/new-cadillac-cts-vs-lexus-gs-350-comparison-bentonville

 

[Imp4]

Nobody wants to own a 5+ year old Caddy except for the 65+ crowd.

 

[Lolvoguy]

Originally Posted by IMSA_Racing_Fan
Originally Posted by slacktide_bitog
GS350 every time. Toyota makes the best cars

https://www.consumerreports.org/car...-stall-abruptly-while-driving-fuel-pump/

https://www.classaction.org/toyota-highlander-avalon-sienna-lexus-transmission-lawsuits
Which Models?
2017-2020 Lexus ES, 2017-2020 Toyota Highlander, 2017-2020 Toyota Sienna, 2018-2020 Toyota Avalon, 2019 Toyota RAV4 and 2018-2020 Lexus GS 350.



Originally Posted by JeffKeryk
The GS350 is a great car. One of the best Lexi; that's saying something. A great driver's car.
You won't be sorry.
Apologies in advance for my lousy photography...


Gloves are coming off for this battle!

 

[IMSA_Racing_Fan]

Well that accounts for the decline in public education.

 

[Malo83]

Lexus hands down over the Caddy

 

[IMSA_Racing_Fan]

Quote
Cadillac DPi team Action Express Racing has scored its third Rolex 24 Hours at Daytona win, its Mustang Sampling #5 DPi V.R of Filipe Albuquerque, Christian Fittipaldi and Joao Barbosa completing a record-breaking 808 laps of the Floridian speedway, breaking both the record of total laps in the history of the race, and total distance by significant margins.


http://www.dailysportscar.com/2018/...nce-record-en-route-to-rolex-24-win.html
https://www.lemans.org/en/news/2020...y-cadillac-and-wayne-taylor-racing/53312

 

[NormanBuntz]

Personally I favor the GS350, but a point to consider is that Lexus will be discontinuing it with the 2020 model year.

 

[IMSA_Racing_Fan]

This is mine. The design studio did a fantastic job IMO and the paint is flawless after 8 years.

 

[GSCJR]

Originally Posted by dwcopple
Lexus, ALWAYS Lexus

+1

 

[dishdude]

Can't go wrong with either, drive them both and see which one you like more. If you like them both, that doubles your chances of finding the perfect used car! The narrower your search, the more difficult it'll be.

 

[Danno]

No doubt in my mind, Lexus.

Southern US cars just don't get the salt and cold we get in Canada.
Careful on that comparison.
And the Lexus will retain value more than the Caddy.

Caddy is GM, so no.

 

[Dave9]

Cons for Cadillac include that GM makes steaming piles, though if you're only going to own it a few years then sell or trade it in again, you may get away with it before the fragrance reaches your nose.

 

[edyvw]

Check both. Fastest one to retirement home should be your choice