MKZ/Zephyr vs CTS used car buy

[harrisonWLA]

I've noticed a couple of really good buys on low miles Zephyr's and am wondering what people think of them vs a used Cadillac CTS?

The current generation CTS is going to depreciate steeply after the new 08 generation comes out.

I like the styling of both cars and realize very different platforms FWD vs RWD but haven't test driven a Lincoln yet (except an LS which really didn't impress me with its interior). I like the Zephyr's interior. Wished it's nose was more stylish, but it looks like a nice car.

Lincoln vs Caddy dealership experiences?

 

[ALBUNDY]

Here's a comparison from one of the cadillacowners.com members:

MKZ advantages:

- Availability of AWD (to be offered on the new CTS next year).
- Availability of cooled seats which are not available on the CTS or my SRX.
- The seat bottoms are ventilated all the way to the front and the seat bottom length is longer.
- Lots of standard features that are extra cost on the CTS: heated seats, fold down rear seat (I like the trunk-mounted releases on the MKZ), vivid red color, 3.5L engine, and automatic trans.
- Options on the MKZ are available ala-carte rather that having to be part of expensive packages.
- The standard radio is better than the upgraded Bose in my SRX, especially in the mid-range. Plus it has a MP3 jack.
- More trunk space and back seat legroom.

CTS advantages:

- Better handling. The MKZ reminds me of it's 626 roots with occasional rear suspension clunks on rough roads. (I used to own a 94 626.)
- The CTS 3.6 appears to be smoother and have more low end torque. I haven't seen the Duratec torque curve, but the GM 3.6 has 250 lb. ft. of torque at 2500 RPM. However, the Duratec is starting to wake up in the last 50 miles and I haven't really pushed it hard since I'm still in the break-in period. I'll reserve judgement here.
- More aggressive looks. I like the arts & science look. Others don't. Frankly, another reason I chose the Mark Z is that I wanted something that looked different than my SRX.
- Seat comfort and leather aroma. I've gotten really used to the Cadillac Sigma platform seats and it's taking me a bit of time to find the most comfortable position in the MKZ. Also, the leather smells overly sweet.
- Higher electronic content including tire pressure monitor, oil life monitor, and OnStar. (Some may consider this an advantage.)

So far, I've been pleased. The Mark Z had zero delivery issues - everything worked. Tomorrow morning is supposed to be snowy and icy. Great day to try out the AWD.

 

[harrisonWLA]

Thanks for the comparison.

I actually drove to the Lincoln dealership to test drive the Zephyr and was pissed when they told me they had sold the metallic grey one I liked. They had a maroon one left, but I didn't like the black interior.

However, quite by accident, I testdrove a Lincoln LS and was very impressed. It was a lot tighter and faster than any CTS I've driven! The LS styling is conservative - prefer MKZ and CTS - but I was really amazed at how well it drove.

So I'm waiting it out - seeing if the dealership follows up with me about any other Zephyrs/MKZ/LS that come into their used car lot.

 

[doug03ls]

Well, it has been 5 mos , any updates to report.

Doug