DriveTech

Certified used Cadillac is a dream to drive

I'm lucky enough to drive a brand new car every week, thanks to the "North County Times." But I sometimes wonder how these cars hold up to everyday driving. When I get a new car or truck, it usually doesn't have any miles on it and I put a minimum of 150 miles on it.

So, when I have the opportunity, I try to get behind the wheel of a certified used car. That gives me a chance to validate what I wrote about the vehicle when it was brand new.

This week, I got to test drive a 2005 Cadillac STS, which I originally wrote about when it first came out. Young Cadillac gave me a 2005 STS with only 14,543 miles on it. It looked, smelled and drove like new. This particular model came loaded with just about every option you can get on a '05 STS.

Features include a great climate control system (controlled by the driver and the passenger), a navigation system built into the dash and an upgraded Bose sound system with a multi CD disc system. If you've never experienced a Bose sound system, you've been missing the best part of the Cadillac, especially when you're stuck in bumper-to-bumper traffic. There's also the opportunity to subscribe to XM Radio, which is built into the sound system. You also get OnStar, which I feel is the best system on the market if you need directions or help.

This STS comes with either a 255-horsepowered V6 or the optional 320-horsepowered V8. My tester had the 4.6-liter V8. Talk about getting on the freeway in a snap - what a cruiser. It's a little difficult keeping it to only 70 miles per hour, but thanks to the heads up display you're always aware of your speed. The heads up display also tells you if there's a car ahead of you, a nice touch. If you park like I do, by Braille, then you'll appreciate the parking assist feature on this STS.

This STS comes with the upgraded alloy wheels, a small tail fin on the trunk for a little "bling" and the "gun metal grey" color is a knock out. It has upgraded black leather interior with a touch of rich wood accents to set it off. I'm not a moon roof fan, but the STS's didn't buffet my head to the point of going crazy and the day was perfect for a little sunshine.

Cadillac has plenty of safety features and on a certified used Cadillac, they are all standard. In fact, there are no options. Safety features include front airbags, side air bags, traction control, crumple zones, child anchors for the rear, beams in the doors and a whole lot more.

A certified used car is the best way to buy a new car. All certified used cars are inspected by trained technicians and disqualified if anything major is found wrong. If it passes the tough inspection, then it becomes certified and is put on the lot with a great warranty. Customers benefit from waiting a year or two to get the car at a substantial savings. I'm not trying to discourage you from buying a brand new Cadillac. In fact, if you buy new and take very good care of the car, you'll also benefit with the trade-in value. It truly becomes a win-win situation.

The price on this certified STS is so good, I'm not going to put it in this review. You'll just have to take a trip over to Young Cadillac Pontiac in the Escondido Auto Park and ask to see stock No. C367413.

This car drove as if it had no miles on it, with no squeaks or rattles. It drove like a dream and the Bose system allows you to glide down the road stress free. Check out the great selection of certified used vehicles at Young Cadillac before making your next big buying decision.

Next week, I'll review a vehicle from Carlsbad Volvo.

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