well, out of nowhere I decided to stop by a car lot with my mom (who owns a 00 SSEi) to check out some new cars. Looked at a 06 LaCrosse, 06 LeSabre, and 05 SLE Bonneville. SHe liked all of the cars, but then, the saleswoman suggested we check out a car at the very front of hte lot after my mom says she likes sporty luxury cars. The car she was suggesting was a bright white 2003 Cadillac CTS. Sat in the car and checked the features over and we really love the car. They're asking $23,000 for the CTS and it has 24,000 miles on it. What do you guys think we should do? The SSEi just hit 56,000 miles and after having a few transmission issues we had the transmission checked out and the fluid is black--burned. The engine also won't hit boost anymore. . The warranty on the SSE expires at 60,000 miles too so any repairs that come up (most will probably be costly too) will have to come out of her pocket. the CTS is under warranty until 50,000 miles, or, 26,000 miles from now. Looked up a few specs on the CTS and it'* actually rated as quite a bit faster than the SSEi and it has sooo many more options actually. we're just unsure as to what we want to do as of right now. :?

EDIT: I went and did a little sample of the SSEi'* transmission fluid, and some fresh transmission fluid. Fresh is on the left obviously, and the Bonneville'* fluid is on the right.

It'* a toss up. You know the history on the Bonneville and the Caddy is a couple years newer.
Ask yourself:
Why did the previous owner get rid of the caddy?
Which car will parts be easier to find and cheaper for once either warranty runs out?
Which car seems to fare better overall for normal or expected repairs?

These are some good points
It was the end of the lease

Bonneville will be easier, but the price is probably up near the Cadillac I'd imagine. The bonneville isn't by anymeans cheap to fix, especially the 2000+. Luckily the 99- were much easier, and cheaper, to work on.

honestly, I'm not sure. I think the Cadillac is worlds better quality wise compared to the SSEi. The SSEi just seems to cheap inside compared to many similarly priced vehicles. the quality control problems are just really bothersome.. rotors warp too quickly, the trunk leaks, always has, car smells musty because of it.. Nobody can seem to fix the evap system leak, rear shocks are shot, ELC pump runs non stop because of air leak which the dealer can't seem to locate, or fix, bad shudder in the front suspension.. There'* a lot wrong with the pontiac that to my parents, don't want to fix.. so, a newer car under warranty is ideal to them. My dad will never spend money on car repairs, he'* just like that for some reason.. if it'* broken, he won't fix it unless it'* something that makes the car undrivable. It'* a tossup really.. the caddy is expensive, but I think it'd be a really nice car. I'd sure love to drive it when I get a chance.

Wouldnt buy an off lease car if i were you IMHO...you know what i mean.

My Aurora was an off-lease vehicle and it'* just fine. Usually those who would buy a brand new Cadillac and lease it will take pretty good care of it. Generally speaker of course.

MY parents are kind of like that.

If a cars more then 5 years old then its not worth fixing to them so they get something new.

well, it'* not going to happen. Looks like the SSEi stays for another more couple of years.

Hm, I woulda like the CTS better. Proper sports/touring car.