You Don't Have to be 65 Years Old to Enjoy a Drive in a Nice Cadillac

When it comes to long drives, Cadillac did something right. It’s quiet, it’s comfortable, hot damn, it’s a Caddy. While I wouldn’t buy one myself, it certainly isn’t a bad used car to pick up. If you like this drive review, check out my previous coastal drive in the Hyundai Accent.
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“Altek” intro animation and video thumbnail by Gary Doodles.
“Altek” intro music by Tommy Sica
Equipment Used:
Video - Nikon D5600
Audio - Zoom H4N Pro
Video Editing Software - Adobe Premiere CC
Who am I?
I’ve been an IT guy for the last 15 years with a serious passion for tech and all things automotive. From motherboards to combustion engines, I find happiness in anything that powers on or throws you back in your seat with the fierceness of a Greek god.

[@chrisinsd4590]

The wood trim is real. All materials in the interior of that car are authentic. It is not a GM car from 1989. Also, the metal strips on the central console are guides for your fingers. They are not buttons. You tap or swipe above the metal trim pieces to activate the control and it all works quite brilliantly. Owners are not surprised by the dash door compartment with wireless charging pad. The thing is man, when you actually go to buy this car, the Cadillac dealer will tell you all these things. Just because you rented it and know nothing about the car doesn’t mean you knock it. Same could be done for any modern high tech luxury car, as they aren’t all super intuitive. Try Volvo’s swipey iPad thing... We’re looking at this car along with a couple other models and the tech is pretty impressive, but def needed the sales demo from the Cadillac salesman to appreciate the whole package.

[@Altek1]

I was unaware that it was real wood, makes sense why it looked so good then. You have a point, a salesman would walk you through the key components when you purchase or lease it, but not everyone who ends up with this car will have the luxury of someone walking them through the car, especially as a used purchase. Being familiar with the computer world for the last 20 years, there's something to be said about controls that are intuitive right out of the box and this did not have that feel. Even when I was more familiar with it, I did accidentally tap that button on the bottom of the radio which raised the face to access the wireless charging area. I did that at least once or twice each time I was in the car. I struggled to change the volume or station on the face of the radio with the touch sensitive buttons and I accidentally hit the touch sensitive glove box button a few times. In those scenarios, I can't see a tutorial fixing those problems, but I wasn't given a tutorial so I don't know. I did see some of their newer models which seem to address some of these design issues, I'd be interested in driving it to see how it feels. Thanks for watching bud.

[@mrbajanboi]

Exactly

[@Topher7527]

I can understand why a lot of people are off-put by Cadillac's angular styling. Personally, I love it. In an age where everything is as aerodynamic and streamlined as possible, cars tend to blend together. I find the angles to be a breath of fresh air in an otherwise often stale part of automotive design.

[@Altek1]

You have a point, they are definitely unique when it comes to style. I found it to be very unattractive at first but it grew on me. The front end really has an elegant look to it especially at night when you trigger the lights before getting into it. Thanks for tuning in and chiming in on the comments as always bud!

[@andrewgoss1682]

Ever since i saw the mid 00's CTS's and ATS's i had always loved the athletic, angular design.

[@jasperdilincoln2341]

I grew up with Cadillacs as kid in late 80s and early 90s. Back in 2014 I rented a XTS and did a road trip from Jacksonville FL to Philly. It was nice but not the same Cadillacs I grew up with. If I'd get one it would be a CT6-V God that thing is sharp.

[@jacobperez4226]

“And then you floor it because it’s a rental”😂

[@Altek1]

Haha I'm happy you caught that

[@LetsTalkAboutit716]

😂😂

[@codydunham3746]

Great video like always. To get some other cars to review you should get on Turo. You could get some pretty crazy cars to check out!

[@Altek1]

Thanks Cody! I've been trying to use Turo but I don't think it's available in NY. The only cars I'm seeing are in CT and NJ and it's not a good lineup at all. We're talking Honda Odysseys and Chevy Tahoes. When I was in Cali, I walked around the block to pick up the Alfa Romeo, but that's not happening here sadly. Thanks for the suggestion though, I'm always open to ideas.

[@defyingtheodds1987]

Would love to see you review and evo x as you have a very great perception on vehicle details and what makes them unique. Love the way you explain it all. Keep them coming.

[@Altek1]

Funny you say that, I'll be recording an Evo 8 pushing over 900hp tomorrow. It obviously won't be a good representation of an Evo to some degree but I'm hoping to get a stock variant as well to compare to the drive of a Subaru. Happy to hear you like my take on the cars I review, much appreciated!

[@defyingtheodds1987]

@@Altek1 awesome! If you were closer, I'd lend you mine for the show. Aside from a few bolt on's, its stock in tune. Looking forward to the video.

[@sansfreedom1629]

Definitely an honest review. I always had an appreciation for Cadillac but you can't deny it's lost its touch. Cool idea killing 2 birds with 1 stone by using your rental car to do a review Altek. Great job as always. Keep em coming 👍🏻

[@Altek1]

Thanks bud! Cadillac definitely lost its touch, happy to hear you liked my view on it. I take any chance I have to do a review, my girl was very helpful with it too. I didn't think it would be worth it since I wasn't impressed by the car initially. But after a week, I thought it was a pretty nice car. Thanks for watching! More to come for sure.

[@soyeux27]

Altek, this is probably the FUNNIEST video I've watched in a long time . My God!! Also, I'm wondering if you tested the sound system (if yes, let us know what you think!). And I appreciate that you showed us the sound deadening materials!!!!

[@Altek1]

Bro, i never saw this comment, glad you thought this was funny, most Caddy owners felt the exact opposite, haha! I did test the stereo and it was good, nothing to rave about but also didn't detract from the long drive. It was clear and worked well with Android auto, just the buttons to raise the volume were hell.

[@shawnshan9817]

Mindblowing end credits. better than any Marvel flick.

[@Altek1]

Haha 👍 I told my girl the next time I'm putting it two minutes further out at the end, in true Marvel style. Thanks for watching all the way through bro!

[@soyeux27]

Once again, a great, honest, right-to-the-point review. Any Cadillac dealership watching this video will lend you one of his cars for some other reviews; and he'll probably won't mind that you floor it, now that he knows what do you with rental or lended cars :) :)

[@Altek1]

Yeah, all rentals get the crap beat out of them. Any individuals car, I drive it exactly as they tell me to, as if it were my own. I'm considering going to an Acura dealership to see if i can get a new TLX to do a video on. The 6cyl version sounds real nice.

[@christopherlaflam6383]

Try the XTS Vsport. 410 horsepower twin turbo. Love mine!

[@Altek1]

I'd love to drive any V Caddy, they must be monsters. And the new ones, damn, Caddy definitely upped their game on the visual front.

[@christopherlaflam6383]

And make sure it's a Platinum version!

[@BostonCelticsWWEEdge]

How many cadillacs have you tested? I’m looking to own one since I’ve always wanted one. I need more room than an ats would provide though.

[@BostonCelticsWWEEdge]

I guess my question is, which would you recommend? Or should I forget Cadillac and maybe do a Buick Regal sport back

[@Altek1]

My buddy has a Buick Regal, turns out it's a rebadged Opel but I'm not sure if that's a good or bad thing. I haven't driven many Caddy's recently but what I can say is I saw that new XT6 and it's quite the looker. The interior has been properly updated and the front end is sharp. It's more of an SUV where the Regal is more like a hatch and the prices aren't nearly the same with the Caddy coming in about 20k higher. The Caddy is known to lose its value quickly, so looking at pre-owned models might be a good bet too.

[@BostonCelticsWWEEdge]

Altek I always go used cuz I can’t handle the quick depreciation. Thanks for the input my friend.

[@Altek1]

Your a smart man, that's true especially with Cadillac. You're welcome bud, happy to help.

[@sblexls]

My man! I drove a Caddy just like this to San Diego and can’t agree with you more. That center console is garbage. It’s all touch sensitive and they should’ve left some things like the glovebox button in its old school form......a freakin handle lol. Nevertheless these things plummet in price due to the maintenance, so buyer beware. Hey have you ever checked out “carcomplaints.com”??? It’s a website where people gather and complain about the issues with their cars. Check out your cars and hopefully you don’t run into the same problems too. Or you can catch the issue before it happens and save yourself some money. Anyway brother, it’s good seeing you enjoy yourself and I wish you the best. As always, stay safe and I can’t wait til the next video! Cheers! -Steve

[@Altek1]

Steve! Found your other comment 😂 nobody needs a digital glove box button but happily they redesigned most of their models and from what I'm seeing, they're going in a better direction. I didn't hear about that site but I'll check especially before I post a video to make note of the most common complaints. Hope all is well in SoCal. If my channel even blows up, I'll hopefully be right near ya. Thanks, Alex

[@atomichabanero9101]

My girlfriend has a CTS the 2014 I think before the redesign I like hers better than the newer ones

[@Altek1]

Looking at it, the 2014 has a better looking front end, but I do like the headlight design more on the 2019. I can't say I know what's going on with the rear end for either design. It's an acquired taste in my opinion. Either way, ya got a great name Alex!

[@hectorperez-zq3uc]

Read the owners manual how to adjust the buttons it's funny he had the volume going then kept on fiddling with it

[@Altek1]

I feel like you shouldn't need to consult a manual on how to use a button. My attempt, however, was genuine. I had no luck anytime I changed the volume or station. Still a damn nice ride, and the new ones look incredible.

[@hectorperez-zq3uc]

@@Altek1 if you did read the owner's manual you would have found out that you have to swipe the bars

[@Altek1]

I'll reiterate this, it's asinine to have to read a manual to learn how to raise and lower the volume on a car radio. If it's not intuitive, it's designed improperly. Also, it's a rental car. How many rental cars have you read the manual for?

[@johnhenry267]

The wood trim is real wood.

[@FHD5AF]

review is hilarious :D

[@Altek1]

😁 thanks buddy!

[@pedrofernandez3893]

As far as the last comment, maybe that is why the new Lexus LS is not as quiet as the previous model.

[@oldgreg5062]

A little boaty. I think that's a technical term lol Nice.

[@Altek1]

Hah, it was responsive yet had a noticeable sway when cornering, aka, a little boaty. Thanks for watching bud!

[@pedrofernandez3893]

When I think Caddy, i think 1980's FWD Sedan de Ville, YUK!

[@Altek1]

Haha that's still more Caddy than this thing is!

[@pedrofernandez3893]

@@Altek1 no way, Jose! That thing drove like a Buick or Olds of the time. Huge disappointment when I got to drive one in 1986

[@ghostspectre1861]

Was going to make a "how many bodies" comment, and then you did. Ah well.

[@Altek1]

I had to put it in there somewhere. Kinda upset I didn't take a shot of the trunk, but it wasn't the caddy trunk we remember from the days of old. Thanks for watching as always bro!

[@ninjamaster3453]

I primarily favor Japanese makes. I just see this as a problematic car that will cost a ton to buy and own.

[@Altek1]

I agree. Not sure of the engine in here but the electronics and transmission seem like they'd be your biggest problem. Still, if you want something slightly classy and are vain enough to care about brand names, picking one of these up for 10-15k and hopefully getting 5 years out of it ain't THAT bad ... I guess. Thanks for watching ninja!

[@63256325N]

My guess as to why you can find them for sale after only a couple of years with that much of a deduction from the sticker price is because they're falling apart. Any Caddy past 1970 to me is crap. 😁 Thanks for the video.

[@Altek1]

Haha you're probably not wrong, I'm just shocked people pay full price knowing what a used one goes for. And crap is definitely how I'd describe some of the later year models for sure. You're welcome and thanks for watching Duncan!

[@63256325N]

@@Altek1 I'd have to say my favorite Caddy body style was the 59 Eldorado convertible. Just love those bullet taillights! 😁 That and the XKE Jags. early 60s.

[@ChristianStylezEntertainmentIn]

All wood is real

[@Altek1]

Someone else mentioned that. It's rare to see in cars so I assumed it wasn't. Thumbs up to caddy!

[@nokoolaid]

That's not a 1972 Caddy. It was a 1974, I think

[@Altek1]

Hot damn you're right, or at least closer than I was. It's a 75, I don't know where I got 72 from. What gave it away to you, I'm curious?

[@nokoolaid]

@@Altek1 Energy absorbing bumpers that were mandated in 1973-74.

[@Altek1]

Awesome, I love being schooled on those details. I appreciate the correction, you got a good eye!

[@nokoolaid]

@@Altek1 I used to be better at it. I grew up during those years. I could tell you all sorts of meaningless data at one time. Now, it's like rummaging through a closet.

[@TheJeffShadowShow]

1975 or 1976 ONLY. Rectangular headlamps and the 500 CID V8.

[@burberrycurry7517]

The wood is real. No 56,000 dollar car is going to have fake wood

[@Altek1]

These days you never know. The amount of faux materials these days makes me question everything, but I always appreciate a correction to when I misspeak.

[@burberrycurry7517]

Altek okay

[@nokoolaid]

The transmissions are programmed for gas mileage and want to get to top gear ASAP. They will hunt and fumble when mashing the throttle.

[@Altek1]

I really wasn't being aggressive on the throttle when it stumbled but I guess you could say I didn't do what the car was expecting on a few occasions. Either way, it was a bit concerning to feel on a car with a few thousand miles, I really feel like the computers should account for that kinda thing a bit better.

[@nokoolaid]

@@Altek1 I had a 2009 Suburban and the transmission used to drive me nuts. Wanted to get to 6th right away. Now I drive a Subaru with a CVT. I feel like it's a slipping clutch. I hate it. I miss a TH400 that shifts firmly and responds to input correctly.

[@Altek1]

I'm equally as aggravated with the new Jeep Cherokee, it does the same thing. Obviously it's for gas mileage but I feel I end up negating all its efforts by constantly slamming on the gas to have it give me the power I need. Sport mode technically solves the problem but then it's always screaming at the top end of the revs. I like the way you put that, a CVT does feel like a slipping clutch. I feel that Honda has the best feeling CVT out of the cars I've driven and Nissan, the worst. I've yet to drive a Subaru CVT but I wasn't crazy with what they did with the WRX by trying to mock gears with paddle shifters.

[@Yelzabub]

Ew at the front headlights 🤢

[@Altek1]

I thought that was the best looking part of the car... But the back of the car...

[@Yelzabub]

@@Altek1 i like the back lights! different strokes...

[@burberrycurry7517]

It looks better in person

[@irishuwould5185]

Cadillac = money pit

[@Altek1]

I don't doubt it, especially with the electronics in them these days.