Cadillac BLS Saloon (2006 - 2010) 1.9 TiD SE 4d Auto (2006/06) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

That I'm not a sheep. I did my homework and bought a nearly-new Saab 9-3 (with different body panels bolted on) for less than Mondeo money. Other than that, I don't care about image. The fact that I like the looks is a bonus.

What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?

About 95% positive. When people realise that my Cadillac isn't pink and the size of a house, nearly everyone admires it. When I tell them I paid under 6 grand for it, their jaws drop!

Would you buy this car again and why?

In a heartbeat. Of course, a nearly new diesel BMW 3 series is better. But this is 90% as good and a third of the price. It turns more heads too. You do the maths!

What are you likely to buy next?

Time will tell. Likely another bargain that other people ignore. Really folks- do your homework and don't follow the crowd! But only a complete idiot would buy a new one- Some poor bloke paid BMW money for this and sold it at two and a half years old for a 20 grand loss... Still, their loss is my gain.

Type of dealer you bought from?

Franchise

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£5,900

When did you buy the car?

December 2008

Did you get a good deal and why?

Didn't get much of a discount but this was way below book price. The thing is, it's only cheap because no one realises that this is a Saab 9-3 in drag, and everyone thinks (wrongly) that it's horribly unreliable and American. It's actually Swedish and uses standard GM parts that are bolted together well. The market's misconceptions worked to my advantage- this was a very small amount to pay for a 20,000 mile diesel cruiser with lots of toys. Never mind image or badges- I couldn't have got a Vectra or Mondeo for that money.

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

My job changed and I needed a long distance M-Way cruiser.

What was the dealer like?

First rate. Helpful, accommodating... if 100 miles away from where I live. There aren't many Caddy dealers around!

What's it like to drive?

No sportscar but it handles OK. Great long distance cruiser and great seats. Easier to handle around town than you'd think.

What's it like to park?

Visibility's pretty poor, but no more so than Vectras I've driven. Parking sensors are standard and are a godsend.

Have you had any problems with the car?

A minor sensor fault that didn't stop me driving the car at all. When the whole GM/Saab divorce happened and parts were hard to get, the dealer promised to get the part for free within a day or buy my car back for the same price I paid- you can't get fairer than that! I'm pleased to say I didn't have to take him up on his offer. First rate service. I've driven it long and hard in several countries in extremes of weather. It's been a faithful friend that's never let me down.

What's most practical about your car?

Pile 5 adults into the car, put their luggage in the (huge) boot, and drive 1000 miles in a day like it was a trip to the shops. And if you're sensible, you can get 550 miles of M-Way out of a 56 litre tank too.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

The iPod Jack makes long journeys easier.