Is a 10 Year Old Cadillac ATS Worth Buying? | 2013 Cadillac ATS 3.6L Luxury AWD Full Tour & Review

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Жыл бұрын

Nile's found himself a low-mileage 2013 Cadillac ATS 3.6L Luxury AWD to see what the compact executive car had to offer 10 years ago,.
The Cadillac ATS in this video was provided by Disbrowe Cadillac in St. Thomas, Ontario. For more information about this vehicle, or the other Certified Pre-Owned and new inventory visit www.disbrowecadillac.com
Back in 2012 General Motors announced it's Alpha platform, designed as a RWD/AWD sport sedan platform from the ground up, the first car launched was the 2013 Cadillac ATS, or Alpha Touring Sedan, positioned as a compact executive car in Cadillac's sedan portfolio, smaller than the popular CTS. This week we've got an awesome 2013 Cadillac ATS 3.6L Luxury AWD with just under 65,000 kms and full service records to see what sort of experience you got from an entry-level Cadillac back in 2013.
Our vehicle is finished in the Diamond Black Tricoat paint, Jet Black leather interior, and has the 1SG luxury group package. Overall this vehicle comes well equipped with remote starter, keyless entry, driver memory, heated front seats, heated steering wheel, dual-zone automatic climate control, Bose audio, backup camera, navigation, and more. This car doesn't come with any enhanced safety tech.
We go over the exterior and interior design and features on this vehicle, and some background information on the ATS. Launched in 2013, the ATS started as a sedan, added a coupe, and a V-Series. Plans for convertibles and wagons were rumoured but never happened. The ATS ran for 1 single generation and was replaced in 2020 by the CT4.
We take this low-mileage 2013 Cadillac ATS on the road to talk about how this car handles, drives, rides, and performs in daily driving situations, and why you might want to consider one of these vehicles. We spent some time driving this vehicle around to see how well it's held up over the past decade and if it stacks up against vehicles like the Mercedes-Benz C-Class and BMW 3 Series.
We continue our review with a buyer's guide, going over some of the common issues found with these vehicles like misfiring on the 2.0L turbo engine, rough shifting transmission, faulty sunroof controls, and issues with the infotainment and hidden compartment behind the HVAC controls.
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Email Nile: nile@perpetualradio.ca
TestDrive is proudly produced in Elgin County, Ontario, Canada.

Пікірлер: 103

@PRNTestDrive Жыл бұрын

This vehicle ended up selling yesterday (as of this comment) but still an awesome car to check out with our video here!

@andrewa.800 Жыл бұрын

As an ATS owner. Good luck and God speed to this owner. You're gonna need it

@boogernut513 11 ай бұрын

@@andrewa.800is it not good?

@user-ow2rv8gi4t 7 ай бұрын

Got a 2013 ATS 3.6 AWD,love the car,I put a pedal commander chip and a k&N cold air in it,and the car is now faster and luxury.trans shifts a are better plus gas mileage,I will never sell it.

@PRNTestDrive 6 ай бұрын

Glad to hear it, enjoy your ATS!

@BigMC422 6 ай бұрын

where did you get the petal commander at? Do you think it will work on a 2017 ats?

@jimcabezola3051 Жыл бұрын

Great to see you again, Niles!

@PRNTestDrive Жыл бұрын

Hoping to get some more videos filmed this season!

@christopherlaflam6383 8 ай бұрын

Great video. I've got a XTS VSport Platinum . I just love this generation of Cadillacs in every way, especially the upper trim levels.

@PRNTestDrive 8 ай бұрын

Awesome car to own!

@johnwhitneykokalis9990 5 ай бұрын

I drove a 2013 ATS Premium with 3.6 v6 that I bought in 2015 with 34k miles for a price of 27k and it was my wife's car to use, and we both loved it. Moving to 2020, I told my wife that she should trade it in for a newer 2017 ATS Premium with less miles on it so she could keep on driving what she loves because the Cadillac stopped making the ATS and what they were replacing it with was not as stylish as the ATS she loved. We ended up buying her 2017 for 25k with 36k miles on it and as of now 2024 the car only has 46k miles on it and her black ATS is loaded with all options and the upgraded 3.6 with 335 hp and around 290 ft lbs of torque. This ATS is a beast and hugs the road with the magnetic shocks and 5 link rear suspension and electronic, limited slip differential. Best looking modern day Cadillac, in my opinion.

@PRNTestDrive 5 ай бұрын

Thanks for sharing!

@johnnyjoe214 5 күн бұрын

🖐Mines a 2013 ATS 2.5L with 190,000 miles!!! Bought it 10 years ago when it had 23k miles. I have mostly maintained all parts myself, all services and repairs. Engine and transmission are original and still good. I wouldn't buy it again though, too many issues. I'm keeping it till the motor dies. Goal is to hit 250k miles.

@PRNTestDrive Күн бұрын

Glad to hear it, I'm sure you'll hit that 250k milestone!

@adamhayden5152 Жыл бұрын

Yes they came with adaptive hid headlights with the led light blades and fog lights. I don’t think they should’ve come with those halogens at all. The adaptive hid move up to 15 degrees when you go around corners, super useful!

@PRNTestDrive Жыл бұрын

The V seems to have come with HIDs, but I don't see any other models (at least available on the market) with anything other than the halogens. Definitely a miss from Cadillac at this price point, my C-Class isn't very well optioned but had HIDs with LED DRLs.

@adamhayden5152 Жыл бұрын

@@PRNTestDrive you are correct, early version of the ats v hav halogens with out the led light blades. Kinda odd choice in my book. But, I think that may have been to the coolers that are up front in the bumpers. I’ve seen later model ats v’s with hid not sure about adaptive or not.

@UkrainianPunk180 11 ай бұрын

@@PRNTestDrivesearch up Cadillac Ats performance trim not luxury. It came in 3 trims 1. Premium 2. Performance 3. Luxury. Performance and Premium came with LEDs and HIDs. I own the 2014 cadillac ats Performance with LEDs great car aged very well with with the LED setup. Also to note the Performance and Premium trim also came with other features one of which was LED door handle strips. Amazing night time presence.

@JayOh- 9 ай бұрын

Yes I own the performance version , comes with those lights

@cynthiacotton3340 3 ай бұрын

I bought my 2013 ATS in 2014 for 27k, I believe. It now has 100,500 miles. I love it and plan on ride it for a bit more. A great looking and it rides well.

@PRNTestDrive 3 ай бұрын

Thanks for sharing!

@quanbrooklynkid7776 Ай бұрын

That's you in your profile picture

@JayOh- 9 ай бұрын

Glad to see this video !

@PRNTestDrive 8 ай бұрын

We're happy we put this one together, we've been getting a lot of views on it recently which is nice. There's plenty of these on the road, and they're great options in the used market.

@snowboarddan5899 11 ай бұрын

still have my 14 ATS 2.5L 122239mi and still runs great. I up graded from halogens to LED with a adapter way better

@PRNTestDrive 11 ай бұрын

Hold onto it if you can!

@chriscab8333 Жыл бұрын

I love the brushed aluminum trim. Wish that was an option for my atsv.

@PRNTestDrive Жыл бұрын

I liked it too, overall this was a nicely optioned car. I'm glad I had the chance to drive this one as it ended up selling the week I posted this.

@paulcondie2520 10 ай бұрын

It's magnesium! True

@Crusher103 7 ай бұрын

So the engines. Basically if you want something to just drive around town, not interested in tinkering just want reliability. Get the V6. If you do like tinkering getting a little more out of the car. Get the 2.0t or preferably the V. Overall just don't bother with the 2.5. This is coming from somebody who owns the 2.0t. The 2.0ts and the Vs come with manual transmissions. You buy this car for it's chassis, its the best in its class. I was hooked after I actually threw this car into a corner, planted and completely flat I was shocked at how good it was. It's better than even the mighty Germans, if you do enjoy tossing a car around but want it to be comfortable in all situations. This car is for you. This is also the first car on GM's alpha chassis.

@PRNTestDrive 7 ай бұрын

Thanks for sharing. I do believe we started the video off talking about the Alpha platform, and how the A in ATS sorta stands for Alpha Touring Sedan.

@noahp2430 6 ай бұрын

Yes my Camaro ss is also on the alpha chassis and handling is phenomenal I installed lowering springs and now it’s even better.. I wanna pick up an ats

@josephboyd5219 Ай бұрын

Got a 2013ats catlite, 50k miles, for sale,what price it going for very good looking?

@williamduckworth305 10 ай бұрын

Love my 7 yr old cts4 2.0t..

@PRNTestDrive 10 ай бұрын

Glad to hear it!

@funkytownjedi 9 ай бұрын

Great vid 😎👍🏽

@PRNTestDrive 9 ай бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it, thanks!

@dave11686 Жыл бұрын

Pretty neat. It doesn’t drive like my Deville but it’s decent

@adamhayden5152 Жыл бұрын

Agreed! That’s why I kept my 05 deville limited and my 69 sedan deville! And bought an ats for the twisty roads and days I wanna go fast and take corners at speed!

@PRNTestDrive Жыл бұрын

Definitely different types of experiences with those vehicles. Cadillac has certainly decided to go towards the performance-side of the luxury market, gone are the days of the soft riding sedans.

@dave11686 11 ай бұрын

@@PouponLincoln lol

@andredossantos6349 11 ай бұрын

Does this model support a daily drive? What are the most reliable engine/transmission versions? Thanks.

@PRNTestDrive 11 ай бұрын

Some say the 2.0L turbo is a better engine for long term reliability, but it also depends on how well you maintain the vehicle. This 3.6L V6 packs a nice punch for a sportier experience, but if you’re looking for something a bit more efficient for daily use the 2.0L could be better.

@andredossantos6349 11 ай бұрын

@@PRNTestDrive Thanks for your anwser. But I got another one: Yes I'm looking for a long term reliability. Everyday drive, go-to-work-back home basis. And maybe working as a driver. So with this info, it also apply to older car models? Like cts, sts, ats? I was researching and I found out that the 4c. is good and reliable - of course depending on how the car was maintained. Also the SRX, some say its not good, some say it is. So if you can bring some light on this, I appreciate . Thank you.

@plumwolf280 2 ай бұрын

Great video. Used ATS, F30, W204, which one do you recommend?

@PRNTestDrive 2 ай бұрын

I own a W204 and love it. We've featured the F30 BMW also, and it's a solid buy. Personally I'd get the W204 just because mine has been so good, sitting at 232k kms it just keeps on serving me without problem! We've done a couple maintenance videos on it over the 2 years that I've had it.

@pontiacGXPfan 6 ай бұрын

it certainly is, considering that the CT4 only offers a V6 in the Blackwing model. That and this is the better looking car

@PRNTestDrive 6 ай бұрын

I'm glad we had the chance to feature this, we never had the opportunity to drive the ATS when it was new.

@ryhk3293 6 ай бұрын

You underestimate how much of a sporting performance difference the trim levels made. The Premium trim gave you the magnetic ride struts and suspension, mechanical LSD, upgraded engine cooling, upgraded brakes, all of really brings out just how good this chassis is - in Premium Trim, its essentially a mid-level, 4-door Camaro. GM really screwed by not emphasizing the performance delta. Case in point, you, A professional Cadillac salesman who is talking about how the ATS is not really a sporting car, when the equivalent you have to step up to a 335i Msport or an Audi S4 to reach parity in spec, performance and equipment parity in "sportiness" in the equivalent vintage car. (And for FWIW, in the 2010s, I've had all 3, plus the Merc, plus an Acura and a Mini. The only one I've kept is the ATS in manual as I contemplate keeping it as my forever-ICE-engine-car before I go electric or if I go for a manual CT4 Blackwing or a manual M3 as the keeper before they really do outlaw gasoline cars - which WILL happen soon, Sooner than you think. You should think about it and be prepared for it.)

@PRNTestDrive 5 ай бұрын

Thanks for sharing!

@magnavision207 Ай бұрын

Do you have any 2014 ATS BLACK for sale? How does it work buying a car in Canada and driving back to the US?

@PRNTestDrive Ай бұрын

We don't we're just reviewers/journalists. You'd need to check the import laws for the USA, as well as the state you plan on registering the vehicle in. Unfortunately (for Canadians) many cars are sent over the border for US customers on a daily basis, might be easier just to find one for sale in the US already, I imagine there are plenty.

@bennylegacy154 5 ай бұрын

Would you recommend a 2014-2015? Around 12-15k $$$ here in Canada 🍁

@PRNTestDrive 5 ай бұрын

Yeah, similar to what we talked about on this 2013, you'll want to check it out and make sure it's been serviced well and doesn't have any issues.

@snowboarddan5899 11 ай бұрын

Also the fact that you mention if you want a fast car buy the ATS V why did they bother making that v6. 2.0t amd 2.5.... They should have only made one engine for this one and the V series

@PRNTestDrive 11 ай бұрын

GM wanted to have options for buyers, some people especially the typical type of Cadillac buyer were put off by small displacement engines, meanwhile the younger buyers who were coming from the German brands wanted that turbo option.

@paulcondie2520 8 ай бұрын

ATS V has a heftier price tag!

@daverbgoode8560 Жыл бұрын

Does the 2014 2.5 have snow mode ?

@ezraboren2069 11 ай бұрын

It does. I own one and it has touring, sport, and snow/ice

@adamhayden5152 Жыл бұрын

Nah, buy the 2.0t and turn the power up. Tons of aftermarket support my tuner had his up to 487hp 510tq at wheel with meth injection, downpipe, afe intake and upgraded stock frame turbo! Insane!!

@PRNTestDrive Жыл бұрын

I certainly believe it!

@imagineeewowww6288 8 ай бұрын

2.0 turbos are not reliable at all

@Crusher103 7 ай бұрын

I have no doubts it will make that power, the question is for how long, I can guarantee with the stock bottom end it will not make it past a few months lol

@user-wh8lr1id2y 4 ай бұрын

How do you use the climate control

@PRNTestDrive 4 ай бұрын

The buttons are touch-sensitive, but are prone to failure. If you press them and nothing happens then you'll have to replace the hvac control unit.

@johnwhitneykokalis9990 5 ай бұрын

By the way the ATS Premium with the V6 will hold its own on the track with the magnetic shocks, and limited slip differential brembo brakes, and the track cooling upgrade. It's well balanced and can pull 1g in the corners and can top out at 156 mph. Pretty racy in my book.

@PRNTestDrive 5 ай бұрын

I imagine it can!

@treyjohnson1728 6 ай бұрын

How dependable are these vehicles found one for 8k with 80k miles . We have 3 kids just got approved . So somebody help!

@PRNTestDrive 6 ай бұрын

80k mi sounds pretty good overall, we’ve had some owners chime in down in the comments with their thoughts. We always recommend having a mechanical inspection, and if the service history is available it can go a long way.

@marccrotty8447 5 ай бұрын

Trey. I bought a 2013 ATS 3.6L new. Have driven 40k miles in 10+ years. Very pleased with car. The touch screen went out which i repaired myself fot $100 (dealer wanted $1800). The third brake light went out under warranty. There was a simple recall for the electric steering (resealed fasteners). I changed the transmission fluid (Dexron VI) myself at 25k miles. Will do this again at 41k miles. The factory interval is 45k miles for a full exchange. Had an emissions code (P0421) which i fixed myself (engine cover rubbed against an emissions vac line and created a pin hole leak.) Highly recommended.

@johnnyjoe214 5 күн бұрын

Did you buy it @treyjohnson1728

@MichaelOKeefe2009 11 ай бұрын

The Cadillac ATS...Also known as the Cadillac Alpha.

@PRNTestDrive 10 ай бұрын

That it is!

@allencampbell1058 4 ай бұрын

Is this car great for beginners and reliable on maintenance or expensive

@PRNTestDrive 4 ай бұрын

There are certainly worse options out there. You'll still need to budget for higher repair and maintenance costs than if you went with a Honda Civic or Toyota Corolla, but it also helps finding a good example to buy.

@johnnyjoe214 5 күн бұрын

The repair cost at Cadillac service center are way crazy! $$$$!! Obviously you can always DIY for way less, mostly cost of parts plus your time. Otherwise it can be a good option for beginner car if it has low miles. Low as in under 30-50k. Which is nearly impossible to find for this specific car.

@noahc6246 Жыл бұрын

I just paid 7k for a 2016 with 76k rebuilt title from a fender bender

@PRNTestDrive Жыл бұрын

If you're planning on holding onto it and not so much about resale value then why not! Enjoy it!

@boogernut513 11 ай бұрын

Sounds like you got yourself a steal. How is the car holding up? Thinking of getting one too

@descent0_076 8 ай бұрын

@@boogernut513you ever get one?

@NoPavementNoProblem Жыл бұрын

Xenon was available

@PRNTestDrive Жыл бұрын

That’s what I ended up finding after filming, there aren’t many ATS’ for sale but it seems it was available by 2017 or so.

@josephboyd5219 Ай бұрын

What the price$ how much?

@PRNTestDrive 29 күн бұрын

This one was listed for about $20k CAD.

@mxlman26 10 ай бұрын

It's been said that 3.6 ENGINE is Bad... is that true?

@PRNTestDrive 10 ай бұрын

We've heard from some commenters that the 2.0T was the better option, however the Service Manager at the local GM dealership loves the 3.6L engine on this, and I trust his expertise.

@FPSGrinchy 5 ай бұрын

Had one in my impala 230k miles and it’s still driving, the quietest motor I ever had

@alpappalardi7044 9 күн бұрын

I got the ATS PERFORMANCE in 2013. I believe I got one of the very first of the line with new change . Well ends up from Mary’s Barra’s office who called me personally when they seen the LAWSUIT after it broke down over 21 times . Everything from steering to brakes , it was in the service center more than my garage . Without question the worst car I ever had. They offered me any CADI except the Escalade. Or every dollar back with interest . After 35 years with Cadi. I took the money and went to Lexus. Cadillac lost it identity , and lost me also

@PRNTestDrive 8 күн бұрын

Sorry to hear about the problems you had with yours.

@theworldisyours9097 11 ай бұрын

Why they don't make such a sweet cars anymore?

@PRNTestDrive 11 ай бұрын

Luckily Cadillac still has two sedans in their lineup, the CT4 is the successor to this and feels similar in a lot of ways.

@mattschmerbeck8375 11 ай бұрын

Because even though they look beautiful, they have poor sales and poor projected reliability with a lot of buyerr complaints. So they fail and get discontinued.