[KevinTodd]

I will soon be in the market for a new (or pre-owned) vehicle and have been somewhat enamored by the impressive specs and positive reviews on both the CTS and the ATS.

I have test-driven them both, with several engine and tranny variants, and really like the manual.

My questions to those of you who have owned, or still own one of these are:

Are you happy with the 2.0 turbo w/ the manual on the CTS? It's the only way to get the stick without going to the CTS-V, which is approaching $80k, and I do not want to spend like that. Used is an option--I can get a low-mileage example for around $30k.

Is the performance of the 3.6 worth the extra expense?

Is the CTS or the ATS the better bargain in your opinion?

What is your overall opinion on the cars as a whole? The good, bad and ugly.

I've cross-tested against Audi, BMW, Mercedes, and have even driven a Genesis....which was actually extremely nice--but I can't get past the Hyundai name just quite yet as foolish as that may sound. I've owned all the others, too, and this would be my first American car purchase in over 20 years.


Don't hold back please!

Armchair Quarterbacks: please do not voice your opinion on this--if you haven't owned one your opinion is moot.

Thanks!