Unforeseen circumstances recently forced me into the market for a new vehicle (or one that was "new" to me, at least). My beloved but aging Volvo had developed a couple of unusual noises and, after a complete wellness check, I was informed by my mechanic that the necessary repairs would cost a small fortune. Given the already steeply declined value of the eight year old Volvo, we decided that it was time to retire my little Swedish buggy.
And so off to the local car lots we went, in search of a replacement. The choices available to buyers in the current automobile market have certainly come a long way since Henry Ford announced, regarding the Model T, that customers could have any color they wanted, so long as it was black. In fact, the range of makes, models, colors and other options is now almost overwhelmingly broad. My own search was thankfully narrowed by the fact that I desired a four-wheel drive SUV but, even in that vehicle class, there were dozens from which to choose.
We took a quick look at a few possibilities, all of which were just as quickly rejected. Then came a stop at the Cadillac dealership, where we struck gold (or, more accurately, silver). On that lot sat a shiny silver 2008 SRX, which is Cadillac's smaller SUV ("smaller" being a relative term, as the comparison is being made to the behemoth Escalade). The all wheel drive SRX we found was in perfect shape, had extremely low miles, and the price was more than right. It was close to love at first sight and, after a test drive, I was definitely head over heels.
While I had always associated Cadillacs with the stodgy, silver-haired country club set, the design of today's Cadillac models is far sleeker and edgier than those of yore. (On the other hand, perhaps my new-found appreciation of the brand is really due to my own advancing age, a fact I should just accept and move on). In any event, this beautiful vehicle now sits in our own driveway, and I could not be happier with the purchase.
While I hated to give up the turbo-charged power that hid under the hood of the Volvo, the Caddy's 255-horse V6 is pretty darn peppy, and the acceleration is responsive and smooth. "Responsive" can also be used to describe the way the SRX handles, and "smooth" is an understatement when it comes to the ride.
Safety was another feature that endeared the Volvo to me, but the SRX seems to be no slouch in that category either, with its front, side and roof airbags, stability control, traction control and the aforementioned all wheel drive.
Because it is a Cadillac, the vehicle's interior is of course super luxe, with buttery soft leather seats and gleaming woodgrain trim. The seats are heated, as is the steering wheel. (Yes, just what every girl needs.)
In terms of bells and whistles, the vehicle is truly loaded. My favorites are the 8-speaker Bose stereo system, with XM radio and 6-disc CD changer, the remote engine start, and what Cadillac terms the "ultra view" roof, which is a gigantic power sunroof that stretches over both sets of seats and - when open - practically transforms the car into a convertible.
Along with other expected amenities like outside thermometer, compass, heated mirrors, 8-way power seats with memory, and power rear liftgate, there is also a voice-activated cell phone system integrated into the steering wheel, an OnStar navigational system, and a trip computer that provides more information than I can ever imagine needing.
What I can imagine, however, is what a joy this vehicle will be to drive, whether it be on trips around town or journeys further afield. Having to give up the Volvo at this point was unexpected and, because I loved that car so, a bit sad, but the spiffy new SRX is certainly one heck of a consolation prize.
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