Hi I am thinking of selling my '05 corvette C6 and getting a 2004 Cadillac XLR. I am still not sure so has anyone owned Both C6 & XLR so he could compare them in means of practicality, dependability and so on?


Also do the 2004 XLR's have cooled seats? if not at what year did they add this option?

Thanx

My widebody C6:
http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p174/Q8Knight/_MG_3544.jpg

Vs.

XLR??
http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p174/Q8Knight/2004-Cadillac-XLR-Sunset-1280x960.jpg

All XLRs have cooled seats. That's about all I can tell you.

We had a C5 Corvette prior to having XLR's. The XLR have the features of the Corvette (HUD, etc) plus the Cadillac items such as navigation, voice command, heated and cooled seats, plus the retractable hard top versus the manual soft top. There are millions of Corvettes, but only a few thousand XLRs. We see Corvettes every day, but XLRs are still a novelty.

We liked our Corvettes, but we love our XLRs.

We had a C5 Corvette prior to having XLR's. The XLR have the features of the Corvette (HUD, etc) plus the Cadillac items such as navigation, voice command, heated and cooled seats, plus the retractable hard top versus the manual soft top. There are millions of Corvettes, but only a few thousand XLRs. We see Corvettes every day, but XLRs are still a novelty.

We liked our Corvettes, but we love our XLRs.

Ditto!

Floyd

I have driven both Corvettes and XLRs for a long time. They are two very different cars from many aspects. Yes, besides a few details, the frame is the same as a Corvette but the comparision stops there. Almost everything on the XLR besides the frame are Cadillac parts.

XLR has a different powertrain, suspension, interior, seats, etc, etc, etc.

Corvette is a fantastic high performance car with unbeatable price/performance ratio while XLR is sophisticated, hard top convertible, quiet. As the previous poster said. It is an exclusive car that stands out for it's rarity.

Corvette is the best buy for the money. XLR gets you in a different club.

XLRs had cooled seat from day 1. Less storage space than Corvette (Except for convertible Corvette) Less leg room (to be considered if you are more than 6 feet tall). There are some previous posts about buying an 04. You may want to read that too

SilverX

.... There are some previous posts about buying an 04. You may want to read that too

SilverX


Yeah, I think the posts boil down to .... Don't! :banghead

Buy '05 and up .... the more up the better ....!!

RA

Yeah, I think the posts boil down to .... Don't! :banghead

Buy '05 and up .... the more up the better ....!!

RA


Why are you a 2004 owner? if so what went wrong with your XLR?

The one I have an eye on is a Grey '04 XLR with 50K mile on, how much does yours have?

Owner just replaced the radiator and fuel pump a month ago, what are common repairs XLR owners do to theirs, and what problems do the '04's have that other models dont?

Thanx

Yes, Lola's Mom is an '04 owner, so she speaks from experience.

Remember, '04 was the first year, many first-year model cars experience growing pains, the XLR was no different. Some people on this Forum had very few problems with their '04s, some, on the other hand, have wanted to blow their brains out!

Many '04s still haven't gotten all the bugs out. If you browse the Forum you'll read of many problems, you mentioned the radiator, yes, that was one of the BIG problems, replacement consisted of swapping out the stock radiator with the one used in the "V."

Possibly with as many miles on the one you've been considering all/most of the problems have been remedied--maybe not. . .

Without making this post a book you'd do yourself a huge favor to not buy older than '06 as many of the problems weren't caught in the '05s, especially early-built.

Spend an hour or so reading, it will be enlightening.

I wish you the best in whatever you decide.

Floyd

One thing I forgot to mention--extended warranties. I think it would be fairly safe to say that not many of we owners would own this car without some type of warranty. If you buy used you'd be well advised to purchase an XLR that has been Certified. That is probably the only sensible thing to do, a Certified car has a great warranty. It's very possible that the $$$$ you spend on repairs would have allowed you to start with a new model.

Again, good luck,
Floyd

I went from an '05 C6 coupe to the '06 XLR-V. Gave up the rather stiff 6 speed manual, storage space and MP3 capability on the NAV. In exchange I got a smooth shifting 6 speed automatic and quieter ride but gave up a lot of storage space and MP3 capability. Handling goes to the C6 as does performance but the margin is very small.

I was actually thinking about going back to a C6...but in a convertible. Haven't done so for several reasons...number 1 is the XLR's great hard top and number 2 (unfortunately) is the lousy resale value.

With under 10K miles the car is still nearly showroom new. I got a great deal on it new (bought January 07). The XLR for '09 has barely noticeable changes and the C6 just hasn't improved enough to go back.

I vote for the XLR-V...

We have owned both. We lemoned our 04 XLR and replaced it with a 05 C6. From a performance perspective, the C6 is ahead of the XLR. I found the C6 seats more comfortable and adjustable, and they both heat; only the XLR cools. The ride of the XLR is a bit more refined, but the steering not nearly as crisp. They both had HUD's, but the C6 Hud is far superior, including the fact it is less affected by polarized sunglasses.

Like others said, two different cars aimed at two different markets.

With that said, we now have an 07 XLR. It's a nice car but it also spend too much time in the shop for what we paid for it. I know, others will tell all of the XLR's competitors spend time in the shop - and that may be true; but all that tells me is if Cadliiac wanted to be as good as their competitors - they succeeded.

My C6 was a daily driver that never went back to the shop in its lifetime except to replace the top which seperated like all of the early C6's did. Our 04 XLR spent more time in the shop than on the road and our 07 is not starting out much better.

We have owned both. We lemoned our 04 XLR and replaced it with a 05 C6. From a performance perspective, the C6 is ahead of the XLR. I found the C6 seats more comfortable and adjustable, and they both heat; only the XLR cools. The ride of the XLR is a bit more refined, but the steering not nearly as crisp. They both had HUD's, but the C6 Hud is far superior, including the fact it is less affected by polarized sunglasses.

Like others said, two different cars aimed at two different markets.

With that said, we now have an 07 XLR. It's a nice car but it also spend too much time in the shop for what we paid for it. I know, others will tell all of the XLR's competitors spend time in the shop - and that may be true; but all that tells me is if Cadliiac wanted to be as good as their competitors - they succeeded.

My C6 was a daily driver that never went back to the shop in its lifetime except to replace the top which seperated like all of the early C6's did. Our 04 XLR spent more time in the shop than on the road and our 07 is not starting out much better.

Why do the XLR's go back to the shop so more often than C6's!?! They are both built at the same factory line why are they so different in reliability?:confused

Why do the XLR's go back to the shop so more often than C6's!?! They are both built at the same factory line why are they so different in reliability?:confused

$64.00 question--er $80,000-$100,000 question!!!

Floyd

Why do the XLR's go back to the shop so more often than C6's!?! They are both built at the same factory line why are they so different in reliability?:confused

First of all - the cars are not built on the same factory line. The only thing they share in the factory is space. XLR's are virtually hand-assembled. They have a separate line. No robots handling them ... the line is manual and it can take 3 days to mfg about 8 of them, whereas Corvettes come off of their line at the rate of about 25 a day. I'm pretty sure I've stated all of this correctly ... I know that anyone that was at R2 last year will be quick to correct me ;)

Second - when we bought Lola (an '04) ... she was less than 2 years old .... 1 of 2 resale XLR's that we could even locate at the time here in San Diego. We did not do our homework before we look the leap ... We just fell in love with her and wrote the check. We have, and her history now shows, that she has suffered every possible textbook ailment the '04 had. She is going back into the shop this week ... :cry

Everyone on this forum is giving you excellent advice. I will just add one thing .... have your dealer run a work history report on the car .... if it is about 4 pages long like Lola's .... look further. Be patient ... you will find your perfect car and you will not be sorry. As much of a PITA Lola is we still love her.

RA

P.S. What are you asking for the 'vette???
..

I could be wrong, but I believe I remember them saying the production per day was "130-150 Vettes & 8 XLRs."

Floyd

I don't know if I misundertood what you said, but the XLR heats and cools.
And new XLR buyer stay away from the 04, mine went back as a lemon.We have owned both. We lemoned our 04 XLR and replaced it with a 05 C6. From a performance perspective, the C6 is ahead of the XLR. I found the C6 seats more comfortable and adjustable, and they both heat; only the XLR cools. The ride of the XLR is a bit more refined, but the steering not nearly as crisp. They both had HUD's, but the C6 Hud is far superior, including the fact it is less affected by polarized sunglasses.

Like others said, two different cars aimed at two different markets.

With that said, we now have an 07 XLR. It's a nice car but it also spend too much time in the shop for what we paid for it. I know, others will tell all of the XLR's competitors spend time in the shop - and that may be true; but all that tells me is if Cadliiac wanted to be as good as their competitors - they succeeded.

My C6 was a daily driver that never went back to the shop in its lifetime except to replace the top which seperated like all of the early C6's did. Our 04 XLR spent more time in the shop than on the road and our 07 is not starting out much better.

I could be wrong, but I believe I remember them saying the production per day was "130-150 Vettes & 8 XLRs."

Floyd

This is where we need SilverX .... c'mon, J.P. .... Got stats?????

I don't know if I misundertood what you said, but the XLR heats and cools.
And new XLR buyer stay away from the 04, mine went back as a lemon.

That's what he said, Bobbbo. . .

Floyd

Floyd,
I get it now, it's all in how you read it, at least for this old dude.
boboThat's what he said, Bobbbo. . .

Floyd

Current XLRs production = 1 car per hour.
Current Corvette production = 18.5 cars per hour.

and besides a few brackets, the frame is very similar to a Corvette. The frame assembly line is common to Corvette and XLR. The rest of the XLR assembly is done in separate part of the plant.

SilverX


This is where we need SilverX .... c'mon, J.P. .... Got stats?????

Current XLRs production = 1 car per hour.
Current Corvette production = 18.5 cars per hour.

and besides a few brackets, the frame is very similar to a Corvette. The frame assembly line is common to Corvette and XLR. The rest of the XLR assembly is done in separate part of the plant.

SilverX

I just knew I could count on you! Thanks for putting it out here..... :thumbs
See you soon!

RA

New XLR buyer stay away from the 04, mine went back as a lemon.


Why does everybody say 04's are bad? I mean it has the same engine and mechanical parts as an '05, or is more the electronics going crazy what is it with this car?

I have test driven the 2004 XLR and went to the dealer with it to hook it up on the computer to see its status. The results were:

Engine=80%
Gearbox=Fine
Chassis=Fine
Differential=Fine
Front shocks=May need replacement
Rear Shocks=Fine

Dealer told me the owner replaced the radiator and fuel pump last month, other than that no major repairs were done to the vehicle. The car always had regular service and is in good shape.

What do you gus think? The only problems I noticed while test driving it was the check engine light came on after abut 10 miles when I came back from the dealer and the message "Check gas cap" came on the DIC but when I opened and closed the fuel cap the message went away but the check engine light stayed. And the spedometer was in MPH while the HUD was in Km/h.

Other than that everything else worked fine.

Car had the "Satin Nickel" exterior (Anyone have a pic of that color) and shale interior with 50K miles for fairly good price.

I dont know what to do:confused

The only recalls for the 2004's I found where these:

http://www.lemonauto.com/complaints/gm/cadillac_xlr.htm

Who said all the parts are the same???

You haven't read all the many posts herein regarding replaced parts.

As I've stated earlier I, and many here, wouldn't purchase this car (especially an '04) unless it came Certified. Have the dealer certify the car--if he dares! (Is this a Cadillac dealer?)

If Certified, the only grief you'll encounter are the (most likely) many trips to the service dept. At least it won't cost you any out-of-pocket $$$$!

There are many XLRs for sale, take a look at all the listings on eBay for example. '05s can be had for somewhere in the high $30,000 range, I doubt the car you're considering is much cheaper--maybe it is, you haven't mentioned the price of "your" '04.

Floyd

Q8knight, you just answered your own question with your great check up on that web site you went to.
Keep in mind you just drove it once and things where cropping up like corn in Nebraska.
You may be getting a good price for this 04 but you'll pay in the end. 06 and up is the only way to stay out of trouble and there's trouble with these too.
I would suggest you buy a Vette, unless you willing to spend a ton of money on repairs and your car is at the dealers more than it's in your garage.
You have done some good homework on this car, now listen to what you found out.
BoboWhy does everybody say 04's are bad? I mean it has the same engine and mechanical parts as an '05, or is more the electronics going crazy what is it with this car?

I have test driven the 2004 XLR and went to the dealer with it to hook it up on the computer to see its status. The results were:

Engine=80%
Gearbox=Fine
Chassis=Fine
Differential=Fine
Front shocks=May need replacement
Rear Shocks=Fine

Dealer told me the owner replaced the radiator and fuel pump last month, other than that no major repairs were done to the vehicle. The car always had regular service and is in good shape.

What do you gus think? The only problems I noticed while test driving it was the check engine light came on after abut 10 miles when I came back from the dealer and the message "Check gas cap" came on the DIC but when I opened and closed the fuel cap the message went away but the check engine light stayed. And the spedometer was in MPH while the HUD was in Km/h.

Other than that everything else worked fine.

Car had the "Satin Nickel" exterior (Anyone have a pic of that color) and shale interior with 50K miles for fairly good price.

I dont know what to do:confused

The only recalls for the 2004's I found where these:

http://www.lemonauto.com/complaints/gm/cadillac_xlr.htm

Don't you find it just a little unusual that an "04 has already had it's radiator and fuel pump repaired? At such low mileage? And a trouble light is on? Wouldn't that sort of make you just a wee bit leery?? Did the dealer just tell you that it hasn't had any other repairs, or did you actually see the work history for yourself. If we had been more XLR savvy, and had the advice you have been given (but you seem very skeptical of :skep ) .... we certainly would not have been in such a hurry to buy our car. At any price. I have spent more time and gas running to and from the dealership than you could possibly imagine. It is a good thing that I don't work, and have the time to do this. Don't be in such a rush .... remember you get what you pay for. I wonder why, if the car is so great, why the owner gave it up .... have you run a CarFax?? Could be worth the $$ in the long run. That's my last two cents.

Ruth Ann

Ruthy.......................I think he wants this car so bad he's not willing to listen...........Why would we try to steer him away from the 04, what do we have to gain.
BoboDon't you find it just a little unusual that an "04 has already had it's radiator and fuel pump repaired? At such low mileage? And a trouble light is on? Wouldn't that sort of make you just a wee bit leery?? Did the dealer just tell you that it hasn't had any other repairs, or did you actually see the work history for yourself. If we had been more XLR savvy, and had the advice you have been given (but you seem very skeptical of :skep ) .... we certainly would not have been in such a hurry to buy our car. At any price. I have spent more time and gas running to and from the dealership than you could possibly imagine. It is a good thing that I don't work, and have the time to do this. Don't be in such a rush .... remember you get what you pay for. I wonder why, if the car is so great, why the owner gave it up .... have you run a CarFax?? Could be worth the $$ in the long run. That's my last two cents.

Ruth Ann

This may be a sign of some other issues with the car... :skep



. And the spedometer was in MPH while the HUD was in Km/h.

In order I had a C5, an 05 XLR, a C6, and an 06 XLR-V--plus 4 Vipers.

Vettes were about as reliable or unreliable as the Caddies--too many finicky gadgets. The Caddies had better fit and finish, but the V I just sold was not a$100K car (glad I paid $77K new)

XlR is a beautiful sports car--IMO better looking than any Benz or Bimmer. GM just has decide to step up to the plate and make a world class car. It does not have one now.

I love Vipers but dollar for dollar the Vette is the best deal in all carworld

I've had a C5 and C6 vette, and bought my 06 XLR in Jan of 07. I've had a few problems with the top, but , nothing major and the dealer jumped thru hoops to insure I was satisfied. All in all, the car is a delight to own and drive. I would recomend going with an 06 or newer, but I have a friend who recently bought an 05 and he's pretty happy with it. He also has a c5 vett. Any car can be a problem, my c6 vette was a nightmare, only kept it for 5 months, and to take it to the dealer was terrible. You would have thought it was a $10K Kia, the way they took care of you. Anyway, the great thing is that you won't see yourself on every corner as you do in the vette. Whether the vette or the xlr, always have an extended warranty. Good luck and if you do buy the xlr, you'll be stopped constantly by people that want to look at it and talk to you about it.
Bill (ocool)

I have had both a C6 and Xlr (a few of each) if I had to choose one I would choose the C6. Both are great but if you are a vette guy you will always miss it when one drives by.

The problem with the XLR is its very comfy but not sporty enough. I suggest a new C6 with the F55 magnetic ride control - it makes all the difference. I was ready to dump my Z51 vette until I got the F55.

Either way they are both great cars.

I just checked with the dealer and it turns out all the recall problems have already been fixed. Also I asked about the HUD problem and they told me its a simple programing fix.

I believe we here on the Forum have spoken, now it's totally up to you. . .

Floyd

I believe we here on the Forum have spoken, now it's totally up to you. . .

Floyd



Yeah thanx everyone for your help, I'll see what I will do.

Satin Nickel is just such a great color, to bad its only available for 04's:
This is XLRAT's XLR:
http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p174/Q8Knight/Ourkid2.jpg

Sorry, I don't have time to be thorough, and I apologize to any XLR owners that are offended by this post.

The cars are aimed, arguably erroneously, at totally different markets.

Because fewer XLRs are made (and, also arguably, get less attention from GM), it takes longer to get the bugs out. Obviously, the XLR is more complex and therefore more subject to problems. Extended warranties would be extremely useful, but an un-Certified '04 would only be eligible for a third-party plan, and those can be problems in and of themselves. Check with your dealer to see which ones they honor, if any.

Both the '05 C6 and the '04 XLR were first-year cars. The further into the model, the fewer the bugs, but in the final analysis, it comes down to the specific car you're considering. Not every car of either make has problems, and I haven't seen anything in your posts that would disqualify the car or that couldn't be explained fairly easily. I seem to remember some radiator issues early on.

As a car for hard driving, that year XLR lacks a rear antiroll bar, but they can be added. Without one, it yaws terribly compared to the vette, and the XLR seats have little side support. The earlier-style transmission (similar to your C6, iirc) is programmed to keep the car out of low revs, and it will sometimes hunt for gears on uneven terrain.

The engine, although a bit buzzy compared to the torque-laden vette motors that can operate all day at under 1400rpm, has sufficient power and torque to do the job at low revs, but the shift parameters are too narrow and the revs are kept unnecessarily high, imo. Even in sport mode, some quirks remain.

IIRC, both of the years cited have the prior-generation transmission. I have no idea why the vette's magnetic ride is selective and the XLR's isn't. The next generation on the '08 XLRs is a step forward, but it's still not selectable.

The vette HUD is more oriented toward car workings than the XLR.

Most of the colors overlap: satin nickel is the C5 pewter, iirc.

Drive a lot of XLR's over a wide variety of roads. They vary widely in condition and tightness. They're both great cars, but they're not the same car.

Q8, or anyone.....can't you just switch it from KM/HR to MI/HR with the menu?

Q8, or anyone.....can't you just switch it from KM/HR to MI/HR with the menu?

Gambler, sure you can but you have to go over the menu!

I prefer the engish/metric button on my STS V, no menu, no nothing just push the button.

Hans

It's menu driven however, both analog and digital speedometer should change at the same time. Not just the HUD. :skep

SilverX

Q8, or anyone.....can't you just switch it from KM/HR to MI/HR with the menu?

I must have blind, dumb luck, but I traded my 04 Corvette convertible in on a 04 XLR without any knowledge of this forum or the blighted history of the 04 XLR. I must say, I haven't a single regret. My 04 XLR, which had only 8500 miles and now has 13,500 has been flawless. Not a single problem. Maybe the original owner had problems and fixed them all. From my personal experience I would not hesitate to buy another 04. No hard luck story here, thank God!

I had an 04 for a year and had no problems. Very pleased and just bought a mid production (April) 05 with 6K on the clock. Yes it is certified. I can remember back to my Benz days I would say "I can afford a new Benz, just not a used one. The repairs will kill you!"

Hey everyone.............Look whose baaaaaaaaaaaaaack. That will teach you to buy a Ford.:banghead
BoboI had an 04 for a year and had no problems. Very pleased and just bought a mid production (April) 05 with 6K on the clock. Yes it is certified. I can remember back to my Benz days I would say "I can afford a new Benz, just not a used one. The repairs will kill you!"

I have the XLR with Z06 C6 wheels :) but other then that, no sadly.

http://okaymatt.com/xlr/004.jpg

I had an 04 for a year and had no problems. Very pleased and just bought a mid production (April) 05 with 6K on the clock. Yes it is certified. I can remember back to my Benz days I would say "I can afford a new Benz, just not a used one. The repairs will kill you!"

Hi Bill, where have you been all the time????????

Hans