GM is including our car in latest sales push. First time I have seen factory discounts
on XLRs.

" $1,500 GM owner loyalty purchase cash or $750 GM owner loyalty lease cash on STS and the powerful XLR Roadster¹"

The way these cars have depreciated, this $1,500 is a joke. It should be $15,000 especially on the V.
BoboGM is including our car in latest sales push. First time I have seen factory discounts
on XLRs.

" $1,500 GM owner loyalty purchase cash or $750 GM owner loyalty lease cash on STS and the powerful XLR Roadster¹"

With the current production numbers as low as they are, the "refreshing" of XLRs using different colors and chrome trim to raise the price, the backlog of cars on the lots, and plenty of low milage XLRs available for a song, I wouldn't be surprised if this car goes the way of the dodo. Look at the CTS. Cadillac started out with a pretty decent car, and really buffed it up with the introduction of this year's model. They created a unique interior that takes a back seat to nothing in its class. It won the Motor Trend "Car of the Year" and is selling very strong. Its "V" model should generate a lot of excitement when it arrives in a few months. (I've got a 2004 XLR and CTS-V so I'm familiar with the strengths and weaknesses of both vehicles.)

The XLR is a nice car, no doubt. But is it worth the MSRP? I think not. Not yet anyway. Factor in depreciation and it gets uglier than Britney Spears on the McDonald's Diet Plan real fast. GM can say, "We're selling XLRs at >100%" when they've actually cut production waaaay back. Columbian drug lords can juggle numbers better than that.

My advice to GM is, read these forums, listen to the people who drive these cars every day who have more than a few good ideas to make them better, and keep improving the vehicle with substantial changes. Quit trying to copy the Germans and build uniquely American cars that break the mold and give the consumer an alternative that befits the Cadillac moniker. There are still plenty of "firsts" left to create and implement. Don't follow, lead! And lead far enough ahead that you never have to look over your shoulder!!

The majority of the professional XLR reviews I read consistently knock the interior. In four years, the biggest changes to the base car have been, a heated steering wheel, six-speed tranny, moveable headlights, dual setting MRC and a few colors. Other than wood and HUD color, interior changes have been nada. I think major changes waiting until the 2012 timeframe is a bit long. This car could be extinct by then. (I sure hope I'm wrong!)

Just my .02. What do you think?

CCC :)

CCC
I think the car will go the way of the Allante. The only good thing about the XLR is that some of the components are common with the Corvette so parts may not be as difficult to come by as on the Allantes.

I think your Allante comment is a pretty good analogy. Parts prices aren't too bad at the moment. My hydraulic pump/manifold needs to be replaced (out of warranty.) A new unit was something like $1534 and a new switch was $89. I got home and checked prices on gmpartsdirect using the supplied part numbers from the dealership, and was able to save over $600! I called the Service Manager and asked him why I should pay them msrp when I can get the same part cheaper. He agreed and said he would warranty the workmanship but not the part, which was fine with me.

Which brings up another subject: There's been a lot of discussion on the forum about the true value of extendo-warranties, and you really have to read the fine print or you can give a lot of money away with little return. I got a few quotes online awhile back and am still getting lots of follow-up emails looking for my business --such is the profit margin on warranties. Caveat emptor! Even the GM extended (not the original bumper-to-bumper) warranty states the top (and its mechanical components) aren't covered. From a practicality standpoint, it actually makes more sense for me to buy the Tech II scan tool ($4200) and do the diagnostics/repairs myself using the shop manual. At least at the end of the warranty period, I'd have a tool rather than a piece of paper that may or may not have been used. You can't even pull the seats out safely without disabling the restraint system, and you'll need the tool (or low impact crash) to do it. (Sorry, I got way off topic there.) Short pause. . . Okay:

As far as the car's production goes, there was a related thread quoting GM officials as saying " . . . it's a seasonal car." This is after they said as of last Aug. that they wanted to ramp up production, rather than cut it way back as is the case now. A lot can happen in a few month's time. Let's hope the next few months end on a positive production note. Otherwise. . . well, let's not go there just yet, eh?

CCC

The only way to drive a XLRv or XLR is to lease. I purchased a new 04 XLR at list, but was able to get out of several years ago and did not get hurt that bad. Fortunatley my 06 XLRv is a lease... I am so glad that's what I did. I have at least limited my downside. I hope they continue the car since I have be able to drive it to it's limits at the Caddy Perf School...It is one great car!!!
I sure wish it was selling better.

I have stated this many times, the ONLY warranties you should ever get on an XLR is one of two choices.

1 - GM Major Guard - all the tops mechanical components are covered. Must be purchased within the original 4/50,000 from time of delivery.

2 - Cadillac Certified - The new car warranty extended. Must be purchased at time of delivery of a pre-driven that was still under the original 4/50,000

If a dealer tries to convince you to purchase anything other than above. I would seriously question their integrity regarding the purchase itself.

www.Cadillac-XLR.com (http://www.Cadillac-XLR.com)

Thanks
Allen

I think it is a bit strong to question the integrity of a dealer based on the type of warranty they offer for sale, unless they misrepresent it from the gitgo.

We all know the coverage and limitations of the two warranty programs (GM Major Guard & Cadillac Certified) however if a dealer wishes to offer an alternative warranty and a customer decides to buy it - that is a matter of personal choice, not an integrity issue unless the dealer tells you his after-market program is as good or exceeds the two warranty programs listed above.

Come on Allen, let's be real here - that's how car saleman, finance manager/directors and dealerships make their living.

Buyers need to do their homework and assume their dealer is in it for the money - and there is nothing wrong with that, it is the American way!

Also - in today's soft market, if you are paying more than $100 over the actual cost of the warranty, you are getting porked - plain and simple. All you need to do is shop around. Take the price any dealer offers and spend a few hours on the phone, you will find a dealer who wants to make a sale, your end will be hundreds less than originally quoted, maybe more.

With the current production numbers as low as they are, the "refreshing" of XLRs using different colors and chrome trim to raise the price, the backlog of cars on the lots, and plenty of low milage XLRs available for a song, I wouldn't be surprised if this car goes the way of the dodo. Look at the CTS. Cadillac started out with a pretty decent car, and really buffed it up with the introduction of this year's model. They created a unique interior that takes a back seat to nothing in its class. It won the Motor Trend "Car of the Year" and is selling very strong. Its "V" model should generate a lot of excitement when it arrives in a few months. (I've got a 2004 XLR and CTS-V so I'm familiar with the strengths and weaknesses of both vehicles.)

The XLR is a nice car, no doubt. But is it worth the MSRP? I think not. Not yet anyway. Factor in depreciation and it gets uglier than Britney Spears on the McDonald's Diet Plan real fast. GM can say, "We're selling XLRs at >100%" when they've actually cut production waaaay back. Columbian drug lords can juggle numbers better than that.

My advice to GM is, read these forums, listen to the people who drive these cars every day who have more than a few good ideas to make them better, and keep improving the vehicle with substantial changes. Quit trying to copy the Germans and build uniquely American cars that break the mold and give the consumer an alternative that befits the Cadillac moniker. There are still plenty of "firsts" left to create and implement. Don't follow, lead! And lead far enough ahead that you never have to look over your shoulder!!

The majority of the professional XLR reviews I read consistently knock the interior. In four years, the biggest changes to the base car have been, a heated steering wheel, six-speed tranny, moveable headlights, dual setting MRC and a few colors. Other than wood and HUD color, interior changes have been nada. I think major changes waiting until the 2012 timeframe is a bit long. This car could be extinct by then. (I sure hope I'm wrong!)

Just my .02. What do you think?

CCC :)


Dude, I SERIOUSLY hope you are gong to RIII! I'm dying to meet you, since we share the same opinions!!!!!!!!

PS Let's share the cost of a TECH II with the CANDI interface!

CCClarke,,,,,, Has come up with some good points on a lot of his posts!!! Good to have someone like him on this fourm! Welcome aboard!!

Chad

[quote=homegameroom;30548]Dude, I SERIOUSLY hope you are gong to RIII! I'm dying to meet you, since we share the same opinions!!!!!!!! quote]

Amen! :yesnod I second that...:thumbs

The pleasure is all mine. I enjoy sharing and learning from each and every one of you. And that's the whole point of these forums, right?!

CC :yesnod

I was aware of most all the points Mr. Clark has spoken about. I bought my X for many reasons. The most important reason was at 50 feet. You stand back 50 feet from this car, look at it and then tell me all the things you don't like about it and I won't hear you. Like I said a couple of weeks ago, while in Osage Beach, after coming out of a store, I had 10 people standing around my X. After putting the top down, one woman hit her husband. Saying, "That's what I want". I love my wife and my car, both are not perfect, but I still love them. So there!:yesnod

I was aware of most all the points Mr. Clark has spoken about. I bought my X for many reasons. The most important reason was at 50 feet. You stand back 50 feet from this car, look at it and then tell me all the things you don't like about it and I won't hear you. Like I said a couple of weeks ago, while in Osage Beach, after coming out of a store, I had 10 people standing around my X. After putting the top down, one woman hit her husband. Saying, "That's what I want". I love my wife and my car, both are not perfect, but I still love them. So there!:yesnod

Well said, Galen!!! :thumbs :thumbs

Floyd

Today a man came to the office and introduced himself as being from a business across the street. He asked my secretary if he could take a picture of the 'red caddy out back'. I went to meet him. he said he sees my car every day and had been raving about it to his wife and brought his camera in so he could show her a picture. I constantly see people in other cars taking pictures with cell phones but this is first time anyone came to the door with a camera . The body style is 6 or 7 years old and you still get that kind of attention.
I love my xlr!!!

redv ,Ya the X is a hot car but my bet is he's from the IRS checkin on you! LOL

redv ,Ya the X is a hot car but my bet is he's from the IRS checkin on you! LOL

OOPS!!!! :eek

Next time you see him, tell him MotorBoat's is for sale ....

RA

I've lost count of how many times I've looked out a resturant window and watched as someone has taken cell phone photos of my XLR.

The most frequent draw is usually at grocery stores and gas stations. The wife has made it a game to open the trunk remotely as she returns to the car and watch the "covey" of men gathered around the car scatter............:glol

Ken,
Here's a good way to open the trunk when people are near you and the car. Have your fob hidden in your hand and say, "OPEN TRUNK". It's fun to watch the peoples mouth drop.
BoboI've lost count of how many times I've looked out a resturant window and watched as someone has taken cell phone photos of my XLR.

The most frequent draw is usually at grocery stores and gas stations. The wife has made it a game to open the trunk remotely as she returns to the car and watch the "covey" of men gathered around the car scatter............:glol

Ken,
Here's a good way to open the trunk when people are near you and the car. Have your fob hidden in your hand and say, "OPEN TRUNK". It's fun to watch the peoples mouth drop.
Bobo

Bobbbo,

I like it!!! :lol :thumbs

Floyd

With the current production numbers as low as they are, the "refreshing" of XLRs using different colors and chrome trim to raise the price, the backlog of cars on the lots, and plenty of low milage XLRs available for a song, I wouldn't be surprised if this car goes the way of the dodo. Look at the CTS. Cadillac started out with a pretty decent car, and really buffed it up with the introduction of this year's model. They created a unique interior that takes a back seat to nothing in its class. It won the Motor Trend "Car of the Year" and is selling very strong. Its "V" model should generate a lot of excitement when it arrives in a few months. (I've got a 2004 XLR and CTS-V so I'm familiar with the strengths and weaknesses of both vehicles.)

The XLR is a nice car, no doubt. But is it worth the MSRP? I think not. Not yet anyway. Factor in depreciation and it gets uglier than Britney Spears on the McDonald's Diet Plan real fast. GM can say, "We're selling XLRs at >100%" when they've actually cut production waaaay back. Columbian drug lords can juggle numbers better than that.

My advice to GM is, read these forums, listen to the people who drive these cars every day who have more than a few good ideas to make them better, and keep improving the vehicle with substantial changes. Quit trying to copy the Germans and build uniquely American cars that break the mold and give the consumer an alternative that befits the Cadillac moniker. There are still plenty of "firsts" left to create and implement. Don't follow, lead! And lead far enough ahead that you never have to look over your shoulder!!

The majority of the professional XLR reviews I read consistently knock the interior. In four years, the biggest changes to the base car have been, a heated steering wheel, six-speed tranny, moveable headlights, dual setting MRC and a few colors. Other than wood and HUD color, interior changes have been nada. I think major changes waiting until the 2012 timeframe is a bit long. This car could be extinct by then. (I sure hope I'm wrong!)

Just my .02. What do you think?

CCC :)

Greetings ccclarke,

I understand your comments and agree with your thoughts regarding improving the product. And the second generation CTS is an excellent example of improving a product in the next generation and raising the bar. However , where I cannot agree is in regard to Cadillac’s XLR, this luxury performance sports car is simply stunning. I purchased a 2005 XLR over Mercedes Benz’s SL500, Maserati’s Spyder and Jaguar’s XK8 (the previous generation model, the current XK was not available). All of the luxury performance sports cars have advantages over each other in one area or another, but they all are world class and for my requirements Cadillac’s XLR is best in class.

In my view sales results are what they are. And I have a different opinion regarding why sales are what they are for Cadillac’s XLR. First this luxury segment is small if you remove traditional sports cars such as Chevrolet’s Corvette and Porsche’s 911. Cadillac has several challenges in promoting its product portfolio and in particular the XLR. First the lack of continual marketing and advertisement, unless you are in the market for a Cadillac Escalade or CTS you would not know the Cadillac XLR exits. Second is product presentation through Cadillac dealerships, many of the dealerships look very old and tired and are in dire need of a face lift. And last is continual product improvement.

The reason I am so affirmative in regard to Cadillac’s XLR/XLR-V is in preparation to replace my 2005 XLR, I have spent the last six to nine months performing a detail evaluation of luxury brand model performance sports cars. The luxury performance sports cars that made my list are Aston Martin’s Vantage Coupe, Cadillac’s XLR/XLR –V, Jaguar’s XK/XKR and Mercedes- Benz’s SL 550/SL63 AMG. From a style and design perspective only two luxury performance sports made my list, Aston Martin’s Vantage Coupe and Cadillac’s XLR/XLR -V. These two luxury sports cars simply are the best looking to my eye and Cadillac’s XLR looks like nothing else on the road, simply superb. My first preference is Cadillac’s XLR/XLR-V and is one of the key reasons I want to see the 2009 XLR in person in Bowling Green in addition to meeting a group of wonderful people.

JLM

Where you will really see the differences between a Cadillac, an Aston Martin, a Jaguar and a Mercedes will be when you trade or sell your 2005 XLR.

Where you will really see the differences between a Cadillac, an Aston Martin, a Jaguar and a Mercedes will be when you trade or sell your 2005 XLR.

Yes, ..... but on the upside, he will meet over 100 wonderful people! ;)

RA

Let's party:party

Go Lakers
:party
Bobo
Kobe makes MVP

Yes, ..... but on the upside, he will meet over 100 wonderful people! ;)

RA

For those on this site who have been bitching about their car's value......take a look at the following link........not much difference that I can see.....
http://autos.msn.com/research/compare/default.aspx?v=m12575&v=m12636&v=m12784&v=m12876


PS, at the end of the day, my boss has a Mercedes SL500.....I am unimpressed.

For those on this site who have been bitching about their car's value......take a look at the following link........not much difference that I can see.....
http://autos.msn.com/research/compare/default.aspx?v=m12575&v=m12636&v=m12784&v=m12876


PS, at the end of the day, my boss has a Mercedes SL500.....I am unimpressed.


Bitching? Perhaps; but it's our right to do so. And I'm sure your boss is equally unimpressed by your choice of vehicles. That's what makes the world go round.

""Bitching? Perhaps; but it's our right to do so. And I'm sure your boss is equally unimpressed by your choice of vehicles. That's what makes the world go round.""

.......ahhh yes, my boss is bitching too....he wishes he hadn't sold me his XLR.

So sell it back to him and buy yourself a new one. Then both of you will be happy.

Where you will really see the differences between a Cadillac, an Aston Martin, a Jaguar and a Mercedes will be when you trade or sell your 2005 XLR.


Hi mswaim,

I did complete a Total Cost of Ownership and retained value is one of the elements, Cadillac's XLR is mid pack. From a TCO perspective, Cadillac's XLR and Jaguar's XK are estimated to be very close, followed by Mercedes-Benz's SL550 and Aston Martin's Vantage is estimated last with highest cost of ownership.

I understand the Trade In concern and to minimize the potential impact, in my case I selected GMAC's Smart Buy option to hedge any impact on retained value. With that option, Cadillac holds the risk on the majority of depreciation. With this option I can sell the car or simply return it back to Cadillac. And in my case I plan to return my 2005 XLR and order a 2009 XLR, with the only consideration being should I opt for a V Series.

JLM

Cost of ownership and retained value are two, entirely different numbers.

I realize all of us XLR owners hope for the best - but let's face it; over the last five years the XLR in real numbers has taken a tremendous beating compared to the MB, Jag, and certainly the Aston Martin.

With that said, if you are happy with your car , so be it. But bottom line, if you bought an Aston Martin in 2005 and decided to sell it; you would command and receive a higher return than an XLR owner making the same deal.

[QUOTE=mswaim;30934]Cost of ownership and retained value are two, entirely different numbers.

I realize all of us XLR owners hope for the best - but let's face it; over the last five years the XLR in real numbers has taken a tremendous beating compared to the MB, Jag, and certainly the Aston Martin.

With that said, if you are happy with your car , so be it. But bottom line, if you bought an Aston Martin in 2005 and decided to sell it; you would command and receive a higher return than an XLR owner making the same deal.


Hi mswaim,

I understand the perception and emotion regarding Retained Value (Depreciation). However, when it comes this area, there are basic strategies one can apply when you purchase your luxury car. First, as emotional as these purchases can be, it is important to remain unemotional regarding the fair market price for your new car. Second, take advantage of financial options, such as GMAC's SmartBuy to hedge future unknown market value of your new car. And finally take advantage of Incentives from manufactures/local and inventory overstock if applicable.

I used the term Total Cost of Ownership specifically in that Retained Value is a component of it. Retained Value is a key metric but only one of the elements in the Total Cost of Ownership of luxury cars. First as part of my evaluation I start with a broker service to purchase all of my luxury cars.

In my evaluation of comparative Retained Value (Depreciation) specifically of a 2008 Aston Martin Vantage with a 2008 Cadillac XLR-V, resulted in a 1-3 percent difference with the advantage to Aston Martin's Vantage. Remember, Retained Value is calculated from the actual purchase price, not list price. And depending on the market where you reside will have an impact as well.

In my case there was less discount on Aston Martin's Vantage compared to Cadillac's XLR-V and the financing was better on the Cadillac XLR-V than on the Aston Martin Vantage. GMAC offered a rate difference of 2.7 percent advantage over Citi for the Vantage.

So, basically it pays to do your home work and enjoy the process.

JLM

Below is an example of Ownership Cost from http://www.theautochannel.com/

In this example Cadillac's XLR-V shows on par within this segment with Jaguar's XKR rating slightly below Cadillac and Mercedes-Benz in Depreciation estimates.


State Connecticut Connecticut Connecticut
Year 2008 2008 2008
Make Cadillac Jaguar Mercedes-Benz
Model XLR XK SL Class
Series V XKR SL55
Trim 2D Convt/Hardtop 2D Coupe 2D Roadster
Segment Prestige Prestige Prestige
Market Price $88,777 $84,113 $129,300
Rating Good Good Good
Depreciation $57,368 $50,649 $80,625
Fees & Taxes $7,032 $5,452 $10,763
Finance $15,352 $14,317 $22,479
Fuel $14,279 $16,380 $17,684
Insurance $11,825 $11,454 $12,678
Opportunity Cost $10,634 $10,557 $14,025
Maintenance $5,944 $6,010 $5,063
Repairs $1,106 $2,073 $1,962
TOTAL $123,540 $116,892 $165,279