So after much thought I've decided to trade my Maserati Spyder for an '04 XLR. It's a bit of a downgrade, but I want something a little more practical without sacrificing power. I drove an '08 at the dealership the other day- loved it, but couldn't justify it for the money. However, from what I've found, I can get an '04 with about 40k on it for around $20,000 which is very reasonable.

I'm looking for some real world advice as to what I should expect with this car and what to look out for. I live in Hawaii and since I'm having a Miami dealership find the car for me and ship it to me I can't do a presales inspection. I've bought many cars in the past before like this- some great, some not so great. Since I won't be able to check it out in person what is the best way I can ensure I get a good car. The car will probably come from a Manheim auction so I doubt the dealer will even be able to thoroughly inspect it. Would you all advise against this or is it something I shouldn't worry about? I probably want to stick with a GM certified one or one thats being sold by GM and not some smoke.

Just wanted to get some advice. If this forum is anything like the 300C or Maserati forums I've been members of for years I know I'm in good hands.

Thanks

So after much thought I've decided to trade my Maserati Spyder for an '04 XLR. It's a bit of a downgrade, but I want something a little more practical without sacrificing power. I drove an '08 at the dealership the other day- loved it, but couldn't justify it for the money. However, from what I've found, I can get an '04 with about 40k on it for around $20,000 which is very reasonable.

I'm looking for some real world advice as to what I should expect with this car and what to look out for. I live in Hawaii and since I'm having a Miami dealership find the car for me and ship it to me I can't do a presales inspection. I've bought many cars in the past before like this- some great, some not so great. Since I won't be able to check it out in person what is the best way I can ensure I get a good car. The car will probably come from a Manheim auction so I doubt the dealer will even be able to thoroughly inspect it. Would you all advise against this or is it something I shouldn't worry about? I probably want to stick with a GM certified one or one thats being sold by GM and not some smoke.

Just wanted to get some advice. If this forum is anything like the 300C or Maserati forums I've been members of for years I know I'm in good hands.

Thanks
Welcome to the Forum!! We have some of the information you need here on your planned purchase.

I agree a GM Cerified car would be the best way to go. Also see if you can get a GM Service History Report and a CarFax on it. That way you will have most everything you need to make an informed decision.


A 2004 for $20k seems real low unless there is something else going on. I was thinking in the low $30's as a great deal and in good shape.

Be sure to turn up a XLR Certified mechanic over on the osland to work on the car. The uniqueness that it brings doesn't meet with too much sucess with "trial and error" mechanics. There is a GM Diagnostic machine that is part of the dealership where they have paid to have the mechanics certified to work on the cars. That goes a long way in correctly assessing whatis going on with the myrid of sensors and software that are an integrial part of these cars.

I too have an 2004 and am enjoying it very much!! It is every bit as good as a 2009 and peforms to my satisfaction without a lot of add on's.

Please look the information over on the site so you are familiar with all that the car offers.

Best Wishes

Jerry

Thanks for the reply Jerry. From what I can see a 2004 with about 30k-40k miles on it is selling on eBay/AutoTrader for mid 20's. If I buy one direct from the Manheim Auction I can get it for low 20's.

Theres one on there right now- a black on black with 51k thats being sold by GM at a Florida auction. The MMR on it is only $21,300.

With that being said I'm sure I can find one for low to mid 20's thats in decent shape. The only tough part now is going to be selling my '02 Maserati Spyder or trading it. The market isn't great right now and my car is selling for over $15k under its suggested value! If anyone on here knows anyone that wants it or would like to trade feel free to PM me.