We have been looking at 06 and 07 cars in the 20-30k mile range 30-40 k$, then this 04 one owner 4500 miles showed up. He had all service recalls done, I will get all the service records available. I am re-reading all the existing posts here to learn about early car issues but am wondering what sitting in a garage idle would do for 6 years? He has a bad battery now and its not the first but that is to be expected. Any comments appreciated!

Dave

Hi Dave,

The first question that comes to mind is how long has it been sitting since the gas tank was last filled? Gas eventually goes bad and can become problematic within the fuel system if left sitting too long. If any of my cars sit for over three months, (-and sometimes they do if I'm on a long trip) I add fuel stabilizer.

Tires can "flatten" on the ground side slightly sitting for extended periods of time, but I think the stiffer run-flats hold up better than standard tires.

Other than that, the software needs to be updated to the latest revision (especially where the top is concerned -the first big rev was in '06 if I recall correctly.) The car needs a thorough going-over by a certified XLR tech to resolve any outstanding issues that may have cropped up while stored. Once rectified, the '04s are fine. You might drive away with a great deal!

CC :cheers

Dave:

CC is right. I would suggest you have your Cadillac dealership use the Cadillac Certified check list as a guide to go over your car (hopefully at the sellers expense) and then coupled with the Cadillac service history and a Carfax you could end up with a great car.

I really liked my 2004 Xenon Blue XLR. But because it was the first I had to adopt the "pioneer mentality" and pursue all of the enhancements that came out for the car. In the end, it was a reallly good car with all of the enhancements added.

Please let us know how this comes out.

Regards

Jerry

We have been looking at 06 and 07 cars in the 20-30k mile range 30-40 k$, then this 04 one owner 4500 miles showed up. He had all service recalls done, I will get all the service records available. I am re-reading all the existing posts here to learn about early car issues but am wondering what sitting in a garage idle would do for 6 years? He has a bad battery now and its not the first but that is to be expected. Any comments appreciated!

Dave

I'm sure the dealer will have replaced the brake fluid and coolant, both are well past their replace dates. If the brake fluid has not been changed at all, I would arrange to have it done twice, get it changed once, drive a week or so and do it again. Also, when it is being changed, have the fluid pumped out using the brake pedal for at least some of the exchange process, this clears the bore of the master cylinder from a build up of dirt that sits just beyond the normal travel of the brake pedal and then causes accelerated wear later on. Pressure replacing brake fluid is OK, but it helps to exercise the system fully too.

The LSD fluid went through a number of revisions, you might want to get that brought up to latest. Also LSDs can 'serviced' by driving figure of eights in a big parking lot at very low speed, do a 360 on lock turning left, then a 360 on lock turning right, repeat say 5-10 times.

Thanks again guys, I am presently waiting for the owner to gather service records. More to come.

Dave

That car sold. We are considering making a 200+ mile trip to look at a 2005 with 23k and a GMPP Major Guard warranty good until 8/2013. Does anyone know if these warranties can be extended further or is it a one time shot.

I cant thank you guys enough for helping us on this venture. These cars are stunning but are quite an undertaking to make an informed decision to buy.

Dave

I don't think they can extend a GMPP past 7 years but you can check.

Most buyers don't do the research you are doing and then end up chasing surprises and ruining a really good car experience.

Regards