Went to a local dealer to look at a 2008 XLR-V yesterday. It was in their showroom right in the center where everyone could see it. The salesman fired it up and immediately activated the folding top. The top went down without incident but, after retracting, the trunk wouldn't close :lol. The salesman was quite embarassed and ended up driving it to the service dept with the "airfoil" sticking straight up in the air. This gave us the opportunity to visit the service dept. I found out they have several "certified" XLR techs. They also buy/fix/sell old caddys and had a 62 conv and a 64 Eldorado conv waiting for attention. Talking to others in the sales area, I found out they have sold a lot of XLRs and were sad to see it go. They aquired everyone they could and sold them all in short order. Nice to hear but sure doesn't help my bargaining power :cry Overall it was a good experience, everyone very nice, no pressure, knew the cars well, well established dealership, all service is indoors.

Back to the story: After awhile they brought the XLR back for us to take out (with the top down and the "top not secured" message in the DIC). I was very impressed with the ride, comfort, technology and the power :yesnod . My wife loves it!! It has the Magnaflow cat-back exhaust and sounds great!We talked terms and then left to ponder a decision. We're a ways apart on the trade in value of the 2006 Vette and the price of the V. There is another 08 I am interested in but it is not a V but is priced very well. I'm afraid after driving the V I'll be dissapointed with a mere 320 HP :rolleyes. Decisions, decisions.

Nick

Stay with the "V."

V or no V, it's a tough decision. Last year I was looking at both. The non V was one year newer, but the mileage was similar and there was only 3k difference in price so I went with the V. I'm still not sure it was the right decision. You give up the radar cruise control which I really wanted and you will have a very limited production engine which in the long run could be a problem. Last year I waited one month for a new power steering pulley assembly when mine came apart on vacation. The regular XLR shares the powertrain with the STS and there are a lot more of them around. The power of the V is nice though and it is very tame until you punch it!

There's a service bulletin that calls for reprogramming the tops that may not have been done. 'Top not secure' is one of the indications to do it. It's not a big deal, and you can probably find a fairly detailed message about it somewhere.

There both nice cars; it's just personal preference. Good luck.

I'm afraid after driving the V I'll be dissapointed with a mere 320 HP :rolleyes.

The short answer is that you're absolutely correct.

And just imagine if the top had been in perfect working condition. When you drive a pristine V, there are very, very few other vehicles ever made which could make you happy.

...big snip ... I'm afraid after driving the V I'll be dissapointed with a mere 320 HP. Decisions, decisions. Nick
Nick, definately go with the V. So you won't be disappointed, find a non-V and take it for a ride. Then go back for another ride in the V. Huge difference! Bill