I think the average age of us XLR drivers is between 35-65 am I right?

I.m 51 myself.

Harry

Harry
I'm not answering this one........Bob

Harry
I'm not answering this one........Bob
:grouphug Bob wan`t tell us :)
thats ok
Harry

How about a new survey of age of owners?

Harry,
that's a pretty wide range, and I for one fall in it, but you'd be suprised how many on this forum fall outside of it ....on both sides! :yesnod

I am in the over Sixty side

I am 38, still feel 18

I think the average age of us XLR drivers is between 35-65 am I right?

I.m 51 myself.

Harry
I am 76 and love my XLR

Harry,
Especially the high side. There's a lot of intelligence on this site because we have been around for a long time
Bob

I've just turned 35 but drive like I'm 17!!
migsgig

The average age of XLR owners is probably something that GM marketing would like to know.
It's an interesting social equation.
Considering the cost of the vehicle exempts most lower age owners (unless they have inherited wealth.) it follows that most owners would be in the 35 plus category.
I submit that background has more to do with XLR ownership than any other factor, regardless of age.
If you raced hot rods as a kid or have always been intrigued with high performance muscle cars, you are more apt to be an XLR owner.
If you were in the military service or a sports fan, you are more likely to be an XLR owner.
I'm a former fighter pilot, (76 years old) and bought my XLR because it was the "Coolest Machine" out there.
Talk about "second wind", my XLR is providing it.
Feel at least 20 years younger and the car is a great "Babe" magnet.

Brooks

:party :party Happy Birthday to everyone!

Well since there are a lot of seventy + people out there, I guess I'll own up. I'm a young and getting younger with that new XLR-V order........... 71
You guys all nailed it down. If you always had your toes in the carburetor as a kid, youngster, young man, middle aged and just plain old, You want to go out owning the best and one of the fastest. The XLR-V has been made to make that dream come true. I just hope it's not a Trojan horse.

Sorry I just watched Troy on, "In Demand"

When I bought my platnium last July on my birthday, I felt like 51, and hope to get down to 31 when my V comes in. I just hope I'm here when it gets here.:cry

Thanks to you all!!
But Brooks and BOB, what is 76 or 71???? Here in germany we say you allways as old as you feel and when you feel 20 years younger, this is what counts.
When Bob gets his XLR V than another 20 will go down so he is a little over 30 :lol
Sometimes, after a hard working day I feel like 90 :cry but mostly I feel much younger than I´m. :thumbs
Harry

I'll be 55 in a week...I only feel like 54 1/2...lol

Well Harry, I think that saying is everywhere in the world and I agree, but when I get up in the morning, kick the cat out of the bed, do a few stretching execises, go to the garage, take a good look at my toys and get younger really quick, then I run back to the bedroom and smile at my significant other.:party

Thanks to you all!!
But Brooks and BOB, what is 76 or 71???? Here in germany we say you allways as old as you feel and when you feel 20 years younger, this is what counts.
When Bob gets his XLR V than another 20 will go down so he is a little over 30 :lol
Sometimes, after a hard working day I feel like 90 :cry but mostly I feel much younger than I´m. :thumbs
Harry

Well Harry, I think that saying is everywhere in the world and I agree, but when I get up in the morning, kick the cat out of the bed, do a few stretching execises, go to the garage, take a good look at my toys and get younger really quick, then I run back to the bedroom and smile at my significant other.:party
:lol :thumbs
Harry

Driver's age: 52

I may be the youngest one at 33. :rolleyes

I may be the oldest at 77 :seeya

Born in 49, Tim

57 going on 18 :party

Just turned 39.

Looks like I beat xlrate for being the youngest reply so far. I'm 31 and bought my first caddy STS W/Northstar at 21.

My hat's off to you Rainey!!!

I still wish I had a picture of the look on the sales mgr's face when I said " I'll take it!! " :thumbs

49, nearing 50 here.

If you all recall, there was a long string from an 18 y/o kid a while back with a big inheritance who was thinking about buying an XLR. not sure if he did.

Average is now, 53 1/2. I had $100 dollars on 53 to 54 so since the odds where 10 to 1, everyone has to send me a $1,000 US currency. That inclludes Harry the dutchman. Address at eleven, no checks, just air miles.:)

Well I See Most People Who Drive This Car Are Midle Age. I Guess One Has To Be Mature To Understand What Class And Performance Is. I Am Lucky To Figure It Out At 31. And I Love The Car

Like I say young people, I'm 77 and my XLR just turned 30,000 miles and has never given me one ounce of trouble. one of the best vehicles I've ever owned. I have yet to see another XLR one the road. :jester :bs :) :)
Ops: thought I saw a black one last sat. on the denver bypass to colorado springs from I70.

I have seen two parked black Ravens. and was lucky enough to meet Kelly Clarkston (American Idol) getting out of one of those at the Mission Viejo Mall in Orange County, CA. She came running up to me and asked where I got my rims. For one brief second I thought I was 31. But, at 71 I just figured I was day dreaming and fantasizing, we did have a Starbucks, whatever you call them things. Latti?
I don't remember if I told you guys this or not. CRS!

Like I say young people, I'm 77 and my XLR just turned 30,000 miles and has never given me one ounce of trouble. one of the best vehicles I've ever owned. I have yet to see another XLR one the road. :jester :bs :) :)
Ops: thought I saw a black one last sat. on the denver bypass to colorado springs from I70.

[QUOTE=standby]Average is now, 53 1/2. I had $100 dollars on 53 to 54 so since the odds where 10 to 1, everyone has to send me a $1,000 US currency. That inclludes Harry the dutchman. Address at eleven, no checks, just air miles.:)[/QUOTE
Hi Bob,
Harry is no dutchman :nono - he is ger-man who loves the US and especially US-cars (Cadillac`s and Vettes) :thumbs

Like I say young people, I'm 77 and my XLR just turned 30,000 miles and has never given me one ounce of trouble. one of the best vehicles I've ever owned. I have yet to see another XLR one the road. :jester :bs :) :)
Ops: thought I saw a black one last sat. on the denver bypass to colorado springs from I70.
Hi Budsvet,
30.000 miles for a car thats on the road since sept.03 thats pretty good!! :thumbs You drive a lot, but with this car it`s easy to do.
I owned much Cadillacs and never had any problems withèm.
But one thing is sure, my XLR is the best built Cadillac I have owned - no problems.
Thanks
Harry

Hi, new to the board. I LOVE the XLR, I think it is nicer than the Mercedes 500SL and probably a better value but would never buy a Cadillac Again. Here is why. CADILLAC MARKETING PEOPLE PAY ATTENTION ! In early 1992 I was a 27 yr old exec working for my Dad and Uncle and felt financially secure enough to buy a COOL CAR. Given the state of the economy in 1992 I still wanted to be prudent. A 1992 Mercedes 300SL cost $78000 in 1992 which I felt was outrageous. While driving by our local Cadillac dealer I see a 1991 red Allante being advertised for only $38,000. It was a dealer demo and having been a lover of Italian cars I fell in love with it and bought it on the spot. Little did I know at the time I was entering the TWILIGHT ZONE. Suddenly strange things began to happen. A few days after buying it I was pulling in to make a left turn and a Buick with a 60ish man comes racing in front of me & cuts me off and jumps out of his car and starts screaming at me for cutting HIM off. A few days later I catch a passionate lecture from a similar aged man in baseball cap about not saying excuse me for reasons to long to go into. I did say excuse me twice. I could go on and on all day about everything that happened during the nightmare year I spent with that little red monster. Sad, cow eye stares from the old supermarket bag boys. One incident that occured at our local grocery so upset my financee she would never drive the car again. In nutshell I, and the car became a lightning rod of hosility for every bitter, angry age 55+ person I seemed to meet. The worst incident was a man in Northern Florida who followed myself and my finance' about 125 miles to inform us we had ran a 4-way stop sign "back there" (my future inlaws neighborhood 125 miles or so previously). The strange part is I never noticed these kinds of incidents that occured about 2-3 times a week until I was out driving with my Dad and he took note. We went to the dealer one Sat Afternoon so the Allante could be fitted with the hardtop I ordered (Did not come with car new) and when I got up to leave the customer lounge the 99% older people in the lounge made all kinds of negative comments about me which my father overheard. He bought used 1989 Porsche 928 which he gave me and we switched cars. Bottom line the Cadillac name carries with it a lot of baggage. it is though a OLD PERSON's brand car. Yes the XLR is a fine car but so was the last Packard Caribbean. I predict Cadillac and Buick will be offed like Oldsmobile was in 10 years.

Hi Harry, not since sept 03 but april 04 was when I picked this car up. Going to pick up the 06 corvette this Oct I hope. :jester

Hi, new to the board. I LOVE the XLR, I think it is nicer than the Mercedes 500SL and probably a better value but would never buy a Cadillac Again. Here is why. CADILLAC MARKETING PEOPLE PAY ATTENTION ! In early 1992 I was a 27 yr old exec working for my Dad and Uncle and felt financially secure enough to buy a COOL CAR. Given the state of the economy in 1992 I still wanted to be prudent. A 1992 Mercedes 300SL cost $78000 in 1992 which I felt was outrageous. While driving by our local Cadillac dealer I see a 1991 red Allante being advertised for only $38,000. It was a dealer demo and having been a lover of Italian cars I fell in love with it and bought it on the spot. Little did I know at the time I was entering the TWILIGHT ZONE. Suddenly strange things began to happen. A few days after buying it I was pulling in to make a left turn and a Buick with a 60ish man comes racing in front of me & cuts me off and jumps out of his car and starts screaming at me for cutting HIM off. A few days later I catch a passionate lecture from a similar aged man in baseball cap about not saying excuse me for reasons to long to go into. I did say excuse me twice. I could go on and on all day about everything that happened during the nightmare year I spent with that little red monster. Sad, cow eye stares from the old supermarket bag boys. One incident that occured at our local grocery so upset my financee she would never drive the car again. In nutshell I, and the car became a lightning rod of hosility for every bitter, angry age 55+ person I seemed to meet. The worst incident was a man in Northern Florida who followed myself and my finance' about 125 miles to inform us we had ran a 4-way stop sign "back there" (my future inlaws neighborhood 125 miles or so previously). The strange part is I never noticed these kinds of incidents that occured about 2-3 times a week until I was out driving with my Dad and he took note. We went to the dealer one Sat Afternoon so the Allante could be fitted with the hardtop I ordered (Did not come with car new) and when I got up to leave the customer lounge the 99% older people in the lounge made all kinds of negative comments about me which my father overheard. He bought used 1989 Porsche 928 which he gave me and we switched cars. Bottom line the Cadillac name carries with it a lot of baggage. it is though a OLD PERSON's brand car. Yes the XLR is a fine car but so was the last Packard Caribbean. I predict Cadillac and Buick will be offed like Oldsmobile was in 10 years.

So what's your point? I'm glad you've decided not to buy an XLR. Just one less out there, making mine that much more unique. Thank You. :seeya

Hi Harry, not since sept 03 but april 04 was when I picked this car up. Going to pick up the 06 corvette this Oct I hope. :jester
Budsvet,
as I see we both like the same type of cars :cheers
for10 months you did a lot of driving, I meant the XLR was on market since sept/03 and didn`t know when you bought yours.
The next car change I might do is trade my DTS for a new STS V, but still don`t know when it will be available here in germany.
My C5 vert is a six speed but I love the 5 speed-auto in my XLR.
Thanks
Harry : :)

So what's your point? I'm glad you've decided not to buy an XLR. Just one less out there, making mine that much more unique. Thank You. :seeya

I have been in market research for all of my adult life and have been watching the goings on at Cadillac since the early 90's as GM tries to get in younger affluent car buyers which till the Escalade & XLR it seems to have failed to do. Since 1995, the import-branded luxury makers have ruled the American market, first eclipsing Lincoln and then Cadillac. Last year, the "foreigners" had earned 70 percent of the domestic luxury segment this is happening because the WWII generation is dying off. It was my own experience with the Allante and its cousin the XLR which brought me to this board and of course this thread peaked my interest. Cadillac began to lose the under age 45 market to the European imports, most notably Mercedes-Benz in the mid 1960's. Part of GMs problem is young and old affluent American car buyers have different taste in cars, but with the older generation being where the greatest sales were possible it built boxy, plush cars which the Cadillac name is linked to. Another problem is the perception among younger buyers is that a Cadillac is nothing but a glorified Oldsmobile. Cadillac's image has taken a beating in the last 25 years or so from the Mafia Crime families ( Al Capone had a armor plated 1931 V-16 Fleetwood that is in a museum, Capone is credited with being the first to refer to Cadillacs as " CADDIES ") ,


http://www.legacydiecast.com/xq/asp/id.XE83/qx/review.htm




too many older drivers (83% of Cadillac buyers are over 63) driving them,

and by the country music industry. ( My fav county Caddy song is " GUITARS, CADILLACS, by Dwight Yoakum).

http://music.walmart.com/m/000/75/99/25/37/22/0007599253722.01.01.006.mp3

http://dw.com.com/redir?ltype=sclip&siteid=31&edid=3&asId=1812297&astId=12&ptId=&ontid=7981&ttag=1568&lop=&orderId=&destURL=http%3A%2F%2Fsg1.allmusic.com%2Fcg%2Fsmp.d ll%3Flink%3Dmd4r09ajfkixye02gbsiwb4%26z%3DMP3%26r% 3D20.asx


Another problem is price. The XLR is over-priced by about $15000, at the current price a Mercedes 500SL is only a few pennies more and is perceived by most consumers as a more prestigious and substantial automobile. A final observation, the Capone era Cadillacs were made from a time when American luxury cars, Cadillac, Packard, Pierce-Arrow, Marmon, Peerless and numerous others were beautifuly crafted precision machines with their V-12 & V-16 engines. Starting with the 1938 Cadillac 60 special Cadillacs became nothing but cheaply made cars that LOOKED WELL MADE because they were BIG & HEAVY. In the later years of the depression car prices had to keep falling and the car companies could sell these gas guzzling costume jewelry cars to the public as long as oil was cheap. With cheap gasoline gone the domestic U.S. industry has been struggling to re-invent itself and the struggle continues. The only thing that can be said is this is the do or die decade for Cadillac if the current generation of Cadillacs cannot get the younger crowed to abandon their Mercedes and BMWs and such GM will have no choice to but to close the division.

I have been in market research for all of my adult life and have been watching the goings on at Cadillac since the early 90's as GM tries to get in younger affluent car buyers which till the Escalade & XLR it seems to have failed to do. Since 1995, the import-branded luxury makers have ruled the American market, first eclipsing Lincoln and then Cadillac. Last year, the "foreigners" had earned 70 percent of the domestic luxury segment this is happening because the WWII generation is dying off. It was my own experience with the Allante and its cousin the XLR which brought me to this board and of course this thread peaked my interest. Cadillac began to lose the under age 45 market to the European imports, most notably Mercedes-Benz in the mid 1960's. Part of GMs problem is young and old affluent American car buyers have different taste in cars, but with the older generation being where the greatest sales were possible it built boxy, plush cars which the Cadillac name is linked to. Another problem is the perception among younger buyers is that a Cadillac is nothing but a glorified Oldsmobile. Cadillac's image has taken a beating in the last 25 years or so from the Mafia Crime families ( Al Capone had a armor plated 1931 V-16 Fleetwood that is in a museum, Capone is credited with being the first to refer to Cadillacs as " CADDIES ") ,


http://www.legacydiecast.com/xq/asp/id.XE83/qx/review.htm




too many older drivers (83% of Cadillac buyers are over 63) driving them,

and by the country music industry. ( My fav county Caddy song is " GUITARS, CADILLACS, by Dwight Yoakum).

http://music.walmart.com/m/000/75/99/25/37/22/0007599253722.01.01.006.mp3

http://dw.com.com/redir?ltype=sclip&siteid=31&edid=3&asId=1812297&astId=12&ptId=&ontid=7981&ttag=1568&lop=&orderId=&destURL=http%3A%2F%2Fsg1.allmusic.com%2Fcg%2Fsmp.d ll%3Flink%3Dmd4r09ajfkixye02gbsiwb4%26z%3DMP3%26r% 3D20.asx


Another problem is price. The XLR is over-priced by about $15000, at the current price a Mercedes 500SL is only a few pennies more and is perceived by most consumers as a more prestigious and substantial automobile. A final observation, the Capone era Cadillacs were made from a time when American luxury cars, Cadillac, Packard, Pierce-Arrow, Marmon, Peerless and numerous others were beautifuly crafted precision machines with their V-12 & V-16 engines. Starting with the 1938 Cadillac 60 special Cadillacs became nothing but cheaply made cars that LOOKED WELL MADE because they were BIG & HEAVY. In the later years of the depression car prices had to keep falling and the car companies could sell these gas guzzling costume jewelry cars to the public as long as oil was cheap. With cheap gasoline gone the domestic U.S. industry has been struggling to re-invent itself and the struggle continues. The only thing that can be said is this is the do or die decade for Cadillac if the current generation of Cadillacs cannot get the younger crowed to abandon their Mercedes and BMWs and such GM will have no choice to but to close the division.

Spoken like a true market researcher.............keep in mind Cadillac employes a few of you to help them sell their product, so I guess your opinion is about as useful as theirs; Correct??

As I said before, I'm glad you are dowplaying the XLR, it leaves fewer on the road for me to see. :cheers

I just turned 51 this month...I feel like a bottle of wine...better with age....I'm young enough to enjoy my toys.....

Hi Guys

I picked up my '05 in nov of '04 so I guess since I will be 64 in june I'm in
OLDER 83%, HUH?

:party :party :party :party



XLR8

Spoken like a true market researcher.............keep in mind Cadillac employes a few of you to help them sell their product, so I guess your opinion is about as useful as theirs; Correct??

As I said before, I'm glad you are dowplaying the XLR, it leaves fewer on the road for me to see. :cheers



I am not down-playing the XLR or Cadillac just pointing out that luxury auto marques and the psychology behind what motivates certain types of people to certain brands of cars is fascinating. For example Porsche for many recent years had a terrible image problem, with Hollywood movies and pop culture in general portraying Porsche owners as vain and shallow. I have a Porsche salesman training book from the early 90's where they say this word for word. In the early 1970's the top TV show Cannon with the very large and bald William Conrad stuck the Lincoln Mark series with that stigma when Cannon was chasing the bad guys all over Los Angeles in those Lincoln Marks. The best example of cars being associated with the buyers they attract was the BMW 3 series in the 1980's which became the symbol of the YUPPIE. It will be interesting to see what happens at Cadillac in the next few years. They seem to be making headway getting the affluent to buy Cadillac again. I read somewhere singer Beyonce Knowles owns an XLR and the Escalade is driven by younger buyers so everyone keep your fingers crossed !

Allante91,
Well you really opened up a can of worms with this one, more than anything you have just brought the wrath of MSWAIM to your doorstep..........good luck. Maybe you guys could start your own forum and stop playing ping pong with the XLR

I am not down-playing the XLR or Cadillac just pointing out that luxury auto marques and the psychology behind what motivates certain types of people to certain brands of cars is fascinating. For example Porsche for many recent years had a terrible image problem, with Hollywood movies and pop culture in general portraying Porsche owners as vain and shallow. I have a Porsche salesman training book from the early 90's where they say this word for word. In the early 1970's the top TV show Cannon with the very large and bald William Conrad stuck the Lincoln Mark series with that stigma when Cannon was chasing the bad guys all over Los Angeles in those Lincoln Marks. The best example of cars being associated with the buyers they attract was the BMW 3 series in the 1980's which became the symbol of the YUPPIE. It will be interesting to see what happens at Cadillac in the next few years. They seem to be making headway getting the affluent to buy Cadillac again. I read somewhere singer Beyonce Knowles owns an XLR and the Escalade is driven by younger buyers so everyone keep your fingers crossed !
You may find a few car guys on this forum... I didn't buy an image, I bought a car that I like, and on the basis of what I thought of the car itself. I could give a damn what other people think of me, of the car or the company who built it.

Interesting thread.

From my personal experience, the basic SL500 is a little more than the XLR, but put in the options the XLR comes with standard and the price rockets. Just check out the cost of keyless entry and the radar-controlled cruise control to start.

Brands change and do consumers. The Explorer buyer today may well buy a Escalade tomorrow. When the empty nest occurs, maybe an XLR.

The Allante was an interesting car (never impressed me personally) but I do not believe it can be compared to the XLR for so many reasons.

By the time those WWII old-timer die off, the old concepts of Cadillac will die off with them. On a side issue, those boxy car of recent past... if you saw a restored 59 Eldorado convertable driving by, wouldn't you stop and smile?

On the MBZs and BMWs. I've owned both. BMW dealers as a whole are (insert your favorite derogatory adjectives here). I've had such a bad experience with service and sales people I would not go back. MBZ is going into a difficult time with too many models to support and lots of service issues.

I've had my XLR since late Sept. 03 and have yet to need to bring it in for service.

Interesting thread.

From my personal experience, the basic SL500 is a little more than the XLR, but put in the options the XLR comes with standard and the price rockets. Just check out the cost of keyless entry to start.

Brands change and do consumers. The Explorer buyer today may well buy a Escalade tomorrow. When the empty nest occurs, maybe an XLR.

The Allante was an interesting car (never impressed me personally) but I do not believe it can be compared to the XLR for so many reasons.

By the time those WWII old-timer die off, the old concepts of Cadillac will die off with them. On a side issue, those boxy car of recent past... if you saw a restored 59 Eldorado convertable driving buy, wouldn't you stop and smile?

On the MBZs and BMWs. I've owned both. BMW dealers as a whole are (insert your favorite derogatory adjectives here). I've had such a bad experience with service and sales people I would not go back. MBZ is going into a difficult time with too many models to support and lots of service issues.

I've had my XLR since late Sept. 03 and have yet to need to bring it in for service.
Hi there,
I had bad experience with MB too, thats why I switched over to Cadillac. Here in germany a Cadillac counts more than a mb, especially the XLR like I drive.
In a german road-test they wrote:

for whom the Corvette is too sporty and the sl500 not exclusively enough, he should buy an XLR.

These testers are so right!!!!

One friend of mine, he used to drive sl`s for the last 15 years, last one he had was an 02 sl500 - he is driving now a black-raven XLR.

BTW I turned 52 today and now we gona :party
Thanks
Harry

Harry, what would we do around here without you. I now know why we went to Europe's defense in WWII.
It was to save neat people like you, so you could be part of this forum. HAPPY BIRTHDAY:party
Bob
:cheers

Hi there,
I had bad experience with MB too, thats why I switched over to Cadillac. Here in germany a Cadillac counts more than a mb, especially the XLR like I drive.
In a german road-test they wrote:

for whom the Corvette is too sporty and the sl500 not exclusively enough, he should buy an XLR.

These testers are so right!!!!

One friend of mine, he used to drive sl`s for the last 15 years, last one he had was an 02 sl500 - he is driving now a black-raven XLR.

BTW I turned 52 today and now we gona :party
Thanks
Harry

Hi Bob,
when I read what you wrote I got a big grin over my face :) :) :)
Thanks a lot for these nice words.
Harry :flag

I think I have you guys all beat, I'm 31

Well at least you understood what I was trying to say. Someone on the forum sent me a private E-mail about my comment which wasn't very respectful of the German people. We weren't just trying to liberate other countries around you, we were trying to liberate the good German people from a maniac, and I think we did that. :flag

Hi Bob,
when I read what you wrote I got a big grin over my face :) :) :)
Thanks a lot for these nice words.
Harry :flag

[QUOTE=standby]Well at least you understood what I was trying to say. Someone on the forum sent me a private E-mail about my comment which wasn't very respectful of the German people. We weren't just trying to liberate other countries around you, we were trying to liberate the good German people from a maniac, and I think we did that. :flag[/QUOTE

Bob, I`m sorry for the bad comment you got about me or about germans but you really can believe me I´m more american than german.
The party red/green which rules now over here is the baddest germany ever had,
that`s true.

But if some people want to have me out of this forum (let me personaly know) I´ll be out and you want see me again here.

Anyhow - you re a fine guy

Harry

omg lmfao, I've got you all beat, I'm 17, Probably the youngest person to own an XLR...But than again, I'm a trust fund baby, and I bought the car cash. :lurk

Harry,
Let it go, there are people that just don't know enough to use a little dimplomacy when they speak. There is no one that wants you out.........TRUST ME!............Sorry to hear about your country, I had no idea.
Why don't you fill me in with a personal e-mail. dustmop7@cox.net
Bob

O yea!...........what about the trust baby?

heh...what trust?

You know, I got the CTS at first, but the 3.5 is just way to slow for me, I mean, it got up and went, but it was really sluggish...So I took it back to the dealership after two days and paid the difference for an XLR...I was considering a CTS-V, but didn't want the hassle of a manual transmission, simply cuz I'm lazy when it comes to driving and just want to sit back and relax...lol

smckullie
You said that your a trust fund baby..........did I miss something. There's a pink slip in my auto file too and I'm not a trust fund baby

I have been in market research for all of my adult life and have been watching the goings on at Cadillac since the early 90's as GM tries to get in younger affluent car buyers which till the Escalade & XLR it seems to have failed to do. Since 1995, the import-branded luxury makers have ruled the American market, first eclipsing Lincoln and then Cadillac. Last year, the "foreigners" had earned 70 percent of the domestic luxury segment this is happening because the WWII generation is dying off. It was my own experience with the Allante and its cousin the XLR which brought me to this board and of course this thread peaked my interest. Cadillac began to lose the under age 45 market to the European imports, most notably Mercedes-Benz in the mid 1960's. Part of GMs problem is young and old affluent American car buyers have different taste in cars, but with the older generation being where the greatest sales were possible it built boxy, plush cars which the Cadillac name is linked to. Another problem is the perception among younger buyers is that a Cadillac is nothing but a glorified Oldsmobile. Cadillac's image has taken a beating in the last 25 years or so from the Mafia Crime families ( Al Capone had a armor plated 1931 V-16 Fleetwood that is in a museum, Capone is credited with being the first to refer to Cadillacs as " CADDIES ") ,


http://www.legacydiecast.com/xq/asp/id.XE83/qx/review.htm




too many older drivers (83% of Cadillac buyers are over 63) driving them,

and by the country music industry. ( My fav county Caddy song is " GUITARS, CADILLACS, by Dwight Yoakum).

http://music.walmart.com/m/000/75/99/25/37/22/0007599253722.01.01.006.mp3

http://dw.com.com/redir?ltype=sclip&siteid=31&edid=3&asId=1812297&astId=12&ptId=&ontid=7981&ttag=1568&lop=&orderId=&destURL=http%3A%2F%2Fsg1.allmusic.com%2Fcg%2Fsmp.d ll%3Flink%3Dmd4r09ajfkixye02gbsiwb4%26z%3DMP3%26r% 3D20.asx


Another problem is price. The XLR is over-priced by about $15000, at the current price a Mercedes 500SL is only a few pennies more and is perceived by most consumers as a more prestigious and substantial automobile. A final observation, the Capone era Cadillacs were made from a time when American luxury cars, Cadillac, Packard, Pierce-Arrow, Marmon, Peerless and numerous others were beautifuly crafted precision machines with their V-12 & V-16 engines. Starting with the 1938 Cadillac 60 special Cadillacs became nothing but cheaply made cars that LOOKED WELL MADE because they were BIG & HEAVY. In the later years of the depression car prices had to keep falling and the car companies could sell these gas guzzling costume jewelry cars to the public as long as oil was cheap. With cheap gasoline gone the domestic U.S. industry has been struggling to re-invent itself and the struggle continues. The only thing that can be said is this is the do or die decade for Cadillac if the current generation of Cadillacs cannot get the younger crowed to abandon their Mercedes and BMWs and such GM will have no choice to but to close the division.

Hmmm.. When you have Grandpa,Dad, and Son/Grandson ALL drooling over the same roadster... of course you have no idea what you are doing as a car division. When you have grown men and women bring their teenage sons with them to look at cars, and the teenage son is arguing the points of the SRX, GM obviously has no concept of what they are doing, etc. While the specific items you mentioned are true, the bulk of your post is opinion, and everyone is entitled to their own. The current models are cars that will speak to the soul, so to speak. These are cars you love or hate. The changes that you criticize GM for can easily be applied to the MB's, and let's not forget the X-type. Not every car is intended to please everybody, else we would all still be driving black model T's. I do have to wonder just how much road time you had in this vehicle. The interior touches and the rumble and growl at hard launch are wonderful, not to sound perverted, but driving this car is a sensual experience, and if you don't "get it" now, you never will.

Sheri,

I totally agree with everything you said in that last post you made. Driving the car is a sensual experience, and no, it's not perverted on your part. I know that I'm 17, and whenever I sit in the plush black leather of my XLR and turn on the car by just pushing a button, lol, yeah, I'm glad to be alive. Other times, when I put the pedal to the floor and feel the car jerk forward and it starting to go faster as I'm being pushed back further and further into my seat, yeah, life's great. I'm lucky to have this car at the age of 17, and I never forget that.

Allante91,
In defense of the XLR, You mentioned the over priceing of the XLR and the Prestigous reputation of the Mercedes. What are you think about $90,000 for the XLR-V?

I would like to draw your attention to Harry's post who lives in Germany and most Germans think that Cadillac is the prestigous car and Merdeces is definitely over priced in Germany and the USA. Moreover, most Mercedes owners spend most of their time at the dealers, getting ripped off.

I'd rather get ripped and be able to drive my car instead of sitting at a dealers watching TV and eating pop corn:lurk



[/QUOTE]Another problem is price. The XLR is over-priced by about $15000, at the current price a Mercedes 500SL is only a few pennies more and is perceived by most consumers as a more prestigious and substantial automobile. .[/QUOTE]

I'm 53!

XLR $15K overpriced? Someone better check their math. With the same options the SL 500 will run $115K here in the US. :eek

I just got back from Holland, Germany and Norway, and over there the Taxis are all M-Bs! :lol

I'm with you, Harry. I've had my run with Mercedes and Beamers. Great cars. :thumbs

It's time for me to drive this XLR for now. :cheers

Allante91,
In defense of the XLR, You mentioned the over priceing of the XLR and the Prestigous reputation of the Mercedes. What are you think about $90,000 for the XLR-V?

I would like to draw your attention to Harry's post who lives in Germany and most Germans think that Cadillac is the prestigous car and Merdeces is definitely over priced in Germany and the USA. Moreover, most Mercedes owners spend most of their time at the dealers, getting ripped off.

I'd rather get ripped and be able to drive my car instead of sitting at a dealers watching TV and eating pop corn:lurk



Another problem is price. The XLR is over-priced by about $15000, at the current price a Mercedes 500SL is only a few pennies more and is perceived by most consumers as a more prestigious and substantial automobile. .[/QUOTE][/QUOTE]





You make an interesting point. In America ALL Mercedes models are considered to be luxury cars, this is not true in other parts of the world. In Europe MB models are used for Police cars and even Taxis. American cars in Europe have always been rare and had a cult following, this was due to the fact up until recently US made cars were not suitable for European roads not to mention fuel costs. Cadillacs are very prestigous in France though but they cost much more there. A Corvette in Spain is like $115,000 with taxes and such. Cadillacs are also very prestigous in the middle east. The late SHAH OF IRAN loved the 1975-79 Seville so much he arm-twisted GM into building an assembly plant in IRAN to assemble them. From 1976-79 GM assembled the Seville, Chevy Malibu, Pontiac Lemans in IRAN. The factory was taken over by the Khomeni goverment after the Islamic revolution in 1979 and was converted to make war materials during the Iran-Iraq war. I have read Peugot owns or leases the plant now and assembles 2 of it's cars there. Those Iranian Sevilles are rare, even in Iran, and much sought after by the large Iranian exile community in Los Angeles, one was brought back here via Singapore when I lived in Santa Monica in 2000 and a wealthy Iranian exile paid $200,000 for it. One of the reasons Mercedes is viewed as more prestigous by consumers is the image Mercedes has created for the car as a youthful status symbol, even in Japan, where many of the best cars in the world hail from, the affluent like Imported cars. Harry's XLR no doubt turns heads on the autobahn, Corvettes are well liked by the Germans as the old Camaro and Firebird muscle cars of yore.

You could not be more wrong. I am a person who has hired a lot of marketing researchers in my day. I am currently 39 and CEO of my own company that I started 15 years ago. As for your creditils, they must be questionalble if you don't see the obviouse flaws in your logic.

You should study your history. In the late 80's and through the 90's GM was the most marketing consultant heavy car company around. Complete models lines like the failed Pontiac Aztec were completely driven by market research. IN the late 90's Gm finally learned what Harley Earl knew all along. That is, don't develope cars on market research. Develope cars that people will be passionate about. That is what the Escalade, XLR, and new STS are all about. Also, Hummer but that is a different story.

As for you, go read the articles on last weeks NBA all star game. What were all the stars driving? Mercedes? Nope. The great majority of the cars where Cadillac's, Hummers, and a few Navigators. Why? Because those cars create passion. Consider this a free lesson. Lastly, you are descibing an event that took place how long ago? A good market researcher should know that things change. As any kid what SUV he wants or things is cool. You will understand why all the major auto dealer companies are rushing to purchase Cadillac dealerships.

I hope you do better professionally than your opions lead me to believe.






I am not down-playing the XLR or Cadillac just pointing out that luxury auto marques and the psychology behind what motivates certain types of people to certain brands of cars is fascinating. For example Porsche for many recent years had a terrible image problem, with Hollywood movies and pop culture in general portraying Porsche owners as vain and shallow. I have a Porsche salesman training book from the early 90's where they say this word for word. In the early 1970's the top TV show Cannon with the very large and bald William Conrad stuck the Lincoln Mark series with that stigma when Cannon was chasing the bad guys all over Los Angeles in those Lincoln Marks. The best example of cars being associated with the buyers they attract was the BMW 3 series in the 1980's which became the symbol of the YUPPIE. It will be interesting to see what happens at Cadillac in the next few years. They seem to be making headway getting the affluent to buy Cadillac again. I read somewhere singer Beyonce Knowles owns an XLR and the Escalade is driven by younger buyers so everyone keep your fingers crossed !

Rick,
I had something all written and deleted it. I think I'm going to stay out of this one. I know about sub stations, nuclear power plants, transmission lines and distribution lines. I know how they work and why they work and even know when black outs aren't called for, marketing? I'll listen and learn...................but who do I believe..........the dog barking the loudest?

In my business life I learned a long time ago that marketing consultants are un-reliable at best. I was never more dissapointed when I spent a large sum of money and went with thier reccommendations only to be greatly dissappointed.

Anyway, with cars there is a simple acid test. That is how many are you selling and what increases (or decreases) are you seeing. This argument can be ended simply by stating that Cadillac increased sales by over 12% in 2004 and is expected to increase them by another 12 to 15% this year. So, whatever they are doing, it is working.

I am 51 and hanging on as long as possible!

:-)

...when Allante91 didn't show up to defend himself. Too bad. Rick threw down the gauntlet, and the thread was just getting interesting. And to think I used to have a 91 Allante - white diamond with red interior.

I must say, Allante91 is all wet on this one. I believe the youth movement in Cadillac's marketing campaign is working, based on my own anecdotal experience.
Now I'm an old fart, but my M-B ML500 got zero turned heads. My 05 Escalade really surprised me with how many young people come up to me and say "nice ride".

I've had two 5 series BMWs and three 3 series cabrios, and all of them together did not get the number of comments the we've received on the 04 XLR.

I guess I'm really surprised that Cadillac's anthem, Zep's 30 year old up tune "Rock and Roll" is leading the charge for today's youth movement. The song reminds me of the early seventies - college, blacklights, pot parties, In-gadda-da-vida, the "Underground", don't trust anyone over 25, era. Ironic, eh?

But my final squalk with Allante91s post has to do with his remark dissing country music. What's up with that anyway? Does he think only old people like country music? Lotsa folks down here in the red states Mac.

Allante, you need to visit the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.

Hate to say it guys, but I've got you all beat at 28 years of age.

Though I love XLRs, and I think they are great driving and great looking cars, it seems that this news should be brought to attention in this discussion:

http://www.autoweek.com/news.cms?newsId=101909 :leaving

Great article.
That's an average of less than 3200 sold per year.
I love my XLR and intend to keep it. (I usually changed cars every 2 years), This car has everything I could want. It may lose a greater amount of value the first 2 years, but after that, I think it'll almost become a collector's item. Can't compare it with Allante (I had an '89) 'cause it is so much more car. For a GHOF like me (gray haired old fart), it beats the 02 Vette I had and my wife's 03 500SL sport .

Still get smiles and thumbs-up from other drivers every time I drive it.

rex32

29 here.......

25, i think im the baby of the group

Well, I hate to slay this but your all wrong, if you've been reading all the threads, we have a 17 year old trust baby that has an 04 and put about $45,000 dollars in it to pump it up to 800 HP. The problem with this story is a lot of members are questioning the credibility of his stories.:smash

Sorry

25, i think im the baby of the group

Though I love XLRs, and I think they are great driving and great looking cars, it seems that this news should be brought to attention in this discussion:

http://www.autoweek.com/news.cms?newsId=101909 :leaving

This is distressing news. Although we are just coming our of the winter, and just last fall GM introduced the new 400 HP C6 vette, and announced the impending arrival of the XLR-V.

These things were bound to have an impact. I do think Cadillac should do more with advertising the XLR, however. Since the Super Bowl- nothing...

Thanks for posting the link, loveldos.

Aviator,
Not watching much TV lately............right?
The latest commercial is a little newer than the Super Bowl one.
Now they use a XLR-V that backs up into the tunnel (very slowly) and comes out like a bullet, and gives you a good look at the new hood.
Having already ordered the V I really got goose bumps.
Bob


This is distressing news. Although we are just coming our of the winter, and just last fall GM introduced the new 400 HP C6 vette, and announced the impending arrival of the XLR-V.

These things were bound to have an impact. I do think Cadillac should do more with advertising the XLR, however. Since the Super Bowl- nothing...

Thanks for posting the link, loveldos.

Look at the marketplace, according to GM the medium age of the new Cadillac buyer is 63. The exception is the Escalade which is 44. Everything I wrote in my previous post has been documented and is available on the internet if you look. Some of what you wrote I agree with, on what I disagree would take too long to go at every issue. Cadillac seems to be at last making some headway in getting younger buyers back but they still have a way to go. In terms of quality you always need to look at it from the laymen's-consumer point of view. The typical car consumer knows nothing about engineering or car design, they judge the car like any consumer product by what they see and feel. Many people thought 1970's Cadillacs were well made because of they were large heavy cars even though they were the worst made in the division's history. A prospective car customer compares the XLR to the 500SL and the XLR looks very plasticy & junky looking while the Benz looks like and feels like a panzer tank. If one looks at Consumer reports Cadillacs always get higher marks than Mercedes but again it is a matter of PRECEPTION, the customer's that is. A 1956 Packard Caribbean was 10 times the car the Rolls Royce Phantom was but the Rolls was PRECIEVED to be better, and due to the strong US dollar in the years after WWII less expensive. In so far as my own professional credentials, I had been a Senior Vice President of Marketing of a Manhattan based company which is in the Forbes 500 from 1991-99. I retired in 2000 because of health problems and now manage my real estate investments here in Florida.














You could not be more wrong. I am a person who has hired a lot of marketing researchers in my day. I am currently 39 and CEO of my own company that I started 15 years ago. As for your creditils, they must be questionalble if you don't see the obviouse flaws in your logic.

You should study your history. In the late 80's and through the 90's GM was the most marketing consultant heavy car company around. Complete models lines like the failed Pontiac Aztec were completely driven by market research. IN the late 90's Gm finally learned what Harley Earl knew all along. That is, don't develope cars on market research. Develope cars that people will be passionate about. That is what the Escalade, XLR, and new STS are all about. Also, Hummer but that is a different story.

As for you, go read the articles on last weeks NBA all star game. What were all the stars driving? Mercedes? Nope. The great majority of the cars where Cadillac's, Hummers, and a few Navigators. Why? Because those cars create passion. Consider this a free lesson. Lastly, you are descibing an event that took place how long ago? A good market researcher should know that things change. As any kid what SUV he wants or things is cool. You will understand why all the major auto dealer companies are rushing to purchase Cadillac dealerships.

I hope you do better professionally than your opions lead me to believe.

Look at the marketplace, according to GM the medium age of the new Cadillac buyer is 63. The exception is the Escalade which is 44. Everything I wrote in my previous post has been documented and is available on the internet if you look. Some of what you wrote I agree with, on what I disagree would take too long to go at every issue. Cadillac seems to be at last making some headway in getting younger buyers back but they still have a way to go. In terms of quality you always need to look at it from the laymen's-consumer point of view. The typical car consumer knows nothing about engineering or car design, they judge the car like any consumer product by what they see and feel. Many people thought 1970's Cadillacs were well made because of they were large heavy cars even though they were the worst made in the division's history. A prospective car customer compares the XLR to the 500SL and the XLR looks very plasticy & junky looking while the Benz looks like and feels like a panzer tank. If one looks at Consumer reports Cadillacs always get higher marks than Mercedes but again it is a matter of PRECEPTION, the customer's that is. A 1956 Packard Caribbean was 10 times the car the Rolls Royce Phantom was but the Rolls was PRECIEVED to be better, and due to the strong US dollar in the years after WWII less expensive. In so far as my own professional credentials, I had been a Senior Vice President of Marketing of a Manhattan based company which is in the Forbes 500 from 1991-99. I retired in 2000 because of health problems and now manage my real estate investments here in Florida.

My god man, join us in this century. All of your examples tend to be older than dirt and have little impact on the marketplace of today. I have owned SL's, as have many other members, never would I think it is a "panzer tank" compared to my XLR. BTW - Have you ever spent some quality time around an XLR?

We maintain an entire department of marketing researchers, if any of them presented data based on marketing trends from the 50's and 60's, they would be laughed out of the board room.

One thing you state is very true - it is all about PERCEPTION, a word I would think a senior vice-president of marketing of a Manhattan-based company would be able to spell correctly.

One thing you state is very true - it is all about PERCEPTION, a word I would think a senior vice-president of marketing of a Manhattan-based company would be able to spell correctly.

:glol :glol :glol :glol :glol

Allante91 - I just got out of a piece of crap Mercedes ML 500 in favor of an '05 Escalade. The difference in the quality and creature comforts of the Cadillac over the M-B is remarkable. As you can see, we also own an 04 XLR.

Spelling notwithstanding, the employment credentials you claim are impressive. I would hope that the buying public would not rely on a load of old stereotypes. But he real measure of success is the lifespan and public acceptance of the product. The jury is still out on the XLR in that regard, despite the love we owners here on the forum heap on our fabulous cars.

And standby - regarding watching TV: I have a Tivo and never watch "live TV" - opting to fast forward through the commercials. I've probably just skipped past the one you've mentioned. :o :o

I'm still busy unpacking...

Hey Aviator,
I just retired my 40 MG TIVO which was awsome, and obtained a new Hi Def/ double DVR cable box. Records two shows at a time, watch any recording or live TV at the same time. All I can say is WooooooooooooooooooooW, and on a 50" Pioneer Elite Plasma screen, a big double WoooooooW.
:lurk Now I need a Bud

:glol :glol :glol :glol :glol

Allante91 - I just got out of a piece of crap Mercedes ML 500 in favor of an '05 Escalade. The difference in the quality and creature comforts of the Cadillac over the M-B is remarkable. As you can see, we also own an 04 XLR.

Spelling notwithstanding, the employment credentials you claim are impressive. I would hope that the buying public would not rely on a load of old stereotypes. But he real measure of success is the lifespan and public acceptance of the product. The jury is still out on the XLR in that regard, despite the love we owners here on the forum heap on our fabulous cars.

And standby - regarding watching TV: I have a Tivo and never watch "live TV" - opting to fast forward through the commercials. I've probably just skipped past the one you've mentioned. :o :o

I'm still busy unpacking...

The word is spelled PRECEPTION, as I spelled it. If you doubt me copy and paste it into your word processor of choice and spell check








:glol :glol :glol :glol :glol

Allante91 - I just got out of a piece of crap Mercedes ML 500 in favor of an '05 Escalade. The difference in the quality and creature comforts of the Cadillac over the M-B is remarkable. As you can see, we also own an 04 XLR.

Spelling notwithstanding, the employment credentials you claim are impressive. I would hope that the buying public would not rely on a load of old stereotypes. But he real measure of success is the lifespan and public acceptance of the product. The jury is still out on the XLR in that regard, despite the love we owners here on the forum heap on our fabulous cars.

And standby - regarding watching TV: I have a Tivo and never watch "live TV" - opting to fast forward through the commercials. I've probably just skipped past the one you've mentioned. :o :o

I'm still busy unpacking...

What is your age?. If too personal no need to reply.












Hey Aviator,
I just retired my 40 MG TIVO which was awsome, and obtained a new Hi Def/ double DVR cable box. Records two shows at a time, watch any recording or live TV at the same time. All I can say is WooooooooooooooooooooW, and on a 50" Pioneer Elite Plasma screen, a big double WoooooooW.
:lurk Now I need a Bud

Hi:

I was just using those examples to illustrate a point because they are so good. Packard's demise after WWII had nothing to do with the product. A 1954 Packard was just as well made as a 1934 Packard but by the 1950's it was regarded as a old fashioned ca. At the golf course where I play there are about 3 XLRs prowling around, 2 owned by retirement age drivers another blue one that is driven around by a woman who is probably in her late 50's. I drove my neighbor's red XLR from Sarasota Florida, to Naples Florida and back last Thanksgiving. I really loved the satellite radio and the design of the car is really original, and it is a MUCH, MUCH, easier car to get in and out of than the new style SL, but again if I were a car shopper and faced with spending $73000 for the XLR or $81000 for the 500 SL , both cars get leased for like $1000 a month which I imagine is what most buyers of both cars do, I would choose the Benz. The SL is simply a much better car for a few cents more. God forbid if we have another gas crisis, which I think Mr. Chavez in Venezuela is trying to incite around the world, in Europe they still have the 350SL we do not get here with the cloth interior and V-6 engine. It sells for like $61000 in US money. That would be a huge blow to the XLR. The V-6 SL was axed here in 1997 or 98. Now if I were a USED car shopper it might be a different story. I have seen used XLRs with low miles (2004's) for as little as $60,000 which is more in line with what I think the car's value is.


Here is a real interesting story from Brandweek on Cadillac. It tells it like it is pretty much and confirms what I have been trying to communicate in this thead all along:

http://www.brandweek.com/brandweek/features/feature_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=2006145




Here is a facinating USA TODAY story on the Escalade:

http://www.usatoday.com/money/autos/2001-10-23-escalade.htm






My god man, join us in this century. All of your examples tend to be older than dirt and have little impact on the marketplace of today. I have owned SL's, as have many other members, never would I think it is a "panzer tank" compared to my XLR. BTW - Have you ever spent some quality time around an XLR?

We maintain an entire department of marketing researchers, if any of them presented data based on marketing trends from the 50's and 60's, they would be laughed out of the board room.

One thing you state is very true - it is all about PERCEPTION, a word I would think a senior vice-president of marketing of a Manhattan-based company would be able to spell correctly.

It is appears that even learned jounrals misspell sometimes. I put Precption into Google and got several hits (including several articles in journals) where it was spelled Preception when it shoudm have been Perception.

A Precept is a rule or edict. The Precept of the committe was to select someone for CEO who is a good speller. I'll bet Preception is an affectation form of Precept. Not found in yourdictionary.com, but dictionary.com and onelook.com define it as "A Precept". Why add more letters if they don't serve a purpose?

pre·cept ( P ) Pronunciation Key (prspt)
n.
A rule or principle prescribing a particular course of action or conduct.
Law. An authorized direction or order; a writ.


Perception (noun form of to perceive) is a "way of looking at things". The committee's perception was that Mr Smith was smart since he used big words.

Main Entry: per·cep·tion
Pronunciation: p&r-'sep-sh&n
Function: noun
Etymology: Latin perception-, perceptio act of perceiving, from percipere
1 a : a result of perceiving : OBSERVATION b : a mental image : CONCEPT
2 obsolete : CONSCIOUSNESS
3 a : awareness of the elements of environment through physical sensation <color perception> b : physical sensation interpreted in the light of experience
4 a : quick, acute, and intuitive cognition : APPRECIATION b : a capacity for comprehension

It is appears that even learned jounrals misspell sometimes. I put Precption into Google and got several hits (including several articles in journals) where it was spelled Preception when it shoudm have been Perception.

A Precept is a rule or edict. The Precept of the committe was to select someone for CEO who is a good speller. I'll bet Preception is an affectation form of Precept. Not found in yourdictionary.com, but dictionary.com and onelook.com define it as "A Precept". Why add more letters if they don't serve a purpose?

pre·cept ( P ) Pronunciation Key (prspt)
n.
A rule or principle prescribing a particular course of action or conduct.
Law. An authorized direction or order; a writ.


Perception (noun form of to perceive) is a "way of looking at things". The committee's perception was that Mr Smith was smart since he used big words.

Main Entry: per·cep·tion
Pronunciation: p&r-'sep-sh&n
Function: noun
Etymology: Latin perception-, perceptio act of perceiving, from percipere
1 a : a result of perceiving : OBSERVATION b : a mental image : CONCEPT
2 obsolete : CONSCIOUSNESS
3 a : awareness of the elements of environment through physical sensation <color perception> b : physical sensation interpreted in the light of experience
4 a : quick, acute, and intuitive cognition : APPRECIATION b : a capacity for comprehension
Thank you. I already had my dictionary out before I got down to this post.:)

Hey Aviator,
I just retired my 40 MG TIVO which was awsome, and obtained a new Hi Def/ double DVR cable box. Records two shows at a time, watch any recording or live TV at the same time. All I can say is WooooooooooooooooooooW, and on a 50" Pioneer Elite Plasma screen, a big double WoooooooW.
:lurk Now I need a Bud

I agree, the new cable DVRs are pretty cool, but (I have a Tivo and a Cable DVR) I have to say, that the user interface is sooooo much better on the Tivo, night and day and every time I sit in the room with the Tivo (which is not often), I realize how much better the user interface is.

One example of many. Want to delete a show from the list of recorded shows? With Tivo, it takes two button pushes. With my cable DVR, it takes five putton pushes! And I can list quite a few more differences like this. Probably the most annoying is wanting to look for a show to record alphabetically. Tivo lets you spell the title/name of the show/movie until it's the only one listed. My DVR, lets you choose the first letter only. Then you can spend 10 minutes scrolling through the very long list of shows until you get to it. USER INTERFACE!!!

Sure it's nice to record two shows at once and watch a recorded show simultaneously, but let's get that user interface fixed! :banghead

You think this is a little off topic? Hmm.. let me tie this in...

I was in a MBZ the other day. The user interface for the navigation is a nightmare compared to the XLR. Takes almost three times as long to enter an address, having to scroll through each letter, pushing a button, then scroll through each letter again. What were they thinking??? User Interface!!! :banghead

Hey Q................Your right on target. I loved my TIVO but don't want to pay monthly for something I will only use on a rare occasion.

The Cable DVR on the Motorola platform here in Orange County, CA, really sucks, where as in San Diego they have Scientific Atlantic or something like that and they have no problems. Motorola is re-doing the software and is trying to correct the problems.

Freezes while watching live TV. Even the tech was mistified by that until I had to tell him that live tv goes through the DVR and gets recorded. Why did I have to tell him that?

Shows have stopped recording 3/4's of the way through.....Boy, that's a tough one to swallow.

Lots of tileing and lose of sound at the same time.
Maybe they'll get it right this time.

My DVR lets you keep putting the letters in, much like our nav systems on the XLR which dwindles the choices down.

OH, off topic again. I think Cadillac is feeding us a bunch of crap in order to keep the demand high, and don't forget if the word is out to most of the public, they might be waiting for the V. My dealer has 12 people signed up, and has 3 on the lot. Thank God I'm number 3 and was only one day late to get that position.
Bob
I agree, the new cable DVRs are pretty cool, but (I have a Tivo and a Cable DVR) I have to say, that the user interface is sooooo much better on the Tivo, night and day and every time I sit in the room with the Tivo (which is not often), I realize how much better the user interface is.

One example of many. Want to delete a show from the list of recorded shows? With Tivo, it takes two button pushes. With my cable DVR, it takes five putton pushes! And I can list quite a few more differences like this. Probably the most annoying is wanting to look for a show to record alphabetically. Tivo lets you spell the title/name of the show/movie until it's the only one listed. My DVR, lets you choose the first letter only. Then you can spend 10 minutes scrolling through the very long list of shows until you get to it. USER INTERFACE!!!

Sure it's nice to record two shows at once and watch a recorded show simultaneously, but let's get that user interface fixed! :banghead

You think this is a little off topic? Hmm.. let me tie this in...

I was in a MBZ the other day. The user interface for the navigation is a nightmare compared to the XLR. Takes almost three times as long to enter an address, having to scroll through each letter, pushing a button, then scroll through each letter again. What were they thinking??? User Interface!!! :banghead

Allante91 - We have been down this road before in this forum.

A comparable SL500 (with equivalent options to what the XLR gives you fro $76K) is in the range of $105-110,000 NOT 81,000

You have to compare apples to apples.

If you get an $81,000 SL500, then it is not the same car as the XLR.

If you want to pay $110,000, then that is your choice. I'd rather put that $30,000 in the bank or give it to the gas station.

Personally I agree, but I think your typical buyer of cars in this price range are 10 % car lovers and the other 90% are looking for a prestigous mode of transportation. The Benz is thought of as a more prestigous car than a Cadillac. We have no way of knowing because the V-6 350SL is not sold in America but I would bet if it came to America and sold for around $70,000 it would be the end of the XLR. I do not know if you saw the Autoweek link on the other thread but GM is loaded with XLR inventory. This is a repeat of the Allante all over again.













Allante91 - We have been down this road before in this forum.

A comparable SL500 (with equivalent options to what the XLR gives you fro $76K) is in the range of $105-110,000 NOT 81,000

You have to compare apples to apples.

If you get an $81,000 SL500, then it is not the same car as the XLR.

If you want to pay $110,000, then that is your choice. I'd rather put that $30,000 in the bank or give it to the gas station.

Now that we've sorted out the the difference between a precept and a perception... I just dont want to beat that dead horse anymore.

Allante91 - The articles that you posted are interesting, but seem to be a loggerheads with your thesis...at least the way I read them.

In a nutshell - Cadillac was formerly old and stodgy, and now is cool again, thanks to introduction of new products and smart branding. The average age of the Cadillac buyer is dropping - but most notably in the Escalade - primarily due to rap stars and pro athletes.

Maybe I'm misreading/misunderstanding what you are trying to say, but it seems you believe Cadillac has a "branding" problem? The evidence seems to suggest that Cadillac is on the upswing and M-B is struggling (in the US).

My "perception" of M-B is that they make a sturdy, almost bulletproof car, not highly styled, and very,very "establishment". The sporty, youthful brands out of Deutschland are BMW, Audi, and Porsche.

But Allante91, I want to know two things:
1) What kind of car do you drive?
2) What is wrong "brandwise" with country music? "Guitars, Cadillacs, Hillbilly music..."

In the area of sports/luxury cars, I've had more BMWs than anything else. This is mainly due to the sportier styling and performance image that BMWs have always embodied. And they have that typical German "carved from a block of granite" feel. But for the last two years, their designs have left me cold. I kept wondering, "What were they thinking?"...or is it just me? Finally, here's this article:

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

From Top Gear, June 2004 issue

"Our new design was wrong." - BMW Boss's Shock Admission

You knew it, we knew it, anyone with any taste new it - BMW's 7-series is horrible. Now it seems BMW knows it too.

BMW has finally admitted what everyone in the car world has long known: the current 7-series is a disaster. In an interview with American business magazine Fortune, Helmut Panke, BMW's chairman, said: "I admit the intensity of the public debate over our new design (which began with the 7-series) did suprise me. There are still too many articles focusing on 'I wish this car looked different blah, blah, blah.' The 7-series was a combination of completely new technology with new design direction. The key point is that we should never make big steps in strategic directions without preparing our customers."

Panke is the first BMW executive to publicly acknowlege what many Munich insiders have privately been saying about the 7-series - that BMW made a big mistake in launching Chris Bangle's new design direction and the complex i-Drive system at the same time in the most conservative sector of the market with no explanation.

Panke's comments have been greeted with relief in Munich. "It's a weight off everyone's shoulders," one insider said. "Panke has finally said what we all knew but could not say - that we tried to do too much, too soon with the 7-series and we did it in the wrong market. We were too far ahead of the audience and lost a lot of goodwill. It was a real own goal that has overshadowed the launch of the very good cars that have followed the 7-Series."

Panke's admission is part of a new PR approach by BMW. As sales of the Z4, the new 5-series and the 6-series rise, BMW execs are admitting past failings. At a recent private dinner in Spain, one senionr BMW board member told jounalists that BMW had done "an absolutely lousy job" of explaining the firm's new design and its minimalist cabin controls.

Even Chris Bangle himself has admitted making mistakes - although not when it comes to design. At a recent lecture at the Design Museum in London, he said: "Did we move in the right direction with design? Yes. Could we have done more to explain what we were doing and why? Yes."

Privately, Bangle believes that the BMW board were too slow to wake up to the scale of his design changes. They failed to explain his new modernist style and when it became clear that customers loved the 7-Series' performance but hated the looks and i-Drive, they acted too slowly to address the concerns.

The top-of-the-range 7-Series was launched two years ago. In spite of the chorus of criticism it attracted and sluggish sales - in particular in BMW's core German market - BMW insisted customers would learn to love it. However, last year executives rushed through a facelift designed to smooth the car's sharp edges, reduce its bulky profile and soften the clunky bootlid.

The new 7-Series will be unveiled later this year. BMW hopes its launch will mark the end of one of the most awkward chapters in the company's history."

Auto Spies perspective: The issue isn't the fact that it's wrong anymore, it's that they just need to learn from it and fix it...We give Panke a lot of credit for his courage! Lesson learned? Contemporary style is a fad that sometimes works and sometimes doesn't. This time, it didn't. The fix? A more contemporary interpretation of the traditional designs that will stand the test of time. BMW has one of the most talented design teams on earth (and that includes Bangle!). They'll be back and we'll be the first in line for the new one...Hey, we bought three of these and we didn't even like it! And they say we're not fans of BMW...NOT!
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Off topic, sorry. But hopefully "of interest". We need a new thread.

Hey Eyedoc,

I'm sorry you where challenged on your spelling. God knows I'm the worst, but I have learned, and I do construct most of my comments in word and cut and paste it in after spell check. Flying fingers across a keyboard can make some terriblelleelell errors.........SEEEEEEEEEEEEE? Why are people so judgmental, are they so perfect they can't stand we people that make a mistake once in a while? Guess I better run this through spell check or I'll never hear the end of it.

Bob

Ps Interesting, spell check did not have a problem with terriblelleelel. Dah!

It is appears that even learned jounrals misspell sometimes. I put Precption into Google and got several hits (including several articles in journals) where it was spelled Preception when it shoudm have been Perception.

A Precept is a rule or edict. The Precept of the committe was to select someone for CEO who is a good speller. I'll bet Preception is an affectation form of Precept. Not found in yourdictionary.com, but dictionary.com and onelook.com define it as "A Precept". Why add more letters if they don't serve a purpose?

pre·cept ( P ) Pronunciation Key (prspt)
n.
A rule or principle prescribing a particular course of action or conduct.
Law. An authorized direction or order; a writ.


Perception (noun form of to perceive) is a "way of looking at things". The committee's perception was that Mr Smith was smart since he used big words.

Main Entry: per·cep·tion
Pronunciation: p&r-'sep-sh&n
Function: noun
Etymology: Latin perception-, perceptio act of perceiving, from percipere
1 a : a result of perceiving : OBSERVATION b : a mental image : CONCEPT
2 obsolete : CONSCIOUSNESS
3 a : awareness of the elements of environment through physical sensation <color perception> b : physical sensation interpreted in the light of experience
4 a : quick, acute, and intuitive cognition : APPRECIATION b : a capacity for comprehension

[/QUOTE]OH, off topic again. I think Cadillac is feeding us a bunch of crap in order to keep the demand high, and don't forget if the word is out to most of the public, they might be waiting for the V. My dealer has 12 people signed up, and has 3 on the lot. Thank God I'm number 3 and was only one day late to get that position.
Bob[/QUOTE]




Am I reading correct? Your dealer in Southern CA has three XLR-V's on their lot?

Hello:

What I have been trying to get across is simply that the average consumer knows nothing about automotive engineering. They judge the car by what they see and feel. A XLR put next to a 500SL is going to look flimsy and plasticy-junky looking. The Cadillac is a better made car, more reliable, and in the long run will probably outlast the Benz due to the fact parts for Benzes are so expensive when a major breakdown occurs , like a transmission failure the car may not be worth fixing even though it may be at the time only 7 or 8 years old. Yes like I said Cadillac is getting in younger buyers on the Escalade and the CTS seems to being bringing in the 45-50 yr olds. The XLR though has not had much luck getting those affluent baby boomers out of their 500SLs and Jaguar XK8s and into the XLR. When I mentioned the Country music industry and Cadillac I was using this as an example that Cadillac had an image problem in the past. There was and still is to some degree a vision in what marketing people call " The Beverly Hills, Palm Beach car market" of Cadillac as being sort of a hick-mobile. I recall once when I was staying at the Breakers Hotel in Palm Beach when the Allante had just come out, a known actress, who I cannot name, saw the Silver Allante parked in front and she remarked to her companion word to the effect that the Breakers was becoming a Trailer Trash Hotel etc, also X GM Chairman Roger Smith was once quoted as saying He wished the folks at the Grand Ole Opry would find another car to sing about etc. Here in FLA I know a retired GM guy who told me a few years ago there was alot of frustration with the Cadillac marketing people trying to preserve Cadillac's old moneyed image when it seemed pop culture was trying to drag it into the gutter. He told me THEY HATED the music videos with the old 50's Cadillacs. I have 3 cars. I have a 2003 SL55, 2004 Mitsubishi Montero Limited both of which share my garage with a 1936 Pierce Arrow 1601 that was bought by my grandparents brand new.














Now that we've sorted out the the difference between a precept and a perception... I just dont want to beat that dead horse anymore.

Allante91 - The articles that you posted are interesting, but seem to be a loggerheads with your thesis...at least the way I read them.

In a nutshell - Cadillac was formerly old and stodgy, and now is cool again, thanks to introduction of new products and smart branding. The average age of the Cadillac buyer is dropping - but most notably in the Escalade - primarily due to rap stars and pro athletes.

Maybe I'm misreading/misunderstanding what you are trying to say, but it seems you believe Cadillac has a "branding" problem? The evidence seems to suggest that Cadillac is on the upswing and M-B is struggling (in the US).

My "perception" of M-B is that they make a sturdy, almost bulletproof car, not highly styled, and very,very "establishment". The sporty, youthful brands out of Deutschland are BMW, Audi, and Porsche.

But Allante91, I want to know two things:
1) What kind of car do you drive?
2) What is wrong "brandwise" with country music? "Guitars, Cadillacs, Hillbilly music..."

Hello:

What I have been trying to get across is simply that the average consumer knows nothing about automotive engineering. They judge the car by what they see and feel. A XLR put next to a 500SL is going to look flimsy and plasticy-junky looking. The Cadillac is a better made car, more reliable, and in the long run will probably outlast the Benz due to the fact parts for Benzes are so expensive when a major breakdown occurs , like a transmission failure the car may not be worth fixing even though it may be at the time only 7 or 8 years old. Yes like I said Cadillac is getting in younger buyers on the Escalade and the CTS seems to being bringing in the 45-50 yr olds. The XLR though has not had much luck getting those affluent baby boomers out of their 500SLs and Jaguar XK8s and into the XLR. When I mentioned the Country music industry and Cadillac I was using this as an example that Cadillac had an image problem in the past. There was and still is to some degree a vision in what marketing people call " The Beverly Hills, Palm Beach car market" of Cadillac as being sort of a hick-mobile. I recall once when I was staying at the Breakers Hotel in Palm Beach when the Allante had just come out, a known actress, who I cannot name, saw the Silver Allante parked in front and she remarked to her companion word to the effect that the Breakers was becoming a Trailer Trash Hotel etc, also X GM Chairman Roger Smith was once quoted as saying He wished the folks at the Grand Ole Opry would find another car to sing about etc. Here in FLA I know a retired GM guy who told me a few years ago there was alot of frustration with the Cadillac marketing people trying to preserve Cadillac's old moneyed image when it seemed pop culture was trying to drag it into the gutter. He told me THEY HATED the music videos with the old 50's Cadillacs. I have 3 cars. I have a 2003 SL55, 2004 Mitsubishi Montero Limited both of which share my garage with a 1936 Pierce Arrow 1601 that was bought by my grandparents brand new.


Next time you are ready to toss your 500SL due to a transmission failure let me know.

I wonder how many people have an SL55 parked beside a Mitsubishi in their garage.

A friend's 1992 500SL recently died, car is worth probably $13500. Rebuilt transmission was $7500 installed. He chose to toss it and cut his losses.








Next time you are ready to toss your 500SL due to a transmission failure let me know.

A friend's 1992 500SL recently died, car is worth probably $13500. Rebuilt transmission was $7500 installed. He chose to toss it and cut his losses.


In your earlier example you used 7 years, however in reality the car was 14 (model years) old. There is a huge difference between the cost of parts for a car that is 14 years old and one that is 7 years old, with a comparable difference in the residual value of the car.

I am 28, guess that makes me o the younger side of owners

I was just pointing out that MB parts cost alot more than Cadillac parts. I saw your Pebble Beach XLR pictures, the XLR I drove was exactly like yours. The look nicest in Red or that champagne color, and worst in that Royal Blue.








In your earlier example you used 7 years, however in reality the car was 14 (model years) old. There is a huge difference between the cost of parts for a car that is 14 years old and one that is 7 years old, with a comparable difference in the residual value of the car.

Damn --- What a bunch of old farts..LOL

I got the car when I was 26... and according to your math, that makes me 6.

So basically, I'm a baby.

1978.

I found this XLR at a insurance junk yard, I bet you anything it was one of you old timers that totaled it. LOL

Will be 69 next March... :flag

72 next Saturday and since my 04 is down, I'd better get some grease on my wheel chair wheels.

http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/15/15_4_122.gif (http://www.smileycentral.com/?partner=ZSzeb001_ZNxmk572YYUS)so there!

Damn --- What a bunch of old farts..LOL

I got the car when I was 26... and according to your math, that makes me 6.

So basically, I'm a baby.

1978.

I found this XLR at a insurance junk yard, I bet you anything it was one of you old timers that totaled it. LOL

What do you think is the avg. age of driver of cars which costs $ 75.000 and up????
Did you know that the avg. age of Aston Martin drivers are 57 ????????

Harry

72 next Saturday and since my 04 is down, I'd better get some grease on my wheel chair wheels.

http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/15/15_4_122.gif (http://www.smileycentral.com/?partner=ZSzeb001_ZNxmk572YYUS)so there!

Hi Bob, did you put bigger wheels on your chair wheel? :glol

Hans

Hans,
Why of course I did, 24" Foose chrome stars, with corsa exhaust and top is down always. NO ACC, damit. http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/36/36_21_6.gif (http://www.smileycentral.com/?partner=ZSzeb001_ZNxmk572YYUS)
Bob
ps Can I borrow you vette for the weekend?

Hi Bob, did you put bigger wheels on your chair wheel? :glol

Hans

LOL... Now thats funny.

Hey I just hope that when I get to be you age(s) I still have a thrill for life and a desire to drive these kind of vehicles.

You guys do get my respect for playing with these toys at you age(s), but the term mid-life crises comes to mind, and for some of you .... end of life crises.. LOL

See. that's what this site is all about....Fun stuff. How much for the wheel chair with 24"s? http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/36/36_1_55.gif (http://www.smileycentral.com/?partner=ZSzeb001_ZNxmk572YYUS)
New computer goint on line tomorrow night. this one will be going down for today and tomorrow.............see ya then.

http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/3/3_8_14.gif (http://www.smileycentral.com/?partner=ZSzeb001_ZNxmk572YYUS)
LOL... Now thats funny.

Hey I just hope that when I get to be you age(s) I still have a thrill for life and a desire to drive these kind of vehicles.

You guys do get my respect for playing with these toys at you age(s), but the term mid-life crises comes to mind, and for some of you .... end of life crises.. LOL

I bought my XLR in February of this year, as an early 50th birthday present (turned 50 last Saturday). Hey, you gotta treat yourself right, eh?

Allyn

Damn --- What a bunch of old farts..LOL

I got the car when I was 26... and according to your math, that makes me 6.

So basically, I'm a baby.

1978.

I found this XLR at a insurance junk yard, I bet you anything it was one of you old timers that totaled it. LOL

Statistically speaking, you young whipper snappers have far more accidents. However, agree with your hypothesis - but only because very few 26 year olds have the means to attain an XLR. It would be interesting to know...

Aviator is 53 - and is an instrument rated pilot

I'll be 72 next Tuesday. My last ride was a '98 Transam convertible. The only thing I miss is the six speed manual.

Statistically speaking, you young whipper snappers have far more accidents. However, agree with your hypothesis - but only because very few 26 year olds have the means to attain an XLR. It would be interesting to know...

Aviator is 53 - and is an instrument rated pilot


akaFATCAT - 27 - DayTrader

First post - new owner of an '05 Xenon Blue with Shale / 50 now - 51 in October / in NY now - building a new home in north central FL with an anticipated delivery date of 5/06 / still play in a R&R cover band on weekends.............how's THAT for not acting your age!? :cool

Warm Regards to all as I lurk about learning "stuff" from all of your experiences!

You will get more hooked every day...Information gained on this forum is not available any place else. Certainly not the dealer :flag

First post - new owner of an '05 Xenon Blue with Shale / 50 now - 51 in October / in NY now - building a new home in north central FL with an anticipated delivery date of 5/06 / still play in a R&R cover band on weekends.............how's THAT for not acting your age!? :cool

Warm Regards to all as I lurk about learning "stuff" from all of your experiences!

Don't be a stranger.

My age seems to parallel my instant MPG. When it reads zero.......well ya'll know!

Actual chronological shows 47. But it sure made me feel young to blow the doors off of a new Mustang yesterday driven by a twentysomething!!

WooHoo!! :reddevil

sorry standby, but you are not the baby of the group...I am 23 here in VA :)

I thought I had already looged in on this one, I was 72 last week. That ought to raise the average and save a thousand dollars.

sorry standby, but you are not the baby of the group...I am 23 here in VA :)

Welcome to the forum xlr23!

.........but Standby is still the baby of the group!! :glol

Welcome to the forum xlr23!

.........but Standby is still the baby of the group!! :glol


LMAO...........

Lmao............ :d

:smash
WELL I AM A 22 YEAR OLD MALE STILL IN SCHOOL AND I JUST GOT A SILVER XLR

:cry well put away your rattle 'cause you can't be the baby either!

Yes, my daughter is 19 and love to drive Daddy`s XLR. :)
You can allways see the big grin on her face when she is driving it. :D

Harry

I am 61 and I turned in my 2002 Vett for the new XLR

I am 40. When I drive my XLR, I can feel the older folks looking at me with hatred...LOL :)

48 and feeling great!

Have you beat for the youngest I am 29

Well, I am 22, My husband is 33 though and we both drive it (although when people compliment him on the car, he always says, "it's hers, i just get a lift in it"

I am proud (or maybe I shouldn't be :lol ) to say I'm the youngest to date from what I read on this site, even younger that xlrate. AGE 29. November will make it 30 and dirty.

i think you missed a couple of us..I am 23 and someoneelse was 22

Yup, I missed a few people. So I'm almost the youngest. But I just hope GM doesn't drop the ball and turn the XLR into the Allante all over again. Let's give it time till the MB leases start running out and see what everyone will do.

18 probably I am the youngest... :)

Ok, you win and here is the prize http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/12/12_7_20.gif (http://www.smileycentral.com/?partner=ZSzeb001_ZNxdm414YYUS)



18 probably I am the youngest... :)

56 and lovin' my 05 XLR

:glol Well, I am 74, when I get in my XLR I feel 17 again. This is my 6th convertible, I had an Alanti and also a 60 Cadillac Convertible. Love the open air. My SRX has the full Sun Roof which I keep open in good weather. I have not read all the post so am not sure if anyone XLR owners are older than 74.

Well, I am sorry to dissapoint you but at the plant we call most XLR buyers shortly after their purchase and there is one in Nevada who is 81 years old. :yesnod

I sure hope that he feels like 17 again when he drives the car. :)

SilverX

:glol Well, I am 74, when I get in my XLR I feel 17 again. This is my 6th convertible, I had an Alanti and also a 60 Cadillac Convertible. Love the open air. My SRX has the full Sun Roof which I keep open in good weather. I have not read all the post so am not sure if anyone XLR owners are older than 74.

Boy this proves my point why we are not getting a back up camera or hot/cold cup holders in our 09 vehicles.............No one at GM was even listening last year
BTW........He wrote 74, not 81 and I will take top honors at 74 with a birthday in July to go to 75, and I never got a phone call so you can't say that anymore.
BoboWell, I am sorry to dissapoint you but at the plant we call most XLR buyers shortly after their purchase and there is one in Nevada who is 81 years old. :yesnod

I sure hope that he feels like 17 again when he drives the car. :)

SilverX

I, also, will be 75 in July and did not receive a 'phone call. My 2004 has 71,000 miles on it and gets 26 MPG on the interstate at 75 MPH.

bumbleent

The owner in Nevada is 81, not First Robin.

Boy this proves my point why we are not getting a back up camera or hot/cold cup holders in our 09 vehicles.............No one at GM was even listening last year
BTW........He wrote 74, not 81 and I will take top honors at 74 with a birthday in July to go to 75, and I never got a phone call so you can't say that anymore.
Bobo

Please enlighten me as to how you figure he is 81. He said he was 74
Bob
The owner in Nevada is 81, not First Robin.

Standby, Please read post #134 again. I did not say that First Robin is 81. I said the owner we contacted, who lives in Nevada, is 81.

Please enlighten me as to how you figure he is 81. He said he was 74
Bob

What day, mine is the 16thI, also, will be 75 in July and did not receive a 'phone call. My 2004 has 71,000 miles on it and gets 26 MPG on the interstate at 75 MPH.

bumbleent

Test

Got it...........thanksStandby, Please read post #134 again. I did not say that First Robin is 81. I said the owner we contacted, who lives in Nevada, is 81.

75 on July 19.

bumbleent

I've been lucky enough to meet some of the XLR owners and while the physical age may be a bit on the graying side, the mental age of every member is 16 :lol:glol ..............and that's A GOOD THING!

See you all in B.G:jester

I may be the youngest one at 33. :rolleyes

27

Just turned 28... but I was 27 in January when I bought it! :)

32 years here...

I am 19, but it was self earned thanks to dot com!!!!!! :-)

I am 19, but it was self earned thanks to dot com!!!!!! :-)

Good for you, Matt!!!

A man after my own heart!!!

You should attend RIII, if Mom will let you go! :lol :lol :lol Just kidding!

Enjoy your ride!!

Floyd

See I would come, but the fact that it is, well across the country! Also I am a full time college student ATM and that would, well hurt my grades. I plan on coming one year soon, but I would be tempted to challenge you to a race for your cruel joke!

:)

VROOOOOM

I plan on coming one year soon, but I would be tempted to challenge you to a race for your cruel joke!

:)

VROOOOOM

Cruel?????

I didn't/don't see it as being cruel. . .

A race, huh, you have a base XLR, right? Bring $$$$!!!

Study hard,
Floyd

Cruel?????

I didn't/don't see it as being cruel. . .

A race, huh, you have a base XLR, right? Bring $$$$!!!

Study hard,
Floyd

Was base two weeks ago, Ill have a surprise for you :)

Im ready, anytime!

:yesnod I was 35 when my hubby bought me my xlr.

Floyd, He probably put headers and an exhaust on it. I wonder if he knows what we have done to our 443 hp V's? He's from Oregon, maybe I can have him first down here in So Cal.
I can use a buck or two.
Bobo
Cruel?????

I didn't/don't see it as being cruel. . .

A race, huh, you have a base XLR, right? Bring $$$$!!!

Study hard,
Floyd

Floyd, He probably put headers and an exhaust on it. I wonder if he knows what we have done to our 443 hp V's? He's from Oregon, maybe I can have him first down here in So Cal.
I can use a buck or two.
Bobo

Bobbbo,

Be my guest--waste him!!!

Floyd

You very nice grandfatherly gentlemen are really going to take advantage of a youngster with very little experience driving? I think I should come and hold the money till the races are finished. You both know it doesn't matter as much as what is under the hood as who is behind the wheel and you both have way lots more miles under your belts. Have fun, First Robin (no Batman) maybe Bats in the Bellfry

You very nice grandfatherly gentlemen are really going to take advantage of a youngster with very little experience driving? I think I should come and hold the money till the races are finished. You both know it doesn't matter as much as what is under the hood as who is behind the wheel and you both have way lots more miles under your belts. Have fun, First Robin (no Batman) maybe Bats in the Bellfry

Experience is always very good to have on your side. . .but a few extra ponies under the hood will absolutely seal the deal!

Must teach the younger generation to have a little respect!

Floyd

Standby, BoBo, you need to check out the last couple of postings. First Robin:reddevil

I'm 47 and loving it!

Yah!:party

Well he did kinda brag a bit and Floyd and I had to put him in his place or maybe he will put us in ours if he has more ponies and nitro. It's all in fun
BoboStandby, BoBo, you need to check out the last couple of postings. First Robin:reddevil

Well he did kinda brag a bit and Floyd and I had to put him in his place or maybe he will put us in ours if he has more ponies and nitro. It's all in fun
Bobo

What he said. . .:yesnod

Floyd

Floyd, He probably put headers and an exhaust on it. I wonder if he knows what we have done to our 443 hp V's? He's from Oregon, maybe I can have him first down here in So Cal.
I can use a buck or two.
Bobo

Not quite, I actually bought my car in San Jose, California from a former Vette racer whom is a retired lazer engineer in the bay-area, so you can only imagine what he has done to the engine.

Not quite, I actually bought my car in San Jose, California from a former Vette racer whom is a retired lazer engineer in the bay-area, so you can only imagine what he has done to the engine.

Sorry, my imagination has taken a leave of absence, possibly you'd like to enlighten me?

Floyd

Yea, I'd love to know too. I left my crystal ball in BG Floyd.
BoboSorry, my imagination has taken a leave of absence, possibly you'd like to enlighten me?

Floyd

Interesting, in post #152 it didn't sound like he bought it all souped up. Think he's pulling our collective legs?? :lol :lol :lol

Floyd

Very good imspector Cluso. Yea I don't mind having my leg pulled, but he just keeps getting in deeper. I hope this doesn't go on much longer.
I guess he has a laser guided missle under the hood from that engineer in the Bay area.
As you know we had an expression in Jersey. Put up or shut up. Ouch, I didn't mean to be that blunt, but my backspace button won't work.
BoboInteresting, in post #152 it didn't sound like he bought it all souped up. Think he's pulling our collective legs?? :lol :lol :lol

Floyd

I think as he's driving around in his VW Bug he has these HUGE daydreams. . .

Floyd

I am only 27 and I own a 2005 XLR and a 2004 CTS-V I love cadillac and age does not matter!

21 05 xlr

Wish I was 21 with an XLR. I had a 4 dr Ford that cost $500 dollars.
My question would be...........if you're going to turbo this Northstar why not trade it for a V? You probably will loose your warranty if you have anything left on it or have an extended warranty. If you haven't driven a V, I suggest you do so before putting a turbo on it because there's going to be a lot of V's that will not be in your rear view mirror, you will be looking up their exhausts.
Anyone agree?:iagree
Bobo

21 05 xlr

hmm I see what your saying ...when I picked up my car I bought it for 70k brand new and I couldn't afford the v series ...so my options were to either turbo it which ive done research and my fabricator can do so or convert it to a v series....I drove a stsv one time and it was amazing how fast it was but not a v series xlr thanks for the advice tho I will try test driving one before I rip apart my car

hmm I see what your saying ...when I picked up my car I bought it for 70k brand new and I couldn't afford the v series ...so my options were to either turbo it which ive done research and my fabricator can do so or convert it to a v series....I drove a stsv one time and it was amazing how fast it was but not a v series xlr thanks for the advice tho I will try test driving one before I rip apart my car

I think that would be a very wise move.

Floyd

42

im 26 with 2008 xlr v black raven with casmere interior
and im hispanic living in nyc

OK, 12 pages - fabulous comments...but it looks like there are only 4 of us ladies on here (Sheri, Dian683 and WannaXLR), surely there are more women than this with good taste?!!!? LOL

39 when I bought my '06, single and earned it on my own (but was very grateful to the unknown woman who bought it before me for the 8 months it took the V to come out...loved not taking that depreciation hit!).

Harry, Sabrina shows great taste - love to see you're raising her right! My nephews (16, 17, 18 and 21) love driving it, so average age really looks to be a matter of economics.

Brooksmorris - sorry, don't fit your description...and if you think it's a babe magnet you should try seeing the reaction from the men (darn, thought it was me they were staring at, LOL).

OK, 12 pages - fabulous comments...but it looks like there are only 4 of us ladies on here (Sheri, Dian683 and WannaXLR), surely there are more women than this with good taste?!!!? LOL

39 when I bought my '06, single and earned it on my own (but was very grateful to the unknown woman who bought it before me for the 8 months it took the V to come out...loved not taking that depreciation hit!).

Harry, Sabrina shows great taste - love to see you're raising her right! My nephews (16, 17, 18 and 21) love driving it, so average age really looks to be a matter of economics.

Brooksmorris - sorry, don't fit your description...and if you think it's a babe magnet you should try seeing the reaction from the men (darn, thought it was me they were staring at, LOL).

My wife is primary driver of ours....and she loves the attention that she gets while driving to and from work. Her special plate, XLR8, helps too. :lol Let's see, her age is.....nahhh, I better not do that.

Regards,

Elfred

CFarren,

I also am an XLR owner, 2004 Satin Nickel, bought it 2 years ago when I was 37....love my baby! Paul my hubby wants a Z06, now that he was driven a few of them this weekend..hehe
Perhaps we should start our own Thread for the Lady owners/drivers.. Adelle has a nice red one up in PA! I think we all need pictures with us in our babies :)
Maybe then he will quit taking my car to go play golfing few times a week...lol

Mea

Elfred, thanks - I'm glad to hear there are more smart ladies out there (and great men who enjoy us!).

Mea - let him go get his Z06....then you can have fun with both beauties! Absolutely post a pic of you in your car! My photographer is a bit car jealous so I seem to have difficulties getting him to take one of me anywhere near my car (LOL)!

Enjoy!

Mea - let him go get his Z06....then you can have fun with both beauties! Absolutely post a pic of you in your car! My photographer is a bit car jealous so I seem to have difficulties getting him to take one of me anywhere near my car (LOL)!

Enjoy!

Hi CFarren,

Well, Paul did get the Z06 that we saw and he test drove at the Corvette party 2 weeks ago. We picked him up 2 days ago on our 8th Wedding Anniversary and he is loving it. I will take some photos of the X & the Z together in a few days and post them. They look absolutely precious together! Fun to drive them on the road side by side too.:yesnod
You just need a tri-pod and make your own pictures with your XLR!!!

Mea

23....trying to sell my Maserati Spyder so I can get into something more practical; XLR.

Unlike most of the younger owners here who probably have been spoiled by their parents or trust funds with this car- I work very hard and make my own money.

41 currently, Decided to buy my X when I hit 40, sort of an early mid life crisis. I didn't plan on living to 100, thought 80 was more realistic considering the "Live for today" sort of life coupled with the NY stress.

Carpe Diem,
Mike

Hello strangers......Jack will be 72 soon and is still as car crazy as I was at 18:cheers

Hello strangers......Jack will be 72 soon and is still as car crazy as I was at 18:cheers

Jack,

Wonderful!!!! Good for you...young at heart :yesnod
Mea

27, here

Str8AzzXLR:

Welcome to the XLR Forum.

We hope you enjoy the information and the members here.

We are striving to be the best source of information and owners experience feedback for the XLR.

Your input will be greatly appreciated.

Im 20 and I Love mine

My wife is primary driver of ours....and she loves the attention that she gets while driving to and from work. Her special plate, XLR8, helps too. :lol Let's see, her age is.....nahhh, I better not do that.

Regards,

Elfred

funny, here in Oregon my XLR plates are XLR8ED :-)

I was 70 when I bought my 2004 81,000 miles ago (Feb. 2004). Both the XLR and I are still holding our own.

Bumbleent

63 going on 30:cheers:cheers When I have the need for speed over comfort I have a 2006 Z51 Corvette Convertible and also a 2004 Commemorative Edition Cpe. Just bought a 2009 XLR-V last week and can't wait to get it on the track... Getting old is a real B*@ch. Can't get rid of the cars, might have to get the "BluePill" instead.

I set a goal to get an XLR for my 50th B-day but found a 2005 in 12/08 for a price I couldn't walk away from after turning 49 and I LOVE IT !!!....By the way, my user name is my nick name for the car....

:seeya I'm 71 and my XLR may be the last car I buy since I keep cars for a long time. LOVE EVERY MILE in it .. it's a gem. I knock around town in a Toyota and keep my XLR for that special feeling I get when I drive it. If I took it for routine driving every day it would lose its special character. That's my way .. and many may say it's silly. Too bad. :yesnod

:seeya I'm 71 and my XLR may be the last car I buy since I keep cars for a long time. LOVE EVERY MILE in it .. it's a gem. I knock around town in a Toyota and keep my XLR for that special feeling I get when I drive it. If I took it for routine driving every day it would lose its special character. That's my way .. and many may say it's silly. Too bad. :yesnod

Hi John,

I agree, these cars are gems, which is more the reason to be driving them often! I drive mine as a daily driver, although Florida weather allows for that. We have over a dozen near us, and every time I go out I see at least one or two on the road! Still get that excitement in the tummy seeing them, but being in it, and driving it is even better! So put them miles on it and enjoy it as much as possible! :cool Mea

Hello,
Now that this thread has 13 pages I guess I'll jump in and fess up. I'm 65, retired, and have always been a fan of horsepower. The V is a fun machine. My wife still works and uses ours as a daily driver. I'm still floored that the car has so much WOW performance and yet is docile and rock solid reliable enough to go get the groceries.

I don't want to race the car but I am making a few upgrades so I can take it to a track and go really fast legally. Powering a responsive car around corners is addictive.

Jack

Thought I'd bump this up again as I see other relatively new owners also in addition to myself.

Unlike most of the younger owners here who probably have been spoiled by their parents or trust funds with this car- I work very hard and make my own money.

Interesting comment. Don't know how you'd know that, but then again I'm new here.

33 myself, wife's...well, actually, a wife is always 29, right? :jester

Jay

----
JayInAtlanta
2006 Infrared/Ebony XLR-V
w/ Permagrin package :flag

You go Jack!!!

There are several Geriatric Owners here that just can't kick the speed and performance habit.

Regards

I've been 'stalking' the XLRs for a few years. In 2005 wife and I went to 'look' at Cads. She (the real boss) told me she wanted a RED ESV, and so even though I wanted a BLUE XLR, you all know what happened. Having been denied ordering 'my entre'e" I finally found "my blue XLR" and purchased it on March 12th 2009, just 12 days before my 58th birthday. "I'm into TOURING and love the 320hp and the fuel economy". I have other cars and trucks and have raced powerboats for many years. My last Harley had an American Turbo system on it and had 210hp @ the real wheel, so I do consider performance as "KING", but I didn't need to go with the "V", I needed the BLUE!

I've been 'stalking' the XLRs for a few years.

<snip>

but I didn't need to go with the "V", I needed the BLUE!

It's a wonderful color for sure, my favorite. Nice find and I'm sure you'll love it. I saw one in Atlanta that I considered, but I was the opposite. I chose the V (at a price I couldn't pass up) over my favorite color.

AzGeo:

Hey thats my car!!! I have the same color and really have enjoyed it. If you look at the favorite color poll the Xenon Blue is the 3rd favorite color. I really pissed me off when they dropped it after the 2007 model year.

BTW: There are other Harley and speed freaks here too including me (2006 Street Glide 100hp/100tq and a unfired Destroyer). So you aren't alone.

We look forward to learning from your experiences.

I really hate to do it BUT...... go over to the Lund Cadillac site and the D3 Performance site and you just may be making a few changes "under the hood".

Regards

Jerry

I've been 'stalking' the XLRs for a few years. In 2005 wife and I went to 'look' at Cads. She (the real boss) told me she wanted a RED ESV, and so even though I wanted a BLUE XLR, you all know what happened. Having been denied ordering 'my entre'e" I finally found "my blue XLR" and purchased it on March 12th 2009, just 12 days before my 58th birthday. "I'm into TOURING and love the 320hp and the fuel economy". I have other cars and trucks and have raced powerboats for many years. My last Harley had an American Turbo system on it and had 210hp @ the real wheel, so I do consider performance as "KING", but I didn't need to go with the "V", I needed the BLUE!

It's a beautiful color, for sure... but, I'm still partial to my red XLR.

I really 'had to have' the blue! But, rebuilding and actually 'making the parts whole again' should be very satisfying to you "mtrocket'! Way back in college, I did the same thing with Corvettes. Back then I could buy 3 hulks and make one running car for less than $2K. Today I don't have time to build my '55 Pontiac into a street car. (always moving) I took a 'road trip' yesterday, to inspect 2 powerboats that had been in 2 different accidents. I frequently am asked to 'inspect and report' on various high speed boat accidents, both for insurance companies and LEOs. I drove a little over 322 miles in 102 (F) heat. I got just over 28 MPG and drove between 55 and 75 MPH all day long. (Needles Calif, and Blythe Calif.) Started in Lake Havasu City Az. went to 2 border towns in Calif and them came back to Lake Havasu City Az. "I think I'll hook up the XM radio, now that I know about FM around here".

I really 'had to have' the blue! But, rebuilding and actually 'making the parts whole again' should be very satisfying to you "mtrocket'! Way back in college, I did the same thing with Corvettes. Back then I could buy 3 hulks and make one running car for less than $2K. Today I don't have time to build my '55 Pontiac into a street car. (always moving) I took a 'road trip' yesterday, to inspect 2 powerboats that had been in 2 different accidents. I frequently am asked to 'inspect and report' on various high speed boat accidents, both for insurance companies and LEOs. I drove a little over 322 miles in 102 (F) heat. I got just over 28 MPG and drove between 55 and 75 MPH all day long. (Needles Calif, and Blythe Calif.) Started in Lake Havasu City Az. went to 2 border towns in Calif and them came back to Lake Havasu City Az. "I think I'll hook up the XM radio, now that I know about FM around here".
Yes, I do love my job... I don't have time to work on most of my own projects either. Let's see, I have a 1967 MG Midget, a 1975 Corvette, a 1969 Mustang, etc, etc, etc... all in various stages of repair. Someday, maybe???

I am 49 and just recently bought a 2005 but have wanted it since it came out in 2004 since I had to wait for the price to come down.....I am in South Florida and you don't see too many on the road. In my opinon, there is nothing else like it. I think GM should have named the car something reminscent of a James Bond catch phrase.

Look like i might be the youngest LOL I'm 19. i own 3 caddillacs 1973 fleetwood 75 limo a 2000 escalade and my XLR when I have some BMW's and a mercedes and I still like my cadillac's the best.

Alex

I recently inherited a 2008 XLR from my Dad who passed this March at the age of 98. He was 97 when he bought the XLR. The Cadillac salesman offered to sell him an extended warranty on it. He declined saying, "I think the factory warranty is good enough for me. In four years I'll either be too old to drive, or dead. He called the XLR the best car he ever owned.

jmd:

Welcome to the XLR Forum. I am sorry for your dad's passing but you must admit he sure know how to live a long and prosperous life!!!

It souds as if he was committed to having as much fun and enjoying life until he couldn't. I had a friedn like that and used to enjoy listening to his stories about his lifes escapades by the hour. He sure could make you laugh..

So I hope you will continue to remember your dad's memory in much the same fashion.

I know you wil enjoy the car because it is truly unique. No more are bing made. So we here are committed to being sure we share the good and bad experiences and the fixes with each other.

I hope you find that the forum provides you with value as well.


We look forward to hearing from you.

Regards

Jerry

My bride of 20yrs. and I had been looking for a white XLR ever since GM started production. We found our 2008 Alpine White in May 2009 and we love our "Princess" (changed name from "Lil Bit"). She is parked next to the 2007 ESV named "Victoria" (great vehicle). Now I don't feel very old at 70yrs. until I look in the mirror. Then I wonder ---who the he-- is that?? :seeya

Well, I'll just say my age is north of 50. Actually, I've turned 49 years old a couple of times in a row now...