[bakersdozen]

Hi all,

I'm considering getting an XLR for my wife, and wanted to see if anyone wanted to share their opinions, experiences, suggestions, pitfalls to avoid, etc.? I know this is an XLR board and likely to be primarily pro-XLR, but hoped that some of you could share and help my experience be a better one should we decide to get the XLR. We're in the Houston area by the way, and I've noticed several forum members from that neck of the woods -- big Texas howdy to you all.

 

[Eyedoc]

Review

Yes, decidedly pro-XLR (and anti- SL, Lexus, Jag, etc).

It might do best to just review many of the strings that are in this board. Remember, many of us got 2004 models (first year) and there were a few kinks, but nothing too bad, considering the technology.

The #1 thing that nearly all would agree (I think), is the head turning quotient. I have had mine for over a year in the DC area and the only place I see another XLR is at the dealer. People still stop and talk at the gas station, chat when you are at a stop light or walk over in a parking lot to say "Great car!".

You may or may not get lots of responses here to your global question, but the old postings could be very helpful.

 

[bakersdozen]

Thanks for posting eyedoc.

We love the looks of the XLR, and the features are great as well. I was hoping to get some input on things such as:
1) experience with tinting the windows (gets darned hot in Houston)
2) getting the GM extended warranty
3) things to make sure you get or don't get (some dealers are saying oil changes come with the car while others don't offer that, rear wind guard is suggested by some, etc.)
4) tips during breakin period
5) I've seen posts about the sensors causing problem with the top, has this been fixed in 2005's?

Any little items like those that future owners should know.

Great forum, looking forward to seeing more ideas.

 

[Caly]

Must agree about the attention it draws!

I would like to see just a little more cabin space, a shelf or net behind the seats for instance. You can't hardly get behind the seats as it is.

The Adaptive Cruise Control is pretty nice, but I use cruise a lot, and would prefer to be able to switch between that and a standard cruise.

All in all, pretty happy with this car.

 

[Guest]

Tinting

I was informed not to use a metal base tint because of reception for XM-radio, but that may have been a little over kill. I didn't do the back window because it would be to dark backing or seeing at night, just side windows. I ape everyone else as far as feeling like a rock star when you drive this car. The ladies are very impressed as well as guys. To show my appreciation for this car, I put down my deposit on a 06 XLR-V with the 440HP engine in January and will not see it until December or later.You won't go wrong with this Dream Machine. That's what I have on my back window. Be ready to spend many hours learning about the nav system and all the other gadgets
bob

1) experience with tinting the windows (gets darned hot in Houston

 

[Eyedoc]

Input

I see you got some tinting input. Guess it depends on the state too, since there are restrictions.

I think conventional wisdom is never get extended warranties (cars, appliances, anything) - they are not cost effective.

The only option on the 2004 was XM radio. Definitely get this!! If you don't want the antenna installed, tehn tell the dealer and keep it, but I think you will like XM and the antenna is not that obvious once out are used to it.

I think the break-in tales are probably varied. I followed the book (no hard acceleration or braking, etc). Its hard for 500 miles.

One of the top sensors on mine had to be replaced. Seems to be a relatively common issue, but easy to identify and replace. No problems since the one was replaced. Maybe it was a quality control issue or something. Not sure if it is getting better overall.

Just be prepared for lots of stares and comments.

My comment on performance is "sneaky fast" not brute power, but great fun.

 

[1_XLR]

Here's what dark tint looks like

 

[harry yarnell]

Eyedoc is right; I had no idea the magnetism this car has. It's icing on the cake. I had a Prowler before this, and didn't get the looks this rascal gets.

 

[Guest]

How does the dark tint on the back window effect seeing at night?

Here's what dark tint looks like

 

[harrysxlr]

Here's what dark tint looks like

Your car looks beautyfull, the dark tint, wheels and the exhaust.

As far as I don`t know when the XLR V will be available here in germany I might do some modification on mine. If the V is here in spring, I wont.

Harry

 

[1_XLR]

How does the dark tint on the back window effect seeing at night?

the back window is no problem, but the sides can be a little challenging at times

 

[bakersdozen]

How about OnStar? Anyone with a 2005 run into the problem of having Analog Only, instead of the upgradeable Analog/Digital Ready?

 

[Eyedoc]

No problem

I actually get better reception on the Onstart phone than my Cingular digital at times. You do get the occasional static, but with digital the voice will drop out all together or drop the call.

Voice activiation works 95% of the time (with the top up) and 50% with the top down (probably a noise thing).

I am not really sure digital is that much better (maybe its that the antenna and Onstar combination are better than a handheld cell).

 

[brooksmorris]

You asked for opinions regarding a purchase of an XLR.
I'm sure you expect some bias, since you're on an XLR Enthusiast website.

I'm a former "Hot-Rodder" and a retired Air Force fighter pilot. The XLR is the coolest automibile I've ever owned.

I had my dealer change the oil after the first 500 miles. Got a little static, but they did it. In my opinion,this is the most critical oil change you can do with a new engine. Gets rid of any loose metal particles floating around.

The only mods I've made were to install the Corsa exhaust system, (a must to relieve back pressure) and the Strut grilles. upper & lower, (you have to be willing to give up the Adaptive Cruise Control if you install the lower grille since the radar bounces off this metal grillwork and sends false signals),
Worthwhile to me, since I don't want a computer applying the brakes for me.
The increased airflow to the engine was worth it.

As to tinting, now I'm excited. Maybe I'll have that done next.

It's nice to get ooh's and aah's from the general public when they see this car, however, if that's a primary motive, one can always buy a Ferrari.

Summary:

I'd go buy one.

 

[Guest]

Add my $02. cents

Brooks,
Isyour delaer also Allen Cadillac? I two am a former drag strip nerd and retired 150/180 Cessna pilot OK, not quite a jet pilot.

I would add tp you post the fact that I walked around two XLR's for 6 months and when I finally bought it and started playing with the gadgets, I was hooked..............Just plain assume.
On another note, I was talking with Al, the general manager of Allen Cadillac today and he informed me that a deal was in the works to have Chip foose linked to Allen...........exclusively for all kinds of things. Al said the deal was not finished yet but was close, so we will see how this will help the #1 Cadillac dealer in California and 37th in the nation.

I'd go buy one.

 

[brooksmorris]

Hi Standby:
Yes, my dealer is Allen Cadillac and they are neat folks.
We go back a long ways, having a common interest in fishing as well as autos.

They treat everyone like a VIP, which is why they're # 1 in CA.

Glad to hear you ordered an 06 XLRV.
I was one of the first to order my XLR from them and waited 6 months before delivery. The wait only enhances expectations.

For -I XLR:
Where did you get your windows tinted?

 

[Guest]

Tinting

Is your XLR black? think I passed you one day at the harbor about 3 months ago.

Scott Allen sent me to Sun Tamers off Crown Valley by Costco. He is usually out doing house windows, but has a crew at the shop. Best call him and arrange a meeting. My tint is flawless, but I didn't do the back for fear of not being able to see out at night. Price was $100, very reasonable.
call Frank @ 949-582-8200.
I might add that I have had a little trouble with Steve Blacker at the dealers. He tends to forget what my car is in for and has made a remark concerning my daughters CD player that went out on her CTS that I didn't think was appropiate. I asked if he would rather I tell Scott or Al the general manager what he said and he apologized and has been good boy every since.
I was in there this last week for Oil change/front end aliagnment and balancing. He forgot the balancing and I wish I hadn' noticed. When I went back they balanced all four and screwed up the front ones really bad. The funny part was I was watching them zero out the tires. I think their machine is out of wack, so I have to take it back again because I'm leaving for NYC with my daughter in the XLR on the 9th. The front end is shaking realy bad.
Bob

Hi Standby:
Yes, my dealer is Allen Cadillac and they are neat folks.
We go back a long ways, having a common interest in fishing as well as autos.

They treat everyone like a VIP, which is why they're # 1 in CA.

Glad to hear you ordered an 06 XLRV.
I was one of the first to order my XLR from them and waited 6 months before delivery. The wait only enhances expectations.

For -I XLR:
Where did you get your windows tinted?

 

[1_XLR]

For -I XLR:
Where did you get your windows tinted?

http://www.luxurymotorworks.com

I loaned these guys my car for a week. They make a system for the SC430 to remotely control the top from the FOB and tried unsucessfully to design one for the XLR. Anyway, it was a matter of convenience while they had my car. They did do an excellent job and after about a year now, no signs whatsoever of peeling.

 

[bakersdozen]

Wow, lots of good input everyone. Thanks!

Brooksmorris (or anyone else feel free to chime in) - can you tell me more about the Corsa system? I've never been one to do mods, but am intrigued by the possible sound and performance boost. What type of performance boost do you think it's provided? I see from searching some past posts that people have ordered the systems from their Cadillac dealer and had them installed by the dealer -- does this imply that the Corsa system is "blessed" by Cadillac and won't do anything to void warranty

Working on trying to get a deal on an 05 for my lovely wife, will keep everone posted if I can get the deal done and join the XLR community :thumbs

 

[aviator]

Houston area XLRs

bakersdozen-

Welcome to the forum, and we're hoping to see a post soon advising us of the purchase and delivery of your new XLR. I'm not sure I can add anything to the automotive accolades my XLR colleagues have generously heaped upon you. It is truly all they say and more.

Regarding your locale, Homeboy, SAYING you're from the Houston area is insufficient to nail down where you actually are. Folks, Houston is bigger in area than New York, Chicago or LA - 1,312 sq.mi. I've driven across whole states that seem smaller - especially if you have to cross I-10. :banghead :cuss

So what part of the Houston area? I haunt the Northside - Lake Conroe and The Woodlands...