[rturvey]

The main reason I have not pulled the trigger on an XLR is because of my concern that the dealer/service experience will be a big disappointment. I currently own a Lexus and they treat me so well I am almost certain I would be dissappointed elsewhere. For instance my car was out of warranty when I brought it in for service last month. They gave me a new ES330 as a loaner for the 3 days it was in service at no charge. Are cadillac owners teated in this manner by their dealer?

 

[rex32]

I've had Lincoln Marks, Lincoln Town Town Cars, Cadillac SDV, Allante, Sevilles. M-B SLs and a Lexus LS400. Undoubtedly, Lexus gave the best service (rarely did I need it) but they don't have a car that compares with the XLR.

How 'bout asking yourself this question? How much time do you spend DRIVING your car and how much time do you spend having it serviced? If Subaru gave you a Ferrari to drive for 3 days, would you buy a Subaru?

 

[lady_phoenix]

I want to say yes, but I have to tell you that the dealer determines the policies its governed by. Some Cadillac dealers may, some may not. It all depends. I certainly don't want to deter you from purchasing a Cadillac, but the dealers speak for themselves. I can certainly say that being in warranty and outside of it are two totally different things. Do some research by calling a few of them to see what their policies are when a customer comes in out of warranty. It wouldn't hurt to ask!

 

[Dadonator]

Sort of

I have to say, my dealer for the 1st 6 months of 2004, had basically no clue as to how to service an XLR--I was the 2nd one they'd ever seen. To their credit, they would ask me to bring in print-outs from this website, so that they could look up the appropriate service bulletins, etc.
:crazy

This site has been an awesome source of info, and with it, my service improved greatly "no, XLR brakes are NOT supposed to squeal like Porche brakes, here's the service bulletin I got at XLR Forum.com"
:nono

Having said that, I've always received a Caddy Deville as a service loaner, even tho I really don't need it, I found that I got my XLR back a LOT quicker when I took the loaner, because it was costing them, every day.
:flag

Biggest problem was driving that low-fidelity sound system, slow, piggish handling boat! The Deville WAS your father's Cadillac--totally out of touch with the rest of Caddy's 04'-05' image!
:eek

Once my brakes got replaced with the service fix rotors, and I cancelled XM radio (doesn't work in Westchester, NY) I've had no service visits--everything's been rock solid for about a year.

OK, so I bitch about the lack of MP3 compatibility, bottom line is, the XLR is quite a bang for the buck, VERY reliable (at least mine is) and aparently you can steal one for $66-68 thousand and change, which crushes every competitor in its class, including Lexus and Mercedes.
arty

--Bob

 

[Guest]

Hey dadonator,

I just couldn't help getting on you guys about the MP 3 player............sorry

The reason you don't get good reception in Westchester County is probably because of the trees.........boy you got a lot of trees there.

I too have been a big help to my dealer with information from this site. The XLR mechanic even wrote the code down for the dvd player. I told him he owes me one in case I or we need a code.

My information center just went down and doesn't read anything. I' hoping it's a quick fix, they also scratched the lid on my console, fixing the hot console, which they have ordered and is in, so I guess it's time to head to the dealer.........Great People that try to please. Course they also know I have the V ordered too.

Yeh, what's up with the big price for a supercharger and some wheels for the V? And they cut production? Come to think of it, they just traded out the wheels so a V emblem and a supercharger is worth $15 big ones?

OK, so I bitch about the lack of MP3 compatibility, bottom line is, the XLR is quite a bang for the buck, VERY reliable (at least mine is) and aparently you can steal one for $66-68 thousand and change, which crushes every competitor in its class, including Lexus and Mercedes.
arty

--Bob[/QUOTE]

 

[aviator]

Service

rturvey-

Lexus has the best service on the planet, but not the best cars...and isn't it really all about the cars?

Now if I were buying a luxury sedan the LS 430 would be at or near the top of the list. But if you are in the market for a Luxury roadster, the SC is a 98 lb weakling compared to virtually everything in the class.

Would you really buy that car because the service is good?

I have fould that the service at my Cadillac dealer is superior to the Mercedes that it replaced.

 

[Guest]

Booooooooooooooo!

Well, you all talk about service. Today took the cake. I brought my 04 XLR in for service.

1..Two recalls fixed
2..Center console cover replaced because they scratched it the last time in.
3..Big lag between 1st & 2nd when I have the hammer down...............They claim it's normal
4..Complaint about driver 2 activating, pinning me against the wheel, and ECM would just blank out and I would have to hit one of the buttons to activate it again..........They couldn't produce either of these things. They claimed tech 2 was not communicating with GMLAN module and replaced tech2.
I really don't know if these tech's really have any clue as to what the factory has put in these cars. I think we should get a factory tech with every car.
Was given a gold key Cadillac from Enterprise and had to pay for usage, but get a check back from Cadillac in one month.............ONE MONTH? What the hell is up wtih that?
This is service?
I was told by my serice rep that a lot of people complain but it's not going to change, and it works that way at every Cadillac dealer.
I told him I didn't like it and I may cancel my 06-V and buy a mustang or a Vette. I will not tolerate being treated like i just pulled up in a Neon.
If I get some of the problems that you guys have experienced, I just may cancel.

Hey dadonator,

I just couldn't help getting on you guys about the MP 3 player............sorry

The reason you don't get good reception in Westchester County is probably because of the trees.........boy you got a lot of trees there.

I too have been a big help to my dealer with information from this site. The XLR mechanic even wrote the code down for the dvd player. I told him he owes me one in case I or we need a code.

My information center just went down and doesn't read anything. I' hoping it's a quick fix, they also scratched the lid on my console, fixing the hot console, which they have ordered and is in, so I guess it's time to head to the dealer.........Great People that try to please. Course they also know I have the V ordered too.

Yeh, what's up with the big price for a supercharger and some wheels for the V? And they cut production? Come to think of it, they just traded out the wheels so a V emblem and a supercharger is worth $15 big ones?

OK, so I bitch about the lack of MP3 compatibility, bottom line is, the XLR is quite a bang for the buck, VERY reliable (at least mine is) and aparently you can steal one for $66-68 thousand and change, which crushes every competitor in its class, including Lexus and Mercedes.
arty

--Bob

[/QUOTE]

 

[Eyedoc]

Similar

I have a similar situation with my brake squeal. I am about to tke it in for the 4th time. I give them a good description of how and when I can produce the squeal, hoever, they always have said they can't reproduce it, therefore cannot diagnose the issue.

As a physician, I ran into this too, with patients (they have a symptom but I cannot find anything on exam or testing). Depending on how much the symptom bothers the patient, I would sometimes treat anyway and see if the symptoms improve from the patient history.

A corollary would be for the dealer to replace my front brakes one at a time, until the symptom disappears (I think it is the left front brake). I'll see if I can convince them this time (I though of going to the general manager this time - thought?).

I have never had them charge me for the Enterprise rental (only tax and gas). I usually get a Caddy, but not always. I did pay once to upgrade to a SRX. Sounds like your issue may be dealer specific.

 

[1_XLR]

I have had issues they could not reproduce, and it's very frustrating. My cruise control goes off after about 25 minuite of use....I don't expect them to reproduce!
Also if they can't find the problem, they want to blame my 20" wheels or my exhaust system. Sometimes it's a battle, but they seem to always come through in the end, I just stay on them.

I have never paid .01 cent for a Cadillac from Enterprise,
and have always gotten a Deville , CTS, or STS

Standby, try Tustin Cadillac, older shop and staff (I think they play bingo in the waiting lounge) but the XLR tec is....how shall I say.... of the new generation.
Younger guy, seems to know his shet.....and WANTS to solve the problem.


I HOPE YOU'RE NOT GOING TO C.M.!!!

 

[Rainey]

I've only had mine in the shop one time and it was a good experiance. They had a new Escalade waiting for me that they set up through enterprise and GM footed the bill for the rental. I have to take it in soon for another service due to the service ride control light coming on. I will advise if I'm treated well again.

 

[Guest]

1_Xlr,
Where is Tustin Cadillac, is it in the Tustin Auto Center?
I think I will try them. I had to fight for my rights to a Cadillac, which I was told I would get because I had the flagship of Cadillac. Now I have to wait for a month to get my money back. BTW.......We are talking about Allen Cadillac in Missio Viejo.
Instead of trying to reproduce, why the hell don't they just change the part out.
Tell you the truth I'm about to cancel my V. I won't and will not stand for this treatment, even from a Ford dealer.

I have had issues they could not reproduce, and it's very frustrating. My cruise control goes off after about 25 minuite of use....I don't expect them to reproduce!
Also if they can't find the problem, they want to blame my 20" wheels or my exhaust system. Sometimes it's a battle, but they seem to always come through in the end, I just stay on them.

I have never paid .01 cent for a Cadillac from Enterprise,
and have always gotten a Deville , CTS, or STS

Standby, try Tustin Cadillac, older shop and staff (I think they play bingo in the waiting lounge) but the XLR tec is....how shall I say.... of the new generation.
Younger guy, seems to know his shet.....and WANTS to solve the problem.


I HOPE YOU'RE NOT GOING TO C.M.!!!

 

[bjoraker]

rturvey-

Lexus has the best service on the planet, but not the best cars...and isn't it really all about the cars?

Now if I were buying a luxury sedan the LS 430 would be at or near the top of the list. But if you are in the market for a Luxury roadster, the SC is a 98 lb weakling compared to virtually everything in the class.

Would you really buy that car because the service is good?

I have fould that the service at my Cadillac dealer is superior to the Mercedes that it replaced.

Love the XLR, but just cannot agree with your opinion of the SC430. Virtually the same horsepower (300) as the XLR and definitely a luxury roadster - not a roadster with luxury. It is definitely unique in its class and wonderful to drive. The V8 is silky smooth with decent 0-60 time of about 5.2 seconds. Quality is definitely better than the XLR IMHO and there have been no recalls of SC430s. May not be your cup of tea but that car is no 98 pound weakling. I think it is a sweet and beautiful ride, though it does have many detractors. All for 63-65K dollars - much less than a comparable XLR or anything else in its "class". I respect your opinion though - we both share a love for the XLR!

Having said that about the Lexus - I will be purchasing an XLR-v :cheers

 

[Rainey]

To all in Southern CA. I've been please with the service level at Silver Star Caddy in Thousand Oaks. Call Rich the service guy and he'll take care of you. My sales representative was Jeremy and drop the name and you'll have two red carpets roll out not just one. :smash

 

[Dozer42]

After owning a SC430 for about a year now, I can offer my opinions on it.

Awesome car, flat out. Interior is the best of any car I've owned, ergonomics are perfect, Nav system is the 2nd best out there (the one in the Infiniti M45 is better, and the one in the Acura RL). Power is adequate, torque is very nice, soundsystem is spectacular (for a stock system) but could use a touch more bass.

Bad part about the car? Handling. I even went so far as to add a Tein CS coilover kit with EDFC electronic controller and Daizen swaybars, but it's still too soft and uncontrolled in the curves when it hits any bump. The XLR's magnetic suspension is just fantastic.

If I could fix the handling on this car, I'd keep it and add a supercharger, but I don't see any easy way to do so.

One of the best things about the car? Being able to drop the top and raise it from the remote control. It is SO nice to just click the remote and walk away while the top closes and the car locks. Awesome feature. (I added this aftermarket for $750, it doesn't come like that stock).

Wish I could have that feature on the XLR, but it's pretty much impossible as the computers won't power up without the key-fob in the car, and the doors won't lock with the key-fob in there.

Nobody beats Lexus service or the 'Lexus Experience'. For anyone in NorCal, just go over to Stevens Creek Lexus and you'll see what I mean.

You drive up to the building, a large door opens up. You drive onto the showroom floor and park on the spotless tiled floor. Head over to the snack bar and grab a coke or coffee, espresso, and a donut. They'll spend literally hours telling you everything about the car you're interested in, even if you're not ready to buy that day. There's a 'business center' with a row of computers set up so you can do your work while your car is being serviced, that is, if you choose to go in. Otherwise they'll send someone to your place of business or home to drop off a loaner car and pick yours up for service, service your car, detail it, and then drop it back off again.

Awesome. But like you guys say, it's all about the car. I only take it in for service a couple times per year, so personally I'll trade the spectacular 'Lexus Experience' for all the goodies on the XLR, especially if I can get an XLR-V for a good price. I'm totally expecting the XLR-V to completely flop, just like the XLR. Not because it's not a fantastic car, it is, but because the public just doesn't want to pay $76k for the XLR, and they sure won't want to pay $95k for the XLR-V. I certainly will though. =)

 

[Quixotic]

I'm glad it was said. The big difference in the Lexus is the handling. The exterior styling is, like the XLR, a matter of taste. The interior styling is awesome. But the handing is just plain dissapointing. Kind of a toss-up between the Jag and the Lexus for sloppiest handling... IMHO.

 

[Guest]

Take exception

Dozer,
General information doesn't include monster pictures of your pet & gloating over your Lexus, and bashing of our pets, and I don't see the XLR as a flop.
You come on strong, bashing our cars and then you add a few nice things so we don't take exception. Well I take exception. Don't you have a Lexus forum you can go to and gloat there?...............and it's not going to be $95,000. I wish you would stop being wishy washy when you write your comments. Say what you mean and stand by it.:nono

After owning a SC430 for about a year now, I can offer my opinions on it

Awesome. But like you guys say, it's all about the car. I only take it in for service a couple times per year, so personally I'll trade the spectacular 'Lexus Experience' for all the goodies on the XLR, especially if I can get an XLR-V for a good price. I'm totally expecting the XLR-V to completely flop, just like the XLR. Not because it's not a fantastic car, it is, but because the public just doesn't want to pay $76k for the XLR, and they sure won't want to pay $95k for the XLR-V. I certainly will though. =)

 

[Dozer42]

Don't be so sensitive, I wasn't bashing the XLR at all. As I said I think it's fantastic, and I cannot understand why people aren't gobbling them up. Try reading what I wrote. :\

Yes, IMHO it is a flop as GM has 1700 of them sitting at the factory unsold, and hundreds and hundreds of 2004s and 2005s sitting on dealers lots, and they just cut production in half.

I only say $95,000 because that's what Allen Kulbersh quoted to me when I asked about buying one. Seeing as he's the guy who just unveiled the car at the NY autoshow, and seems to have the best info on the car, I'm betting he'll be correct and the car will be at least $90,000 if not $95,000.

I didn't even bring Lexus up as a subject under this thread, someone else did. But as I have the car, I feel I can offer a valid opinion and comparison of it to the XLR.

It's too bad you're so insecure that you see it as bashing. I didn't say a single bad thing about the XLR at all. The only single thing that I didn't like about it is not being able to raise/lower the top from the remote. Is that bashing? If so, I'm guilty as charged.

 

[Guest]

I think you should re-read your thread and try to be objective. You just might see it my way.

Don't be so sensitive, I wasn't bashing the XLR at all. As I said I think it's fantastic, and I cannot understand why people aren't gobbling them up. Try reading what I wrote. :\

Yes, IMHO it is a flop as GM has 1700 of them sitting at the factory unsold, and hundreds and hundreds of 2004s and 2005s sitting on dealers lots, and they just cut production in half.

I only say $95,000 because that's what Allen Kulbersh quoted to me when I asked about buying one. Seeing as he's the guy who just unveiled the car at the NY autoshow, and seems to have the best info on the car, I'm betting he'll be correct and the car will be at least $90,000 if not $95,000.

I didn't even bring Lexus up as a subject under this thread, someone else did. But as I have the car, I feel I can offer a valid opinion and comparison of it to the XLR.

It's too bad you're so insecure that you see it as bashing. I didn't say a single bad thing about the XLR at all. The only single thing that I didn't like about it is not being able to raise/lower the top from the remote. Is that bashing? If so, I'm guilty as charged.

 

[mswaim]

Your thoughts are welcome with me Dozer, I don't take offense to any of your comments. Afterall, we all know there are new units piling up in GM's supply chain. I passed by a dealer earlier today who has two 04's on their lot, both with ad banners showing the price to be $68,000 and change.

That has to rub some of the early buyers the wrong way, but that is the car business. Heck, I remember some of the early T-Bird's going out the door for MSRP with a $10,000 pack and the buyers were standing in line.........at first, until all the die-hard T-Bird fans were satisfied, then reality set in and a "buyers market" developed.

Hell, I can remember people actually paying a pack on top of MSRP to be one of the first in line to own a PT Cruiser............my god man, what were they thinking????

I don't think the "V" market will be any better - or worse. It's not everybody's cup of tea and every dealer out there will pack them if they can get away with it.

Personally, i'm not sure which way I will go, the only certainty is I will be trading off the XLR sometime this year. Not disappointed with it, just bored with it and ready to move on.

Michael's Cadillac in Fresno, CA offered me $60,000 trade-in on mine if I decided to pick up a Z06, which is the way we are leaning right now. That's a pretty sweet price considering the market condition.

 

[Dozer42]

Hmmm, sounds like you should trade your XLR to me for my Supercharged Z06.

Trust me, with 700hp you won't get bored as easily!

http://www.dozer.com/z06