[dug-mac]

I've gotten the bug for a new car and the XLR has all of my attention. Not being able to afford a brand new one, I've been looking at 04's in my area. I understand some early 04's are more prone to issues than later builds (or at least that's what I've heard). My question for you guys is do you think spending $45K on a used 04XLR is a good deal? Obviously it is WAY below the cost of buying new. My thought was to purchase a certified car to hopefully avoid some potential issues and, of course, to have that great warranty. Still, $45K is a lot to spend on a used car (the ones I've been looking at have had around 15K miles or less) when you consider what you can buy new for that price (think BMW 328XI). Your thoughts?

 

[ocool]

04 xlr

Well, I bought my 06 off the show room floor and paid the 80 k, and am very happy with the purchase. Sometimes you have to bite the bullet so to say, if it's something you like, go for it. I smile every day I drive the car, It makes you feel good to have something you really like. I've never looked back and thought bad about the purchase. you only live once, enjoy. Bill (ocool)

 

[IBMBROKER]

Look around for the deal, they are out there.

I've gotten the bug for a new car and the XLR has all of my attention. Not being able to afford a new one, I've been looking at 04's in my area. I understand some early 04's are more prone to issues than later builds (or at least that's what I've heard). My question for you guys is do you think spending $45K on a used 04XLR is a good deal? Obviously it is WAY below the cost of buying new. My thought was to purchase a certified car to hopefully avoid some potential issues and, of course, to have that great warranty. Still, $45K is a lot to spend on a used car (the ones I've been looking at have had around 15K miles or less) when you consider what you can buy new for that price (think BMW 328XI). Your thoughts?

I made an offer on a Platinum 2006 XLR with 900 miles on 12/30/06. Had the dealer not taken 4 days to call me back I'd be driving it today. The offer? $52000and he accepted but it was too late. In hindsight he did me a favor; I bought a new 06 XLR-V the day before he called. My black V is a bee-otch to keep clean but that platinum XLR was really a lot of car for the money. Keep looking you will find that deal.

 

[Guest]

I've had both the 04 Platinum and the 06-V Platinum. The 04 I did a buy back because of the heat in the console. Some people have not had ths problem and some have. I used a laser heat gun and after a 60 mile trip it read 147 degrees in the cup holder and the heat coming off the console was unbearable. The O6-V is just plain awsome with no troubles to mention.
My suggestion would be to find an 05 and pay a tad more for it and you have a better car. Put some Foose star 20's on it and you have a bichen ride. I hope you like to feel like a rock star because that's what your gonna feel like.
Bob

 

[dug-mac]

Thanks for the replies thus far... Standby, you seem to be confirming one of my initial concerns - that the 04 might not be as reliable as later years. FWIW the 04 that I've been looking seriously at has a VIN that ends 17** and therefore was built in the latter half of the build cycle. Does anyone think this matters? Why would an 05 be any more reliable when they seem to be identical in every way? I imagine the rock star thing is a plus until you have to leave the car someplace for an extended period...

 

[homegameroom]

The 04 I have was built in June of 04, and doesn't have some of the issues others mention. I do love it! I looked for about a year for a car in good shape with a platinum exterior and ebony interior, and found one in FL for $42000 with 9000 miles on it earlier this year. I like any of the other color combos, but the silver/black color scheme generally looks good, even over time. I plan on using it as a DD as long as the weather is good (so no winters unless global warming really heats things up!). I actually saw another XLR alongside me tonight- with the top up on a warm summer night! I tell people I bought a Cadillac, and many people moan about it being an "old man's car".... until they actually see it! :lol

It's the best money i've ever spent on a car- worth every penny! I have several driving trips planned this summer, and can't wait to take it on the open road! I looked at the "competition" before deciding on the XLR- it was an easy decision! Good luck- I know you'll enjoy it!

 

[dug-mac]

Anyone else with an 04 that has been trouble free or nearly so?...

 

[Jetboyphx]

I think the Professor is over 100,000 miles on his 04 by now and it has been pretty trouble free. $45k should get you an 05 easy though. That gets you up to an extra year of warranty depending on the in service date. 23,000 miles on my 05 and it just developed the radiator leak which was happily taken care of under warranty. No other issues.

 

[dug-mac]

You think $45K should get an 05 with 15K or less miles? I've been looking but haven't seen too many like that. When one does come along a carfax report usually reveals why... I've seen an 06 for sale for around $45K, but even before I did the carfax I pretty well knew it was a bogus car. Maybe great deals do exist, but they always make me suspicious that a dealer would discount the car so much if it is really legit. I mean, in these cases of so called "great deals", it's a given that the dealer paid even less. Hmmmmm...

 

[Lola's mom]

we just bought our 04 this past november .. looking/buying specifically because it was the first year out ... we also had a 64-1/2 mustang .... until there is a MAJOR change in the XLR ... well, we will keep the 04 anyway just for the investment. the only problem we had was replacing a battery - (our fault-didn't know about the short battery life issues) .. it is an absolute dream .... whatever one you choose will be awesome .... just do it!

 

[XLRAT]

We bought our 04 used and certified and have been happy with it. The dealership has had its challenges with headlights and such but nothing major or mechanical so far. We did check the VIN and confirmed that ours was build very late in the year and never even got on the road until 05. I was told that they had already made the 05 changes at the point ours was built. I can't verify that but would think that looking for another one close to the end of the year would be worth it. We didn't get a bargain, paid book value, but the car is immaculate.

Paul

 

[dug-mac]

Can anyone tell me specifically what the changes were for 05?...

 

[ctsvman]

Were are u located?
Also I had a 04 very early build, was reliable and enjoyabale. U will not go wrong with this car! But as said I would get the longest warrenty u can, so the 05 is the way to go.

 

[Galen]

05

I just bought an 05 and love it.

 

[dug-mac]

Thanks for your reply. I live in Massachusetts. I would definitely try to get some kind of warranty. I have seen cars listed at non Cadillac dealers that sell other GM builds and one said they would sell me GM's Major Guard warranty at their cost - guess that would work as well as buying a certified car?

 

[nyxlr]

I Bought 2004 Xlr With 4300 Miles In Dec 2006 For $42000 From A Leasing Company That I Deal With. Car Runs Prefectly.....you Can By Gm Major Guard Online..you Can Wait Until Just Before Gm Warranty Runs Out...i'm Going To Purchase Extended Warranty Just Before 24,0000 Miles, Thats The Next Price Increase Break Point

 

[Guest]

Well dug, it sounds like you got some good advise. Every car manufacturer has lemons, cars with slight problems, some with big problems, but all in all I think you have gotten some good advise and if your smart, you'll go with an 05. The most problems seemed to lay in the first 04, so given that, I'd take that advise to buy above the 04. Just think, maybe you are buying my buy back and your right leg is going to feel like it's on fire on a long trip.:lol :lol :lol

Thanks for your reply. I live in Massachusetts. I would definitely try to get some kind of warranty. I have seen cars listed at non Cadillac dealers that sell other GM builds and one said they would sell me GM's Major Guard warranty at their cost - guess that would work as well as buying a certified car?

 

[mcd-02]

GM Extended Warranty

Hello NYXLR,

Could you please explain a little more about purchasing the GM Extended Warranty before your 04 turns 24000 miles, and in general.

We have an 04 also with 21000 miles, and the Cadillac warranty expires March 2008.

Any idea what you would expect to pay for the GM Extended Warranty?

Thanks for your help!

Scott

 

[homegameroom]

a GM dealr appears to be selling the GM Protection Plan on eBay. Check it out in the eBay stores- search under Cadillac XLR and look for the picture of the GM logo; you'll get a good idea as to what the prices are. I was debating doing the same thing, but it appears the convertible top is not covered. I'm not worried about the drivetrain- I've had a number of Northstars, and they've been great.

The hydraulic line busting sounds like a horrible thing! Is there any way to insure it doesn't happen to the rest of us?!?

 

[dug-mac]

nyxlr, you are doing just what I had in mind - let the mileage get to 24K and then purchase the no deductible 3/75 Major Guard warranty. After 24K the extended warranty costs more. This way the car is covered until 99K. From what I understand the top is covered under the Major Guard warranty. GM does sell other extended warranties that are less comprehensive (and less expensive). From what I know the 3/75 Major Guard costs about $2800 (if bought with less than 24K on the car). The dealer I've been working with says he will sell it to me for their cost - $1755. Still, I don't like the idea of buying an 04 if it is more trouble prone - extended warranty or not...