Cadillac XLR-V

[Cobrajet]

I'm seriously considering buying a Cadillac XLR-V for road trips. Just wondered if anybody has any experience with this car, or knows somebody that has one for sale.

Any color, as long as it's BLACK!!

I know it's a long shot, but figured I would ask. My VX will still be my daily driver... there's no replacement for my baby!



My other option is a Mercedes-Benz SL55 AMG.

[Vendetta]

They're both nice, but I'd take that Benz over that Caddy 10 out of 10 times. I suspect if you drive both, you'll agree. I've got a 12-cyl CL (the hard top version of the SL), and the ride is just insane. Also, Caddy does not have a great history when it comes to convertibles.

Good luck,
-V

[Cobrajet]

I'd take that Benz over that Caddy 10 out of 10 times. I suspect if you drive both, you'll agree.

My luck with the SL-class the last week hasn't been very encouraging.

Last weekend, I went to the local used luxury car dealership to check out a 2007 SL-550. First, the remote would not unlock the car. Then they brought out a jump box to start it. Started right up, and ran fine, but... Some things did not work. The steering column adjuster did nothing, A/C wasn't cooling, etc. They claimed that the "low battery" was the reason some electronics were not working. I don't recall if we tried to drop the top. I didn't want to take it for a test drive because of the warning light, and the low air pressure message in one tire. They really need to give that car some TLC.

Today I drove two hours to check out a 2006 SL55 AMG. The price was right, the mileage (70K) a bit high, and it needed some TLC also. BUT... we did take it for a test drive... and it was a DOG! No acceleration at all. My VX would have outrun it. I did a little research and it appears there is a common issue with the Inter-cooler pump, which causes the engine to go into limp home mode. Hopefully they will get it fixed before I try again. One of the wheels has curb damage, and the headlight lenses are foggy. The radio is listed as AM/FM/Satellite-Ready, which I interpret as "not installed at the factory." Pressing the SAT button does NOT bring up the default Sirius/XM channel, or display a receiver ID.

I have yet to find a Cadillac XLR-V to test drive. I called the phone number for one advertised locally, but the guys mail box is full. I sent an email, but don't expect to hear back.

I'm striking out so far, but the search goes on. I have the bug! You guys know that feeling. You take one look at the VehiCROSS and you HAVE to have one. I feel like I need a new toy. Last year it was a new motorcycle! What a mess that was. Bought the wrong one, and had buyers remorse the minute I rode it off the dealers lot. D'OH!! Don't want to do that again. That's why the base XLR and SL550 have been scratched from my list.

I do get a lot of compliments on my VX, thought, which almost makes it worth driving around to the used car lots. "Even trade for your XLR-V or SL55 AMG..."

[Leon R]

I used to consider these cars for a fun weekend ride and perhaps an occasional autox. I liked the idea of Cadillac version of Corvette. Until I realized that this was an older version of a Corvette. XLRs are based on c5 Corvette, but they were sold at the time Chevy was selling C6 Corvettes, so they were slower, inferior cars all around (not just because of Cadillac tuning).

Also look into reliability of those engines, I read some bad things about them.

[Cobrajet]

I used to consider these cars for a fun weekend ride and perhaps an occasional autox. I liked the idea of Cadillac version of Corvette. Until I realized that this was an older version of a Corvette. XLRs are based on c5 Corvette, but they were sold at the time Chevy was selling C6 Corvettes, so they were slower, inferior cars all around (not just because of Cadillac tuning).

Also look into reliability of those engines, I read some bad things about them.

My VX mechanic basically said the same thing about the AMGs... most of his customers have the SL55 for short weekend fun runs. He didn't recommend buying an SL55 with 70K miles because I might be buying someone's problems. Besides, the more I read, the more I want, and the more depressed I get. I want XM radio... I want Bluetooth... I want Adaptive Cruise... I want Park Assist... but, I don't want to spend a ton of money. And I don't want somebody's reject!

As far as the XLR-V is concerned, it trips more triggers for me. It's limited production numbers, short production run, unique styling, (relatively) high price, high performance... sounds familiar, right?!? Too bad it was never offered in Proton Yellow. However, it didn't get Bluetooth integration until the final year of production, when they also glued on those butt-ugly chrome engine bay exhaust ports. D'OH!!

There's a GM weekend in Carlisle, PA at the end of June, so I may stuff my pockets with some cash, drive on up there, and have a look around. I bet I don't see a single VehiCROSS on the grounds!

[eternal21]

As far as the XLR-V is concerned, it trips more triggers for me. It's limited production numbers, short production run, unique styling, (relatively) high price, high performance... sounds familiar, right?!? Too bad it was never offered in Proton Yellow. However, it didn't get Bluetooth integration until the final year of production, when they also glued on those butt-ugly chrome engine bay exhaust ports. D'OH!!

My friend's dad has one. What's not to love about an LS powered Caddy?

www.ebay.com/itm/201360712854

[Leon R]

My friend's dad has one. What's not to love about an LS powered Caddy?

www.ebay.com/itm/201360712854

Yes, LS powered Caddies are awesome, BUT unlike the Corvettes (or the CTSV Caddies), XLR and XLRV are NOT powered by LS motor! They are using Cadillac Northstar!

Realizing this turned me away from these cars

[Cobrajet]

I was never able to locate an XLR-V locally for a test drive. Plus, the fact that only the 2009 had Bluetooth compatibility, kind of eliminated the XLR-V from contention. Too much money for a 2009 with reasonable mileage.

But, I found a low mileage (<29K) 2007 SL550 available through the local Ford dealership. Black with Java (tan) interior, Satellite radio, Bluetooth, Keyless-GO, heated/cooled seats, etc. They are trucking it over from their Annapolis dealership to Warrenton, and I'll make the final decision Monday or Tuesday, with pickup on Friday. I have three days from then to keep or return, and will give it a thorough test on my weekend trip to New Jersey. I'm kind of excited, actually.