Im looking to buy a new convertible and fast but I cant help but wondering why I see so many damn mercedes sl's and sc430's rather than any xlrs? I have only seen one xlr on the road ever.I hate the sc430 and the sl is the only mercedes I like. Why did you all pick your xlrs over the japanese and germans?

well the SL has been around for a long time...and look at the price of the SC430...you can get one for around 65,000. Which isn much compared to the 75,000 of the xlr and the 95,000 SL.

Not only is the SC cheap and the SL classic, the XLR is limited which kinda pisses me off. You know they could make more and drop $5000 off the price tag... Seeing how most dealerships raise the price to over $80k, it's no wonder they are so rare. I have seen 4 different ones on the road though. (two grey, black, and a platinum)

According to last weeks Automotive News, only 59 XLRs have been sold since 1-1-'04.

Why, gm? why? the XLR is a favorite that could have strong selling power, but it looks like GM will keep it rare to boost Cadillac's image... Big mistake as most people will never see one...

You guys don't get out much, do you?

If they made too many, then people would just complain they depreciate too fast like other Caddies, because that's what happens when the market is flooded and they appear on every used car lot. Dealers just want to get rid of them.

I think the limited number is GM's way of helping them maintain value, etc. but I am shocked only 59 were sold. How many were built is what I want to know.

I made a mistake. Not 59 Sold, but rather 875 sold. I looked at the wrong line. 3,883 have been manufactured. About 3,000 are in dealer's lots, or about an average of 2 per dealer. My observations are that most (key word: MOST) wealthy people are NOT into cars. They view a car as transportation and a status symbol. Therefore, if they are spending $80,000 for a car, they will migrate to mer-SAY-deees, because that name has the most Panache! Even BMW could not sell their Z8 over here. I beleive it's off the market allready ! No car caused its initial owners more grief than the BMW 7-Series that came out in 2002. They plain would not run. Hundreds lined dealer's lots awaiting a "fix" ~ Problem over, it was nothing more than a hiccup in their sales chart. Had it been Lincoln or Cadillac, forget about it! All over the newspapers, on the TV & Radio, sales to this day would be limping along. The black cloud would linger for 2 years!
People have no patriotism any longer when they spend their money. Oh yea, they'll buy that Toyota or Lexus and stick an American flag on it. Great Big Deal!!! So Patriotic! I have no flag on my AMERICAN car!

I made a mistake. Not 59 Sold, but rather 875 sold. I looked at the wrong line. 3,883 have been manufactured. About 3,000 are in dealer's lots, or about an average of 2 per dealer. My observations are that most (key word: MOST) wealthy people are NOT into cars. They view a car as transportation and a status symbol. Therefore, if they are spending $80,000 for a car, they will migrate to mer-SAY-deees, because that name has the most Panache! Even BMW could not sell their Z8 over here. I beleive it's off the market allready ! No car caused its initial owners more grief than the BMW 7-Series that came out in 2002. They plain would not run. Hundreds lined dealer's lots awaiting a "fix" ~ Problem over, it was nothing more than a hiccup in their sales chart. Had it been Lincoln or Cadillac, forget about it! All over the newspapers, on the TV & Radio, sales to this day would be limping along. The black cloud would linger for 2 years!
People have no patriotism any longer when they spend their money. Oh yea, they'll buy that Toyota or Lexus and stick an American flag on it. Great Big Deal!!! So Patriotic! I have no flag on my AMERICAN car!

You know I hope the XLR doesn't go the way of the Lincoln Blackwood! The Blackwood only sold a total of just under 900, and Ford called it a loss and killed it.

We had one Z8 sell here and at $165,000 Cdn. it was only a wealthy restaurant chain owner who got it. He doesn't know anything about cars even enough to really appreciate it but it's like you said, they go for Panache.

True, I think that Mercedes has the ultimate status "bragging rights" in peoples minds and it is a shame because Cadillac has come so far and people won't consider one.

My Lincoln dealer got 3 Blackwoods. One sold immediately. #2 sold in like 6-7 weeks. #3 they still have ! They lettered the door with the dealership's name and they use it for a parts truck, and are writting it down off their taxes. After #2 sold, and up until last month (as far as I know) they never had another customer ever ask for one !
Now, dumb Lincoln is gonna try again! Another new Lincoln truck coming for '05. This a 4-door spin-off based upon the Ford F-150 Club Cab Pick-Up Lariaot Model, with Navagation and other toys (No Wood). $50,000 or so. To further smear their honored names, this ones called The Mark ! So, the Ultra Luxury Sport Coupe becomes ......A TRUCK ! :yawn: :hmm: :rant2: :helpless: :bonkers: :cookoo: :eek:

My Lincoln dealer got 3 Blackwoods. One sold immediately. #2 sold in like 6-7 weeks. #3 they still have ! They lettered the door with the dealership's name and they use it for a parts truck, and are writting it down off their taxes. After #2 sold, and up until last month (as far as I know) they never had another customer ever ask for one !
Now, dumb Lincoln is gonna try again! Another new Lincoln truck coming for '05. This a 4-door spin-off based upon the Ford F-150 Club Cab Pick-Up Lariaot Model, with Navagation and other toys (No Wood). $50,000 or so. To further smear their honored names, this ones called The Mark ! So, the Ultra Luxury Sport Coupe becomes ......A TRUCK ! :yawn: :hmm: :rant2: :helpless: :bonkers: :cookoo: :eek:

They should put that money into quality control instead of investing in another lost cause. It is suprising, though, how successful the EXT is but maybe that's because it is a full-size? It's strange how Lincolns don't seem to sell that well in the mid-size market. Consider the Aviator. Isn't it killed off next year as well? Only the full-size Lincolns sell well imo.

To add more insult from the 1980's, isn't Lincoln going to bring back the "Zephyr" namesake? When I think Zephyr, I think of those 1980's Marquis, you know, the Grand Marquis wannabees. :D

All I can tell you is the real power of a car ( or panache as some call it) can only be realized by driving your crimson pearl XLR on to the lot of the largest Mercedes dealer around to pick up your wife who is dropping off her CLK for service and having yourself swamped by customers, saleman, mechanics and every other person on the property, all wanting a peek at the only XLR they have had a chance to see up close.

That's the real power of a car. I hope GM never sells another one just so mine stays that rare around here. :thumbsup:

yeep,

here in germany my xlr gets the wwwwoooowwww anywhere!

for whom the sl 500 is not exclissively enough he`gets an XLR.

All I can tell you is the real power of a car ( or panache as some call it) can only be realized by driving your crimson pearl XLR on to the lot of the largest Mercedes dealer around to pick up your wife who is dropping off her CLK for service and having yourself swamped by customers, saleman, mechanics and every other person on the property, all wanting a peek at the only XLR they have had a chance to see up close.

That's the real power of a car. I hope GM never sells another one just so mine stays that rare around here. :thumbsup:

But really thats probably the only reason why. I look at XLRs because they are rare too, but unfortunately, the vehicle I examined was not up to my standards and unlike the CTS-V, the new and old STS, and the Escalade which are vehicles that genuinely move me, I can honestly say I would not consider the XLR over the foreign competition even based on the feeling I get sitting inside of it. Well wait... I WOULD take it over that run of the mill Lexus SC430 Garbage, what a waste of engineering that thing was.

Truth be told, at the auto show the 05 Corvette was getting three times the attention the XLR was, and Id have to agree, I like the Vette better too for the money. That may make me unpatriotic (???) or just smart, I dunno.

I'll tell you what else will be a page in the Lincoln Blackwood book, and IS a Cadillac. The new Escalade ESV "Platinum" edition. 68,000.00 for some more wood, TV screens and some wheels?! You have GOT to be kidding me. There is alot of initial "buzz and excitement" (as there was with the Blackwood) but even I as a long time Escalade and EXT lover think after the initial "I want to be the first" customers buy theirs, theyll probably sell about 4.

This is sort of political...
but.......

It seems everyone is so down on the French! They even seriouslty-joke about re-naming the things Freedom-Fires instead of French Fries. You hear so many people critiquing the French for their anti-American stance with regard to the war "over there" in the Middle East.

Yet.........

Germany took the identical stance!! Where's all the hoopla about turning around the ships and sending back the BMWs, the mer-SAY-dees, the Porchs, and the Wee-Folks-Vaggons ???? No, it's like "Send us more" -
"We want more" !!! More Audis and more Cry-Slurs too.

I might buy a Chrysler or a Dodge, but I'd never own a MB, BMW or any of the others. Because of the present stance and because of their last stance, back in 1928. As far as I am concerned, they can keep 'em. I'll stick with Cadillac & Lincoln. (I do miss my Imperials, however.......)

I was talking to my history/econ teacher not to long ago and he told me that it greatly helps the American economy to buy American products than a import. Some people are ignorant when the shop for a car they just go on the fact that they think of BMW I will be cool(oh well). I would not buy a German car just because of Hitler I think that is a bad reason to not buy one(if thats what you ment sandy of course I do not think hitler was in poeer in '28). They do have their strong points. I do not want to judge the Germans I have yet to meethem(I will soon). We have Germans on this site and they are cool guys.

I like Cadi for its prestige, quality, and that its American.

But really thats probably the only reason why. I look at XLRs because they are rare too, but unfortunately, the vehicle I examined was not up to my standards and unlike the CTS-V, the new and old STS, and the Escalade which are vehicles that genuinely move me, I can honestly say I would not consider the XLR over the foreign competition even based on the feeling I get sitting inside of it. Well wait... I WOULD take it over that run of the mill Lexus SC430 Garbage, what a waste of engineering that thing was.

Truth be told, at the auto show the 05 Corvette was getting three times the attention the XLR was, and Id have to agree, I like the Vette better too for the money. That may make me unpatriotic (???) or just smart, I dunno.

I'll tell you what else will be a page in the Lincoln Blackwood book, and IS a Cadillac. The new Escalade ESV "Platinum" edition. 68,000.00 for some more wood, TV screens and some wheels?! You have GOT to be kidding me. There is alot of initial "buzz and excitement" (as there was with the Blackwood) but even I as a long time Escalade and EXT lover think after the initial "I want to be the first" customers buy theirs, theyll probably sell about 4.

The only reason the 05 Vette was getting the looks was due to the fact the XLR has been on display at the auto shows for two years now, sporting the same suspension that the 05 has been waiting for. The bottom line for me is the XLR is exclusive enough to draw stares all day long. Try that with your Beemer or Blazer. Even my Viper didn't draw the looks the XLR does out on the street. Add to that its great handling, comfortable interior, enough power to get by and its an overall winner for me.

Try that with your Beemer..

I was gonna post this in another thread in the off topic forum, but then I remembered this thread so I thought id post this here...

When I was driving to the movies tonight, the funniest thing happened. This guy and his kid come racing around the parking lot honking their horn at me in their Acura Legend coupe (true car guy, knew that car was rare). Of course I think they are going to yell at me for parking all the way at the end of the lot or something, and instead they tell me that they have been FOLLOWING me since the last exit off the highway, just to see my car!! I obliged and allowed the guy and his son to check out the car and such, and he was just as happy as could be, just thought the car was awesome. If the XLR will STILL have that effect in 5 years, I may just buy one then too!

I have to admit, THAT has never happened to me before! :bouncy:

I was gonna post this in another thread in the off topic forum, but then I remembered this thread so I thought id post this here...

When I was driving to the movies tonight, the funniest thing happened. This guy and his kid come racing around the parking lot honking their horn at me in their Acura Legend coupe (true car guy, knew that car was rare). Of course I think they are going to yell at me for parking all the way at the end of the lot or something, and instead they tell me that they have been FOLLOWING me since the last exit off the highway, just to see my car!! I obliged and allowed the guy and his son to check out the car and such, and he was just as happy as could be, just thought the car was awesome. If the XLR will STILL have that effect in 5 years, I may just buy one then too!

I have to admit, THAT has never happened to me before! :bouncy:

The Blazer eh? :lildevil: Ya, they're nice. ;)

The Blazer eh? :lildevil: Ya, they're nice. ;)

Im lost Ralph... that was about the 740. ;) Are you messin with me again :)

Im lost Ralph... that was about the 740. ;) Are you messin with me again :)

:yup:

I guess those guys don't get out much if they are following around a four year old beemer. Heck, you can't swing a dead cat around here without hitting a BMW or MB. I have people roll down their windows at almost every stop light to ask questions about the XLR. At gas stations, parking lots, everywhere we go we get asked about the XLR.

As I've said before, I get more looks in the XLR than I did in my Viper, and it was alot more eye-catching than a four year old 740.

I drove up to Kentucky last week, stopped in a dealership when I saw a new black 05 C6 coupe and a C6 yellow convertible. As I approached the showroom I saw the first cherry red XLR I have had the pleasure of seeing in the flesh. That has got to be the finest American made car I have ever seen, absolutely beautiful. If Cadillac continues to produce this car it is bound to but Cadillac back at the top as it used to be. A truly awesome car..........Tom

I drove up to Kentucky last week, stopped in a dealership when I saw a new black 05 C6 coupe and a C6 yellow convertible. As I approached the showroom I saw the first cherry red XLR I have had the pleasure of seeing in the flesh. That has got to be the finest American made car I have ever seen, absolutely beautiful. If Cadillac continues to produce this car it is bound to but Cadillac back at the top as it used to be. A truly awesome car..........Tom

WOW! Fancy dealership, it looks more like a mall. I have yet to see one in person.

That is an object of greatness!!

I guess those guys don't get out much if they are following around a four year old beemer. Heck, you can't swing a dead cat around here without hitting a BMW or MB. I have people roll down their windows at almost every stop light to ask questions about the XLR. At gas stations, parking lots, everywhere we go we get asked about the XLR.

As I've said before, I get more looks in the XLR than I did in my Viper, and it was alot more eye-catching than a four year old 740.

I think some of it is just people who recognize the presence of a vehicle, rather than just its flashiness or newness. The old 740 and old S Class are stately vehicles that command a presence. The new 745 and current S Class are just round and modern, and no one I know thinks much of either of those. Likewise, I think some of the new Cadillacs will have a temporary appeal to them because they are edgy, new and different, but the OLD Caddies will always command a presence and be instantly recognizeable in the same way.

I think it really just comes down as usual to people who are set in their ways when it comes to domestic vs. import vehicles. I consider myself above all that, and equally impressed/repulsed by imports and domestics alike (and able to see right through most of their marketing gimmicks). This is why I dont have many friends on either the BMW forum, or here :)

I was lucky to see a black XLR before i left. WOW, so nice. It was a gift to this lady from her husband, he ordered it from cal. just so she could get it on her birth day. If i had 80k, i'd get one. Oh and just a little side note, theres a dealer ship here(in okinawa japan) that sells some 80s caddies. Back home they might go for a few grand. here, more like 8 to 10k for an 80s deville. They have a new car dealer with devilles and CTSs, i hate to see the price on a new deville here. oh i also saw a 64 impala lowrider, ha.

This is why I dont have many friends on either the BMW forum, or here :)

Not true! We put up with you, :D but we still like you! ;) :yup:

It's also good to hear opinions from BMW owners so that Cadillac knows how to remain better than the competition. :D

I think some of it is just people who recognize the presence of a vehicle, rather than just its flashiness or newness. The old 740 and old S Class are stately vehicles that command a presence. The new 745 and current S Class are just round and modern, and no one I know thinks much of either of those. Likewise, I think some of the new Cadillacs will have a temporary appeal to them because they are edgy, new and different, but the OLD Caddies will always command a presence and be instantly recognizeable in the same way.

I think it really just comes down as usual to people who are set in their ways when it comes to domestic vs. import vehicles. I consider myself above all that, and equally impressed/repulsed by imports and domestics alike (and able to see right through most of their marketing gimmicks). This is why I dont have many friends on either the BMW forum, or here :)

Actually I don't believe people in the US are set in their ways at all. By and large most of the them are just lemmings... following whatever the latest trend is. Amazing things can trigger a new trend. I am of a similar mind as Sandy. I buy American because I think it's important to buy products from where you live. I have no particular disdain for German or Japanese people or products. I just earn my money here and intend to spend it here.

Oh and by they way, Imperial was one of the best automobiles ever built. A friend of mine had a 73 and my '74 coupe De Ville couldn't hold a candle to that Imperial. It was one of the most distinctive cars on the road at the time and you'd immediately know it was different if you saw one on the road today. Unfortunately he rolled that one and walked away from the accident. Another testament to that car.

Ells

Oh and by they way, Imperial was one of the best automobiles ever built. Ells

I agree. That is one hell of a vehicle, the (Daimler)Chrysler's of today would have a hard time outdoing that legend.

Back on topic though, and speaking of legends... I had a chance to look at an XLR and a CTS-V a few days ago and kind of pick them apart for their bits and pieces. The XLR was absolutely a breathtaking car no doubt about it, every bit what its designers made it out to be, in the red color it is an absolute stunner, however in my book, the CTS-V will probably be remembered as one of the greatest Caddies of the "revolution". People have been going nuts over that thing since it came out and with good reason, it breaks all the rules of what a Cadillac should be and has-been, and that just makes it damn cool. My money would be on the CTS-V to remain an icon for along time to come, if any vehicle today can really claim that title anymore. I know that while I would enjoy dropping the top in an XLR and taking it for a spin, I would probably pay good money to take a V out just for one day.

the CTS-V will probably be remembered as one of the greatest Caddies of the "revolution". People have been going nuts over that thing since it came out and with good reason, it breaks all the rules of what a Cadillac should be and has-been, and that just makes it damn cool. My money would be on the CTS-V to remain an icon for along time to come

I'm betting that NONE built today will be left in it's stock form in 5 years judging by all the mods people are making to them. I wonder if that will hurt resale value because looking at old musclecars, etc. the modded ones never bring a high price like an all-original.

Whereas the XLR, I don't think too many owners are going to mess with it.


BTW IAN, clear your PM box!!

BTW IAN, clear your PM box!!

Hehe... oh yea.

I have seen an XLr...once.... it was black... sure did turn heads....

... unlike the new GTO... gosh GM really ruined a nice thing... so hyped, and now nobody cares... hell a Grand AM GT looks alot better then the GTO...

I like Mercedes, not a fan of BMW though... I really don't like BMW's styling... besides the 7-series.... they are just.... boxy european styling.. in the 80's and 90's the tail lights are the 2 square boxes with various lights compressed into it.. I like the front though.... and the interriors are very bland.... they are not my type of car...

I get stares upon stares, and people always coming up to me when i drive the '79.... especially when it is shined up nice summer day or night, and before when it was quiet (it is loud now with the exhaust leak) I got alot more looks.... people love it...

not a fan of BMW though... I really don't like BMW's styling... besides the 7-series.... they are just.... boxy european styling

I'm no fan of BMW either, however, here is one where I differ with you regarding styling. ;)

Seen three XLRs in the last few months. Theyre stunning.

I saw on Motor Trend TV yesterday, Cadillac is coming with a XLR-V, supposed to compare to the Corvette in Horsepower. This I gotta see!
They may really sell some of these, just wondering what they will do for a power plant? The High HP Northstar? Or a Big block Z06 Chevy?

The Standard XLR's aren't selling around here, both Cadillac Agencys have 3 to 4 just sitting around. No buyers. Overpriced perhaps?

I saw on Motor Trend TV yesterday, Cadillac is coming with a XLR-V, supposed to compare to the Corvette in Horsepower. This I gotta see!
They may really sell some of these, just wondering what they will do for a power plant? The High HP Northstar? Or a Big block Z06 Chevy?

The Standard XLR's aren't selling around here, both Cadillac Agencys have 3 to 4 just sitting around. No buyers. Overpriced perhaps?


Doubtful -- not in the category they are trying to compete in. Regional per capita income is not going to change their pricing model. How many SL's selling in your area?

I was gonna post this in another thread in the off topic forum, but then I remembered this thread so I thought id post this here...

When I was driving to the movies tonight, the funniest thing happened. This guy and his kid come racing around the parking lot honking their horn at me in their Acura Legend coupe (true car guy, knew that car was rare). Of course I think they are going to yell at me for parking all the way at the end of the lot or something, and instead they tell me that they have been FOLLOWING me since the last exit off the highway, just to see my car!! I obliged and allowed the guy and his son to check out the car and such, and he was just as happy as could be, just thought the car was awesome. If the XLR will STILL have that effect in 5 years, I may just buy one then too!

I have to admit, THAT has never happened to me before! :bouncy:

..if you had a CTS like I do, you'd be used to it by now. I've had mine since April of 2002 and situations like what you describe still happen to me on a regular basis. In the first year and a half, it was almost weekly. The CTS is still a head-turner after nearly 3 years on the market. It's sales have eclipsed even the most rosey forecast. The XLR is an even more eye catching example of this design-genre, so I can't imagine them becoming "invisible" any time soon.

Doubtful -- not in the category they are trying to compete in. Regional per capita income is not going to change their pricing model. How many SL's selling in your area?
The SL's are selling here. I've seen more SL's on the road than XLR's

Not much can be concluded by simply seeing more SL's I suppose. In the end it's a tough target market to crack. Some simply buy MB to have the status symbol. It would be interesting to ask people buying an XLR why the bought it. Certainly price will enter the picture somewhere. The uniqueness of the car itself probably enters into it. Personally I like the fact it is and uses components that are mainstream Cadillac. Back in the Allante days I saw it's imported heritage as a negative rather than the positive spin it received from the marketing types.

Ells

I went to look at a CTS-V Lease and an H2 Lease yesterday at my Cadillac Dealer (one of the best Ive been to btw... not one of those Cadillac slash Pontiac jobbers, this one was the way they SHOULD be... Cadillac/Hummer/Saab) and they had a fresh XLR Silvermist coming in on trade that had very few miles on it, which they actually originally sold, another used one with a tiny ding in the roof panel that they had marked all the way down to 70, and a few new ones theyd had for a while.