I just bought my XLR-V four weeks ago ($11,000 off sticker). The dealer had used it for 3-4 days to show off the Caddy line up at a local golf tournament and logged 156 miles on it. As of today I have 2700 miles on it. The first 1200 were 65 mph or less...driving from one corner of Kansas to the other will put the miles under the rubber.
As everyone here knows the car is a blast to drive. Power to spare with the engine and a silky smooth tranny combine for a performance few cars can match let alone surpass. The shale and black interior is gorgeous. I like the straight-forward controls for the nav, radio, climate control and 2 drink holders! The lines of the car with the stainless steel mesh grill and 19 inch wheels give it more of an aggressive look compared to MB, BMW etc. It also breaks the mold of the rounded over body styles the import cars have developed. In my humble opinion a hot rod has always been from Detroit (or Bowling Green now), not from across the pond. Not only will this beast run but it cradles you in creature comforts that belay the true spirit of the car.
I am thinking about installing a back up camera which ties in with the nav screen. I found an outfit which places the camera in a license plate frame on the back and ties in with GM nav units. I still have to contact the company to make sure it's compatible with the XLR unit. Has anyone done this yet?
I bought a 2006 XLR-V and have serious heat issues associated with the console/cup holder. In traffic and during moderate driving of my auto, I experienced surface temps of 112F in the cup holder and the armrest console (Verified by Cadillac). The outside temperature was only 74F. Cadillac's position is that the temps are 'characteristic' of this type of auto. I say bull. This model is displaying the same issues as the Corvette Z06. Unfortunately, I did not buy a Corvette. Cadillac does not want to admit there are serious heat issues, it would be a huge black eye for there highest priced auto. But if you look at the modifications made to the 2007, you will see that over half of the engine parts have been either replaced or redesigned to address thermal and mechanical stress. Their way of addressing my concerns was to ignore them. We are currently in arbitration with the BBB Auto Line. Surprisingly, Cadillac sent me to them, saying 'if I was unhappy with Cadillac not trying to address the heat issues associate with my XLR-V, I could call the BBB Auto Line' and they gave me the phone number. Nice service!!! I'll post the results of the arbitration, when I get them next week.
Hi there you V fanatics. Just traded my CTS-V a.k.a. wheel bouncing pain in the ass for my new XLR-V. I love the car. GM finally got the style right but I always have to ask myself why they cheap out on stupid areas. I manage a GM car dealership which is the only thing that keeps me loyal to their product. They never ask the dealer what would make their product more successful. Instead they insist on bringing out new product and then underpromoting and bastardising resale values. You cant even get a straight answer on what is in their vehicles when you look at their option specs. One says you get a certain option the next says you dont. for instance adaptive cruise control. now why would they take it out of the V? leather interior why cant they put real suede when they cheap out and put "sueded fabric instead.....oooooooohhhhhhh sueded fabric. The day I picked up my car it had a squeally fan belt on the supercharger. I can guarantee you that BMW or Mercedes would never ever let a $100,000 vehicle leave the factory that way. I am all pro american product. It is my bread and butter and GM has taken great strides on product reliability and fit and finish. But get rid of those hard plastics, go the extra mile on quality control, and "ask" the dealers what they feel would enhance their product for durability and sales. No body wants a rattle in their $100,000 vehicles speaker a day after buying one. This is what keeps GM from dominating the high end market. I understand that time is money but take the time before you sell it instead of the time in the shop after the vehicle is sold. I have vented.... thanks for listening. I hope GM doesn't dissappoint me again like they did with my CTS-V or next time regardless of me Managing a GM dealership I will park a BMW or Mercedes in the driveway.
Picked up a new leftover V on January 3rd. The car is really amazing, was worried their wouldn;t be enough grunt coming from an 05 Corvette but I was wrong!
Unfortunately, tHe dealer was about 125 miles away so he rushed the prep and now wants me to bring it back for a detail and a few very minor fixes. He offered to send somebody to pick it up, but I just don't want the miles put on it, a stranger driving it, or minimum wage detailers putting the first swirls in the paint. What do you think? My detailer charges $150 and is the best. You would think the dealer would just cut me a check but haven't heard a response from my email I sent yesterday.
Just want to let everyone now that I'm back, it's been a while since I was here last, it's been at leats 9 months since I sold my 05 CTS-V, but I now own an 07 XLR-V and I'm glad to be back.
Re: Bought an XLR-V? Check in! 
--Automobile Magazine, May 2004
