05 XLR new owner

[rocketscientist]

Just purchased an 05 silver XLR with 48 k miles on Jan 3, 2012. On Jan 11th took it in to have LoJack installed and what I thought was a few minor issues. Turns out the timing chain cover gasket was leaking oil. Carmax replaced the gasket, water pump, thermostat and thermostat housing. Had the car back two days and went to back out of a parking spot and the car died every time I put it in reverse. Back to Carmax. The torque converter is the culprit this time. I guess I should be thankful that it is still under CarMax's thirty day warranty, but I'm starting to think I purchased a lemon. I love the styling of this car and the few times I have actually driven it are devine, but in the 17 days I have owned the car it has been in the shop for 10. Any advice from experienced owners would greatly be apprecitated.

 

[ChicagoDave]

Just purchased an 05 silver XLR with 48 k miles on Jan 3, 2012. On Jan 11th took it in to have LoJack installed and what I thought was a few minor issues. Turns out the timing chain cover gasket was leaking oil. Carmax replaced the gasket, water pump, thermostat and thermostat housing. Had the car back two days and went to back out of a parking spot and the car died every time I put it in reverse. Back to Carmax. The torque converter is the culprit this time. I guess I should be thankful that it is still under CarMax's thirty day warranty, but I'm starting to think I purchased a lemon. I love the styling of this car and the few times I have actually driven it are devine, but in the 17 days I have owned the car it has been in the shop for 10. Any advice from experienced owners would greatly be apprecitated.

Welcome to the forum and to the wonderful world of XLR ownership.

I'm not sure if you have having CARMAX do the repair work themselves, but I am guessing that they do not have a certified XLR Technician on staff. While it is still under the 30 Day Warranty - my suggestion is to bring it to a reputable Cadillac dealer, with a certified technician and have them go over the car very well. This is a very different car than any other GM car - I found that even Corvette mechanics are a bit shy when it comes to working on the XLR.

Just my suggestion.

btw - my '05 has over 167,000 miles on it - they LOVE to be driven!

Good Luck.

 

[airmike]

Just purchased an 05 silver XLR with 48 k miles on Jan 3, 2012. On Jan 11th took it in to have LoJack installed and what I thought was a few minor issues. Turns out the timing chain cover gasket was leaking oil. Carmax replaced the gasket, water pump, thermostat and thermostat housing. Had the car back two days and went to back out of a parking spot and the car died every time I put it in reverse. Back to Carmax. The torque converter is the culprit this time. I guess I should be thankful that it is still under CarMax's thirty day warranty, but I'm starting to think I purchased a lemon. I love the styling of this car and the few times I have actually driven it are devine, but in the 17 days I have owned the car it has been in the shop for 10. Any advice from experienced owners would greatly be apprecitated.

I agree with Dave's suggestion. The dealers had to have a xlr certified tech to sell one new. Probably a reason for that.

 

[rocketscientist]

Thanks for the advice. CARMAX did the repairs on the timing gasket, etc. They sent it to a tranny shop for the torque converter. Still waiting to hear from them on what they have found. We have two cadillac dealers in the area. I have spoken to one already about bringing the car in as soon as I get it back. I sure hope I can get as many miles out of this one as you have. I love driving it with the top down and the tunes cranked.

 

[rocketscientist]

Space the final frontier. Bought 06 not 05. It has been a frustrating week!!!

 

[mtrocket]

Congrats on your purchase... hopefully everything will be taken care of in short order and you'll be enjoying top-down driving at its finest!!!

 

[XFireXLR]

Congrats and welcome to the forum. Like others have stated, take it to Cadillac dealer with a certified tech. I would have them go through the car at CarMax's expense.

 

[Rob]

Just purchased an 05 silver XLR with 48 k miles on Jan 3, 2012. On Jan 11th took it in to have LoJack installed and what I thought was a few minor issues. Turns out the timing chain cover gasket was leaking oil. Carmax replaced the gasket, water pump, thermostat and thermostat housing. Had the car back two days and went to back out of a parking spot and the car died every time I put it in reverse. Back to Carmax. The torque converter is the culprit this time. I guess I should be thankful that it is still under CarMax's thirty day warranty, but I'm starting to think I purchased a lemon. I love the styling of this car and the few times I have actually driven it are devine, but in the 17 days I have owned the car it has been in the shop for 10. Any advice from experienced owners would greatly be apprecitated.

Welcome to the XLR Net!

 

[b_pappy]

Welcome. Sorry to hear your first weeks of ownership are not all great. These cars can be finicky, stick with it and get it sorted out.
Bruce

 

[rocketscientist]

Just purchased an 05 silver XLR with 48 k miles on Jan 3, 2012. On Jan 11th took it in to have LoJack installed and what I thought was a few minor issues. Turns out the timing chain cover gasket was leaking oil. Carmax replaced the gasket, water pump, thermostat and thermostat housing. Had the car back two days and went to back out of a parking spot and the car died every time I put it in reverse. Back to Carmax. The torque converter is the culprit this time. I guess I should be thankful that it is still under CarMax's thirty day warranty, but I'm starting to think I purchased a lemon. I love the styling of this car and the few times I have actually driven it are devine, but in the 17 days I have owned the car it has been in the shop for 10. Any advice from experienced owners would greatly be apprecitated.

Got my car back last Tuesday, torque converter sensor (solenoid) replaced along with new back brake pads and turned rotors. took it to Cadillac and they said CarMax did a good job on the work that they had completed. So far everything is good. Now I can enjoy my car!!

 

[mtrocket]

Got my car back last Tuesday, torque converter sensor (solenoid) replaced along with new back brake pads and turned rotors. took it to Cadillac and they said CarMax did a good job on the work that they had completed. So far everything is good. Now I can enjoy my car!!

Glad everything worked out... enjoy, enjoy, enjoy!!!!

 

[05 GRAND DADDY]

Just purchased an 05 silver XLR with 48 k miles on Jan 3, 2012. On Jan 11th took it in to have LoJack installed and what I thought was a few minor issues. Turns out the timing chain cover gasket was leaking oil. Carmax replaced the gasket, water pump, thermostat and thermostat housing. Had the car back two days and went to back out of a parking spot and the car died every time I put it in reverse. Back to Carmax. The torque converter is the culprit this time. I guess I should be thankful that it is still under CarMax's thirty day warranty, but I'm starting to think I purchased a lemon. I love the styling of this car and the few times I have actually driven it are devine, but in the 17 days I have owned the car it has been in the shop for 10. Any advice from experienced owners would greatly be apprecitated.

Welcome to Forum
Sorry to here you think your purchased a LEMON! But stick with it when you get it worked out your gonna have CHERRY! I'v had some issuses also but I still love my XLR I do know it is one of the most awesome cars I ever owned. Remember you bought a Cadillac an there nothing cheap about repairs or even maintence on them. Hope you get all fixed up so you can enjoy your XLR!
BEST OF LUCK TO YOU!

Caddyman Dan