Newbie Neiman Marcus Stalker

[John Marcus]

Hey guys,

My first post and maybe my last. I've been eyeing (and came close to buying) a low mileage, 2004 Neiman Marcus but have never been able to pull the trigger. The repair/maintenance costs have always held me back. Unfortunately, I'm no mechanic and I'm not all that wealthy, so I'm thinking I'll have to keep my dream car "a dream" for the foreseeable future. For me, the Neiman Marcus XLR is simply the most beautiful car I've ever laid eyes on. It just kills me that it comes with so much (expensive) baggage. A few grand for struts??? Mama Mia! Anyway, I would love to hear from any Neiman owners out there regarding their prized possession, especially if they plan on selling a low mileage one. (john@max-effect.com) Who knows, I may have a change of heart. The car is soooo freakin beautiful!!!!!

Cheers,

John Marcus

 

[Rob]

John,

Welcome to the XLR Net. Don't be a stranger! You don't have to own an XLR to participate here. As long as you have an appreciation or admiration for the car, you're welcome to post here any time!

 

[John Marcus]

Thank You.

Thanks Rob,

Nice to belong to a group with such excellent taste in autos!

John

 

[BusaMan]

Hey guys,

My first post and maybe my last. I've been eyeing (and came close to buying) a low mileage, 2004 Neiman Marcus but have never been able to pull the trigger. The repair/maintenance costs have always held me back. Unfortunately, I'm no mechanic and I'm not all that wealthy, so I'm thinking I'll have to keep my dream car "a dream" for the foreseeable future. For me, the Neiman Marcus XLR is simply the most beautiful car I've ever laid eyes on. It just kills me that it comes with so much (expensive) baggage. A few grand for struts??? Mama Mia! Anyway, I would love to hear from any Neiman owners out there regarding their prized possession, especially if they plan on selling a low mileage one. (john@max-effect.com) Who knows, I may have a change of heart. The car is soooo freakin beautiful!!!!!

Cheers,

John Marcus

John, John, tsk, tsk,...

If my last name were "Marcus", I'd hock the kids, mortgage the ranch and crawl through a mile of broken glass to get Uncle Neiman's gorgeous car. (At least, I'd tell everybody we were related). Man, there's a priority issue in your thinking, methinks. Just save enough for an extended warranty and JUMP, Buddy! Don't let this one be "The One That Got Away"...



2¢ worth

Tim (NOT Marcus)

 

[John Marcus]

John, John, tsk, tsk,...

If my last name were "Marcus", I'd hock the kids, mortgage the ranch and crawl through a mile of broken glass to get Uncle Neiman's gorgeous car. (At least, I'd tell everybody we were related). Man, there's a priority issue in your thinking, methinks. Just save enough for an extended warranty and JUMP, Buddy! Don't let this one be "The One That Got Away"...



2¢ worth

Tim (NOT Marcus)

Hey Tim,

Thanks for the encouraging sentiment Tim. BTW, Marcus is my XLR Net user name, not my real last name. But anyway, something tells me that one day I WILL own this most beautiful beast. Would be very interested in learning if there's any way of tracking the rest of the 101 Neimans out there. I know there's something like 20 listed in the registery on this site. How many site members actually own a Neiman? Anybody know? Thanks guys.

J Marcus

 

[lextoy]

haha, ok so your not really a member of the marcus family, but hey , you have good taste in cars!!
i also love the purple caddy, so i bought one last summer!
i got the 2007 (liquid amethyst), as i was wary of the 04 (ultraviolet). just a bit too old for me.
there were a few more bugs in the early yrs. all worked out by 06.
nothing serious, but for a few grand extra i could swing the 07.
the 04 has the exclusivity, and can be found for less $$ than the 07.
the 07 models are not a neiman marcus special edition. only the 04 had that distinction.
but the cars are nearly identical, 07 purple is a slightly lighter shade than the 04 purple, i actually prefer the 07.
interior on 04 was shale, interior on 07 was cashmere, i actually like the shale, but the cashmere on mine isnt bad either.
wheels are different, i like the platinum edition 15 spoke wheels on the 07, vs the 7 spoke wheels on the 04.
maintenance can be an issue, but it is an issue for any car that is over 10 yrs old.
that being said not everything has to be done at the dealer, there is alot of info here,
and if the car is in good working condition when you buy it, chances are most , if any, issues have been dealt with by now.
people who own these cars tend to take really good care of them, they are weekend sunny day cars, often the 3rd or 4th car in a family.
so, low miles, well maintained, no expense spared. if you find one that looks good chances are its in good condition overall.
i try to do any work i can myself, so when something complicated happens i cant fix,
i feel like i have saved enough on the small stuff to afford the big stuff at the dealer.
and honestly i havent had anything bad happen to any of my cars to complain about in 15 yrs.
keep in mind on forums like this, for any car, you read about alot of problems, every thread is about a problem,
but the reality is a very low percentage of cars have those problems.
if 1/2 or even 1/4 or 1/10 of the cars all had the same problem it would be a recall. most owners have trouble free experiences. just basic maintenance.
this is going to be more expensive than a civic or camry, but those cars need periodic maintenance too.
buying the car used, when most of the depreciation has already occurred, leaves alot of extra money to maintain if necessary.
you can find 04's for under 20k , maybe not a nieman, but they arent that much more. thats less than a new civic,
and you get one of a kind looks, hardtop convertible, and a relatively sporty car. the purple caddies are exceedingly rare,
101 in 2004, 38 in 2007, and 9 in 2008. that 148 total , ever. out of about 15 thousand XLR's over 6 yrs.
for comparison they made about 14 thousand gallardos over 10 yrs.
you probably have never seen a purple lambo,and you probably have never seen a purple xlr. thats how rare they are

 

[SJP]

Marcus I recently bought my 09 Platinum edition and being of limited means are also worried about repair costs. So far that concern is far surpassed by the smile knowing that the car is parked in the garage waiting for a nice spring day. Were not getting any younger treat yourself....Whatever you decide....Good Luck

 

[John Marcus]

Neiman vs Liquid Amethyst

Hey Lextoy,

Thanks so much for your input. I appreciate the time you took to write. I have considered the Liquid Amythest for the exact reason you mentioned, the 2004's having more issues. Now that I've re-examined that color online, I think that is the way I should go - when I finally do go. Still they are pretty darn rare (only 47?), like the Neiman, and will likely take forever to find the right one. But at this point, I have the time. I'll be retiring in a year or two and it definitely would make the ultimate retirement ME-Gift. Being a 07 or 08 would help calm my "repair jitters" quite a bit.

I think I actually prefer the Cashmere interior to the Neiman's Shale. What are biggest differences (mechanical & appearance) between 04 and 07/08?

Can you tell me a bit about your XLR? Mileage, photos, price, condition, etc. I think you're in PA. I'm in Rochester, NY. Someday I'll have to drive down, buy you lunch and see a real live Liquid XLR in the flesh (metal) - LOL.

Thanks again!!

John Marcus

 

[John Marcus]

Neiman vs Liquid Amethyst

Marcus I recently bought my 09 Platinum edition and being of limited means are also worried about repair costs. So far that concern is far surpassed by the smile knowing that the car is parked in the garage waiting for a nice spring day. Were not getting any younger treat yourself....Whatever you decide....Good Luck

SJP,

I hear what you're saying. I'm hitting 63 in July. What have I got, 20 years if I'm lucky? I should pull the trigger before I start having a hard time getting in and out one these low beauties. Thanks for your comments!

John Marcus

 

[graytoad]

dont worry

Seriously, don't worry. All cars have occasional problems. The XLR is no different but some if the issues are unique to this car and since it is a low number production car you can't just 'drop by any repair shop' to have it serviced. That is why an extended warranty is good peace of mind.

Likewise, that is why this forum is such a great resource for XLR enthusiasts. So, yes - you will see extensive discussions of problems here but that does not mean all the car have problems. I purchased my 09 before it's 2nd birthday and now have over 22,000 miles on it (summers only in Canada eh!) and I have never had a single problem with it. I did purchase an extended warranty and I don't worry about it, I just drive the wheels off of it when ever I can! Hope you can find you way to purchasing one soon!

 

[Stella]

Remember parts and service isn't dictated by color. Their all the same under that paint. You shouldnt live your life worried about "what if " you probably won't experience much in life.
Do it u wont regret it. Every time I open that garage door I'm smiling ear to ear. Driving it well Ill let u use your imagination what happens!

 

[John Marcus]

Seriously, don't worry. All cars have occasional problems. The XLR is no different but some if the issues are unique to this car and since it is a low number production car you can't just 'drop by any repair shop' to have it serviced. That is why an extended warranty is good peace of mind.

Likewise, that is why this forum is such a great resource for XLR enthusiasts. So, yes - you will see extensive discussions of problems here but that does not mean all the car have problems. I purchased my 09 before it's 2nd birthday and now have over 22,000 miles on it (summers only in Canada eh!) and I have never had a single problem with it. I did purchase and extended warranty and I don't worry about it, I just drive the wheels off of it when ever I can! Hope you can find you way to purchasing one soon!

Hey GrayToad,

Thanks! I thought I read somewhere that most extended warranties are not that great (inclusive). Are there one or two out there that are better than the others? Cost? It's great that your 09 is treating you right, with no major issues. We'll see what my future holds. My lust has switched from owning the 2004 Neiman Marcus to finding a nice 07 or 08 Liquid Amethyst... A different flavor purple. Now, I just have to locate one.

Cheers!

John Marcus

 

[John Marcus]

Neiman vs Liquid Amethyst

Remember parts and service isn't dictated by color. Their all the same under that paint. You shouldnt live your life worried about "what if " you probably won't experience much in life.
Do it u wont regret it. Every time I open that garage door I'm smiling ear to ear. Driving it well Ill let u use your imagination what happens!

Hi Stella,

That's true about the parts and service but being a graphic artist/designer, for me the beautiful XLR is as much about industrial design and color as it it about the mechanics and driving experience. The only way I'd purchase it, is if I got the exact look I wanted and that means getting it in my favorite color. I feel the 2004 Neiman "Ultraviolet" is too risky (old) for me.

I sure DO yearn for that "opening the garage door" experience, you talk about!!!

Thanks Stella!

 

[graytoad]

Hey GrayToad,

Thanks! I thought I read somewhere that most extended warranties are not that great (inclusive). Are there one or two out there that are better than the others? Cost? It's great that your 09 is treating you right, with no major issues. We'll see what my future holds. My lust has switched from owning the 2004 Neiman Marcus to finding a nice 07 or 08 Liquid Amethyst... A different flavor purple. Now, I just have to locate one.

Cheers!

John Marcus

I personally would recommend purchasing an extended warranty through your local Cadillac dealer and ask them about the unique systems of the XLR: making sure the operation of the top, computer system etc is covered under that warranty as well as the warranty is useable at any GM dealership etc. I suppose you could also do that same line of questioning at another warranty source too. Be aware that some warranties have limited dealerships available when you are travelling: in the event of a break down etc. For the most part, we (as in members of this forum) only recommend qualified Cadillac XLR trained mechanics to service our cars.

Good luck in your quest!

 

[John Marcus]

Neiman vs Liquid Amethyst

I personally would recommend purchasing an extended warranty through your local Cadillac dealer and ask them about the unique systems of the XLR: making sure the operation of the top, computer system etc is covered under that warranty as well as the warranty is useable at any GM dealership etc. I suppose you could also do that same line of questioning at another warranty source too. Be aware that some warranties have limited dealerships available when you are travelling: in the event of a break down etc. For the most part, we (as in members of this forum) only recommend qualified Cadillac XLR trained mechanics to service our cars.

Good luck in your quest!

Thanks Gray,

A few months back I checked with my local Caddy dealer. Their warranty manager didn't have anything to offer me due to the AGE of the car I was considering (an out of town 2004 Neiman Marcus with 6,000 miles). The parts and service manager was not very helpful in terms of providing any tips, suggestions or anything else for that matter. Tight-lipped would clearly define him. He also said they have no XLR certified tech in the shop. And as I said, there's unfortunately NO auto mechanic residing in this body.

I just thought there might be a consensus among the group, on a solid warranty company. Thanks!!

Best,

John Marcus

 

[BusaMan]

Only One???

Thanks Gray,

A few months back I checked with my local Caddy dealer. Their warranty manager didn't have anything to offer me due to the AGE of the car I was considering (an out of town 2004 Neiman Marcus with 6,000 miles). The parts and service manager was not very helpful in terms of providing any tips, suggestions or anything else for that matter. Tight-lipped would clearly define him. He also said they have no XLR certified tech in the shop. And as I said, there's unfortunately NO auto mechanic residing in this body.

I just thought there might be a consensus among the group, on a solid warranty company. Thanks!!

Best,

John Marcus

John, is there only one Cadillac dealer in Rochester? How far to the next closest one?

While I have you "on the line", is there still a music store there in Rochester owned by the Iannacone (sp?) family? We used to play in a band together, about a century or so ago, it seems to me.

Tim

 

[John Marcus]

Well, there's one official Caddy dealership. There are 4 other dealerships within 50 miles that sell Cadillac PLUS a bunch of other makes. But it never occurred to me to contact them and see if they had anything to offer. Thanks much, Busaman!!!! Highly doubt they have any have certified XLR techs but it's worth a shot. Not familiar with the music store you referred to. Although I did take percussion lessons at Eastman when I was a teen, a billion years ago. Currently trying to learn guitar on a new Strat I picked up about a year ago at the Guitar Center. And, thanks to Hendrix's Purple Haze... "I've got blisters on mah fingas". Lol

Thanks Busaman.

John Marcus


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

[XLRATING]

Our Caddy dealer (who is also a new car dealer for Buick & GMC & has 2 XLR techs - so don't overlook the multi-brand dealers!) recommended Zurich; we have USAA on the base but they won't cover a V so we went with Zurich for it. The USAA warranty has been great & paid for some pricey oil leak repairs. Haven't needed to use the Zurich warranty yet.

Be aware that all the warranties we looked at treated the shocks/magnetic ride control as wear & tear items that aren't going to be covered. Also, read carefully about whether the top will be covered as a lot of warranties exclude that.

Finally, if I remember correctly, none of the ones we looked at would sell you an initial warranty if the car was over 10 years old, though if it was already under warranty I think you could extend it. As you might expect, older &/or higher mileage will make the warranty more expensive.

 

[John Marcus]

Great info,

Thanks very much. I've got some research to do.

This site is truly fantastic. What an awesome group of generous folks!!!

John Marcus


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

[John Marcus]

Our Caddy dealer (who is also a new car dealer for Buick & GMC & has 2 XLR techs - so don't overlook the multi-brand dealers!) recommended Zurich; we have USAA on the base but they won't cover a V so we went with Zurich for it. The USAA warranty has been great & paid for some pricey oil leak repairs. Haven't needed to use the Zurich warranty yet.

Be aware that all the warranties we looked at treated the shocks/magnetic ride control as wear & tear items that aren't going to be covered. Also, read carefully about whether the top will be covered as a lot of warranties exclude that.

Finally, if I remember correctly, none of the ones we looked at would sell you an initial warranty if the car was over 10 years old, though if it was already under warranty I think you could extend it. As you might expect, older &/or higher mileage will make the warranty more expensive.

BTW,

That is one SWEET ride!

John Marcus