REPEAT: 2008 Cadillac XLR Conundrum

[Stella]

I understand it throws off the registry. But why does the vin matter so much? Is the car stolen,replated. Can the vin be different cause someone repaired a salvage. Didn't want a salvaged title so they had it retagged or whatever they do?

 

[Rob]

I understand it throws off the registry. But why does the vin matter so much? Is the car stolen, re-plated. Can the vin be different cause someone repaired a salvage. Didn't want a salvaged title so they had it retagged or whatever they do?

The VIN matters because I need the serial number of the car - it also helps validate the model year since dealers and some people don't know how to type when entering information into a form.

In this case, the VIN is important because the car was stolen and recovered a couple times. It was also involved in a serious accident - so somewhere along the way - the VIN and some of the related identification tags on the car were falsely fabricated. That 1441 VIN is not valid.

 

[Phrede]

The VIN matters because I need the serial number of the car - it also helps validate the model year since dealers and some people don't know how to type when entering information into a form.

In this case, the VIN is important because the car was stolen and recovered a couple times. It was also involved in a serious accident - so somewhere along the way - the VIN and some of the related identification tags on the car were falsely fabricated. That 1441 VIN is not valid.

It also matters to share TRUTHFUL information. Would you want to lay down good cash for a fictious VIN or title? It would be tough to license the car in some states with a bogus VIN.

So now I wonder is it really an 07 or 08?

It also proves to me that Carfax isn't all it is cracked up to be.

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[Stella]

My guess is the vin wasn't taken at the windshield. The only way to verify would be to check other areas. Someone could of change out vin plates. Mystery

As for carfax. They get their info from reported accidents,and by whatever means they do? If nothing is ever reported or claimed. Like someone not wanting to get in trouble for a accident,or not going through insurance. Carfax doesn't get that info. They also have a disclaimer on the accuracy of their info. Fine print "fox doesn't mention that".

 

[Phrede]

My guess is the vin wasn't taken at the windshield. The only way to verify would be to check other areas. Someone could of change out vin plates. Mystery

As for carfax. They get their info from reported accidents,and by whatever means they do? If nothing is ever reported or claimed. Like someone not wanting to get in trouble for a accident,or not going through insurance. Carfax doesn't get that info. They also have a disclaimer on the accuracy of their info. Fine print "fox doesn't mention that".

Exactly why CarFax is useless.

 

[Rob]

It also matters to share TRUTHFUL information. Would you want to lay down good cash for a fictious VIN or title? It would be tough to license the car in some states with a bogus VIN.

So now I wonder is it really an 07 or 08?

It also proves to me that Carfax isn't all it is cracked up to be.

via Tapatalk

It's really 2007, #1260. There's no build sheet for the 2008 XLR with that 1441 serial number. The true 2008 XLR #1441 is currently for sale on EBAY - Alpine White edition.

The 1441 VIN on the XLR in question was obviously fabricated either before or after one of the two thefts. Most people don't know about the build sticker under the rear storage compartment lid in the trunk - but they do know about the VIN tag and the driver's side door sticker. If you look at the driver's side door sticker on this XLR, and look at the wording - you can see that the sticker is not the GM standard sticker that rolled out of the factory with the car.

 

[Rob]

My guess is the vin wasn't taken at the windshield. The only way to verify would be to check other areas. Someone could of change out vin plates. Mystery

As for carfax. They get their info from reported accidents,and by whatever means they do? If nothing is ever reported or claimed. Like someone not wanting to get in trouble for a accident,or not going through insurance. Carfax doesn't get that info. They also have a disclaimer on the accuracy of their info. Fine print "fox doesn't mention that".

Bingo!

 

[Rob]

I also should mention, I confirmed the build sheets on these XLRs with Betty Hardisan at the NCM.

 

[Rob]

In summary of all of this, I think it's important to note here - before buying an XLR or any used automobile, always do your research. Regardless of the accuracy of Carfax, or Autocheck reports, they can be valuable sources of information prior to buying a car. Always try to do as much research as you can on the car you're interested in purchasing; even if it's just simply running a Google search on the VIN.

 

[Rob]

Rob, as a former dealer, I can say that this VIN indicates that it's a 2007 model, not a 2008. The "Year" digit is the 8th from the end.

FWIW

Tim

Tim,

Here's what's interesting, I spoke to the owner on the phone yesterday. She told me, whenever she brings the car into her local Cadillac dealer for service, all of her car's service history comes up. I don't know how the service department computers work in a dealership, so I'm just relaying what she told me over the phone.

 

[Phrede]

It's really 2007, #1260. There's no build sheet for the 2008 XLR with that 1441 serial number. The true 2008 XLR #1441 is currently for sale on EBAY - Alpine White edition.

The 1441 VIN on the XLR in question was obviously fabricated either before or after one of the two thefts. Most people don't know about the build sticker under the rear storage compartment lid in the trunk - but they do know about the VIN tag and the driver's side door sticker. If you look at the driver's side door sticker on this XLR, and look at the wording - you can see that the sticker is not the GM standard sticker that rolled out of the factory with the car.

I'm curious how you know that the car has been stolen twice and wrecked once. What is the source of this info?

It should be said that all build sheets are not available thru the NCM. That really is not an indicator of VIN validity.

 

[Rob]

I'm curious how you know that the car has been stolen twice and wrecked once. What is the source of this info?

It should be said that all build sheets are not available thru the NCM. That really is not an indicator of VIN validity.

The CarFax reports and google searching the VIN. The car was auctioned off by the U.S. Treasury Department...

And yes, the NCM doesn't have all Build Sheets for XLRs - but in this case, they had the build sheets for the Alpine White 2008 XLR that is currently for sale on EBAY with the same serial number, as well as for the XLR in question with the 2007 VIN number on the build sticker attached to the storage compartment lid in the trunk.

They do not have a build sheet for a Cadillac XLR ending in serial number 61441 because GM did not build 61,441 Cadillac XLRs in that year, or in total.

 

[Bobert]

Hi: I am a new owner and have been enjoying the thread (07 Passion Red).

Let me assure you that the CARFAX data is sometimes very incorrect. My Ferrari 355 had really bad data on it and I had to get Ferrari of Washington to send in the research to CARFAX and straighten it out. I found out when I was thinking of trading it on a Mercedes SLS and the dealer handed me a copy of it as the CARFAX was really messed up and they did not want the car until I had it straightened out. The CARFAX showed multiple owners (I am the second owner) and had odometer errors.

CARFAX has only really been used on me when trading in a car and the dealers use it to give you the beat down speech. I always check the CARFAX data against Autocheck when buying, as many times you will see similiar data and sometimes the two are really far apart. In the case of the recent XLR acquisition I even called DEVOE Cadillac in Naples to review the data they had on the vehicle to see if their were any issues. The other thing I do is go to the local police department and have them run the VIN through the database. They will tell you what they have and don't have on the vehicle.

In today's world you cannot be to careful.

V/R Bobert

 

[Rob]

Treasury auction description:

2008 Cadillac XLR Roadster: Platinum Edition, Purple/Gray Exterior, Gray Leather Interior, Hideaway Hardtop Convertible, 4.6L V8, Automatic Transimssion, AM/FM/CD, Memory Seat, Navigation System, Traction Control, Dual A/C, Fog Lamps, Power Mirrors, Power Trunk, Heated Seats, Parking Distance Control, Alloy Wheels, On-Star, Woodgrain Interior, Odometer Reads: 79,223, VIN: 1G6YV36A285661441

Sold for: 23,555.00
Purchased by: Ilkhan, Omid
Date: March 6, 2012 - Alexandria, VA

U.S. Treasury Department Online Auction - March 27, 2012:

Lot 24 1 EA
SS2011110560001401007 1 EA
2008 Cadillac XLR Roadster: Platinum Edition, Purple/Gray Exterior, Gray Leather Interior, Hideaway Hardtop Convertible, 4.6L
V8, Automatic Transmission, AM/FM/CD, Memory Seat, Navigation System, Traction Control, Dual A/C, Fog Lamps, Power
Mirrors, Power Trunk, Heated Seats, Parking Distance Control, Alloy Wheels, On-Star, Woodgrain Interior, Odometer Reads:
79,223, VIN: 1G6YV36A285661441
Known Defects: Not Drivable, No Serpentine Belt, Chipped Windshield, Water Damaged Upholstery, Multiple Scrapes
and Scratches, AWD Service Light Illuminated, Interior Trim Panels Broken, Dead Battery, Front Bumper Broken
Storage Vendor: Bel Air Auto Auction - Bel Air, MD

 

[XLRATING]

There are ways around everything, of course. For example, at least as of several years ago it took about 6 mos for an accident to make it onto those reports. So, if a knowing dealer/seller can flip the car before then, they can sell it with a "clean" report. And the buyer can get an unpleasant surprise when they go to sell it later...

We've also experienced wild inconsistencies between Autocheck & Carfax on # of owners, lease/not, etc. for the same car. Basically, at best those reports are extra info just to consider & weigh, at worst they don't seem the paper they're written on.

 

[airmike]

I suppose carfax etc.. can at times let you know you should stay away from a car. It will never be able to state "that car is good"... I had a car that got totaled and I bought it back form the insurance co. for a small fee. I decided to carfax it a couple years later for kicks. It had a clean title! It made a good beater for me, for a few years, but an unscrupulous person could have sold it as never wrecked.

Just thought I would let people know. no second hand story, just fact.

 

[Sara]

I cry evry now and then

So what do I say, it is my XLR in question.
1.) I love the car, it is the color I was looking for and it has been great fun to drive, oh and very reliable too.
2.) I bought it from a dealer (Dayton Dodge) who said it was traded in on a new Viper and provide me with a Car-Fax that looked good
3.) The interior look better than any other used XLR I had looked at.

I now understand that I was screwed, that I will never be able to sell the car for anything close to what I have paid for it ($33,000)

4.) I am now ashamed to even visit this site as I feel I am known as the dumb girl that was taken because see did not do her homework.

What would you do if you were in my place with this car?

 

[ccclarke]

You're an XLR owner, so that's fine with me; you have nothing to be ashamed of and no one here will judge you.

If your XLR makes you happy when see it waiting for you in the garage or when you sit behind the wheel, who cares? Live for today. You never know what tomorrow will bring. Enjoy the car for the joy it brings you. When and if you decide to sell it, be honest and you'll have done the right thing.

As with nearly every car, you never get close to what you pay for it when it's time to sell.

Life is good,

CC

 

[XLRATING]

So what do I say, it is my XLR in question.
1.) I love the car, it is the color I was looking for and it has been great fun to drive, oh and very reliable too.
2.) I bought it from a dealer (Dayton Dodge) who said it was traded in on a new Viper and provide me with a Car-Fax that looked good
3.) The interior look better than any other used XLR I had looked at.

I now understand that I was screwed, that I will never be able to sell the car for anything close to what I have paid for it ($33,000)

4.) I am now ashamed to even visit this site as I feel I am known as the dumb girl that was taken because see did not do her homework.

What would you do if you were in my place with this car?

You're not "dumb;" I don't think your average person who either doesn't live on car forums or doesn't have personal experience with the foibles of Carfax would expect to have to go behind a new car dealer (instead of a corner used car lot) who can provide a decent car fax. This car's past seems to have been was pretty well covered up.

I agree with CC - you're a fellow XLR owner with what sounds like a beautiful car. If YOU love YOUR car, the only tears you should cry are ones of happiness as you enjoy it!

I was was curious as to how well everything worked on the car (top, etc.) after all that had happened to it. I'm guessing it does from your post, which is great! You're miles ahead of the game right there.

By the way, welcome to the forum!

 

[Eslic1]

Drive it til' it drops....

Hey you're amongst family now and we could care less how you got her so long as you "GOT HER"... Welcome home and congratulations on your new baby...

So what do I say, it is my XLR in question.
1.) I love the car, it is the color I was looking for and it has been great fun to drive, oh and very reliable too.
2.) I bought it from a dealer (Dayton Dodge) who said it was traded in on a new Viper and provide me with a Car-Fax that looked good
3.) The interior look better than any other used XLR I had looked at.

I now understand that I was screwed, that I will never be able to sell the car for anything close to what I have paid for it ($33,000)

4.) I am now ashamed to even visit this site as I feel I am known as the dumb girl that was taken because see did not do her homework.

What would you do if you were in my place with this car?