Buying philosophy

[XLR Hopeful!]

I appreciate the advice I've received from the members here since I've been shopping. I'm wondering if there's a rule everybody can agree on? Let's see.

As regards XLRs specifically, in 2024, and for similar prices in similar condition, is it better to buy:

An older car with lower miles? Example:

2004 with 46,800 miles

Or a newer car with higher miles? Example:

2008 with 92,766 miles

I'm wrestling with this question. Let's have some discussion.

 

[robert.ogden2009]

The older XLRs seem to have more problems. Cadillac made improvement (trial & error), so the last few years, after they got the bugs out are in my opinion a better choice. Unfortunately, as they improved they sold fewer.

 

[mickeytee]

I agree. It depends on what you want to do with it. The 06-09 are just better cars the 04-05 supsnsion and abs parts are thousands of dollars. The later cars are cheaper to maintain. However if you plan on putting miles on it once it hits 100k the value drops. For 12-14 you should be able to get an06-07 with 70k miles and maybe a few issues you can sort out .

 

[XLR Hopeful!]

Well, I'm not expecting high miles, and cheaper to maintain does sound good.

Part of the problem is the sales disparity. The '04 and '05 model sold so much better that there's a lot more of them to choose from. The middle years are available but much scarcer, and the '09s just practically dont' exist.

Thanks for the feedback! Keep it coming.

Editing this later to add:

You are a true prophet, mickeytee. This one meets your criteria in every way. I'll be checking on it.

2006 with 71,254 miles.