Cadillac XLR Roadster (2005-2006) running costs and reliability

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Running costs rating: 1 out of 51.0

Written by Simon Harris Published: 6 June 2019

Miles per pound (mpp)

Reliable fuel consumption data for comparison purposes is not available for this model.

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Fuel economy

A more stringent standard for fuel economy (WLTP) was introduced from September 2017, and this model was not required to undergo that test. Its fuel economy measured under the previous test system was 24 mpg. However these figures are less likely to be achievable in real world driving and so should never be compared to another car's mpg which was measured under the newer, more realistic WLTP system.

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Any car with a 4.6-litre V8 is not going to be cheap to fuel, but the XLR’s 23.0mpg and 291g/km CO2 emissions are reasonable for the class. However, service intervals at 10,000 miles are more frequent than many alternatives and finding a Cadillac dealer local to you could be a challenge. Then there’s the huge cost of buying new and the woeful depreciation that will wipe out more than a third of the car’s value in the first year alone.

Insurance will also be pricier than for an equivalent Merc SL as the XLR’s rarity makes it an unknown quantity.

XLR is a polluting model. With an average of 291g/km CO2 across the range, its emissions are as high as you might expect for a luxury roadster although not particularly bad when you compare it to its rivals. The model is still thirsty, however, averaging 23mpg.

The wood and leather cabin of the XLR may not have the polished appeal of a Jaguar or the precision feel of a Mercedes, but it’s well put together and should last a long time. The mechanical package is equally robust due to the Corvette origins, which are well proven. The 4.6-litre V8 is a tried and trusted unit that is unlikely to cause any worries.