When Leo first saw the on a used car lot, he felt like he had just met a retired supermodel. It was a 2006 model, shimmering in Radiant Silver, with the angular "Art and Science" design that still made people stop and stare as if it were a $100,000 supercar. He knew the reputation—a rare luxury roadster built on "good bones" shared with the C6 Corvette, but carrying a much more complex personality.

Leo’s first lesson was that not all XLRs are created equal. What are the pros and cons of buying a used Cadillac XLR?

As Leo dug deeper, he realized buying a used XLR wasn't just a purchase; it was entering a high-stakes relationship. Here is what he learned from the "owners' lounge" of forums and expert reviews: The Hunt for the Right Year