The 2004 Luxury Convertibles Worth Remembering (and One to Avoid)

Wouter Smit · 2026-08-08

There's something about a 2004 luxury convertible that still gets people talking. These were the cars you'd see at a country club or a valet stand and just stop to stare at. But here's the thing: buying one today isn't like picking up a new crossover. You're dealing with aging electronics, potential rust, and — most importantly — safety recalls that might still be open. Before you hand over cash for a two-decade-old drop-top, you need to know what you're getting into. We're looking at the 2004 Cadillac XLR, Jaguar XK, Lexus SC430, Mercedes-Benz SLK320, and Porsche 911 Carrera 4 Cabriolet. Each has its own personality, its own quirks, and its own recall history. Let's dig in. ### The 2004 Cadillac XLR: Bold American Luxury The XLR was Cadillac's attempt at a modern roadster, and honestly, it was a bold move. With a retractable hardtop and a 4.6-liter Northstar V8 pushing out 320 horsepower, it was a statement piece. The interior was all about leather, wood, and chrome — very much a "look at me" vibe. But here's the catch. The XLR's electronics were notoriously finicky. The retractable roof mechanism can fail, and the suspension system has known issues. From a recall perspective, you'll want to check for issues with the fuel system and the airbag sensor. These aren't always flagged, so a thorough VIN check is non-negotiable. ### The Jaguar XK: Elegance With a Side of Electrical Gremlins The 2004 Jaguar XK is pure British charm. It's the kind of car that makes you want to drive along the coast with the top down, even if it's slightly overcast. The 4.2-liter V8 delivers a smooth 294 horsepower, and the ride is plush. However, Jaguar's reputation for electrical problems isn't unfounded. Common complaints include failing cooling fans and water leaks. For recalls, the XK has had issues with the fuel tank and the brake system. If a previous owner skipped the dealer visits, those open recalls are still on the table. You can't just ignore them. ### The Lexus SC430: The Reliable One, But Not Perfect If you want a luxury convertible that won't leave you stranded, the SC430 is usually the safe bet. It's a hardtop convertible with a 4.3-liter V8 making 300 horsepower. The interior is quiet, comfortable, and built like a bank vault. But "reliable" doesn't mean "recall-free." The SC430 has had recalls related to the front suspension and the tire pressure monitoring system. These aren't scary, but they still need to be addressed. The good news is that Lexus parts are widely available, and most independent shops can handle the work without breaking the bank. ### The Mercedes-Benz SLK320: The Pocket Rocket The SLK320 is the smallest car here, but it's got a supercharged 3.2-liter V6 (in the SLK32 AMG version) or a naturally aspirated V6 in the base model. It's a fun, nimble car that feels more like a sports car than a grand tourer. The folding hardtop is a party trick that still works well today. However, the SLK's age means you need to watch for rust on the underbody and issues with the roof hydraulics. Recall-wise, there have been notices about the airbag inflator and the steering column. Those are critical safety items, so don't skip the check. ### The Porsche 911 Carrera 4 Cabriolet: The Driver's Choice Finally, the Porsche. The 2004 911 Carrera 4 Cabriolet is the enthusiast's pick here. It's got all-wheel drive, a 3.6-liter flat-six making 320 horsepower, and that unmistakable Porsche soundtrack. It's also the most expensive to maintain, hands down. For recalls, the big one is the intermediate shaft (IMS) bearing. It's a known weak point that can cause catastrophic engine failure. Porsche issued a warranty extension, but not every car got the fix. You absolutely need to verify this before buying. Other recalls involve the fuel lines and the seat belt tensioner. ### Why You Need a Recall Check Before Buying Here's the reality: a 2004 car is old. Even if it looks perfect, there could be outstanding recalls that the previous owner never completed. A recall isn't just a minor inconvenience — it's a safety issue. Faulty airbags, brake problems, or fuel leaks can turn a fun Sunday drive into a serious accident. The good news is that checking is free. You just need the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). With that, you can look up the car's history on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) website or use a dedicated recall check service. It takes two minutes and could save you thousands of dollars — or more. ### The Bottom Line So, which one should you choose? It depends on your priorities. If you want reliability, the Lexus SC430 is the smart pick. If you want driving thrills and have deep pockets, the Porsche is unbeatable. The Cadillac and Jaguar are more about style, but they demand patience. The Mercedes is a nice middle ground. No matter which one you're drawn to, don't skip the recall check. A little bit of homework now means a lot more peace of mind when you're cruising with the top down. And honestly, that's what owning a convertible is all about. Remember: the best car recall check services will give you a full report, not just a pass/fail. Look for one that explains what each recall means and how to get it fixed. That's the kind of info that turns a risky purchase into a smart one.