All of the issues that you have mentioned (and rear hydraulic break line failure) were in the 2005 production year, and have been addressed for the 2006 production year. Would definately like to get the V (and more than likely will), but I see alot of speeding tickets in my future...lol. Market for these cars has tanked just like our Xfires, the XLR was about $75k in 2006 and the V was about $100k. Not really worried about the resale value, I plan on keeping the car. I was originally looking at 2006 Corvettes and the dealer told me to take a look at these and I fell in love.