Originally Posted by gunnerz
Ok I am new to the site and sorry if these questions have been asked/covered elsewhere, but I'm just going to ask anyway. I am very strongly considering buying a Crossfire. The vision in the rear did not seem terrible too me, but I haven't really used it on day to day basis. Does the vision out of the rear and the side mirrors really bother any of you? I've read many reviews where some persons say that it is just a blind guess and a prayer to back up without hitting anything. Do you all find backing up really difficult? How are blind spots for you when driving on the interstate and so on from the sides? Also, since I am going to buy used, what are the major differences between the 04' and the 05'? I've found some 05's for just as cheap and in some cases cheaper than some of the 04's. Also, how is maintenance with these things? I read that after the car has been driven for awhile the windows become a little loose and air flows through them, even when closed, pretty noisy and they allow moisture in on rainy days. Is this true? anyways, if you guys can point me in the right direction I would appreciate it. Cheers!
I'm a new XF owner and have had it about 3 weeks.
The rear visibility issue does bother me, but not too much... I'm happily keeping the car.
The rear view does suck, imoho. Like one of the ladies here, I paid $2 for a set of plastic 'blind spot' mirrors. They do not look bad at all. However, they are small and I can't see any detail through them. Things look VERY far away through them. But, they are worth having. I'm going to keep shopping for small, but better 'blind spot' mirrors.
When the rear spoiler on non SRT models comes up, your visibility is limited again.
The biggest problem I have with the rear of my car is having to learn to rejudge distance where it is and how close others are from me. I often think people are right on my butt, when they are actually 1/2 car or so away.
Backing up is not hard. Bottom line, if your not sure, don't go or go REALLY slow.
When you get your XF, I suggest you backup to another car and adjust your mirrors and judge your distances. Pull up to a parked car where it is in your blind spot... figure out where it is!
I'll let some of he experts continue with your other questions.