3 months ago I rented an econbox for $20 at Dollar Car Rental at the Pittsburgh Airport for a seminar.

At the counter I was informed that I had been upgraded to a Crossfire - I was not aware of the Crossfire (I was a former German car snob too good to think of buying American) and thought I was getting a mini van like the Pacifica - pretty fancy key though.

Walked down the aisle looking for my minivan and I see the spot looks empty (large Pacifica on one side and a 300 on the other) I decide to try the key unlock hoping to hear the car somewhere nearby (my BMW 540 chirps in a most annoying manner I thought this would also) no noise but I see a brief flash of yellow and walk closer find this little tiny car. Looked pretty cool - only problem the Pacifica was parked so close I could barely get the door open enough to fit my size 13 shoes in the door.

Get in and close the door - nice, sounds German - impressed with the room inside - start it up - nice.

Drive it - nice even in the automatic form (I favor 6MT's) Not crazy about the viz out the back but that improved once I discovered the mirrors had been folded back to fit into the parking space.


Decide to step on the gas on the highway to see what it can do - immediately let up on the gas and brake because I hear a motorcycle whining up in my blind spot - but there is no motorcycle. Step on the gas again and there is the sound of a XF at 5+K rpm coupled with the power and ride. I had to get me one of these "Crossfires".

A friend at the seminar was well informed on these Crossfires and filled me in on the history and the bargain prices - now I really had to get me one. Sold the BMW 540 and bought a "new" '05. I am quite happy with the XF which just rolled over 1000 miles - no more careful breakin period - just full on driving excitement.