I'd like to throw in my quarter''s worth here since I owned two SLK's before the Crossfire. Had a 1999 SLK230 supercharged manual and a 2003 SLK320 SPORT edition auto. Everyone will give you their opinion on the gearboxes and I will, too. There is nothing like the 6 speed. 1-2 does take practice, but it is worth it if you have a few decent roads to drive in your situation. If you are in heavy traffic everyday, autostick is probably a lot easier to deal with. One thing that got me out of the SLK tho, is the headroom with the top up. With the top up in the SLK, a package shelf is right at your neck/ear level in back. The rear window is rightover your shoulder. I'm an average size and build, but the SLK is claustraphobic (please don't spell check),when the top is up. IF you are in Four Season weather or drive any great distance with the top up, you should consider the Crossfire. There is more head room with the scalloped inside top, and being open to the back gives it a generally roomier feel, with the added plus of useable space. I do miss the convertible, from time to time, but not much. One other thing to consider is service and parts. Mercedes service is spotty at times,. Chrysler service is spotty at times. How's your dealer? SLK oil filter was $22.00 over the counter at MB dealer. Crossfire filter...same part, is $9.00 at Chrysler. And its in the original Mercedes packaging. Drive what you want to drive everyday. If you are worried about resale value...in the words of some of my Italian friends, "fugged about it".