Re: Why did you choose the Crossfire?
I few months ago I was diagnosed with Prostate Cancer. I under went the knife on 10/11/07. I feel lucky because everything went well with the surgery. After a few days in the hospital I was sent home for a few weeks with a catheter in tow. Well, needless to say I could not do much except sit and wait to heal. Being a car fanatic I of course started reading reviews on the new 08 models. I have always wanted a convertible. The closet thing I have is my motorcycle, a 05 Victory Hammer. I love my bike but it's never practical on a daily basis. I have been eyeing the BMW 335i hardtop convertible and the Mercedes SLK 350. Both cars priced at more than I want to spend new and used ones are no bargain either. I had an 03 350 Z when they first came out and I bought it because the price for the new Crossfire’s which were about to be unveiled loaded were about 5,000 more. I wanted it as a first choice after seeing the concept. But didn't want to spend that much. I never considered it again. Well, I sold the 350z last year because I needed a truck. I have been missing the sport car thrill since. While sitting at home in my recovery chair. (Recliner) I started to look all the new car websites on my laptop to see what convertibles they had to offer. I visited the Chrysler website and was looking at the Crossfire and still realized that the 40,000 dollar range was a little too much for a two seater. I have always really like the body style. I knew the car shared a lot of MB's parts from previous articles I had read. The more I looked around it looked like a Toyota Camry Solara or Chrysler Sebring was the only two in my price range. I decided to look on eBay for maybe a used Crossfire Convertible. Best move I made. I was shocked at what I was seeing. Crossfire’s and lots of them listed at reasonable prices. I thought oh hell... another Chrysler product not able to hold a resale value. After doing more research I found out that Chrysler was having problems with the sales of this car and I knew why, they were too expensive to begin with. To make a longer story longer I found a 2006 Black Limited Convertible, 6 speeds MT with navigation with only 25 miles listed for 27,900. This was a new car dealership listing it and I knew they could help with financing. I emailed them and they had about 5 on the lot. Well, I didn't buy the one listed, but I got one just like it and it's sitting in my garage. I had it delivered to my front door. I wasn't able to drive it at first and it was making me anxious. I finally got the catheter out after three weeks and the first drive was just what I needed to lift my spirits. This car handles way better than I expected. The ride is much better than my 350Z was. Driving with the top down is a blast. I don't know if my motorcycle will get much attention anymore now that I have the convertible. I bought the car for a daily driver and that’s what I plan to do. By the way I just turned 50 years old and have come to the conclusion that you never know what life is going to throw at you. Better enjoy everyday you are given. My wife calls it my turning 50 and surviving cancer car. I just call it mine!