For 25K or under you can certainly score a decent SRT-6 & that will eliminate any speed issues you may have though there 't'ain't nothing wrong with the straight-up coupe or the roadster, just less power. I understand the dislike for an automatic but the auto in the SRT-6 (along with the coupe/roadster) is one heckuva transmission. Trust me, you may not miss the stick at all especially if you do a lotta city driving.
As to reliability I can only speak from my own experiences: my 2004 Coupe (for sale) has 57K on it & has taken a deer whacking last year & the ONLY thing wrong with the car is the ashtray; doesn't pop out correctly. It appears something is stuck behind it. Besides that & the normal maintenance (tires, which are expensive & oil changes) the car hasn't cost me a cent. My SRT has a few warranty things which have to be taken care of (rattling left speaker & a funky scratching sound coming from the rear brakes) but, once again, no problemo. Starts up in the coldest weather, drives like a rocket on wheels: I love both cars.......wish I could keep the Coupe (along with the missus!) but I'm just a working stiff.
Someday, maybe if the money magically appears, I'd like to mod. my car a little. Check around this forum & you'll find everything you'd ever want to know about beefing-up any Xfire. The mods. aren't necessarily inexpensive (how many are?) but they'll take you where you want to go.
Anyways........I'd have to give a huge thumbs-up for any Crossfire. They are unique, unknown & a gas to drive & own.
.......just my opinion, Big!!