History: Leased '05 coupe in May 2006, 39 mo lease. Got rear-ended April 08. Dealer had in body shop for 5 months (yes the 5 is not a typo) , until Sept 07. Around 3 mo later vehicle had "strange" electrical problems: headlighs would not turn off, interior lights staying on, door locks would not work, trunk latch would not unlock. using the Forum and the download of the service manual it appeared that all the problems tied into the elecrtronic module-air pump located below the trunk cover on the passenger side of the vehicle where I was rear-ended. I removed the trunk cover, plastic panels and styrofoam filler panels and the electronic module was soaked in water. It also explained why I would get a musty smell every so often. The seams of the replaced body panels were "sealed" with spray foam, not caulk. What a great body shop the 5 Star dealer has. The thought of returning it to the dealers body shop was certainly not an option. The vehicle was out of waranty now and I had 5 months to go on the lease. l knew the dealer would be of no help and if anything would probably make things worse. My lease was for $298 per month. Figuring that my mileage was approaching the 39,000 lease cap and paying .20 per mile for the next 5 months I was better off paying off the lease, getting rid of the car and finding something new. I left all the panels off of the trunk interior, wrote a check for $1,800 and brought it in to the dealer. The Lease Expert at the dealer did not even open the trunk to see the panels were removed (it was raining). I left on the seat of the car 8" x 11" glossy photos of the trunk, spray foam sealant and wet electronic module. While waiting for my wife to pick me up I talked with the dealer lease expert and filled out the paperwork. When he asked if it had been in an accident, I told him it had been and was repaired at his shop. He asked how much was the damage, it was $21,000: $16,000 in repair and $5,000 for car rental. He was astonished that it took 5 months. He asked if I was interested in any other car his dealer offered, I told him I would have to be dead to get another Chrylser or buy one from his dealership. He understood. Perhaps that why I have not heard anything from them on why the trunk was disassembled or the locks & lights don't work properly.

I heard from Chrysler Financial that they want the state tax for 2007 ($138.00). I told them that the dealer had it for 5 months of that year and I was not paying it. Pound salt.

I got a 2008 Audi TT, Brilliant Red, 2.0 with the premium package. It's what the Xfire should be updated to, if it was to be continued. It has all the features that I wish the Xfire had: Automatic climate control, power-up on the windows, bluetooth, turbo, more interior room, run flat tires, variable speed wipers, automatic rain sensing wipers, automatic exterior lights, turn signals in the side view mirrors, the seats recline more because there is no "bar" behind the seats, power lumbar support, etc. Now don't get the idea that I didn't like my Xfire, I loved it and miss it, but I owned an "orphan" car once before (Merkur Scorpio) and know what happens after a model is discontinued. Parts, accessories, mechanics that are familiar with the vehicles and such all become headaches. The value also drops like a rock.

My tag was "FFFFIRE" on the Xfire. As the TT is Brilliant Red I kept the tag.

So, I have enjoyed the Xfire Forum, and may check in every so often, but I am now on the Audi TT Forum. Thanks & Good Luck.