Welcome to the forums, Crookedview! Where do you live? Your location may have a slight effect on what you pay. I was in your position last February. I was looking for a car to replace my aging 90 Vette. I wanted to spend less than $15,000 mainly because I already owned two other vehicles. I ended up trading the Vette in and purchased a 2005 yellow roadster, 6-Speed, with only 6000 miles on it. The selling price was $20,000 at that time. The bottom line was $12,500 and my Vette. That was more than I had anticipated spending for a third car, but you can't tell my XFire from new. I'm averaging 26 mpg and loving every minute of my XFire ownership. I figure I purchased a car that retailed for more than twice what I paid for it. That's a great deal in my book.

My advice is purchase your car from a reputable Chrysler Dealership. I would avoid any fly-by-night used car lots or a new car dealership other than Chrysler. Cars on those lots may be less than the cream of the crop. Remember, many Crossfires on lots were former lease vehicles that Chrysler couldn't sell at inflated prices so they offered great deals to their employees, and the general public in some cases just to move the cars off their lots. Now you can find low mileage Crossfires at great prices because of those leases have come to their end.

Be patient, and you will find the right Crossfire at the right price. Stick with Chrysler Dealers that have a quality inventory and a good reputation in that community. Ask if they have done a Carfax check on the vehicle. Most reputable dealers don't want former wrecks in their inventory because if can come back to bite them. Dealers are hungry to sell cars in a less than favorable economy. Bargain hard and you will get more bang for your bucks.

Bob