Re: Looking to buy a Crossfire...need advice
We've had two, a 2005 Roadster (sold it last year) and a 2005 Coupe. My wife and I both loved the Roadster (we live in Florida), but the trunk space is VERY VERY small with the top down. Compared to the Coupe, the headroom in the Roadster "appears" to be less...it may be because of the trunk space in the Coupe. Having said that, I favor the Coupe more.
Regarding maintenance...yes, do your own oil changes. Much cheaper and easy to do. Tire prices and availability will drive you crazy (18" in front/19" in back)...not cheap. Make sure you get rim-guards on any tires you buy/get. Front brake dust will drive you nuts, so look for ceramic pads on your next brake job. No spare tire (no room).
The ride in both (Roadster/Coupe) is excellent and tight. You get great road response and the handling is outstanding. A friend told me it's like the car is on a rail when you take a tight turn.
I looked at and test drove several 350Zs before the Crossfire and I was sceptical about buying a Chrysler (I also own a Nissan Murano SE AWD with the 245 HP 3.5L V6), but my first test-drive in the Crossfire changed my mind. Insurance is less than the Z.
My only real complaints about the Crossfire are the headlamp covers, the cupholder, and lack of an adjustable lumbar in the seats. Having owned two Crossfires...I must like something about them???