I waited for about two weeks after they were released.
I contacted three Dealers in Sep 02. Local, one in Jacksonville and one in Orlando. The Jacksonville Dealer got the car first car in June - A black 6 Speed, but wanted 5K over list for the car- told him I wanted an automatic, he said he would call when he got one. My local Dealer had called me the day they were relesed and said he had two coming in the first week of July, both 6 Speeds - I turned him down at first but, after talking to the Jacksonville Dealer, and joining this Forum, I decided to take what I could get - the next day I called my local Dealer back and told him I would take the first one he got. My local dealer offered me a car at list, so I went with him, although I wanted an automatic - both had 6 Speeds and didn't know when they would get an automatic. After driving the 6 Speed for few times I decided I had to have the automatic and by then (late July) more cars were avaialble. When the Crossfire was first released many Dealers added 5k or 10K, so I figured list was a good price. They didn't sell. There weren't many around and Chrysler wasn't giving out any info on shippments only promising each Dealer who signed up at least one (rumor was 8,000 cars Vs 10,000 Dealers) . A month after they were released there were Crossfire all over Florida. In Aug I traded the SSB 6 Speed for an automatic. Paid my car + the list difference. A good Deal for me, A Naples Dealer had several automatics and wanted a 6 Speed. About a month latter the Orlando Dealer called me offering an automatic - "under list."

So It depends on where you are and what you want. If you are willing to shop around and take a trip, you can find one easily. Its also very much fun to drive your new Crossfire home, so buying out-of -town is probablly a better - if you have the time.