Well, after much thought and deliberation, I have decided to upgrade even farther than I originally thought (instead of going to an SRT6). I have come to the forum, as I have many times in the past, for advice. I have my eyes set on a C55 AMG with 30K miles on the clock, clean as a whistle, for $24,750. The dealer would only come down $250 on it because of the low miles and the rarity.

My situation - graduated in Dec.09 - been working 5 months at a defense contractor - ready to upgrade and try to salvage what little value my Crossfire has left in it.

The dealer is willing to give me $6800 on the 2004 Limited Crossfire - SSB, 75K miles, tires need to be replaced in 2000 miles, curb rash on rims, small dent on rear passenger side quarter panel (no paint damage and most people don't notice it). I have been trying to sell my car on cars.com for $8800 for the past month and have not gotten one single e-mail. Not even one!

I would be taking out a car loan for 60 months and $18K from Pentagon Federal Credit Union with a 3.99% rate for a total of $331/month which covers both the car and insurance premiums with USAA for six months.

I love the AMG look and the C55 has been my dream car since it came out, previously my dream car was the C32. But what I really like is the space the c-class provides as the Crossfire is beginning to feel a bit cramped (it is my daily driver), as well as the familiarity of the C55 engine bay and parts to the Crossfire's engine bay - since I know my way around there very well.

I have no credit (just applied for a credit card) so my father is willing to cosign on my loan. Given that I am about to move out, my dad and I have discussed the possibility of it being difficult for me to rent a place (I am going to be living with two other young working professionals - also my buddies) if I have a car loan. If I can verify my income to a possible landlord, I was thinking maybe my not having credit yet would be minimized?

The car payment fits in easily with my budget, and so would a rent payment. I love the car and am ready to make the leap, but I would love some input on
A) the trade-in value of the Crossfire (abysmal obviously)
B) the choice on a C55
C) the price on the C55
D) is this unusual to be taking a car payment and rent payment (probably around $700-$800/mo.)?

I am a car nut (obviously - I am on this forum), and have done all the maintenance on the Crossfire myself (brakes, oil changes, lights, filters), and would do the same with the Benz.

Any input is greatly appreciated.

NOTE: This is a re-post from the SRT-6 forum at the end of a thread I started a while ago when I was going to move to an SRT-6. But I figured getting the opinions from members of the 'hallowed-halls' of the Crossfire Coupe forum would be members who could more easily relate to my situation.