Originally Posted by CharlieO
I am seriously shopping for a Crossfire roadster, and think that I want a 6-speed transmission.
While you should probably drive a few, I suspect the manual IS for you.
They're definitely not as easy to find as automatics around here, but I'm seeing plenty of them on the internet in various places around the country. It seems that dealers have a difficult time getting rid of them, so I expect to be able to get a good deal.
Don't expect too much, the reason they have them on their lots is because they are NOT offering such good deals. Dealers will want as much for a Base or SE Roadster as a Limited Roadster.
I live in hot, sunny Florida, and the idea of having a cloth interior instead of hot sticky leather seats is appealing. I'm thinking that I could easily get by with a base model or a Special Edition and be quite happy. What would I be missing? Is the sound system in the base model seriously inferior to the Limited? I guess that the base model and maybe the Special Edition don't have power seats, but what else am I missing? Is there any compelling reason to buy a Limited instead of the base model or SE?
The Base model differences versus the limited that I can think of:
... exterior only available in Black.
... no satin/chrome trim around windshield, on door handles or side stakes.
... no Chrome 'CROSSFIRE' plates in the doorways.
... no subwoofers behind the seats (and I THINK the amp is a bit less powerful)
... no fog/driving lights.
... monotone interiour (probably my biggest gripe - the two-tone Limited interior is nice!
)
... no tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) or Homelink transmitter (garage door opener).
... cloth manual seats instead of heated/power/leather seats.
... basic black air cleaner housing on top of engine instead of satin/chrome looking one on limited.
The Special edition Roadster is a base roadster with:
... Red Exterior paint.
... Satin/chrome door handles and side stakes.
... cool SRT-looking rims.
(I really like the SE's because of the Red paint - I must say that, in a way, the cloth seats in the Base/SEs are more comfortable, or so it seems, at times).
My next question is whether it's a bad idea to get the manual transmission for any reason? Can I have any fun shifting the AutoStick in normal city driving? I'm never going to have an opportunity to drive this car in "sports car country," I'll be mostly running up and down Highway 41 in city traffic.
Your opinions are appreciated.
If you like the manual, you will be happy. But if you drive in city traffic a lot, only you know if you will tire of the stick - has nothing to do with the car itself, IMO.