Hello all, I am in love with this forum and the information on it! I am new to the world of Crossfires and am looking at buying one, a white one hopefully, by January of 2011 and just need some questions answered. First off, I have a 1989 GMC 3/4 ton Conversion Van, and a 1990 GMC Sierra, I love my van and my truck, but 11-15mpg is getting ridiculous, needless to say, what kind of REAL mpg do these things get? My van has 69k miles on it and my truck has 85k. I bought both used and they are 60/40% garage kept, and have done great, but I want something different, and fun to drive. I will be keeping my truck, but I want a fun, efficient everyday driver. I am 20 years old and have saved my money since my sophomore year of high school, and I really want to buy something rewarding with it. My questions are:

1.) Is the XF reliable, I come from a long line of GMC/Ford family and am just wondering... I know a man in town that has an 04 black coupe and he says it has 312,000 miles on it, and NO that's not a typo, but I've never got to ride in it, rumor is neither has his wife...LOL but he uses my mechanic and I hardly ever see the car there?? Maybe that's a good sign!

2.) What kind of problems/issues have been encountered on them?? I have heard a cupholder story, don't know what that is about?? And some things about not being able to turn the key to start the car?? Anyway, I am used to doing oil changes every 3k and an occasional trip to the mechanic, so I want to know how these cars hold up.

3.) I'm looking in the $8-$12k range on price, what kinda mileage should I look for in this range

4.) I have never owned a manual transmission, but I can drive one very easily, as my father's truck is manual, do you think going from auto to manual is worth the fun it is, even for everyday commute, or should I just stick with auto?

5.) How well does the crossfire do on long trips?? I am used to these big vehicles, and I used to own a miata and loved it, but I do NOT want another convertible. Anyway, is the leg room and roominess good on these cars for someone who is 5' 8" and around 285lbs??

6.) Do these cars have good heat/ac systems. I live in Alabama and AC that works good is a MUST for august weather!

7.) And lastly, do these cars have general comfort features, like cruise control, tilt, etc. I've only seen two in person and that was at Wal-Mart! Oh and can you get cruise control on the manual shift??

I appreciate any replies I get as this will be my first expensive vehicle purchase and I want it to be a pleasant one. Also, if anyone has a white coupe they want to sell, say after summer in the 8-12k range, let me know, I'd love to look at it, distance is no problem as I can drive anywhere. Thanks y'all! Hope this isn't too many questions!