Originally Posted by Mike-in-Orange

All are very fine cars, but without a doubt the Crossfire is the best bang for the buck among them.

I respectfully, but totally, disagree with alaxfire's assertion that both the Boxster and TT are butt-ugly. And the Boxster is one of the best handling cars in the world - I'd have one in a heartbeat if maintenance costs weren't so darn high on them. My brother in law has a new TT and it's just flat out awesome. In RS form it's a weapon, plain and simple. The SLK, especially the R170 version that the Crossfire is derived from, is a very dowdy looking car that just hasn't aged well. There are plenty running around SoCal and every time I see one I'm just amazed that it's basically the same car as my Crossfire. I often refer to my car as an SLK in a fancy party dress!

Two cars you left off the list: one is essentially the coupe version of the Boxster - the Porsche Cayman. Gorgeous car inside and out, and another great handling machine. The interior puts ours to shame, but again there's that huge cost differential. The other is the BMW Z3/Z4. The Z3 is nothing compared to the Crossfire, but the Z4 is a fantastic car all around. Looks great, drives great.

For someone looking to pick up a nice used car that plays with this set, the Crossfire is probably the smartest choice overall. Unless, of course, they have dreams of owning a Porsche or they love the unique look of the TT. Or they just need some brand cache to make them feel good about themselves. "Chrysler" probably won't make that person feel the way "Mercedes" or "Porsche" will, and that's their problem, quite frankly. Anyone needing to own a specific brand to feel good about themselves has some serious issues!

And don't forget that Jeremy Clarkson of Top Gear chose the Crossfire Roadster over the TT and 350Z roadsters in a shootout they did a few years back (though not that it's really worth anything, it's just another individual's opinion).

Honestly, I'd be happy with any of the above mentioned cars (though I'll admit I'd only have the TT in coupe form as the soft top really doesn't translate as well on that car) if I had the money. I'd probably lean heavily toward the Cayman, though, as I love that car. But in my reality, being able to play in that arena with a car I bought brand spanking new for $21,000, gives me a huge smile. I love my Crossfire and nothing is going to kick it out of my garage in the foreseeable future, or long term for that matter.