Hi D-boy, with the way our winter has been, I don't know if prices went down that much this year or not.
Out of all the manual transmissions I've owned, the Crossfire is one that took some getting use to. No big deal really, but it doesn't shift as smooth as any Japanese cars I've owned. Just a little "notchy" shifting from 1st. to 2nd. Sitting in as close proximity to the differential as one does in the XF, does enable you to hear the rear end more clearly than most other cars. But that's not to say the one you test drove didn't have a problem. (it sounded like a bad pinion bearing from your discription).
If you have access to the dealer auctions, then I'm sure you can find just what you're looking for. Hold out for a roadster if that's what you really want, and you should feel just a little more comfortable in convertible thanks to a little more headroom.
What side of Cleveland are you located?
I'd like to hear more about your Corvair P.U
I'm a big fan of of the old Dodge A100's myself, but always liked the Vairs too.