Throbbinwood,
first, don't let the HP scare you. tobegin with, that is the Published HP. Same engine in the SLK ( sister ship) was 230 HP.
For little money and some easy work you cand get to 265 HP.

The car is faster than most but not a drag strip king. If that'syour pleasure, get a Mustang or a Comaro. Or a ricer.


$17 K will buy you a good SRT coupe. It starts at 330 HP and can be easily modded to 400HP. Several tuners here can give you the hardware and the electronic mods. Proven products with which many here are happy.

The Crossie is very nimble,. quick in traffic and on curvy roads. Long Interstate trips are comfortable. Amazingly big ride for a small car.

The two down sides of a Crossie.

It is avery impractical car because it is a toy, not designed to carry children, lumber, surf boards or bicyles.
It has a unique parentage from a disfunctional marriage, and is therefore a bit of an Orphan. Hard to find dealers who will, or can work on it.

Fortunately, it has a good feature that comes at no extra costs. This motely group of Miscreants who are addicted to its perpetuation and having good fun doing it.

Look around, there may be better deals but the prices on these cars have stabilized and depreciation, at this point in time, is very minimal.

BTW I'm 6' 2" 205 lbs and fit nicely. But I am wearing out the seat back where my elbow rests as I try to get my old flubby frame out of the car.