What Golfdude said...except not only did I get a good price, but it was THE LOOK that got me. Some non XF owners think it's butt-ugly (not that butts are necessarily ugly), but to me, it's gorgeous. I have always been for a car that's different.

Back in '89, the Miata was different. I bought it because of looks first, being a roadster second. I happen to be a fan of the Magnum too. I like "quirky". I like different. The Crossfire fills all that for me.

First gear is short yes...but I don't care. I am soon into second, then the rest. Not a big deal. I am not one for speed either. I treat my cars with great care and drive within reason in regards to speed limits. I even have fun deploying the wing for no reason at all.

Simply stated, I would not change a thing on this car. If I did, then THE LOOK would be gone. Some people buy a car just to change it all around. Makes me wonder why they got it in the first place LOL.

Just my thoughts. I know you didn't want to hear from people who didn't downgrade. IMO, my Crossfire is neither an upgrade nor a downgrade to my Miata. It's DIFFERENT...apple and oranges, ya know.