Originally Posted by GulfCoast

Hello. This is my first post on this Board.

I'm researching several cars with the plan to buy one. I've focused on convertibles, but I'm now seriously considering a Crossfire Coupe. Since you all are the experts, I have a few questions and comments:

1) Considering the buyers market for Crossfires, what would you expect to pay for a 2004 Coupe with 14,000 to 20,000 miles? Trade-in value for 2004 models with 20,000 is scattered ($19,500 on NADA, $17,500 on kbb.com ["good condition"], and $17,967 on Edmunds ["clean condition"]). How about a 2005 with lower mileage? Do you consider the 2005 sufficient improvement to justify additional cost?

2) I'm 6' and notice that legroom is very limited, especially for my right leg. To accommodate, I move the seat bottom back all the way, but there's then no room to recline the back. I know some of you are taller than I am. Have you managed to be comfortable in the car even for long trips?

3) The horror stories regarding dealers is off-putting, to say the least. Do you consider the build quality and mechanical issues to be above or below average compared to competitors (such as the S2000, Audi TT, 350Z)?

4) How often do you change tires? How expensive are the tires you use?

5) Do you consider the Crossfire a true sports car? The V6 has less horsepower than the VTEC 4 in the S2000, for instance, and the S2000 isn't known for its blazing off-the-line speed. I test-drove a Crossfire yesterday, though, and must admit I was pleasantly surprised with the power of the car. It felt much stronger than its rated horsepower would suggest. Unfortunately, there aren't many good twisty roads around here to test her cornering and "stick ability." What are your impressions of power, speed, and handling?

I'm considering the Crossfire Coupe for several reasons: 1) Competitive pricing; 2) Reasonable practicality (more so than most convertibles, at least); 3) Good performance (not a 'Vette beater, but surprisingly strong and stable); and 4) Styling. I had considered an older-model SLK, but the forums indicated so many electrical issues that I was turned off. I've hoped that some of those issues were resolved for the Crossfire.

Your opinions of the car would be appreciated. Thanks.