I'm looking into purchasing an automatic 2004 Crossfire. And I have some questions regarding long term problems and thoughts on what I'll be using it for.

I'm currently a college student, so I will be using this car for the usual college things, getting food, shopping, buying are supplies (I'm an art major) pretty normal stuff. I'm located in the city, so I won't really be using the 'speed' factor you could say.

I've been talking to my uncle and he says sports cars tend to have lots of little problems that cost a lot of money and says it's not very practical. I was told since it uses a special oil it will cost more ($60 to $100) I was told, but I was wondering if what my uncle said was true for the Crossfire? If so, what kind of problems is it going to have?

I know a Pontiac Aztec is a terrible comparison, but to just give you an idea of what I'm talking about --

My 2001 Aztec always has problems. There has never been a day when there HASN'T been a problem. The engine has never run right really, or there's always something wrong that has to be fixed. My brother owns a Nissan Maxima and literally has never had any problems with it. Does this run true for the Crossfire? Being in college I'm not going to have the flexibility to go to a mechanic everytime something goes wrong, so I need a car that is going to run like my brothers car -- that being very well without any problems.

What problems have you experienced if any? Does this car cost a lot of money to keep it up and running well? How much money am I looking at here for the upkeep or problems I'm going to run into? And do you think this car is practical for what I'm going to use it for?

I absolutely love how this car drives. It just clings to the road which is something I wish my Aztec did. It handles like a charm and I really like that and want a car that does that. The features are amazing, I love the security system it has (being my school is in the Ghetto that is important) and the trunk space seems suitable for what I'm going to need it to do.

Also. My other question is. I'm going to have to do A LOT of driving. By a lot of driving I mean driving from Florida to California type of driving. How does this car do for long distance driving?

Thanks for your help. Any thought what-so-ever would be great. I really think this car will work for me, but my uncle is convinced all the problems it will have being a sports car is going to cost way to much and is not worth it and I should get a Ford Impala or something along those lines.

My last question is, I've heard so many different things regards MPG that I'm kind of lost on what to believe. I will be using this car for normal driving and not using it to speed or luxury driving you could say. Under these conditions, what kind of MPG do you think I will be getting? I've heard from 12-18, to 17-22, all the way up to 30 MPGS (which I find it hard to believe but maybe it's true)? To give you an idea how fast I'll be driving, I'll probably be in the 25-45 mph, unless on the interstate or free way I'll go from 65-75 mph, not faster then that.

 

As far as mechanical issues, the Crossfire is built with a Mercedes drivetrain that's been around for a number of years.

Some have had issues with manual transmissions slipping out of 2nd gear but I believe most of them have been resolved.

Maintenance may cost more - but you don't have to change the oil as often. It's probably a wash.

I don't know how practical the car is for hauling art supplies. A suitcase and laptop case pretty much take up the storage space for me.

As far as driving long distances, it's very comfortable for me. I've done some trips where I've driven over 600 miles in a day and it wasn't bad at all.

And you are right about the handling. It is impressive!

Edit: I usually get between 26-28 MPG on the Interstate. 22-24 in town.

Good luck with you decision.

Dennis

 

Probably true.

Again, true. The oil changes aren't cheap compared to most other cars that take regular oil. You could save a few bucks by doing it yourself but it's still Mobil 1 prices regardless.

As for potential problems because it's a sports car... IMO all cars can have problems on an individual basis. Yes, the Crossfire is a bit of a complicated machine, but I think you'll find most of us here have had minimal, if any problems at all. Expect out-of-warranty repairs to be costly if needed.

My point exactly. Though some car manufacturers and models may have a better overall track record than others, each car is still an individual. Some have problems, some don't. The Crossfire is no exception.

As for me, I've had almost no problems at all since buying it last October.

As for being "practical", I'd say the Crossfire is very far from practical. It has limited room for the passengers and cargo. It requires premium fuel, synthetic oil and special oil filter, and expensive tires when the time comes. The mileage is best described as adequate.

The good news is that beyond the price of gas and an occasional oil change, there is little other "maintenance".

How well this car holds up over the coming years is still anybody's guess, but being a Mercedes at heart, I'm confident in it's construction.
I absolutely love how this car drives. It just clings to the road which is something I wish my Aztec did. It handles like a charm and I really like that and want a car that does that. The features are amazing, I love the security system it has (being my school is in the Ghetto that is important) and the trunk space seems suitable for what I'm going to need it to do.

So far, those that have taken lengthy trips have claimed to have been pleased with the comfort.

I drive a lot like you. Very few highway miles overall. Mostly around town stuff. I get about 20 mpg but if I do take it on a highway journey, the mileage improves by 3 to 5 mpg. Maybe more.

Many here have claimed much better mileage than me.

The bottom line is that this is one cool car that is as much fun to drive as it is to admire while parked in your driveway. It's a great feeling and VERY MUCH worth the impracticality.

 

Had mine over a year and I love it. No problems. Knock on wood.

 

Not to push you away from the crossfire, but have you checked out the Mini Coopers? They can be a blast to drive (handles alot like a go-cart), and a bit more storage space. It's a thought again I'm not trying to push you away from the crossfire. Also if you do choose to purchase the crossfire it comes with a transferable 7/70 powertrain warranty and if you buy your oil from lets say Napa it can reduce the price of your oil changes. Just take it to the dealer and tell them to use it. Other than the oil changes it's a blast to drive and I get about the same MPG as what is stated above. May I ask how much and how many miles? You may be able to get an '05 with less miles for the same price. I have found that the '05 ride is better than the '04. My opinion though I'm trying to start a year war.

 

The car is great! Yes the oil changes cost a bit but there are ways mentioned above to curve the price a bit (i.e. purchase own oil, DIY). I drove mine from Columbus, OH to Tallahassee, FL with no problems. Only problem I had was all the attention I would get at rest areas, people asking, "what kind of car is that?" I didn't mind it though. One thing I can say for this car is that, "I LOVE IT"! When I took my first (and only) test drive I knew I had to have this car. The handling was awesome and the sound created while accelerating was music to my ears. Not to mention the fact that the dealer said give it some gas and let me do about 90+ on the test drive.

If you do decide to go with the XF then my advice would be, get use to thumbs up and people staring at you. lol
I've had mine for almost a year and expect to have it many more years. The only problem I had was the AC fan recall (fixed) other than that nothing major.

 

well i have not had my xfire to long but i am also a college student. i drive from dalton to marietta three times a week (if you don't know that is about 2 hours). but in my case i have had no problems with the ride or car. the only thing is i am about 6' 2" and i find myself squirming around the end of the drive to find a more comfortable position. also yes the oil change is a bit costly, gas mileage is pretty good since some four bangers i have seen get less mpg. as for the ride of a maxima or altima i don't think it will be comparable. those are big smooth riding cars. the xfire has i think 255/30/19 in the back so the maxima had that one. as for reliability i take my car to the drag strip probable twice a month and nothing has broke yet, knock on wood. i used to have a '96 300zx and i had no problems from it. so the theory about sports cars having problems is not accurate in my opinion.

now enough about the xfire, like dude said the mini would be good or the new civic si. i have not driven either but from what i have read both are great cars. when i bought my xfire they had a new subaru wrx... amazing car, not the best interior. but for ride and power amazing. maybe you should check one of those out. but in the xfires defenses. i love my xfire, great ride great style overall good car. hope this might help. good luck with college.

 

IMO, if you have to ask the question, you cant' afford it. Anything can happen at any time. There is no spare tire and if you're driving long distance you could be in for a long and costly trip.
This is a two seat sports car. Depending on where you live, it's not a daily driver. If someone tells you this is a practical car, their definition of practical is quite skewed.
If your school is in the Ghetto you may have to stock up on wheels, tires, and hub covers because they are great sellers on ebay and nice collectors items.
Have you considered the damage that can be caused by those jealous vandals and coeds?
Then there's the PREMIUM Gasoline this car requires. Did you check insurance rates?
Sorry I can't tell you what you want to hear. Your Uncle obviously cares about you and is giving you good advice. At this time in your life, unless you've got a lot of money, you should save your money and go practical. Yes, get rid of the Aztec!
By the way, I've got two Daughters in college. Good luck with your decision.

 

Buy a Toyota. First, I would never park my Crossfire on any college campus, let alone one in the "ghetto" as you said you would be in. Second, reliability. While most Crossfires have had few major problems, if you want reliability like your friends Nissan, then nothing tops Toyota other than Lexus. Third, cargo room. Art supplies can get big and bulky. Plus, you'll save some money with something more practical. I'd suggest a Corolla or a used Prius, if you can find one.

 

I would definitely not buy this car if I had to park on a college campus everyday. Then again, I didn't buy mine as a daily driver either, I plan to keep it in perfect condition and I don't think college campus's and dent free go together.

I was an art student many moons ago, and while I'm sure things have changed. If you need to carry paints, portfolio's (of some size), and other such materials, this may not be the car to buy due to its size. Although the boot is bigger than most people think.

Personally, if I were in your situation, I'd get a nice small hatchback, good for the city (I was in NYC back in those days). Something that's not going to make you cry if it gets dinged, but has enough room for your stuff...and a spare tire if you get a blowout.

The XF is an awesome car...fantastic to drive, it's definitely a car to be pushed a bit. I'm not sure city driving is where it shows off it's best qualities.

 

may i also suggest a vw jetta. i had one great car. trunk is much bigger then one would suspect.

 

Thank you everyone for your help and advice. It brought up a lot of new things for me to think about.Thirteendog, the crossfire I'm looking at only has 17,000 miles on it and the condition is brand new. The past owner had a deer jump on it, but the damage wasn't bad at all, and all the parts have been completely replaced by Mercedes and is in brand new condition. The car is a maroon/red color, I was told that is rare?

Anyway, considering where this nice car will have be sitting for the next 2-3 years in the ghetto where my school is, and the fact that this car is probably simple too nice to risk it getting damaged for vandalized it is probably better for me to get something else. I hate to say that. Gosh, I would hate to find my Crossfire all dented and scrapped up one day missing various parts on it I would probably have a heart attack. And considering other factors of costs and such it's probably best I don't get it (and for the cars sake).

I know this is a Crossfire form, but with what I just said, does someone recommend another car? The Crossfire (from what it sounds like to all of you) is a very well built car without really much problems. On top of the awesome road control (I love how it feels like it's gripping the road when I drive) and the awesome breaking control (which my Pontiac is very much lacking). Can someone recommend a car that is a great build with great drive and breaking control like the Crossfire? I do realize it's probably never going to be as nice because it is a Sports Car but if there's something that can live up to it like a sedan that would be great.

I heard someone mention a mini cooper, Toyota and Lexus. But I heard with the mini coopers they get terrible gas mileage, and they're built pretty bad with a lot of problems. I've heard really good things from Toyota and Honda (that they're build very well) and I really have never heard anything about a Lexus.
But yeah, if you have any suggestions let me know.

I'll never purchase another Pontiac again. I think just about every part on my car has been recalled at some point or another, and the engine has always had problems along with everything else. And I heard Ford and Chevy are pretty bad too.

 

As previously suggested, check out the Honda Civic SI coupe. Great gas mileage, reasonable price, and very sporty.

Dennis

 

To support the mini. It gets the same gas mileage as the crossfire and my friend hasn't had a single problem out of his. Granted he just hit 20,000 miles and he's had it for 2 years.

 

Acura RSX-S, the 200 horsepower heir to the Integra, is the best small car in the world. Garage queens may be found for $15K, performance belies the Clark Kent exterior and the split rear leather seats fold down with the tug of a button to yield a cargo bay of unbelievable size.

Joe Bob says check it out.

 

LOL LOL. Oh yeah your message is too short. LOL