Collector Crossfire
 

Re: Collector Crossfire
 

no, i don't think it will ever be a collectors item, as far as i'm aware 50k or so were made...not rare at all.

Re: Collector Crossfire
 

How many '55 and '57 Chevys were made? ;)

Re: Collector Crossfire
 

I think they may become collector's cars over time. But, I wouldn't look for any big payoffs. I would estimate that a truly clean example 20 years from now, might still be worth what you would pay for one today.

Re: Collector Crossfire
 

ok i'll play along, lets say it does become a "collector car" why would i hold onto my car for 50 years, keep the miles down, and not enjoy it...why would i do that instead of driving it everyday, pushing it to its limits, selling it, and owning between 30 other cars between now and 2056. :confused:

Re: Collector Crossfire
 

That would depend on your financial status etc. I can't help but drive it, after driving my truck (Dakota) for 10 year of faithful service, this car is just so enjoyable to drive.

If I could afford it I'd buy an SRT and limit my seat time.

Re: Collector Crossfire
 

i don't think it has anything to do with financial status...some people just don't buy cars and let them sit around.

Re: Collector Crossfire
 

But some do. :p

Re: Collector Crossfire
 

i know some people do, some people that aren't that "well off" financially even practice that i'm going to buy a car and keep the miles down, no matter how much money i ever made...never would i buy a car and keep the miles down -- no matter how many cars i own, many miles would be piled on each and every single one of them.

Re: Collector Crossfire
 

As far as I'm concerned I do have a collector's item. I buy cars because they are attractive to me, and I hope that I can keep them running for as long as I love them. As for waiting until someone else love's them too, sorry. I won't deny myself the pleasure of having it for that long. And when and if it does become a collector's item...I should still have mine. My plan is to drive my cars until dust I've never yet succeeded. My '63 Galaxie Wagon is almost there, though. If I'd left it in California it'd still be a heathen car...now, after 11 years in Ohio winters it is quite Holey. Ji Ji Ji. :D

Re: Collector Crossfire
 

Why are so many "young" Crossfire owners so cynical when it comes to the Crossfire?
JP2005, I don't mean to single you out, but I've read comments like yours many times on this forum, and it's usually made by a young male, 25 years old or less, who doesn't think the Crossfire will ever amount to much in the future automotive history books.
The Crossfire is by no means a "world beater" but it can do alot of "sports car" related things well, and even better than some cars costing 3 or even 4 times as much. It can go through a slalom course faster than a Ford GT, Lamborghini Gallardo, Acura NSX, or an Aston Martin Vanquish.
It can stop from 60 mph faster than alot of other "sports cars" too.
There are a lot more sports cars out there that an SRT-6 can out accelerate, than there are that could beat it.
None of us "old timers" thought we would ever see the outrageous prices that some of the old "muscle cars" are bringing now a days either. But no matter how large the production #'s were, they still bring strong money at auctions all over U.S. because the demand is there.
I know in my life time, I probably won'tget to see the Crossfire become a "Hot Property", I may not even get to see it sell for more than it originally cost. But I bet 30 years from now, most Crossfire owners in 2037 will be glad they own one. (That is if we still produce gasoline, that the "average person" can afford. ;)

Re: Collector Crossfire
 

but the difference is, all these muscle cars you mention that are highly sought after today, were highly sought after back then as well...until gas prices went up that is.

Re: Collector Crossfire
 

No they were not, many of them the dealers could not get rid of.
Like the daytona and superbird for example.
Many dealers had them on the lot for over a year then took off the nose cones and swapped the front ends to charger or roadrunners just to sell them.
Some of them go for as much as $300,000 and up with the right options.

Re: Collector Crossfire
 

Actually it was the Insurance Companies that killed the muscle car. Well them, and the pollution control devices mandated by the Government. By the time the fuel crisis hit, there were hardly any "real" muscle cars left.
But not all the muscle cars that are bringing big money now, were that popular when they were new.
The Super Birds and Daytona Chargers are just one example. There are plenty more, like my own AMX. Now I'm not saying the AMX is worth anywhere near what a Super Bird is, but it would still cost me between 8 to 10 times as much as I paid for my car when new, to replace it now.
When you consider they built close to 50K Barracudas between 1970 and 1974, and look at what those cars are bringing now, (no matter what engine they have) that should tell you popularity back then doesn't always dictate what a car will be worth in the future. Especially when you look at how many Camaros they built during that same time period, and compare it to what those cars are selling for now. (The Camaro was vastly more popular, and sought after back then, but doesn't bring anything close to what the Cuda's do now)
I'm just saying don't be so quick to write off the Crossfire, and it's potential to some day become a "collectors" item. It has far more good things going for it, than against it.
I predict that at some future date, You will proudly tell someone, "Yeh, I used to have one of those Crossfires when they were new." And I'd be willing to bet whom ever you say it to, will be impressed.

Re: Collector Crossfire
 

Re: Collector Crossfire
 

Collectors item or not. I plan on keeping my crossfire forever. I enjoy this unique and rare little beauty and believe the attraction will live on. Best automotive deal I've ever made!

Re: Collector Crossfire
 

I'm glad to hear this since i myself am 24 yrs old and i posted this thread! There's just something inside that tells me "this one's a keeper". Now i've owned other sports cars and i even worked in a HUGE dealership for 3 yrs; driving a wide range of cars (you name it)! So the sheer unpopularity of dis car and not seeing so much of them on the street or in dealerships, or service bays... attracts me to this car all the more. I HIGHLY respect and listen to my elders b/c their knowledge is PRICELESS so i'm glad you posted this message and it assures me on my "gamble" to have chosen this car as a collectible!

- Regards! :D

Re: Collector Crossfire
 

Re: Collector Crossfire
 

What Ever! I think most people on here disagree with you. So you get mad and quit, this just shows your age and besides all of us in our 50's lived through the muscle car era and let me tell you I owned a few. I had a '62 Impala SS with a 327, a '67 Chevelle SS with a 396 and a '73 Mustang Mach 1 with a 351 (last year of the original large body). I bought cheap and sold cheap, but today in good condition they are all worth much more than the original selling price. There where plenty around as well.

Re: Collector Crossfire
 

well my friend it's all about opinion, (it's what makes the world turn!) i respect yours!! But I don't believe anyone is asking you to "believe in" anything! *pats on back*.

Re: Collector Crossfire
 

This has been an interesting thread. I am amongst the "old guys" in age (not in mind or spirit)!

I too have noticed that some of the truly younger members (certainly not all) have been a little harsh toward "senior" members opinions. I believe there is an excellent chance that this car will become a collectible. Think about it though, not all collectibles achieve rockstar status when it comes to price.

I think kept in good condition, in twenty or so years the Crossfire could be worth about the same as it is now. Considering inflation and the like, that won't be a whole lot, (actually I hope I am wrong and it is worth a bundle!) but certainly it will be worth much more than the boring Camrys and Accords. Their future worth will be whatever scrap metal is going for.

The Crossfire is a car that inspires passion. Most everyone who owns one feels like it truly is a very special vehicle. For those of us who have already owned many more cars in the past than we will ever own in the future (that means we are getting old) this car represents our opportunity to own a classic. I once used the term "affordable exotic" and one of the younger members was all over me for calling it exotic.

We all have our opinions and this is a great forum to share them. Before flaming anyone for theirs, take time and think about it when you are forming your own.

Peace. ;)

Re: Collector Crossfire
 

its not that we are harsh with you, its just that this board is overly polite compared to the 15+ other forums i have been a member of. no one can take a joke here, there is no fun banter, its really stuffy and people tend to have arrogant attitudes. go over to srtforums to see what a fun forum is like.

and in order for a car to be a collector, people have to want it, which no one does with our car.

Re: Collector Crossfire
 

I think they are definitely collectors items. The fact that its a mercedes on the inside, and chrysler on the outside makes it not only rare, but as it is manufactured by Karmann, of karmann-gia fame, it has the bavarian bloodline making it in my opinion a collectors item. Chrysler may have a bad name for younger folks, the k car era and so forth, but before that chrysler was one of the finest designers in america, see the chrysler building in ny as an example. So for me this combination of bloodlines makes the crossfire collectable. :D

Re: Collector Crossfire
 

+1 on x'ed whole comment...

Napasanaoma--i didn't get mad and quit, the thread isn't going to change either of our minds so its not worth discussing, but i might as well play along, so with that said. of course, most people on here disagree with me, most people in here still think the crossfire is one of the greatest automobiles produced within the last 10 years. so i guess its not only me you disagree with, its the carworld in general.

how do you guys compare our cars to dodge daytona's and superbirds? your answer will be because no one wanted them when they were on the lots...they have built their following due to rarity, only 500 daytona's and 2000 superbirds were built, so between the 2 models their were 2,500...hang with me now, according to karmann's last records, since 2003 approx. 54,165 crossfires have been built (37,896 coupes, 16,269 roadsters).

the fact its made my karmann doesn't mean anything, the vw corrado, older beetle convertibles, scirocco and ford sierra also some ford escorts was also made by karmann.

Re: Collector Crossfire
 

I thought you were done replying. :p

Re: Collector Crossfire
 

Re: Collector Crossfire
 

how was i bad mouthing the car?...i realize what it IS and what it IS NOT...it is not at the time nor in the foreseeable future a collectors car, it may become one in the very distant future; but you nor i know what the car will be in 50 years.

Re: Collector Crossfire
 

JP2005,

Maybe we should all take up a collection and buy your Crossfire from you...as a future investment in a collector's car. LOL. :D

Re: Collector Crossfire
 

Re: Collector Crossfire
 

I guess there is some small kernel of truth to what you are saying. The Crossfire is not now a collector's car. Otherwise the dealers would not be dumping these beauties to get anything they can out of them. Their business requires constant turnover of inventory, and they are not turning over all of the 2005s that were mistakenly imported. This has a negative impact on the future of the Crossfire, as this is still a head-turner, and there remains a lot of interest in what we are driving. The issue is that 2007s of most vehicles are on sale, and it's pretty tough to sell a new 2005 when many lenders base their loans on model year. My own credit union will not approve a new car loan on a 2005 Roadster, regardless the number of miles on the odometer or lack of prior registration.

There is also the business use issue in that companies that are on a Runzheimer auto reimbursement plan will only pay full depreciation rates for the vehicle for 1 more model year...this plan pays a depreciation rate for 4 model years and newer, and a residual driving reimbursement rate for cars older than 4 model years. So you have reduced the incentive for a business owner, sales rep, or other business driver to buy a Crossfire. (This only applies to the Runzheimer 80% depreciation reimbursement plan...the only such plan that I am familiar with). Since Runzheimer is the world's largest plan manager there is surely an impact to potential Crossfire owners.

As to the next statement...I also agree...in the foreseeable future the Crossfire will not be a collector's car. However, the foreseeable future is probably no more than 2 years. No one has any clue what will happen until Chrysler itself makes a decision as to the future of the Crossfire. Sell, don't sell, take back all 2005s in exchange for new 2007s...any option is possible, however unlikely it appears. So we are all just having fun spouting our thoughts, hopes, beliefs, and seeing who the forum supports. There are quite a few that are owners like me...loving our cars while we have them, without a car for what the future brings. I didn't buy this car to enjoy it in the future. I bought it to enjoy now, with the belief that the build quality, the design appeal, the classic beauty of this chassis will also allow us to enjoy it far into the future. Only time will tell...but you can be absolutely assured of one thing...I'm never taking it anywhere near Columbus, Ohio for service...they may strip parts from "Two Harleys" in order to restore Andrew's car. And as much as I like Andrew, and am indebted to him, sorry dude...no parts from my car.

Re: Collector Crossfire
 

Just read this in the December issue of the "New" Car and Driver. It is on the "Last Page" under Franz Kafaka's Garage

THOSE FABULOUS SIXTIES REDUX

If the '60s were the golden age of the muscle car, why are so many contemporary cars so much faster?

Meshaquilla Abramowitz
Age 8, Queens, New York

Robinson: Young Meshaquilla, the correct term is "quicker," not faster. We now know that the 1960s were not indeed the Golden Age but in fact the Manganese Age of muscle cars. Thanks to modern advancements such as fuel injection, radial tires, knee airbags, and engine-management computers with really, really fast-uh, quick processors made in Taiwan, we are currently considered to be in the Palladium Age. We expect the Golden Age will occur shortly after the Platinum Age, in which a Toro weed whacker will have 600 horsepower.

Too, too funny, and on topic! ;)

Re: Collector Crossfire
 

A few thoughts...

First, I'm one of the "older" guys. Even so, I don't see a need to battle over age lines. To my fellow older guys I say, give the kid a break. I agree with him that this car is not exactly what I would call a collectable. Close, but not quite.

As suggested in a previous post, maybe in 50 years it will be but... What current car wouldn't be a collector's car 50 years from now? Even if gasoline is still the fuel of choice, in 2055 seeing just about ANY 2005/6/7 car then would be like seeing a '57 whatever on the road now. It's a collector car just because of age. (And frankly, I doubt gasoline will be the fuel of the future 50 years from now. Think hydrogen or electro-magnetic).

To the younger guys I say, give us older guys a break too. We just love the car and hate hearing anything that even hints of negativity regarding our precious babies, right or wrong.

For me, it's all about owning it, driving it, admiring it, and keeping it. Not for future gain, but for present enjoyment. I intend to keep mine a long time and if it's worth only $5K in 10 years, so be it. I know I'll feel like I got my money's worth out of it.

Re: Collector Crossfire
 

Well, even if you look a production numbers.
I may be mis-quoting a prior thread.
Report, they made about 3,000 SRT6's.
Less than 1,000 were Roadsters, about
350 of those were black. I have an Aero Blue Roadster,
this color wasn't suppose to be available on SRT6.
I could be all wet but I think I have 1 of possibly
300... That's not bad. I have been playing phone tag with
Chrysler SRT division to see if I can confirm numbers.

Re: Collector Crossfire
 

My understanding is that the Aero Blue and the Yellow are the two least common colors. Didn't they only make the Yellow ones in the roadster? Did they make a SRT-6 in yellow??? Yellow and Aero Blue are both beautiful colors IMO.

Re: Collector Crossfire
 

They did not make any Yellow SRT6's...

Re: Collector Crossfire
 

11 years later and the Crossfire is still worth about the same as a Honda Civic of the same year. The only difference is, people will buy the Civic all day long, while the Crossfire takes ages to find a buyer.

If you love your Crossfire, drive it, store it, whatever you want to do with it. Just don't try getting jiggy in it with a larger woman... Slender women, yes. Chicks like these cars and don't have a clue how inexpensive they are.

Re: Collector Crossfire
 

Maybe we need a new sub forum : "Getting jiggy in your Crossfire"

Re: Collector Crossfire
 

Clean Jokes and SMUT???

I won't stand still for that until they allow political comments again!

That was FUN!!!

:p

Re: Collector Crossfire
 

I have a 2004 Crossfire and I am not sure what to do with it. It's lovely but I don't know how to check the radiator fluid or add any for that matter. Please advise.

Re: Collector Crossfire
 

There are lots of good articles on this site. I hope this helps.
Here are some links:
How to articles
Really good info for new members
How to check your coolant
How to replace the coolant