Just pokin my nose into this forum as I may be picking up a Xfire in the very near future.

As the owner of cars no one else cares about (http://www.asog.net <= also owner of this site), and having read through your forum, I can sympathize with the lot of you regarding modifications and aftermarket support of your vehicles. Should I pick one up, I might be of help to you guys in the future as i've been there/done that/got the t-shirt and scars to match of getting new mods and learning to work with instead of against closed computer systems.

That said,

I happen to quite like the crossfire, and think the mags have done it a bit of disservice. It's a truly fun drive, and although a bit low on HP, more than makes up with a hefty helping of torque.

I'm in need of a few answers to questions...

How are these as daily drivers? From my limited test drive, it seems well built and should be quite reliable... real world is always a different story however, what's your opinion of them.

Would you recommend the 6 spd over the auto? I've only had the chance to drive the auto as of yet, but hear the 6 spd is... well... not the greatest... but that's relative... is it like rowing a boat with 2' throws like a 1st gen talon... or more like my 2nd gen sebring, where it's a quick flick... maybe a 2" throw, although a firm throw.

The popping out of gear thing also bothers me.. just how good are these gearboxes?

Like many i suspect... i'm on the fence.. rx-8 / 350z / g35 are all in the running... but... i've grown out of my "rice rocket" stage and like something a bit more refined.. more european, and i find they don't have the same charisma as the Xfire.

The SRT-6 is out of the question for me... they're still hovering at $40K CDN used... whereas low mileage NA ones are a more reasonable $25K CDN... perfect for clear day daily driver/weekend duty.

 

Well, welcome... to the Dark Side... j/k.

I'm a brand new XF owner and know nothing about cars short of oil changes and air filters.

So, I'm very pleased with the idiot lights on the XF.

Hence, I can't help you at all. Lol.

 

For starters, this car is the best little car I've ever owned and cannot imagine owning anything else!

In response to some of your questions.

How are these as daily drivers? From my limited test drive, it seems well built and should be quite reliable... real world is always a different story however, what's your opinion of them.

Mine is a daily drive and I love it! Cannot imagine having to sacrifice sitting in another car while she would sit at home!

Would you recommend the 6 spd over the auto? I've only had the chance to drive the auto as of yet, but hear the 6 spd is... well... not the greatest... but that's relative... is it like rowing a boat with 2' throws like a 1st gen talon... or more like my 2nd gen sebring, where it's a quick flick... maybe a 2" throw, although a firm throw.

I have the autostick and enjoy it immensely - city driving without worrying about the clutch while still having the ability to control the car with shifting is great!

If you get this car, you will fall in love!! PROMISE!

 

WheatKing I understand about the SRT thing I would love to have one myself but $$$.
I have had my xfire about 5 months great car no problems very solid car as for the gear box I own an '04 auto and its never jumped out of 1st gear on me but as you know a small few have had this problem odds are your xfire will be fine.Buy it and enjoy the ride.

 

I second everything Sharon said.

For me, it's a low mileage daily driver. No problems in the 14 months I've proudly owned it.

I too, have the Autostick (at age 53, this is my very first auto transmission). No complaints whatsoever.

And like Sharon (and many others here), I LOVE this car!

 

Recent owner as well...I love it a my daily driver. If you don't feel like driving a car but like to steer it around then get the Auto. I don't like Autos, just a personal preference (and the cost to maintain them). Less moving parts in the 6 spd. Also, the people on here say the '05 6 spd is better than the '04.

The manual lets you control the entire car and it's easy to steer with one hand on the wheel if you have to shift mid-turn. I have yet to experience the popping/slipping 1st gear. My car has 30K miles on it and I've been driving it for 2 weeks and haven't noticed anything out of the ordinary.

Overall it's a splendid car, it's just a matter of which flavor you like, 6sp, Auto or SRT. I prefer the coupe as well cause it still has a trunk.

 

Welcome to the forum, and I hope you find yourself driving a crossfire in the near future. They are the best cars for the money, IMO they look better than the 350Z and the MBZ SLK320 and SLK350 and we all know those are big $$$ cars when new. you wont be disappointed.

The forum is in need of new members with fresh ideas on improving the car with mods.

As a daily driver, I love it, you can carve through traffic on the freeway and when you hit triple digit speeds it feels as stable as a rock!

I have the 6 speed and I'm taking it in for the first gear tsb in January, so far I've been driving around town without it for 6 months and haven't really had a need for 1st gear, but it is nice to have for quick takeoffs, I believe the 1st gear tsb is only relegated to XF's built in late 2003 and early 2004
so that's usually the 2004 models.

I don't recommend the RX-8, and if you want to follow the crowd go for the G35 or 350Z, but they are nice gentleman ricers, lol.

If you want the SRT6 search Ebay, they are always popping up there, but it is an automatic. so the decision is up to you.