So far everyone here has been great providing some assistance and opinion. I have a new question regarding the Crossfire.

I have found a couple new Crossfires at distant dealerships which I am interested in, and at very good prices ($18K+ off). However, I cannot just drive over for a test drive to see how I really like the control relationships and visibility. I was hoping a few folks here could give me some ideas.

Basically, what I am interested in is knowing what you think of forward and side visibility, and fitment. I am 6 foot tall and tend to sit with without much recline in the seat backrest. In some sports cars, I find my eye level to be fairly high in the car, up near where windows meet the header/roof. One car which comes to mind which is like this is the Solstice with the top up. Because of this, I find the outward visibility not to be so great since the header/roof are in my main field of vision.

Has anyone had this sensation in the Crossfire who is of similar (or taller) height? Also, how is legroom and relationship to the controls?

Thanks again!!

 

I'm 6'2" and I fit fine.

In the crossfire you can't really have much recline. Well at least when you are over 6' you can't have much recline.

The only thing I noticed for me, was that the head room on the limiteds was just a little bit less than on the base models. I think this is because of the heat warmer unit under the seat.

So I chose to go with the base model. I love it, and wouldn't trade it for anything less than a SRT-6.


...or an SL65...

Which I will buy when I win the lottery.

 

I think the best thing for you to do is visit a local dealer and take one for a test drive. If you Like it, take the trip and buy one of the ones you're considering.

 

Thanks for the thoughts so far! I did look at them back when they came out, and I certainly remember the headroom was fine... but it's been too long for me to remember the finer details.

Yeah, thats the best choice. Weather is not being cooperative unfortunately. It's snowing, and unless I want to practice donuts in a new Xfire... and I doubt the dealer would appreciate that... I am hoping to this week, although the snow, and extremely cold temps are to continue.

 

That's exactly what I did FP. I'm 6-2 and I stopped into a dealer, took a new one out on a drive, and then looked until I found the used one I wanted. I fit fine in it, at least an inch or more headroom, seat slightly reclined, and I have just as much room as a pilot as I did in the Cadillac Eldorado I had. The seat is down as much as it can, and it's just fine. My inseam is 34 so unless your length is all above the waist I can't see it's much of an issue at all.

 

I'm 5'11". Most intersections in the US have "top lights" and "bottom lights". When stopped at a 4-way intersection of 2 and 3 lane roads, I'm unable to see the "top lights" without dipping my head. The "bottom lights" are almost always used. Side visibility is just as good as any other car, despite the high sills. There is a major blind spot that you must check when changing lanes, the worst bit of the car. The rear visibility isn't all that bad.

 

Thanks!

Based on this, I am thinking I will find everything more than acceptable. My winter beater is a Jeep Wrangler, and it is impossible to see street lights if you get up close to them. I am used to ducking down a bit. My 3 seasons DD has been a Fiero (which I am retiring from DD duties and intend to restore) and it has the worst blind spots to the quarter rears of any car on the road... mirrors are certainly my friends, so that wouldn't bother me in the Crossfire either.

Thanks again all, and wish me luck!

 

I am not as tall as you, so I can't offer any advice as far as fitment.

I concur with everyone about the blindspot. If backing out of a 45 degree parking spot, checking for traffic is a nightmare. I can not see over my right shoulder and down the road, no matter what I do.

If overhead stoplights are placed close to the stopping point, I do have to duck down to look up at the light. On the bright side (pun intended) the sun is well blocked on clear days.

 

Strange, I have no problem seeing stoplights with the top down...oh...

Consider a roadster. Visibility is much better than the coupes. And I agree with the poor rear visibility -- secret is to always park where you don't have to back up.

PS - Rear visibility out of a roadster with the top up is much worse than the coupe.

 

Not a bad tip. Reminds me when reverse went out on an old car of mine. Always parked where I could just pull out.

 

I am interested in, and at very good prices ($18K+ off).


Hi I am new to this forum just joint a few days ago. My wife and I always loved and admired the Crossfire roadster from day one! Two weeks ago we saw one for sale sitting at a local dealer. It was an 06 model first registered in July '07 with 7250 miles, stick shift, one owner, sold through the same dealership. We could not belief our eyes when we went back and saw the price reduced with $3000. We bought the car for $12.500! With still 2 years remaining warranty on it!

Talking about a good price!!

Happy New Year and happy cruising!

Pete

 

Maybe I am missing something but why can't you go drive one?
Mike

 

I'm 6 feet tall, so I guess I can also answer the OP's question. I think it depends on how you are built. I have a very long torso and shorter legs. So, I can move the seats up and recine the back a little bit. Having done that, I have about an inch of headroom. I will say that like many exotic cars, the mirrors will become your best friends when navigating this car. There are significant blind spots and a small rear window. Not to mention, there isn't a lot of glass on the car either, so sometimes seeing out can be problematic. I personally don't find it a problem because I sort of expected to have some level of visual limitation with the car. But the mirrors do a great job of letting the driver know what's next to them. Though, unlike any other car I've owned, I will use the side view mirrors to gauage how far away I am from a curb when backing up.

 

6'3" Leg room is fine...Can't see traffic lights at the top...but who cares let everyone else go first and get hit by the guy blowing the red light

I hit my head on the roof in a coupe...but more headroom in the Roadster.

Wearing a helmet you have to lean forward a lil inbetween the roof supports...if the roofs up.

 

RIOT now I know why you are so crazy, you keep hitting your head....go figure...as for visability, it is a sports car, many sports cars are hard to see out of looking back, but that's why they are sports car, no reason to look back, 'cause you are always in the lead....you'll love it, buy it...don't even need to drive one, just buy it, would we all steer you wrong? Look how many are on this forum...they love their XFs...

 

Weather. I would be surprised if the dealer let me take the car out on snow and black ice covered roads... and I am not sure it would be much of a test drive anyway in these conditions. It's been snow, ice, freezing cold temps for a good spell here.

I do intend to get out to drive one, there are a couple around... if we every get a break in this weather.

Thanks again everyone for the thoughts!!