Been using one for 10+ years. Had to buy a new one recently and the paraffin wax that they use to trap the dust is getting all over the car. I have tried all their prep that was suggested (letting it sit on newpaper and having the wax 'transfer' to the paper, and washing it with no soap) and while it has lessened the effect, it still leaves wax trails on the car, especially when a part of the brush that does not normally touch the car makes contact. Any suggestions?

 

Spend some time with Meguiars products & breathe some life back into that baby! Your car is only gonna look as good as you choose to make it look !
Mine still looks like this:



and this pic. was taken late last year with the car showing about 65K on the ole odometer. Granted, the wheels are starting to exhibit some crappy spots, I accumulate new paint chips every year & some of the paint is missing from the wheel wells but, overall, with a few hours every week it still looks good, IMHO. It's only been garaged starting in August of last year & driven in winter, unless it was snowing.
So it can be done!

 

I don't have a garage either, but, I do keep mine under a car cover.

 

I have the feeling that where I live, putting a car cover on a car that either sits on a side street or in a parking deck just screams "goodie box" to a-holes that want to break, steal things, steal cars or all of the above. I rather hide in plain sight.

 

First of all, let me say I really feel bad for shpeshifter, he has to drive his crossfire in all weather and every day, with no garage to keep it in.
I feel blessed, I am retired, we have a second car, and a garage, so my Crossfire does not go out much. I bought my 2005 black limited last August, with a little more tha 6,000 miles on it, It was as new looking as one of the showroom floor.
I have only put around 2,000 miles on it since then, and keep in out of Michigan winter roads,(dont even drive it in the rain).
I admit I am, and always have been, a finatic about keeping my car clean
The paint on my black limited was perfect, and still is, because of the way I can take care of it. I probably put more than enough coats of carnuba wax on it, (lost count, since Agust,) but this car is immaculate, I hand wash it, and towel dry, every few weeks dont even use a hose, then a coat of spray and wipe detail wax.
Most of you do not have the time to keep their cars like I do, but I do see many on the forum, that look as good or even better than mine.
This is my second black car, and I agree it takes more time and effort to keep it clean, but in 30 minutes, or less, I can have it shinning like new once more, but like I said, I do have the luxury of not having to drive it in bad weather, and have the time to keep it looking new

 

Yep. Unfortunately, that is the story. Mine is a daily driver, and I for one, can testify for the Crossfire's unseen handling ability and icy and snowy conditions (of course, if you have good tires). One day, I'll restore her to "like new" condition, though.

 

Mine is now spared what would have been years of abuse and mistreatment,,, my wife and boys no longer drive the car. My wife now has a new car (hated the crossfire since I bought it for her) the X-Fire is now mine. With new rims and tires the family is afraid to drive it. Its better this way!! The weather in central Fla is great right now. Went over to Daytona for the night just got back,, It was a great drive Saw two other X-fires one roadster and a white coupe, both looked great!!! I had been useing Meguires products to wax and detail car, however recently tried a product from Turtle wax specific for black cars. Its $20 for the kit, lot of work but turned out nice.

 

Mine will be almost seven years old, 67.000 miles and I thought a good Birthday present for her would be a make over. I brought her to Macco two days ago. All scratches and dents will be repaired and 75% of the car will be repainted. She will be ready on Wednesday with no more wrinkles

I am like a little boy waiting to gets his present for Christmas.

 

Let's hope it turns out good. Don't want to be a debbie-downer, but I've heard nothing but bad things about Maaco.

 

Unfortunately, I never have the money, chance, or place to wax mine. She just gets a wash and "wax" from the car wash every once in awhile. Mostly during the summer, very little during the winter. I know, it sounds stupid, but with Chicago/Illinois weather, she's just going to get salty and dirty within 5 mins after getting the wash.

 

I picked her up this afternoon.... she looks amasing

 

I hope you are still happy 6-12 months from now. I have heard so many horror stories about Maaco, and paint peeling off after a short period of time. A google of "Maaco reviews" or "Maaco complaints" is enough to scare anyone away. Hopefully you happened upon a good shop.

 

+1

After being around auto body shops for a while, you learn pretty quickly you get what you pay for. I do hope it stays nice for you though, don't want to have to see an XF with a nasty finish

 

I just got my Crossfire today and like my other car, I don't think I'll ever get rid of it... I'm definitely planning to keep it for the long haul, I got the 8 year/100k mile MaxCare warranty for it.

 

i did my research before going there. This particular shop had good reviews. Only time will tell...