The training for Crossfire certification includes a self study CD. A self study book (about 170 pages). Then two days in a classroom. The two days include a complete teardown of the interior of the vehicle and hands on diagnostic training and electrical systems information. The class covers the obvious differences between Crossfires and the rest of DC vehicles. Between the CD, the book, and class time, it takes about 4 days of training to be certified. Typically only a (previously) Gold level tech would be certified, and a lengthier course is not mandated because of the required experience level of the technician. Dealers in the southeast could not get the vehicles unless a certified tech existed in the dealership. I assume this is true in all districts.

Now, if your dealer can not succesfully diagnose the car in 1-2 days, you should be upset. If the problem is hard to duplicate or intermittant (this one is NOT) then 3-4 days may be acceptable. So- what is keeping the repair from happening? Parts for Crossfires can be hard to locate- but can be ordered in a manner that guarantees 'fast' shipment. However if the parts are not in the country it can take a lengthy time. Have you spoken with your service manager at the dealership and explained that 7 days is unreasonable and you would like an estimated time of repair?

Again, sorry to hear this is happening. It should not be and I hope you have a resolution to this soon.

 

Well,at least you guys didn't buy one of the new Ford T-Birds.Some of the problems on those are rediculous.The early owners in some cases paying as high as the mid 50K range(U.S. dollars)to own one of these "instant classics" as J. Mays called it.

That car has now been in production for 3 model years...and to date there is no permanent fix for the hardtop sitting directly on the rear deck lid and scuffing or wearing through the paint!A 40+K car!And to top it off....the best answer Ford can come up with is to put TAPE on the deck lid for the hardtop to sit on.AND this tape itself must be replaced every 6 months!

Plus the vehicles overall lackluster performance roadwise.It is almost a dead repeat of Ford's attempt to go toe to toe with the Corvette in the 50's.

I have a distinct feeling that the Crossfire is currently suffering from two things.
1.)Chrysler's obvious lack of advertising to bring in customers(which may be an attempt to keep this car at an intentional limited level BUT may ultimately bite them in th butt).
2.)A slowly recovering economy that is still shaky to say the least.People just are not eager to put 30K or so on a car right now that is obviously meant for pure driving pleasure....not practicality.

HOWEVER....Chrysler is continuing to expand thier entire line and totally redesign many of thier staple models.This does bring more people on the lot.In return...this makes them see the lone one or two Crossfires sitting there which they possibly have never seen before...causing the "Ooooh,what's that???" effect.After further investigation...perhaps the price will scare them off BUT they may also confide in the salesman that "Wow,if this was made as a convertible......." or "If it was more performance....Come on'..it's only got a V6....."Well,Chrysler is answering both those challenges....the Convert and the SRT 6 afterall are coming.

Doomed for a short production life?....I wouldn't neccessarily bet on it.It isn't extravegantly priced with a complete lack of power(that in the end is primarily what killed the Prowler and is killing the T-Bird)As stated,many early production vehicles of new models or completely redesigned models have a certain amount of unexpected design related problems that COULD'NT be predicted pop up.That is life...and humans are far from perfect...especially engineers.Give it a year or two,and the Crossfire will probably bea superb little car in it's vehicle class.

Wish I could afford one.

InfernoRed

 

Flathead, Time to find a new dealer!!! Sorry to hear about your problems.But, I don't think that 20,000 happy Crossfire owners should sell or not buy this car because your having small problems your dealership made big!!!! :evil: I needed a couple parts for my car and got them the next day.Our biggest selling minivans have parts put on backorder or restriction.Chrysler went as far as putting engineers at some of the large dealers around the country.They communicate with chrysler and each other about new model issues.Their putting in extra effort with this car.They addressed a few issues already through TSB's and memo's.I know a guy with a 150k ferrari that had to have it flatbeded in every month with problems.

 

You have a point crossfiretech, The next round of problems will be takin care of by another dealer. I found one that has Xfire techs that is not too far away. I did get the car back last night and so far it seems to be fine.

Actually I had some fun with it for a change last night. Two kids in their hopped up hondas pulled up along side on RT. 309 here and gave me the challenge, Those hondas were quick and strong up untill about 90MPH They gave the Xfire a toe to toe run. But after 90MPH on a upgrade I smoked em. I'll bet they were vibrating around in those thngs like crazy. To add insult to injury when they caught me at the red light I gave them a nice wave with the wing, you should have seen the kids face :lol:


I dont want to sound condensending here but why do people seem to compare the Xfire with other cars that have lots of problems such as the ferrari, and the Tbird?? Not very good company if you ask me.

Keeping my fingers crossed here in Pa.

 

Infernored Wrote: "In return...this makes them see the lone one or two Crossfires sitting there which they possibly have never seen before..."

One or two??? One dealer here in Phoenix has "16" sitting on his lot. On the plus side... at least you can have any color you want in manual or auto.... 8) :wink: :wink: :wink:

 

For thoes of you out there who think your Crossfire has problems ans have seconds thought about selling or concerned about resale just look at other cars that compare to the Crossfire. Check out their Forums. You think the Crossfire is a problematic car...think twice! I'll put the Crossfire up agains any othe 2 seater out there and compare, even up against cars costing 3 times as much. The Crossfire is somewhat in a class by it's self. This car is the ultimate in exceiting my inner most passions. Yess, I am in Love!....with the Chrysler Crossfire. If you find yourself not feeling the same, you should find something that is as aw inspireing as the Crossfire. Perhaps cars are not you bag.

 

Oh!...Sorry don't get me wrong about my previous comments about the Crossfire and thoes on the forum.. For the most part all of you out there are Great guys and gals. I am real a nice person....just got carried away a bit....and am not directing my comments to any one in perticular. Thank for you understanding. Hey!....I love you all....Great job with your comments and sugestions. Peace.....Bruno

 

Not to worry, we are a forgiving bunch. Your comments only reflect the passion we all feel for the Crossfire despite a few first year blues.

 

I'm now a week into ownership. The car has about half a dozen little quirks, problems, or things I'm keeping my eye on. But every single one was something I was aware might be a possibility before purchase because of this forum. I.e. I went in with eyes open and there've been no surprises (other than the surprise when the gearshift pulls off in reverse) :?

I had to run a few errands today and when I was done I was almost depressed. I wanted to get back in the car and drive. Haven't had so much fun in years.

I'm not aware of any single car Out There that is perfect, or that is produced 100% defect-free, or any one that ever came off the line without a number of units having little things that needed correcting. Heck, many vehicles experience major recalls. My Voyager needed 3 head gaskets within 6 months of purchase in '89. My '92 Jimmy had a "little" ABS problem that would prevent a driver, occasionally, from being able to brake at all in an emergency (yikes). In almost all cases, problems get fixed and a car runs a nice long time.

I would not compare this car to the early 'Vette. I would compare it to the '64 Mustang. I think it will be desirable and collectible in the future. If not by anyone else, it will be by me!

 

If xfires indeed end up sitting on dealers' lots, and are discounted, then I think we all have a golden opp to go out and get a 2d one. 8)

Seriously, look for sales to pick up a little as weather warms. Nov.-Feb. is always slow for two-seaters and RWDs is what I understand. Also look for the roadster to stimulate sales overall.

 

Deco,I wasn't comparing the CrossFire to the Corvette.I was comparing the new T-Bird to the Corvette.

When the 50's T-Bird was introduced,it was touted as Ford's direct competition to the Corvette.Both being V8 powered,two seaters......But the T-Bird NEVER made the grade as a performer.Style wise,it was indeed beautiful....but it was no sports car.After three years as a two seat Convertible Hardtop and lagging sales...Ford decided they couldn't compete with the Corvette.The Second Generation T-Bird was redesigned as a 4 seater and larger,thus ending it's competition with Corvette.

The same is occuring with the new T-Bird(although never labled as a direct Corvette competitor).After 3 production years so far,lack luster sales and numerous gliches....it is to see final production in 2006 in it's current form.Ironically,the next gen T-Bird to follow,is once again at this point to be a 4 seater convertible.History repeating................

I merely mentioned the T-Bird because you guys could be experiencing the frustrating problems those owners did..for a higher price.

No,I for one would much rather be able to own a CrossFire if I could.

InfernoRed