Wow great deal. Thanks for the input. I wonder why the car has bad rep were ever I look.

 

Where have you looked?

 

See my comments in red above. As for comparing it to the other cars mentioned, allow me to add this: I used to own a Miata and loved it. Great little car. Very different from a Crossfire, however, as is the MR2, S2000 and WRX. When all these cars were new I can't imagine anyone cross shopping a Crossfire with a WRX and the MR2. Or cross shopping just the WRX and MR2 - very, very different cars. Of all those, the 350Z is closest, and the Crossfire is a superior car in my opinion. The interior of the 350Z is crap, they don't ride as well, they are no faster and you see them everywhere.

But here's the bottom line - you are spending your own hard earned money on a car. That's a pretty major purchase, and for a car guy, it's a very emotional puchase too. Drive a bunch of different cars and see which one fits you best, fits your needs, wants and desires the best. If that's the Crossfire, cool. If it's not, so be it. We all like different things, and for different reasons. All the cars you mentioned are terrific cars in their own right, and for different reasons. If you need a back seat, then the M3 and WRX are the only ones of that group to consider (unless you're friends don't mind being stuffed in the back of the RX8). But whatever you do, never ever ever bash another car just because it isn't the right car for you.

 

AWESOME!! I'm becoming more and more interested in the whole Xfire thing.

 

I think the whole problem was when they had stickers of $36K +++++, not worth it.....but when they went down to low 20s & lower NEW...............they were the bargain of the century!!!!!!!

 

I am going to buy a Crossfire. I'm beginning to love the car more and more!

Now it comes down to -Coupe or Roadster- -Auto or manual- -2004 or 2005-

Any recommendations? Thanks a lot

 

Go drive several and find out what you like. I find the Coupe a little claustrophobic.

And if you like manuals, better drive a few XFs with a sitck before you buy, they don't shift like a car or pickup, they shift like a sports car - it is a little different. (And that is coming from a stick guy).

 

Ok. Is there any difference between the 2004 and 2005 models? Thanks

 

2004 is not technically badged as a 'limited' but the same features, except the 2004 has an auto dimming rear view mirror.

Also the 6 speeds in 2004 had a first gear 'pop out' problem, so drive it good and hard on the test if its a 2004 so you know if it is one of the afflicted....

 

They are really all the same. The '04 has the "crossfire" across the back set lower than the rest. I think that the glove box is a little smaller on the '07 & new cars. I can't think of anything else.

Hopefully you have enough opinions now to help you make a choice. FYI, my previous cars were a 911, 928, Lotus Esprit & Alfa Romeo Veloce Spider ..... I love this car so much more than any of those. They all had different things that may have been "better" than my XF but my little yellow roadster kicks their butts when it comes to sheer love of the drive. Plus this is the best car community out there! Of course if you aren't an amazing cool & quirky person then you won't fit in at all. That's for you to decide.

 

I have 6+ years on a new (then) 04. It has been suggested that 04's suffer from more problems. That is not true. The early 04's (like mine) had the usual assortment of startup, new production TSBs issued on it. All of these were nickel/dime things that were easily fixed by the dealer and were sorted out in the first 6 months. This car has been the most reliable car that I have ever owned.

If you think of a 03 Mercedes SLK 320 as a downgraded Merc, then the Crossfire is a downgraded Merc. The "downgraded" statement manages to be both ignorant and insulting at the same time.

I have tracked mine on several occasions. This is far more car than I am a driver. It is not a street racer. If you are looking to stop light bandit the ricers, this is not your car.

 

I test drove 3 Mazda Speed 3s, 2 supercharged Cobalts, & a turbo 5 cyl. Volvo C30......none of them compared to the XF.....that's why I picked them......both!

 

AWESOME!!! I cant wait to get one!

Is insurance expensive on these cars?? And is there a big price different between the coupe and roadster?? I know the insurance rate is different and based on different factors but in general compared to other cars/trucks. THANKS

 

I went with the crossfire three times. One of them is my car of dreams. If I won a 100 million lotto I would not go buy a car. I already have it in my SRT6 roadster. nothing else I want. Gary

 

Insurance for my 05 Roadster and old pickup together runs $68 a month. Now, maybe it's cause I'm 50, or maybe it's my above average credit rating.... or MAYBE it's cause the stats on the Crossfire indicate to the insurance industry that there is little risk to insuring a crossfire.

(With so many XF's at 5 years of age with under 50,000 miles - there must not be much "risk exposure" to insuring them.)

Whatever it is, insurance on an XF is minimal, I am NOT the only one paying little for insurance.

 

I think it's understandably hard to get the honest truth on a forum that caters exclusively to the vehicle in question. Having said, that, I think I am pretty honest when it comes to the crossfire. Keep in mind that most people are colored by previous experience. People who are used to driving a Ferrari will likely have a different opinion on the crossfire than people who drive a Ford Pinto.

I can tell you that the crossfire is probably the most reliable sports car you can drive. Why? Because the power and drivetrain are pretty basic for a modern car. There are no exotic mechanicals on this car. For example, I considered a previous generation M3 prior to the crossfire, but decided against it because of the potential for costly valve adjustments.
This car is not cheap. When new it was close to $40k car. It has a mercedes engine. If you are looking for simple and basic transportation, hyundai makes a great car these days. Oil changes at the dealer for this car typically cost $100 or more (they cost over that at my dealer). Tires can get pricey, especially if you want the most modern and popular sticky summer tires. Replacement parts can be pricey if you aren't careful. If you buy something out of warranty you should not take this car back to the chrysler dealer. You need to find a reliable independent technician who knows Mercedes cars. In reality, this car should be no more expensive to maintain than any other car that you can buy for the same money when it was new.

In relation to what? Go to any chrysler dealer that sold these cars and ask the service people what they think. They will likely tell you that they are among the most reliable cars that come through the doors. Being that the crossfire is german, you may get some occassional problems with sensors, but all the important parts--engine internals and tranny are pretty solid.
Again, what does this mean? Go to tirerack.com and price out tires for the crossfire. You will get your answer in 5 minutes with regard to tires. Part. If you buy them from the chrysler dealer they can get pricey. Having owned VWs most of my life, I have learned to get parts from several online venders that specialize in european cars. This can save big bucks.
Another subjective measure. Track times do not equal handling. But neither does tire grip. The crossfire has a ton of grip because the tires are so huge. BUt the car lacks a certain feel that you get from more established cars. There is very little steering feel--thank you mercedes! Taking turns quickly I notice that the car isn't terribly stable and can feel the car squirm a bit, like the bushings are way too soft. It's not terribly, but if handling is a major consideration for you, this may not be the best option. Dynamically, the Z4 coupe and porsche boxster give much more feedback and are more stable when driving in the twisties.
I think you can do the math here. Premium isn't all that much more on a per tank basis than regular. But, for the size of the car and output of the engine, mileage is pretty poor. My old GTI which weighed about the same and had 200 hp easily got 30 mpg.
YOu must be hanging out with Chevy or Ford guys! Besides, the crossfire really isn't a chrysler.
Downgraded is inaccurate. Outdated would be correct.
It all depends on what you're looking for. I love, LOVE, the Z, but the interior is terrible. The miata? The crossfire is much better place to spend time, though the miata is likely a bit more fun to drive. And many of those other cars you listed don't even compete with the crossfire. Look, the crossfire is best thought of as a 2-door, 2 seat C class mercedes with the sport package. The car was more of a very high quality design exercise. It was never designed to be a maximum performance package. It's just not. Much like the original SLK 320 wasn't about maximum performance. This is a car for people who like interesting vehicles. If you want to be johnny speedracer, there are many better cars out there. If you appreciate details and what I consider a high level of build quality in a car with only 2 seats, then the crossfire is a great car. It's probably the most friendly 2 seat sports car for daily driving.

 

Hey,

While I just purchased one recently (and thus far love it), I did a lot of research on the car prior to purchasing it. I expect there are shades of truth in what you've read --- BUT, the overall reviews of the car, by the owners, ranges from a 4.3 to a 4.7 (out of 5 stars). I'd say that's a pretty compelling testimonial to the car -- which is rated over a very large cross section of vehicle owners. Regardless of what you read, you'll need to be the judge at the end of the day. Repairs costs are likely to be greater than the average cars due to the shear low numbers of vehicles and the type of vehicle this is. It's a mix of things good, and expensive things (Mercedes). I think you're biggest issue will be finding a good qualified repair facility. I called a local Chrysler dealer and they have a "trained" mechanic and the special "tools" they need to service the Crossfire. Hopefully I won't be visiting them too much -- we'll see (NOTE: I purchased a 2004, 1 owner, garage kept, never been driven in the rain or snow, 5,600 miles Crossfire - Just call me increadibly lucky).

As far as tires --- we'll, they will be expensive -- but they will be expensive for a Z, RX-8, or any other car if you have one. Mine has the Michellin Performance Pilots and I'm sure they are 200 plus a tire. You could probably get some touring tires for less -- but you would likely sacrifice some handling. The car does handle well so I'm not sure who is saying it doesn't. Look at the skid pad tests and compare to others. It's close or better than most. Also, it rides better (read that as comfort) than many of the others as well.

Anyway, good luck with your decision. I love the car now. I like it's look, uniqueness, and overall handling and performance as well. The one thing I don't like is the cup holder --- but then again who does?

PNA

 

I love my Crossfire here in AZ.

Yes, sometimes it is a ***** to me because its one of the first ones, I have no warrenty and the previous owner dident really seem to care about it (Never fixed any TSB's etc.). But its nothing that cant be handeled. You just need the right people and knowledge, of which you can find tons of here on .org and over at CICCI

I was home the last 3 months days and drove a Jaguar XJR, which isent a bad car. But I was so happy to come back to the states and show off in my Crossfire.

There are ups and downs as with every car. But if you take care, like you would with any other car, its not a problem to keep it at the minimum amount of maintainence.

This is a great car that kept me happy for 1 1/2 years now....

 

You guys are awesome. This car sounds too good too be true....Come on.... a Mercedes built car that looks amazing for that cheap!!!! I cant resist NOT to buy one or maybe a couple for that price!!!! They go for around $7K-11K for a really nice 04-05 with less than 50k miles...come one...WOW....Underrated Much?

 

Consumer Reports listed the Crossfire as one of the Best used vehicles for under $20,000. It's in the $12,000-$14,000 category and is the only Chrysler on the list.