Hello all, I am in love with this forum and the information on it! I am new to the world of Crossfires and am looking at buying one, a white one hopefully, by January of 2011 and just need some questions answered. First off, I have a 1989 GMC 3/4 ton Conversion Van, and a 1990 GMC Sierra, I love my van and my truck, but 11-15mpg is getting ridiculous, needless to say, what kind of REAL mpg do these things get? My van has 69k miles on it and my truck has 85k. I bought both used and they are 60/40% garage kept, and have done great, but I want something different, and fun to drive. I will be keeping my truck, but I want a fun, efficient everyday driver. I am 20 years old and have saved my money since my sophomore year of high school, and I really want to buy something rewarding with it. My questions are:

1.) Is the XF reliable, I come from a long line of GMC/Ford family and am just wondering... I know a man in town that has an 04 black coupe and he says it has 312,000 miles on it, and NO that's not a typo, but I've never got to ride in it, rumor is neither has his wife...LOL but he uses my mechanic and I hardly ever see the car there?? Maybe that's a good sign!

2.) What kind of problems/issues have been encountered on them?? I have heard a cupholder story, don't know what that is about?? And some things about not being able to turn the key to start the car?? Anyway, I am used to doing oil changes every 3k and an occasional trip to the mechanic, so I want to know how these cars hold up.

3.) I'm looking in the $8-$12k range on price, what kinda mileage should I look for in this range

4.) I have never owned a manual transmission, but I can drive one very easily, as my father's truck is manual, do you think going from auto to manual is worth the fun it is, even for everyday commute, or should I just stick with auto?

5.) How well does the crossfire do on long trips?? I am used to these big vehicles, and I used to own a miata and loved it, but I do NOT want another convertible. Anyway, is the leg room and roominess good on these cars for someone who is 5' 8" and around 285lbs??

6.) Do these cars have good heat/ac systems. I live in Alabama and AC that works good is a MUST for august weather!

7.) And lastly, do these cars have general comfort features, like cruise control, tilt, etc. I've only seen two in person and that was at Wal-Mart! Oh and can you get cruise control on the manual shift??

I appreciate any replies I get as this will be my first expensive vehicle purchase and I want it to be a pleasant one. Also, if anyone has a white coupe they want to sell, say after summer in the 8-12k range, let me know, I'd love to look at it, distance is no problem as I can drive anywhere. Thanks y'all! Hope this isn't too many questions!

 

Okay, I'll take a stab at answering some of your questions:

1~ 312k on an Xfire, very impressive, I would love to have a chat with this owner over a few beers, (especially if he put all that mileage on by his lonesome).

2~ Ahhh the Cup Holder, you either love it, or hate it, usually there is no middle ground. There are aftermarket holders that can address this, or it can be replaced with a console bin to hold small items. The key fob inginition issue is a known problem, although I'm not sure if it would qualify as common and widespread. Again, there is ample info on the Forum for addressing this.

3~ $8k to $12k on a Coupe (not an SRT), if I would have to guess, I would say mileage of at least 40k or better. Do a search on Ebay Autos or Cars.com to get a feel on whats available in that price range.

4~ Auto or Manual, sorry I'm biased towards a manual tranny, but the Xfire AutoStick gets excellant chatter, and some folks swear by it.

5~ Long trips, keep in mind that it's a sports car and not a Lincoln Mark Series or a Navigator. That being said, I'd take the Xfire on a long trip any day over lets say a Honda Spyder.

6~ I'm satified with the A/C it works quite well, and when it doesn't, being I have a Roadster, I just ease on down the convertable top...lol...

7~ Yes the Xfire has Cruise Control, and it works quite well, but it's usually the State Troopers that keep us all under control...

Bottom line, take the plunge, this is a golden opportunity to get a car that is pretty much a Mercedes Sports car under the skins, for a very compelling price...

 

I will also chime in...
1.) Is the Crossfire reliable? Absolutly! The Crossfire is little more than a rebadged Mercedes SLK320. The car itself has the Mercedes workhorse engine the M112 engine. As a whole the car if maintained is going to last you.

2.) If you follow the on board computer oil changes will occur around 7,500 miles. Use top quality oil such as Mobil One. If you use the search function you can find a wealth of information. The cup holder is an aesthetic concern. The standard cupholder has somewhat of an eagle claw effect. It will in effect puncture what ever is put in it; lol.

3.) In the price range of 8-12k you will find a wide variance of Crossfires. Just inspect the car or see if a fellow forum member can check the car out. The best case scenario would be buying a member's car, check out the link for Private Cars for sale:
Private - Cars For Sale

4.) I have only test driven the manual, and realized it would not be a good fit personally. I have a failed ACL reconstruction in my left knee and I didn't think I would enjoy driving the car. I would say test drive a manual. Prior to test driving do some research on the forum in regard to the manuals on these cars. The auto stick is a good autostick. You have to remember these cars are utilizing technology from first part of the last decade (late 90's to early 2000s). With that in mind a great auto, put a Sprint Booster on it and the shifts are firmer and the transmissions responds faster.

5.) There are quite a few members who drive the Crossfire as a daily driver and long trips. More than one has driven from PA to TN, Canada to TN, ect. The Crossfire does take some time to find your personal sweet spot seating position wise. Once you find that sweet spot; they are great cruisers.

Roominess wise I am 5'11'' and weigh 260. I do not have any issues what so ever. There are guys who are much heavier and taller than I am and they use their cars on a regular basis.

6.) Again, these are Mercedes. I have never had a problem with the heat or A/C being

7.)I can only answer this in regard to an automatic limited models. The NA Limited cars do have Cruise Control. As a whole in comparison to a Pickup and Conversion van you will find yourself grinning.

You note you have a history of working on cars. What is great about the forum is members since the forum was founded have posted Service Manuals, Tech Bulletins, and other maintenance related posted (See link)https://www.crossfireforum.org/forum...ollection.html
If you have a laptop or printer, can read, and turn a wrench you can do most of the general maintenance on these cars.

There are some performance mods for the NA, but its not a V-8. Rob at Needswings (Product Category Listing) and the guys at Eurocharged (N/A) have proven performance mods for the NA Crossfire. I believe rear wheel HP for the NA can push 195 HP+ for the highly modded.

Hope this helps you in your search and you stick around.

Jason

 

I am a new Crossfire owner, after looking and wishing far too long. Mine is a roadster, Limited, manual transmission. I am getting used to the shifts, but can tell you that the car is not "peaky," and has a broad torque band. I'm just under six feet, and leg room exceeds my need. The wheel does not tilt, but does telescope, so with the great control of the seat position and telescoping wheel, you can find a good position.

I drive a 3/4 ton Suburban, and oddly, the Crossfire feels more like it on rough roads. The suspension is stiff, as it should be, and the frame is very solid. I sold a Sebring convertible to be able to buy the Crossfire, and it felt like Jello on the rough roads around my house.

I am your neighbor (northern Mississippi), and bought the car in Georgia. I searched for about two months for exactly what I wanted, or more specifically, what my wife wanted IF I bought a Crossfire. Convertible, manual trans. She drove the car home, and loves driving it. The cruise control, on open road, has no problem, even with the manual transmission.

I looked at two Crossfires with lower mileage, but both looked much more worn than the car we bought. Look until you find the one you want. If you buy from someone on the forum, you will most likely get a very well maintained car. Actually, most of these cars were probably prized by their owners, and well maintained. Be patient and you will find good specimens for well within your target price range.

Good luck.

Michael
05 roadster Limited

 

Welcome!


Sorry I dont have much time to respond better, gotta go to work. They are excellent cars. personally getting a CHRYSLER MAX CARE warrenty for about 1600 is a good piece of mind.

They are now rare cars but still turn heads everytime you drive it. Lots of us do long hauls in them. I drove from MO to NH and it was great.

The folks on this forum are unlike any other and makes the experience much better.
id say for 12k you can land a nice one...white is a great color to btw.

Gotta get, PM me if you need any help

Pooly

 

Stick consistently gets 1-2 mpg better than auto even though it's driven more aggressively?

Stick 23.5-25.5, auto 22.5-24.0.....pure 70 mph highway both can get 26+.

 

Thanks for all the info y'all! I'm going to test drive my first ever one today about 5 miles from my house. It is an 04 limited auto with 44k and its black, not my color but I just want to drive one before I dream about this car for 6+months! LOL I am loving all this response and I appreciate any insight anyone has on what exactly I need to look for in these cars when I go look at buying them, besides general used car stuff. Thanks a bunch!

 

What part of Alabama do you live in? There is a gtg scheduled for this Saturday at noon. Should be a great way for you to ask as many questions as you want and get a few rides in the different models too.

 

I'm in Birmingham, when and where??? I would love to try and come meet up! Thanks for any info!

 

Cadillacman,

I have an 06 LTD, 6 speed manual, black Roadster. Love it, but I think the absolute best buy in a Crossfire is an 05 SRT6 Roadster or Coupe. I think it is the most bang for the buck, some may still have factory warranty left ( 7 years ,70k miles). If you can find a low miles car, it runs like stink, great fun to drive. you don't have to fear anyone running over you. They will be lucky if all they see is your tail lights. Like I say, I love my XF, it is fun to drive too and runs very well. It is all what you want. Mine has about 8,500 miles on it, looks and runs like new. Lots of add ons you can do in your garage, get 25-27 mpg, what's not to like.
Lots of great info on the forum, use the search engine to find different subjects/answers, most every problem or situation has happened and is documented. After you look at that and still have questions, post a thread to the guys that wrote the previous threads. They are always very happy to help you or get you in touch with someone close to you that can help or answer questions. Glad you joined, if I can help you please let me know.

Dave
dtinker

 

I'm not sure where Birmingham since I'm coming from the middle of Tennessee. Here's the info, you can also find the thread in the southeast portion of this website :-)

It looks like it's an 85 mile drive for you, it's about 140 mile drive for me lol

 

Welcome aboard, Ghost is an extremely knowledgeable member, but my opinion is pass on the warranty. They will use every excuse not to pay, even when stuff is covered under warranty and with the group of people here, and the knowledge and help readily available, if you are a DIYer, I would pass, if you do not know how to put in a headlight bulb, maybe you should consider it. Spread over 3 XFs, I have driven over 100,000 miles in the last 5 years and never had a significant issue.

If you enjoy a stick and a sports car, I would def recommend one. Ask Mark (pizzaguy) I suggested he buy a manual and he went auto, now some 18 months or so later, he has bought a stick and is selling his auto. MUCH more fun, MUCH more responsive IMO.

You will love whatever you get, so no worries there

 

Are you sure you want to use Mark as an example?
j/k Mark,

 

Well, I went a test drove my first today, and unlike what the dealer said, it had 66k on the odo and was a stick. Truthfully I am gonna lean towards the auto, just my preference, especially since I drive in town quite a bit! Car was very roomy once I got the seat adjusted and it rode and drove wonderfully, i was actually said to go get back in my company Taurus! Not the same at all! It is going to be a great car regardless and I can't wait! Another question I had is what does the button do that has the car lifted with the little hook on it something to do with towing? Anyways, I love the car and it WILL be my next purchase! Thanks y'all!

 

It deactivates the anti-towing alarm.

Great car - buy one. IMHO go for the 6-speed unless you have a daily stop and go commute.

 

If I were 20 again, it would be the last car I would buy. I would be chasing girls, having fun. Not expensive oil changes, unreliable car that may not start some morning when you are trying to quietly leave the house of that "one night stand". Or may go in limp mode, when trying to escape that pist off father. Seriously, if you aren't willing to be a little mechanical yourself with the crossfire, it can be a headache. Plenty of sports cars out there, but if you want a classic, able to understand the mechanics, and can afford some parts now and then, go for it.