Firstly, I've been driving a 97 Jeep Wrangler SE with a 120hp 4cl engine and 35" tires for the last 9 years (got it while I was a senior in HS), and am ready to switch to a fun car. My jeep will be relegated to surfboard and kayak duty. I found a 2006 limited with M/T locally with less than 14k miles on it for $15k. Based on the carfax it was involved in a collision in 2008, apparently the driver hit a parked car. It's been at the dealership for nearly 2 months, so maybe I can even wiggle the price down.

I haven't test driven it yet, as I'm on the precipice of finding out whether or not my hours are going to get cut at my job, so once that clears I'll be game. 215hp doesn't seem like much, but coming from my current vehicle almost anything will seem fast.

Also I'm 6'2" and 210 lbs so will this be too small of a car for me? Feedback from other semi tall people would be appreciated in that matter!

 

DRIVE IT, YOU'LL LIKE IT!

 

Don't let the HP or outside look of its size fool you. I'm 6'3", 195lbs and was surprised to fit quite nicely. The seats is functionally moveable enough to accomodate both me and my wife (5'2") with adequate head room.

As for the 215hp, remember its not the number that matters, it's how it's transferred to the wheels that matters. In the case of the Crossfire, the power is there at all speeds and is surprisingly smooth for the cars relatively stiff suspension. After looking at a number of other cars of this type, fun and relatively impractical, (BWM 3 series and Z4, Pontiac Solstice/Saturn Skye, Mini Cooper, Ford Mustang) we took the plunge this past week on a 2004 coupe with 25k, m/t and pearl red. It is the perfect balance of speed, luxury, sport and performance for not a tom of money. Good luck and keep us posted on how you make out.

 

I am 6'2" and weigh 215 lbs. and I have no trouble fitting into the Crossfire. The only thing is you will need to "work" the seat a little to get it right. That can take a few tries but it gets there. Highly recommend the car and don't fool yourself it will get up and go even with the 215 horses. Good luck.

 

Taking into consideration, the collision and price I'd keep looking. Look at some others and compare.

 

I hope you're able to get a Crossfire! I am 6'2" and WAS 210#, but lost down to current 190# . I think that getting in and out of any low to the road vehicle is a learned art for anyone over 5'2". I've had three XFs since '05 and never regretted it. Plenty of room and ample Zzzzip!
Enjoy!
Jonathan
PACEMAKER

 

+1 I'd look elsewhere or offer 10k and be willing to walk

 

There are better deals out there. I purchased a 2004 Coupe with about 20,000 miles on it back in October 2010 for $10,000. You can probably score an SRT-6 model for a few thousand more ($15-$18k) if the 215HP worries you. There are plenty of modifications that you can do to a non-SRT-6 model to bring up the HP to 250-260.

 

Keep looking. I had my black one shipped from PA to CA. Any questions, pm me.

 

Plus, you have to remember that the car is barely over 3000lbs IIRC.

 

Throbbinwood?? Uh.....Ok
Like KMAG50 I too am 6'2" 215lbs and I fit in my 04 coupe just fine.
$15k will buy you a higher mileage SRT if drag racing is important to you.
But if you would rather shift for yourself, 215 H.P. is all you get.
If it matters, the car performs exactly the same as 315 H.P. Sports/Musclecar from the 60's, and it will go thru a slalom faster than many sports cars that cost $1000's more. There's lots of fun to be had.
I'd shop around for a better deal.

 

Thanks for all the feedback. There's another in my area, a 2007 with 30k miles asking $15k as well. Searching within 500 miles I found a srt-6 with 15k miles for $20k which would be awesome to have, but is out of my price range unless I get the county job I'm waiting to hear back about.

Found another 350 miles away 16k miles and $13.5k. I suppose it would be worth it to travel vs buying one that had to have some body work done.

 

Where are you located. Maybe someone here can help you.

 

Are these coupes or Roadsters? I paid $12,000 for my Roadster less than two years ago with only 45,000 on the odometer. I have heard of low mileage Coupes going for around $10K or $11K.

If it was just hitting a parked car, fine. But do do not really KNOW that, you are being TOLD that.
Sounds like a fitting lie for someone trying to sell you a car with an accident on the CarFax.

These cars are a ton of fun in the curves, but you don't want one with frame alignment damage as that can screw up the handling.

Keep looking.

 

Coupes only, not a vert guy!

 

throbbinwood?

 

Don't worry about your size. When I bought mine I was 245 Lbs (now down to 205) and 6'2" tall. As stated, the drivers seat is 8 way adjustable, you just have to drive and adjust till you find your sweet spot.
Keep looking for a non damaged Crossfire, plenty of lower mileage for the bucks spent still out there. Good luck and welcome to the forum.

 

Throbbinwood,
first, don't let the HP scare you. tobegin with, that is the Published HP. Same engine in the SLK ( sister ship) was 230 HP.
For little money and some easy work you cand get to 265 HP.

The car is faster than most but not a drag strip king. If that'syour pleasure, get a Mustang or a Comaro. Or a ricer.


$17 K will buy you a good SRT coupe. It starts at 330 HP and can be easily modded to 400HP. Several tuners here can give you the hardware and the electronic mods. Proven products with which many here are happy.

The Crossie is very nimble,. quick in traffic and on curvy roads. Long Interstate trips are comfortable. Amazingly big ride for a small car.

The two down sides of a Crossie.

It is avery impractical car because it is a toy, not designed to carry children, lumber, surf boards or bicyles.
It has a unique parentage from a disfunctional marriage, and is therefore a bit of an Orphan. Hard to find dealers who will, or can work on it.

Fortunately, it has a good feature that comes at no extra costs. This motely group of Miscreants who are addicted to its perpetuation and having good fun doing it.

Look around, there may be better deals but the prices on these cars have stabilized and depreciation, at this point in time, is very minimal.

BTW I'm 6' 2" 205 lbs and fit nicely. But I am wearing out the seat back where my elbow rests as I try to get my old flubby frame out of the car.

 

Well, prices seem high in your neighborhood, but we would love for those prices to remain there. Depends on which side of the fence you are on. I would keep shopping as I wouldn't buy one that has been in an accident. But, that is just me. Bumps and dings are ok, but collisions aren't. NOW, how are all of you guys losing weight, that is what I want to know. LOL.....

 

I will keep shopping and definitely post updates. My best friend has a '12 mustang v6 performance package so I'm sure he will dog me when he finds out what I've been looking at. I just can't stomach paying over $20k for a car right now, and crossfires are so cool looking and rare to see....unlike mustangs.