I have never considered Crossfire as one of the choices of cars that I want to buy next, but since Chrysler is offering additional $1,000 and great financing due to low sales, I want to give it a consideration. But I have a few questions.

1. Do you guys feel that it is underpowered? I would appreciate it if someone that downgraded from higher BHP answered this. If you upgraded from a Dodge Neon or something similar, it would be obvious, but I will be downgrading from all the cars I have had. So previous Mustang GT, 350Z owners...probably no one came into this car from Porsche or something? (please don't answer this if you are SRT owners, you don't count and you paid a lot more)

2. Why did you choose the Crossfire? For the same price you could have chosen so many other cars...I am so curious.

3. I don't know how that spoiler thing works? Raised at certain speed?

4. I have read some of the past gripes about certain things about this car. When you answer above Q's, could you please give ONE improvement that is desperately needed in this car?

5. How much you paid for the car, and I welcome people that purchased this recently with options listed.

Thx in advance.

 

Solidgun,
Just curious, how did you hear of this forum?

 

I googled it after reading a piece on Chrysler sales being low and they were giving dealers extra cash to get rid of the 2005 stock so that they will not be canceling 2006 stocks coming in.

I simply assumed that Crossfire would be underpowered since 0-60 is in mid 6 second range and its BHP is only at 215...I don't know what WHP is on this car.

I always discuss cars in forums like these before I decide on cars. Currently I own '06 Eclipse GT and it has everything I can ask for but I want to go back to RWD cars. And that is how I ended up here.

 

...none of the answers to the above questions particularly matters, if you do (or do not) like the way it drives. Take a test drive, then see what you think. IMO, the performance numbers aren't bad (0-60 in 6.5-6.8 seconds, depending on the rag you read) and 150 mph+ top speed. Those are equivalent to what the old Porsche 944 would do (another of my personal faves).

Sure, 215 hp may not sound like a lot, but this is a tiny car. It has more tire than you would ever need, good brakes, and has a ton of character. That means it is the anti-Camry. Great styling, art deco detailing everywhere, small proportions, and Mercedes goodness where it counts. It also means poor visibility, very little cargo room, and relatively high fuel and service costs. It's a car that you can either love or hate, but I doubt it will leave you indifferent. Most here, for the record, love it. Including me. Take a spin, and see if it works for you.

One downside I should mention, is limited aftermarket support (and expensive prices for the stuff that is out there).

I paid $24,300 for mine before taxes and lic. Lightly used coupes are all over e-Bay for less than that. Leftover 2005 SRT-6 coupes can sometimes be had for $30K (or just over). If you choose the latter, then you'll have more hp than you will know what to do with (but say goodbye to the six-speed manual, as SRT cars are automatic only).

 

Sadly, I am discussing it here because my local dealership does not have any of these in stock. Nearest one I want to buy is 3 1/2 hours away and I don't have a whole lot of time to drive that far and test drive it because I am busy with school and work (maybe spring break...but I would rather be drunk on a beach somewhere as planned).

That is one reason why I want to stay away from SRT version. I love the added power but the lack of Manual Transmission turns me off.
That and I don't think I can part with 6 speed transmission after being so used to it from my last three vehicles. (it is 5 speed auto for SRT...right?)
I did see '05 SRT slightly used at 9,000 miles for $31,000 and that is what got me interested in Crossfire initially as well.

Also, performance means more to me than the appearance. Power really isn't everything in a car. And I know that this car is lighter. I do enjoy being a minority in the market. I don't mean underdog, but being not "Camry" or "Accord". I know my '06 Eclipse will pick up sales and become like the third generation Eclipse...it will be everywhere and I am looking at Crossfire, RX-8, 350Z (350z's are too common as well) or Acura TL.

 

And, your Eclipse will always be handicapped by the fact that it is fwd.

Sorry about the limited selection in your neck of the woods. If you can find one to test drive, I still think e-Bay is a good place to buy. They've got new ones on there, and it costs $500 to ship one across the country. I say, find a local one to drive, and order a new one from a dealer willing to haggle via the internet. Heck, you could even have it shipped right to your driveway.

I know styling doesn't hold a lot of merit for you, but it is worth repeating that this car gets exotic car attention. If you own one, trust me, you'll feel like a rock star during those warm, summer nights. I've owned a lot of cars (including several nicely done sport compacts), and none of them got as many compliments.

 

I owned a Porsche 02' 911 Cabriolet (still has it) and never had this much attention I'm getting from my XFIREX. Currently, I use a 05' Mustang GT as my daily driver 'cause I know I'm gonna get bored of it once I see alot of it in the highways and not really worth keeping in my garage for a long time.

If you're racing you need the SRT-6 and if it's for street driving, who needs more HP when you're risking yourself from paying big bucks in traffic tickets and the speed limit is not even fast enough to deploy your spoiler.

Choose a car wherever you need it and with the prices of crossfires at it's lowest, grab the best deal! I paid $35k in mine last 01/2005 and it's worth it because I'm still loving my car even at this time!

 

The one thing i would change on the car is I would make 1st gear on the 6-speed a little longer. I believe it redlines close to 20 and really sounds like it needs to be shifted at 15. Also 1st gear is a little lurchy. It is not hard to stall it in 1st.

 

Hmmm, speed was never the object of this car...it is a true GT with a somewhat soft suspension, excellent ride quality, somewhat numb steering, clunky, but short-throw shifter, understeer at the limit, and a low seating position. What makes this thing shine is that it really does have character. Really good midrange power, unique acceleration quality (you can feel the rear end squat and gain traction), nice exhaust note, good looks, no power above 4,000 rpm. On the highway, at 80 mph, it is geared to get pretty good acceleration at above this speed in top gear.
Why did I get it...a good price.

 

Boy did you nail it!
It is a european sports car by definition - designed for handling before speed, style above raw muscle, yet it does have a pair if you want it just not teflon.

SolidGun - what is the significance of a Mitschubishi logo on that ******?

 

What Golfdude said...except not only did I get a good price, but it was THE LOOK that got me. Some non XF owners think it's butt-ugly (not that butts are necessarily ugly), but to me, it's gorgeous. I have always been for a car that's different.

Back in '89, the Miata was different. I bought it because of looks first, being a roadster second. I happen to be a fan of the Magnum too. I like "quirky". I like different. The Crossfire fills all that for me.

First gear is short yes...but I don't care. I am soon into second, then the rest. Not a big deal. I am not one for speed either. I treat my cars with great care and drive within reason in regards to speed limits. I even have fun deploying the wing for no reason at all.

Simply stated, I would not change a thing on this car. If I did, then THE LOOK would be gone. Some people buy a car just to change it all around. Makes me wonder why they got it in the first place LOL.

Just my thoughts. I know you didn't want to hear from people who didn't downgrade. IMO, my Crossfire is neither an upgrade nor a downgrade to my Miata. It's DIFFERENT...apple and oranges, ya know.

 

Let me see if I have this straight, you currently have a Mitsucrappy Eclipse and you think you are "downgrading" to a Crossfire? Trust me as a former Eclipse owner ('02 GT tweaked a bit). This is far and away a superior car in all respects. Build quality? no comparison. OK, if all you judge a car on is 0 to 60 then maybe this is a lateral move at best. Drive it and you will see. And if you like to be noticed and have girls falling all over the car (I have a few dents from that) then you forget about what the car may lack in the 0-60.
Of course this is just my opinion (and my hottie passengers).

 

Oh my

 

I usually recommend the Crossfire, but in your case, I'd advise against it. I've seen several younger people become quickly disenchanted with the Crossfire. If you have to ask what's special about it, then I would have to say, nothing, as far as you're concerned. I'm not trying to be rude, just realistic.

 

No significance...that was the only avatar I had to use on my portable unit since I am not home to do this.

 

I agree... The first time I saw a Crossfire, I knew it was the car for me. Call it love at first sight. It's all about the look and the feel.

 

Think the acura would be a better fit for you. Sounds like a crossfire has not called to you, mine screamed buy me bye me NOW, so I did. Every time I go into the garage she still makes me smile, even more when we are on the road. Last time I checked she could exceed the speed limit very quickly.
Now my turn, 24 years young how will you pay for the car? I see you live where it snows, perhaps 4 wheel drive.

 

I have to say I know what you are saying, but I am one of those old-young kinda person. I am 24 and married, not quite a young teenager I used to be. But I know what you mean and I don't fit that crowd.

This is why I want this car,
1. I need refined looks inside and out. I used to drive '03 A6 and '04 Passat. I switched back to Mustang GT in '04, and then have owned the New Jetta and '06 Eclipse now and what I have noticed is the quality loss. I miss that rich leather in the German cars and how well it was built and lacked plastic decor.

2. I need a car to be unique. I bought the '06 Eclipse Gt because it was new and rare. So I jumped on the band wagon. I still have yet to see it where I live on the road or parked (I know people buy them because the local dealer has sold 30+ so far). But I know the trend. 3G Eclipses are everywhere and that isn't what I want.

But I am concerned that Chrysler is dropping this car and that there isn't a whole lot of aftermarket support and that it will be difficult to fix a discontinued car in the future (although I doubt I will have it for more than 1 year since I have yet to own a car for more than a year).
Also, this is my year round driving car. I have taken courses to drive in the winter and do well with RWD handling on snow, but the car has to be practical.

I have talked to a salesman over the phone and I can get the used '05 SRT Crossfire for $31,000 w/ 5,500 miles on it. That price intrigues me and the fact that it has power. But I hate AT and get bored driving AT (including the ones with tiptronic). New '05 SRT limited is what I am seriously considering and those are very inexpensive at this time (best price I saw was $27,000 NEW).

 

I am still in school and my parents pay for the school as long as I go to graduate school and I will be graduating this semester. It is true that the car isn't calling me out, but only cars that have called my name out usually starts with names like Porsche and Ferrari and that is slightly out of my price range at this time. I have two jobs right now paying for the car and other stuff. That and the Crossfire will cost me less than the '06 Eclipse GT did.
I took 3 day course in driving on wet/icy road condition with RWD cars and have no problem handling it. I am originally from Michigan and also owned a 5.0 Mustang (ugly, but powerful) and learned to drive on that car in snow.

 

As long as Mercedes is still in business, the parts on the crossfire will still be available (being an SLK320) even if chrysler discontinues it in 2007.