Thinking about getting convertible and considering a used Crossfire - had a few questions:

What are the different levels/models of Crossfire and what are the significant options in each? Can a base model be optioned out to look like a higher trim model? Are there any performance mechanical performance differences like limited slip rear dif. etc.
For the non-SRT6 model, is there still enough pep with the auto-trans or is stick better?
Do all Crossfires have the rear wing that lifts & lowers? Is this really functional or is it more of a novelty?

Lastly, is it ok to open/close the convertible top multiple times a day or does that promote wear & tear of the fabric top & mechanical. For example if you leave for work in the morning put the top down, then back up when you get to work, then repeat on the way home daily.

 

I can't answer all your questions, but I'm sure there are those on here that can. I own a roadster, limited, auto stick with the sprint booster, and it's a kick to drive, has a ton of zip, and I love it!
I can or do drop the top several times a day since I live in the PNW. We have a lot of rainy days as well as partly sunny. When it's decent out, down goes the top.

The wing is cool...at high speeds, I think it stabilizes the car. You can keep it up full time if you want, but I let the speed dictate whether my wing is up. SRTs have a fixed wing.

Test drive a Xfire...you will love it. There is a great deal on ebay from a member of the forum. Worth a look see...
Good luck!

 

I can probably answer some of your questions around the mechanics, but it will probably be easier for you to look at the comparison line by line on the Chrysler's web site.
Like GG, I also have the Auto-stick w/Sprint Booster and it has plenty of pep for me and fun to drive, while being more practical in heavy traffic if you experience that often. If you want to take it to the track, go for the stick. I also bring my top up and down as you suggested in your question with out any issues.

Good luck with your decision. It's a great car.

 

Ok, I'll do my best. The three Crossfire roadster models basically come as they are. The Base models come in black only w/gray cloth interior and standard transmission. There is no leather option for the base etc. The limiteds basically come fully loaded with everything you can get, though navigation is optional and choice of trans. Same goes for the SRT6 - nav is basically the only option since the trans is auto only. There are a few special edition roadsters around that are basically base models that are red in color, have auto transmissions, and SRT6 wheels (one of our forum members has one).
There are no performance differences between the base models, limited models, and special editions. From what we can tell - no Crossfires come with limited-slip diffs. Though they do have traction/stability control which kicks in.
Can't speak for the standard trans vs. auto since I haven't driven one, but from what other members have said - both have plenty of pep.
All Crossfires come with a powered rear wing (besides SRT6 models which have a fixed wing) that is very functional at higher speeds (thus it's auto deployment at around 60 mph - or you can press a button to raise and lower it at your will).
As with any soft-top, you will end up with some 'wrinkles' in the fabric. Just be sure not to put the top down when it is wet or has a great deal of moisture on it (dew, etc.). If I'm not mistaken, the material used on the Crossfire ragtops is German in nature and far superior to that used on domestic convertibles (i.e. Solstice/Sky, etc. which are already running into problems with theirs). Also, to help prolong the soft-top's live, many of us use a soft-top cleaner/protector called Ragtop that should help keep the material in good shape.

Hope that helps. Let us know what you decide.

 

jp1, RPM pretty much covered all the bases.
As for performance, the magazine road tests put the 6 spd. at just about 1/2 a second faster than the automatics in the 1/4 mile. (If that's important to ya). Of course that all depends on how good the driver of the stick shift is.
For the convertible top, as with any roadster, the more it goes up and down, the quicker it will eventually wear out. But the Crossfire seems to come with a sturdy fabric that may hold up better than some lesser vehicles. I suppose only time will tell.
For what you get (a Mercedes in disguise) there really is nothing else out there that even comes close.
Drive one, and let that make up your mind.
By the way, there is a beautiful roadster for sale in the forum section right now. Good Luck.

 

Thanks for the feedback everyone! Not ready to pull the trigger on one just yet, just info gathering right now. I've decided my next car will be a convertible so doing my homework on my options.

Another question - can you fit a set of golf clubs in the trunk with top either up or down? Can you fit 2 sets of golf clubs?

 

your clubs will have to ride in the front passenger seat/floor... no go in the trunk of a roadster... period.

 

My clubs are my best passengers! My bag, Ping G5s irons and driver even match my Aero Blue roadster!

 

~ i'm a tm r7 guy... no white clubs available.

 

Andrew, you need to do something about that!

Oh the humanity!

 

by now most know how particular i am... many issues...

i have 3m clear film/stongard on the leading edge of my woods... just incase i top it (rarity)... no chips for me.

my clubs are kept as nice as my car... covers for all... and wiped down after each shot.

plus an ogio bag for organization.

R7.jpg

crazy i know.

 

 

Andrew, my family and friends, and even I thought I was an **** neat freak until I met you through this forum. I've told them you have beat me by a couple of miles. They don't think you really exist, and think you are a figment of my imagination. You're sick man.

 

You're a sick man. I understand. I am equally ill. It was suggested that I seek counseling.

You know "IF YOU HELPED CLEAN THE HOUSE...INSTEAD OF YOUR CAR OR GOING GOLFING 3 TIMES A WEEK".
What are you gonna do. FOOOOOOUR.

 

Andrew, I found this on the internet. It's for the man like you who believes in "Total" protection.

http://www.bachelorette.com/bp8829.html

 

if i could just figure out how to wrap the crossfire in a clear bubble & still be able to drive it around (or hover around).

isn't there some type of medication for people like me??

 

Yeah, Prozac...

 

~ i don't think that would even help...

i prefer to call them issues...

hey maybe its hereditary... thanks dad.