Hello,

My name is David from the D.C. area and I'm a car guy who just graduated from UMD and am going to reward myself with a new (pre-owned) car.

I currently have a 2004 Accord coupe 4cyl that I bought new myself and used to enjoy until it became too boring and slow. I also was fortunate enough to have inherited a BMW Z8 that I enjoyed for a few months but had to sell unwillingly and the new buyer took it away from my prying hands while I was kicking and screaming.

I was looking at used M3s, 350zs, S2000s, G35s, 330s, etc. And a few weeks ago my attention turned to the Crossfire Roadster. It met my criteria of being sporty-ish, head-turning, and surprisingly (according to Consumer Reports) reliable!

I had a few questions for you owners as most prospective buyers do:

Is this car comfortable for a guy who is 6'2? I hear the conv has more headroom than the cpe so hopefully it isn't too rough on my tall frame.

Is this car truly reliable? Before my Accord I owned another German-made Domestic, Cadillac Catera, which was horrible on reliability but I got it at a steal and was a fun first car for a high schooler. I also have had a hand-me-down S500 which was great for 3 months until I had to conduct maintenance on it and realized I wasn't a billionare thus forcing me to purchase my Accord. I have been spoiled with my Honda because it has the best reliability of every car I've ever seen ever, at 80k miles since new, I have only had to change brakes, oil, coolant, and filters. Everything still works with no issues!
I just don't want to purchase a money pit - its ok if a car has some problems but would like to be able to start it up every morning.

Another concern I had was the power output on the non-SRT versions. Do you feel it is adequate or will I be begging for more. I'm not Dale Earnhart Jr. and I'm not trying to smoke any veyrons at stoplights or anthing but my Accord has been sluggish and Ive not been able to pass people at times when I should have and most cars on the road are faster and have an easier time getting up to speed.
The other cars I was in the market for are significantly faster and seem more enjoyable in that sense. Or am I better off looking for a diamond in the rough SRT-6 roadster so I can stand up proud next to my friends in their mommy and daddy purchased M3s, Corvettes, and Porsches? I'd like to be mature enough and say I don't care, but the reality is I do, I'm a car guy who needs a decent car.

Anything else you feel I should be looking for?

Thank you very much before hand, any input is appreciated.

P.S. I tried searching but was unable to find the "Introductions" thread.

-David

 

The Crossfire is a great car. I am 6' at 225 lbs. and I have to bend my head down to get in my roadster with the top up, but once I am in it feels like when you have a comfortable pair of shoes. The ride is great and the power sufficient. There are faster cars out there. Best of luck in your search.

 

This was introduction enough. Yes, I've not found a person yet that didn't like the XF. The only limitation you have besides your size (non issue according to Grey Ghost ) is your weather. Just make sure you have alternate transportation when/if the storms hit you guys.

In advance, welcome to the forum XF owner.

 

So far 42,000 miles I have had NO issues with my roadster, - Have owned Audi's for the last 20 years and have found them totally reliable up to 80,000 mile then things start going - I am expectingtthe same with the Crossfire. - get the warranty if can! I wouldn't touch ANY German car without it!
The only real expense that you could run into is the tires. they are not cheap - check tirerack.com for comp prices - but if you are looking at M3 you are in the same league. any Z rated tire isn't going to be cheap and don't really have a life past 25-25,00

Car is a blast - I would do it again in a newyork minute!

 

As far as power output, the NA will blow your Accord away, you won't be disappointed. And an SRT?? Even better. I drove one while my coupe was being worked on and I was ready to trade in if I wasn't upsode down on the coupe.

Get the car. End of story.

 

David, if you've moved on from actually owning a Z8, then a Limited should offer enough performance. But if you're still into trashing nearly every other car that you meet at all the traffic lights then you may want a SRT6.
I'm 6'2" and fit in a coupe, so a Roadster should work out for ya.
Of all the cars that you mentioned (on your short list) personally I feel the Crossfire offers the most "Character".
If for no other reason, it's the best sports car "bargain" on the planet.

 

Thanks for all of the reassurance guys, you all are obviously the best ones to consult better than any publication.

-The point about the Xfire having more character is very true compared to other cars.

-An extended warranty is also a good insurance plan especially on German- made vehicles and I will definitely be purchasing one of those.

Thanks again and keep the input coming

 

I don' think you'll find many members telling you to keep the Accord and pass on the Crossfire. We're all fanatics. That being said, it's a great vehicle as long as you do the basic maintenance and treat it reasonably well. If you're into stoplight racing, you should spend the extra $3-5k and find an SRT6. Huge difference in power and speed, but more potential issues with the supercharger and intercooler and worse gas mileage (28.8 vs 23 highway on my two).

My 2003 Audi A6 is chipped and at 118k, with few problems. I just bought a 2003 A4 with 70k and expect it to last, too. So German cars can be reliable if you treat them right. Oh yeah - 30k on the roadster over 4 summers with only oil changes in the fall. No problems other than a window track loosened up and was tightened under warranty.