I have a troublefree 2004 coupe with 42K. Would like a roadster but that was not available in 04. But, have found an 05 roadster, super low miles, ex condition for 15K. Is it worth the purchase, will crossfires become a classic. I love my car but when I am offered only 7500 trade in for an 'immaculate' 04....I get a bit nervous about the future for Crossfires.

Would like to hear pros and cons.

Thanks, Jay

 

The Crossfire will be a classic, but don't buy with the intention of preserving them. You'll probably kick the bucket before they show up at high-end auctions. Buy it, drive the hell out of it.

 

Very true Jesda. I know there are some who are treating theirs like a classic and driving it only on weekends or an occasional run/rally, and they have a good reason. The reason is to make it more valuable for when their kids or grand kids get a hold of it. Some of the auto aficionado's would know, what was the last car that became a classic within 5 years? Mine is my daily driver except with inclement/severe weather; I've got a beater truck for those days.

 

You can't take em with you, might as well enjoy them.

 

We have a coupe for a daily driver and a roadster for a weekend playtoy. I don't concern myself with the value. I enjoy the permagrin factor.

 

These cars are a bargain, therefore a great value. Where else can you get a German engineered sexy roadster, low mileage for $15K? Buy it and enjoy it. I also think this car may become a collector one day. But I wouldn't hold my breath that it will happen any time soon.

 

I drive my baby daily in rain sleet and snow....doesnt matter to me. It's only a car, but i do keep it in garage at night =). I never understood why some people treat all that hard steel so gently lol.

 

I treat my semi-gently only because I want them to last at least as long as I do. Soooooo much fun to drive this car.


Get two...they're small...

 

I have a roadster that I drive daily. I love it and I'm going to enjoy it while I can. I'm sure they will be a collectors item one day but if your not getting any enjoyment out of it why have one?

 

The real question you should be asking is what is the opportunity cost of spending $12,000 on a car now as opposed to what you expect the $12K car to be worth in the same time frame.

I imagine that there would be much, much better investments to be made within any given time frame with the same amount of money.

 

I agree with all of the above. These cars will be classics someday, just like a Mustang or a Camaro is today. You can just tell it is by the way it turns heads. Just like a M or a C. if it does that today, on a basically 2004 model no matter what year you have, then you can imagine what it will do in 20 years.

Having said that, 20 years is a long time to have a car sit and not be driven much, that's not a good thing and basically you'll have to double your investment then to get it back into shape. that's dumb too. So better to drive it, keeping it maintained, have the fun of driving it, fix what needs to be fixed and you'll have a MUCH better car in the long run, and get your use out of it.

 

We love our roadster.

It's a real head turner.

 

I guess what it really gets down to is you can't buy happiness, but if you can afford a roadster and it makes you happy, go for it!
I have more complaints about boyfiends than my car.

 

Don't buy as an investment. By for the fun of owning and driving the car. Better yet, keep the coupe and buy the roadster. My signature says it all.

 

I have a roadster for daily driving. Bought my wife Cathy an SRT Coupe hoping to have a Keeper for years later when mine wears out.
We both live in the same house.
We both work at the same building
We both drive our Crossfires every day.

Screw what they will be worth in 15 years.
I know I'll be a rusty wreck or dead.

And Cathy can scrap the roadster and pick up guys in her coupe.

Meanwhile, its a hell of a ride.

"Buy it for value
Drive it like you stole it. 'cause, you did!"

Jane Bridges


roadster with a stick

 

I was gonna let you all know there is no future for chrysler they will not be here much longer.....I wouldn't count on M.B. being much help either...I suggest getting a M.B. SLK....or AUDI S4 and get your moneys worth. They aren't going anywhere anytime soon.. Trade it in and run!

 

I would suggest that the future of the Crossfire has nothing to do with the future of Chrysler. The brand has already devalued the Xfire about as far as it can.

These cars are the best bang for the buck right now. even those who bought in '04 and 05 paying sticker got a bargain. And the equity loss is already gone so...They are what they are. And right now the are a bargain.

I would think that the Crossfire will find a niche much like the Jag XJS. Not appealing to all but a small percentage of loyal fans. Hard to get serviced and expensive to fix. Easy to total as repairs for even a small accident puts them in salvage title status.

Prices on an XJS range from $10K to $20K and have for fifteen years. I doubt they will ever get any better but they haven't depreciated that much since production stopped.

Like the Xfire, they are rare cars that turn heads and are fun to drive. Much like a Porsche 928 they are high enough on the performance gauge to be exciting and sexy enough to grab attention. Yet somehow, not pretentious like say a Benz, an Audi or a Bimmer.

Good for the ego for sure but not an investment.

Name me a car that is a good investment and I'll bet nobody who owns one drives it.


roadster with a stick

 

Good point Franc and spot on. I doubt much will ever happen to our beloved xfires but one thing is certain, I'll do like your little red ditty says and drive it like I stole it. Add another thing LOVE IT and and show it off cuz there aint a lot of folks out there that have 'em. She turns heads on a daily basis, they sure as crap aint lookin at my puss!!!
Hope to see ya soon when ya come ta see us!!!
Rick

 

Thanks for the kudos.

The lovely Jane Bridges coined that one. I love repeating it.

I will be in Groton CT on the 18th/19th. I plan to make time on Sunday the 19th for a GTG with Nightrider. It would be my pleasure to shake your hand and spar with you in person.

Get with Bruce on the details of where and when if you can come and join us.
It is a bit far but in New Hampshire, West Ossipee I think, highway 302 and 16 split off. A general store there at the "Y" in the road has a bench that wraps the corner of the building. The eastern side says Republicans and the southern side says Democrats. The bench's two legs are firmly connected and are of equal length.
It would be a nice back road drive for Xfires and a cool spot for political debate.

But I'd be fine in a booth at a "99"


franc

 

Just about any car becomes a classic when it turns 20 and is still pristine or restored. I think the prospects for the Crossfire are pretty good since it was low production, German built and engineered. It will someday be an interesting oddity since it is Basically a Mercedes with a Chrysler badge and is the ******* child of that failed marriage. If you are young and want to keep on of these for investment purposes you should buy an SRT convertible or second choice would be an SRT coupe. there production numbers are really low and will be the most sought after. these cars will eventually find their bottom and then start to move upward in price.