Looking for a fun car, was looking for a C5 Vette, can't seem to find one in my price range. Was shown a 05 Blaze Red Crossfire Roadster, and it's growing on me. Not the fastest car, but felt more comfortable in the drivers seat. Any converted Vette fans out there to help me make a decision?

 

what's your price range?

 

Welcome to the forum jmath. I have owned 3 vettes but none of the recent models. If the n/a crossfire is not fast enough for you try looking at the SRT. These cars were built in limited numbers in 2005 and sold in 05 and a few in 06. They come with 3.2 LT AMG supercharged hand built engines that makes 330 hp stock at the crank. With some bolt on mods (see Needswings.com) and an ECU tune 350 rwhp is possible. In stock form the SRT is a 4.7 to 4.8 0 to 60 and a 13.2 1/4 mile car. Some members here have broken in to the 11 sec 1/4 mile times. With the price you can get an SRT for these days I don't think you can buy more bang for the buck.

I am sure others will respond that own n/a models and tell you about their cars. Take some time to read about these cars, there is a ton of info to be had here.

 

If you want big block HP and GM interior finish, go with the vette.

If you want something special, go with the SRT.
If you want a stick go NA. A bit underpowered maybe but nimble as hell.

There are gobs of vettes out there. You can always get one later, years from now when the wheels finally fall off your Crossie.

roadster with a stick

 

I started shopping for a C4 Corvette convertible with a 6-speed transmission 6 months ago. I soon found out that they aren't easy to find one, and those that are available are usually junk. I also realized that it seems that nobody is buying used Corvettes in today's economy. I have noticed that almost every car that I looked at 6 months ago is still for sale today, and it also seems that car dealers here have unusually large inventories of used Corvettes. They must be taking in a lot of them on trade, or they're buying them at ridiculously low prices at the auction. That means that if you want one, you should be able to negotiate a helluva deal.

At the same time, I started looking at Crossfire roadsters. My wife and I had driven a few back in 2007, and were impressed. I realized that I could buy a 4 or 5 year old Crossfire with very few miles and possibly even a warranty for the same money as a 15 year-old Corvette, and that was the end of my interest in 'Vettes.

 

If you want hp, then I suppose Vette is a good choice. The SRT6 will probably match most of them, but they do not come with a manual tranny. The XF is a lot of fun to drive and you don't see as many of them as you see Vettes. Of course, long term maintenance and parts are a risk, but underneath they are late 90s SLK320s.

 

I believe there are quite a few "Vett to Crossfire" converts here on the forum, and only a handful that sold their Crossfires to buy a Vette.
I've owned 6 Vettes in the past and enjoyed 85% of them, but never kept them for very long. I've been lovin my Crossfire going on 6 years come this April.
I've owned over 25 Sports Cars in the last 45 years (still have 3 other ones now) but the Crossfire is the ONLY one I drive.

 

I keep telling you, if you need someone to stretch the legs on that V10 powered beast you have at home, I'm your huckleberry

 

I bought my Crossfire today. 2005 Blaze Red Limited Roadster Auto Transmission with 29K. The Original Window sticker was in the glove box. The car listed for over 38K when it was sold new. Put about 150 miles on it this afternoon, and I can't stop smiling. I want to give the car it's first full detailing tomorrow and will then post photos!! I keep getting up to look out into the garage.

Thanks for all the comments and advice with regard to the decision. I had a couple of vettes over the last few years and sold them for different reasons. I can't put my finger on it, but this car is different. I really enjoy driving the car!!

Thanks for the warm welcome.

Jim

 

Congrats Jim! Welcome to our permagrin club. You will not regret your decision over the vette.

 

Welcome Jim! Yes the peragrim club is indeed a factor. All of us just seem to fall into a trance like state at the beauty of these cars, especially when they are put up for winter!

Its funny, when I was a young(er) man, I told myself before I die I want to own a BMW, Harley and a vette. Did the first 2 and now Ive no desire to touch a vette! The XFs are spectacular and this forum makes it the experience it is

 

Congrats on the purchase! You cannot go wrong with red (or graphite either ).

 

Jim,
Great choice. Welcome to this fantastic forum and enjoy the new car!!!

 

Well it looks like that red roadster was the one for you. Great choice and I wish you all the luck with your new beauty. You have a special car and a special group of people here on the forum to go along with it. Enjoy!

 

now that you have an auto vert you can look up mr taz and rudy. for a nominal fee they can transform that mild mannered car into a beast that will dominate vettes and most anything you come up against.
the fun is only just beginning!! theres a crossfire gtg in april at the fontana lodge in nc. you should attend to meet the people behind all the great mods and cars you will see on here

 

Had a 2001 C-5 that I bought new and gave to the ex in a divorce settlement. Was a great car, lots of fun and of damned good gas mileage. Would only be turning 1500 rpm at 60 mph. No real downsides to the Vette as opposed to the Crossfire as the Vette had run flat tires (drove 8 miles on a flat with my X-fire), used less oil during changes. and was more comfortable. Mine had every option except the 6-speed manual and the adjustable suspension. The reason I bought the X-fire (mine is a roadster) is because even with 10K down on the Vette the payments were still $800/mo so when I went looking for a sporty used car I could have bought a 6 year old Vette for about $30,000 or my 2 yr old (2005) Crossfire which was $22,000 at the time (Oct '07) that only was in service for one year and had less than 9800 miles on it. But my next car will probably be another Vette.