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New Member IntroductionsWelcome new members !!
This is the place to post a new thread and introduce yourself and tell us a little about yourself and what model Crossfire you just bought or are looking to buy.
Threads created for anything other than introductions are subject to be moved to the appropriate section in the forum for the topic being posted.
I wasn't looking for a Crossfire. I knew of them, and that they were largely Mercedes-based, but I wasn't looking for one to add to my stable. I'm normally a BMW guy ('87 325i 5MT, '01 330ci 5MT, '14 328i x-drive Sportwagon).
Then I got a phone call from a man who needed his son's car picked up from a police impound lot for "cleaning." I took the details and agreed to assess the car for remediation. The son had died in the car, with the windows up, and he wasn't found for a few hot late-summer days. Normally my crew and I aren't too happy to drive such cars, even wearing PPE, because there is obviously an odor of death and decomposition, and that was certainly present. It wasn't unbearable though, so my lead technician volunteered to drive it back to his house where we had our full supply of tools and chemicals.
While my technician worked on it I spoke to the parents, who never wanted to see the car again. They live in a very rural area, whereas I live near many dealerships. I offered to take it to dealerships and obtain written purchase offers. The highest offer was $5k. At this point my invoice was going to be $1100k. I told them I would waive my invoice and give them $4k cash. After all of my assistance they said they would rather see the car go to me, so that's the deal we made. $4000 cash (plus a few hundred dollars of my technician time) is what I paid for the 04 Graphite 6MT with 39k miles.
For a guy who wasn't looking for a Crossfire I sure am happy to have it. It's not fast, but it is quick. It's not loaded with bells and whistles, but a spartan car with a few nice convenience features suits me fine. I looove having a 6MT again! The seats fit like a glove, and I am teaching my 18yo girl how to drive manual with it, which she is enjoying.
This is not the normal way that one acquires a Crossfire, but I own a hoarding and bio-hazard cleanup business and frequently have opportunities to save things - this would be the biggest example.
I've been doing some lurking to learn what I need to be doing with the car. Rust in doors, check. Driver's side window wiper grommet, check, inspect/replace air filters, check, TPMS permanently on, check. I'm sure I will have more questions, so I'm very happy to found this forum!
Warm welcome to your Crossfire family! This forum is very well established, and a great place to find answers about our cars. Facebook also has many regional groups. One international group, and an extremely helpful “Tech-Parts & Rescue” group that you’ll want to be a part of. Happy curve hugging, and on-ramp “pedal to the metal!” 😉👍🏼
Welcome to the forum! Very interesting story. I expect an ion generator was involved in that clean up.
I was not looking for a Crossfire either when I found my first one. Now, like some others on the forum, I have OCD Obsessive Crossfire Disorder.
I wasn't looking for a Crossfire...
