Hello Crossfire Members,
I'm a newbie here and looking to purchase a Crossfire as a weekend driver.
I've been researching the Crossfire for a few weeks and boning up on history, maintenance, performance, etc, etc.
I've had a number of performance cars over the years and they have all been rag top, manual shift vehicles (4 Porches / 2 Vettes).
The biggest question I have is should I go LTD with a manual, or SRT6 with the auto and which would I enjoy more?
There are currently NO SRT6 vehicles for sale in the greater Houston market to test drive (I'm driving a LTD auto this weekend).
Any feedback or personal experience with either or both of these models would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks and I'll look for your replies.
Cheers
Myles

 

Personally, I would get the SRT-6 if you love performance. I have both, love both but for power you can't beat the SRT.

 

Thanks for the reply Zeracer!
I read that the SRT6 is a pretty stiff / harsh ride. How much of that is true and how does the ride compare to the Limited?
Myles

 

About a 10% stiffer ride. Not a bad trade off unless you plan long drives. Much better handling in the curves and better breaking.

 

I personally love my base model with the six speed that I have owned for 16 years now.

I thoroughly enjoy the shifting and playing with the gears but would like more power. Buying a car with diverse personalities like you are considering is purely up to you. Which means more?

My plan is to install a Mercedes AMG 3.2 (same engine as SRT6) and have both the AMG engine and the six speed in an effort to get the best of both worlds. The AMG engine prices have come down over the years and a complete engine goes from $2250 to $3750 depending on condition, mileage etc. Labor to install and modify controls is a big unknown. I plan to do the work myself and take my time as this is not a daily driver. Hoping to get help from this forum while I do this

Henry

 

Only you can answer that question. I go to a lot of Crossfire events, and I've driven a lot of friend's SRTs, Bas and Limiteds - both Coupes and Roadsters.
I dont find the extra power of the SRT to be all that exciting, MOST of the time. I choose 6 speed manuals every time I'm given a choice.

Others here will tell you that it's so important, they have BOTH an SRT and a Base or Limited with a 6 speed.

My Advice: Buy Both

 

Thanks for he replies all !
It's a shame they didn't offer a manual option for the SRT

Thanks again for the feed back.

 

Realistically, In my opinion the Crossfire is no high performance fantastic handling rocket in the LTD or the SRT and has plenty of shortfalls. However, the car is cool and very unique. I'm happy with my basic XF and its automatic transmission. If I wanted something in a standard that was way more fun, way more reliable, in a convertible without breaking the bank that was equally impractical I'd buy a Miata (but it wouldn't be as cool as a XF).

 

Nor as fast.

 

Thanks Deepsea21,
I have a test drive in the morning, so I'll have a better feel for the car regarding performance and the tranny (06 vert w/ 35K miles).
Are the XF's not very reliable? I've read a few of the common bugs.... but I thought these were fairly reliable, for a 16 year old car
.
I'm a Porsche guy at heart... but I just can't justify the $$'s any more for a toy (still regret not buying a 911 cab 6 yrs ago for 19k).

I know the car critics and writers love the Miata, but I just can't see myself in one.

Cheers

 

MylesO11, post the results/thoughts after your test drive(s) I prefer the SRT because of performance. I enjoy the automatic vs 6 speed as I've owned enough manual cars over the years that unless it's another Corvette I really don't care.
I live in Clearlake, you are welcome to come see mine. BTY, should you need any maintenance I recommend AutoBahn Imports (Have used them for over 25 yrs and owner a personal friend)

 

copperfieldkid,
Thanks, I may take you up on the offer once we warm up a little. I was right around the corner in Webster to test drive an 05 at noon today. Wish I had seen your post before I headed down south from Kingwood.
I haven't found any SRT's for sale in TX. and I'd like to drive one before making any decisions.
I was pleasantly surprised with my test drive. The 05 I test drove was pretty damn clean inside and out. The car was at Emmons on 528. I typically stay away from dealers, but for test drives, I'm glad they are there.

Thanks again
Cheers
Myles

 

https://www.smartmotorguide.com/chry...-sale-in-texas

 

Thanks for the link ZERACER!
I'll have to follow up on these.
Cheers

 

Keep in mind, most of the Owners Group on this Forum drive these cars as weekend run arounds. (Note: I'm sure there will be comments on this!) Quite a few that live in northern climates even store their cars during the winter season. There are some younger folks (anyone under 60 is younger to me!) that drive these cars as daily drivers, but I believe that list is dwindling over time. You & I are not far apart in years, and I'm not interested in "mashing the gears" as much as enjoying the ride - MHO. If it was me, I'd look for a Special Edition Crossfire, which was a Red Roadster that could be had with either the 6-speed manual or 5-speed AutoShift. THese can be hard to locate. This car had "SRT-6 like" wheels, which sets it off. And the wheels were easier to keep clean because the "pockets" were painted a Gray Metallic instead of remaining true aluminum - MHO. There are a few other differences in the SE that sets it apart from a Base and/or Limited Crossfire, but the stuff absent from the Limited isn't anything to get wound up about. Pizzaguy owns one of these & he can chime in on the specifics of the SE. And he has the 6-speed manual.

 

Thanks for the info dedwards -
I've seen a couple of the red convertibles with the SRT wheels and just thought someone swapped out the wheels. I have a daily driver and I'm selling my current weekend ride, so I'm on to the next one as they say.
I'm not a red car person. If someone gave me one, I'd probably sell it. LOL No Offense Intended To The Red Car Owners !
I'm looking for a Blue, Graphite, Charcoal or SSB XF. Preferably an SSB convertible. Just looking for a little fun

Thanks Again
Cheers

 

I loved my 6 speed but now I prefer the Srt6 and welcome to the forums!

 

I have owned every version of the Crossie. SRT coupe, Convertible, Limited coupe and convertible. Manual shift and AUTO
I'll Put it simple
Off the line acceleration, SRT is your best choice.
However, I never, I repeat, I Never lost a challenge at the Dragon against an SRT
However, I did lose to another Manual Limited.
One time. To a much better driver.

Manual tranny gives you much more control of the power application both acceleration and braking, through the drive train. Less braking, front wheels spinning free, better control in the twisties.
I depends on what and how you like to drive.

Both versions exceed 160 MPH in a land where over 70 MPH gets you a citation. Neither exceeds 70 MPH for more than a nano second in traversing the Dragon.

Currently I have an SRT coupe with the auto. And a Limited convertible with the 6 speed. It is the 6 speed I prefer to drive, especially at the weekend gatherings.

 

Thanks for your response guys.
There is a newly listed SRT6 vert about an hour from me that I plan to test ride as soon as the weather cooperates. I plan drive to Dallas to test a manual as well. That should help in my decision quite a bit.

I appreciate your input!
Thanks again
Cheers
.

 

Franc has what we all should have: An SRT and a Base/Limited 6 speed.

And /i totally get what he means about the six speed at meets - I can borrow what ever Crossfire I want for the Dragon meets (dont usually drive mine that far), I always opt for a Base 6 speed Roadster.