Hi, I have been visiting this forum for the last couple of months and today decided to sign up.

I am looking to buy a black coupé XF. However, I am undecided on an automatic or manual. I have never driven an automatic before but have read on various reviews/websites that automatic XFs are better - is this the case?

Also I have seen the majority of crossfires come with the silver windscreen surround and some black. Is it possible to buy these windscreen surrounds in black to replace a silver one. If so how much are they? Also can you buy the side grills in black? Thanks for any help.

 

hi preston1989 and welcome to the forum...best thing is to have a test drive in both and see what you prefer, although i wanted an auto i had a drive in a couple of manuals and to be honest i didnt like the clunkey change from 1st to 2nd im told you get used to it but just didnt like it but thats just my opinion, i find the auto effortless to drive and it suits me, but you should try both, as for the windscreen surround sure they only come in silver over here as do the side strakes although wouldnt be too hard to colour code them, you can get a chrome cover for them both but quite pricey for what they are, believe in the states they did a base model XF with the surround in black...regards...chris...

 

Hello and welcome! Just to echo what Chris said, I opted for the auto, which is fantastic. I didn't even drive a manual as I knew what I wanted!

The black windscreen surround was only available on the 'base' model, which was only available overseas, never an option here. Personally, I think it looks better on the black cars.

After having a windscreen replaced, I've seen how easily the surround comes out, so getting it resprayed black shouldn't be too difficult or expensive. Same wit the side grilles.

 

I add my welcome and also agree with the earlier post's...I have a auto with AutoStick a manual override..so you have the best of both. But each to their own..as Chris said, try both...A fantastic car and you will love it..be sure to check out www.ukcrossfires.co.uk and attend a few meets...there good fun you'll be more than welcome.

Ken.

 

Thanks for the responses. I think I will try and test an auto and manual before purchasing. I have seen a few XFs on autotrader that have had the black windscreen surround and side grills so assume they must have resprayed them. I must admit I do prefer the black on black.

 

Yeah the black/black combo gives it a much more stealth look!

I'm going from my very bad memory that the base model wasn't available in the UK. I believe the base also had cloth seats that weren't powered or heated, and no front fog lights.

Regards, Andy.

 

Just out of interest, have you considered a roadster? This could potentially be a very nice buy:

CHRYSLER CROSSFIRE CONVERTIBLE STARTECH EDITION on eBay (end time 03-Oct-10 21:44:53 BST)

There is also a link on this forum to it. I have no association with the seller, and never seen the car, but this was the display car for the Startech conversion (by Brabus) which never really took off. The Startech bits and bobs on this car cost a small fortune, and I'd trade my mother-in-law for a set of those wheels. Could be a great buy if it's in decent nick??

Regards again, Andy.

 

Thanks Andy for your input. That roadster does sound a good buy but I am set on a coupe to be honest.