The CROSSFIRE

I'm ready to replace my econobox for a "personal luxury coupe", and am
thinking of the Crossfire.

It's a U.S. design, executed in Germany on the old SLK drive train. I
really like the looks, have enjoyed driving an SLK many times, and
yesterday drove a Crossfire. It would suit me fine, but...

There is a local 2006 available for $13,000. With 21,000 miles, it's
been well maintained, looks new, and has no problems. That seems like a
lot of car for only a little money.

What could go wrong?

Lon

 

You won't find much in the way of discussion or experience here in this
newsgroup for the Crossfire.

It is dimmly viewed here for what it is - a rebadged Merc.

That's probably not a bad price, assuming there really are no problems
with it.

I'd get one of those third-party comprehensive history reports to make
sure it really wasn't written off by an insurance company as a wreck or
flood dammage.

Negative things about the crossfire:

- notable for road noise
- poor rear window visibility
- harsh ride on all but smooth roads (except for convertible)
- some dashboard displays (radio?) not visible through
polarized sunglasses
- headroom and ease of enter/exit could be a problem for
tall people (low seats)
- low seats, high beltline, low roof, and short windows
are not good for exterior visibility
- Deployed spoiler (gimick) also blocks the rear view
- hatchback coupes have no rear wiper
- Cargo space is not great


Read more here:

http://consumerguideauto.howstuffworks.com/2004-to-2008-chrysler-crossfire-6.htm

-- 2004-2008 Chrysler Crossfire Prices --

Odd, no listing for 2006.

Your price ($13k) is what a good 2005 model (coupe) would sell for.

 

Got it. Thanks!
There must have been some evolution in ride quality, as the car I drove
seemed fine. I can pull the fuse on the spoiler, don't need a rear wiper
in this lovely climate, am only 5' 8", and with nonpolarized sunglasses
it should be ok.

The car is being sold by a widow - it was her husband's. I think she
just wants out of it, and I can pay cash with no hassle.

 

Out of curiosity - did you consider the Challenger?

 

No - it's too big to be considered a personal luxury car. I did,
however, consider buying a restored T-Bird.

I like the short wheelbase Crossfire, and will spend time today trying
to talk myself out of it.

Lon

 

What's your opinion of the more recent edition of the T-bird (2002 -
2005) ?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ford_Thunderbird#2002-2005

Another option might be the Lincoln LS (2006 was the last model year).

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lincoln_LS#2003_-_2006

 

To me, that's an embarrassing design. I'm sure some focus group
somewhere liked its looks, but it's not for me.

Well, that's an S-type Jag with different skin, and a nice car. But it's
much bigger than the Crossfire.




Thanks for the helpful comments.

 

I think MoPar Man's initial comment "It is dimly viewed here for what it
is - a rebadged Merc" sums it up. There has been a lot negative comment
here (a lot in relation to the total, which is not that much).

And that's the point. Many people here can't stomach that a beloved
American brand has/had become internationalised...

I would just add that most of the 'technical' issues he raised are what you
get in a sports car of this type, such as poor rear visibility and lack of
cargo space.

I have a CLK Cabriolet and the salesman told me I should buy the Parktronic
electronic parking sensor system because the rear window was so small. He
was right and I did (buy Parktronic). Yes, I also have little cargo space
(though more than I expected) etc etc, but I love it.

So, don't be put off by such things if you want a coupe, and don't be put
off the Crossfire if that's what tickles your fancy.

Just review the thread that mentions warranties if Chrysler folds. (Any
unexpired manufacturer's ones likely to become worthless, third-party ones
not.)

DAS

To send an e-mail directly replace "spam" with "schmetterling"

 

the car is well built but most mom and pop shops can not get into the
cars computer meaning it has to go to the dealer for anything other
than generic codes for powertrain
the car sucl in snow gets stuck real easy way to easy even with
traction button on i found it works better with out it and if you want
to go faster than most and get decent milage this is the car it
handles really good no storage
i spent 3 days in school learning this car i know it well most dealers
shun the car for repairs since the techs resent the car the car is not
chjeap to fix being a true mercedes with chrysler mane plates
the spoiler should not be touched at all! it does what it does because
the car becomes loose in the rear starting at 75 mph and is real
noticable at 80 with out it

 

the car is well built but most mom and pop shops can not get into the
cars computer meaning it has to go to the dealer for anything other
than generic codes for powertrain
the car sucl in snow gets stuck real easy way to easy even with
traction button on i found it works better with out it and if you want
to go faster than most and get decent milage this is the car it
handles really good no storage
i spent 3 days in school learning this car i know it well most dealers
shun the car for repairs since the techs resent the car the car is not
chjeap to fix being a true mercedes with chrysler mane plates
the spoiler should not be touched at all! it does what it does because
the car becomes loose in the rear starting at 75 mph and is real
noticable at 80 with out it

 

well im from the UK
and i have had a Crossfire Roadster for 14 months, just had a service and
MOT
as you say the its built on the SLK with a body made by Chrysler.
its my dream car, and i love driving it, gets loads of looks as you can
drive for hours and not see another one.
Goes like a rocket, but is not very Petrol Friendly as it eats it!!

mind you i know you lot have been moaning about the price rises, try our UK
prices, and than you wont moan

"Touch Wood" the car is running fine, and its a 2005 and done 33thousand
miles.

It is a lot of car for the money, but its not cheap to run, over in the UK
its in the highest Tax bracket which is £400 per year for road tax, around
$450 i think

but as they say "Life is for Living" so what the heck, and the other half
loves the open top experience with her hair blowing and being in a Sports
Car

its a stunning motor, i love it

Before the Crossfire i have had many Toyota's

Supra 2.8i
Supra 3.0
MR2
than a 4x4

But for me the Crossfire is the best car i have ever had, and Red is by far
the best looking colour