Chrysler Crossfire, what to look out for when buying used
Discussion
kazino said:
pauldm28 said:
Look out for one of the most beautiful rear ends in automotive history.
Best arse in it's price range, better in black I'd imaginensmith1180 said:
I agree that the back end is OK and a bit different. But its like the slappers you see in luton on a friday night. Nice back end, so so from the side and face like a slapped arse.
I think you mean it's a bobfoc: Body Off Baywatch, Face Off Crimewatch.As a matter of fact, I disagree. I think the TT's much nicer (though I would say that, since I drive one).
C
LDN said:
Kazino, I own one and can help 
I have always been a stickler for brilliant handling cars - my first car was Peugot 205 XS (couldn't afford a GTI) and while my mates all drove cars that looked good - all I cared about was the drive... to this day, I love the 205 and constantly look for 2nd hand GTI bargains. I've driven many nice cars - most of which are my uncles; Corvettes, Impreza's, Porsche's, all the way through to the newer hot hatches like the BMW 1, Volvo C30 T5 and Mazda 3 MPS. So... I know my cars and recognise nuances in handling and power.
To the OP, take onboard what everyone says; but to anyone who hasn't driven one, hold fire (excuse the pun) and remember personal preference comes into it. It's true that it was pitted against Nissan Z's and RX8's when released (it will hold it's own in a 0-60) - and it's also true that it was never intended in that vein; despite the looks, it's more a Tourer. Since buying the car - I have read up on it's history, the concept car, the designer and how it all came together. I know that there is one chap with a huge collection of very exotic and rare cars, he has a Crossfire in his collection... in America; since the end of manufacture was announced, used Crossfire prices have risen; as many see it as a future classic / collectors car - taking it's place as the slightly ecentric offspring from the (now defunt) Daimler Chrysler marriage... hello Fiat!!!
In choosing the Crossfire (or 'Xfire' as the yanks put it), I test drove a Audi TT 3.2 DSG, 3.2 Boxster - and I had already driven an RX8 231; the Boxster and RX8 were proper point and squirt sports cars. The Xfire was very different in it's nature and altogether more unique - to me, it felt special; YES, it feels at times like a luxury Mercedes barge (in it's steering) but that's not a bad thing for me personally (it's no Lotus!). It turns heads and is a magnet for conversation. I've been stopped in petrol stations, carparks, traffic lights and I've only had it a few weeks.
As standard you get: electric driver and passenger seats: heated seats, dual zone climate control, Ininity sound system; 0-60 sub 6.5 and 150MPH top speed. A car that was just under £30,000 new can be had mint for £8000 upwards. I've had NO problems with it - solid Mercedes everything (built in Germany by Karmann - read up about Karmann!) - Chrysler changed the exhaust system to make for a better note / compared to the SLK 320. Look out for the Xfire 'SRT6' - a real beast.
The Xfire has a large and very loyal following in America - and the community / clubs are some of the most active I've ever seen - organising coast to coast Xfire road trips, stripping them for the 1/4 miles, etc etc. I've fallen so in love with the car that I'm thinking of going Stateside to join them for a road trip.
I've seen many cars both praised and slated on PistonHeads and people quote figures / EVO mag stats on track feedback, lap times, etc etc - at the end of the day, DRIVE it and see how it fits YOU (or rather your friend). I like rare cars / watches / gadgets and things with a story behind them... and I wanted a reliable everyday car that would fit the bill. Next on my list, however, is an M5 for the times I need more than two seats
Now for the things that your friend should look out for.
Here's my baby...
Fantastic looking car you have there and many thanks for the advice on what to look out for.I have always been a stickler for brilliant handling cars - my first car was Peugot 205 XS (couldn't afford a GTI) and while my mates all drove cars that looked good - all I cared about was the drive... to this day, I love the 205 and constantly look for 2nd hand GTI bargains. I've driven many nice cars - most of which are my uncles; Corvettes, Impreza's, Porsche's, all the way through to the newer hot hatches like the BMW 1, Volvo C30 T5 and Mazda 3 MPS. So... I know my cars and recognise nuances in handling and power.
To the OP, take onboard what everyone says; but to anyone who hasn't driven one, hold fire (excuse the pun) and remember personal preference comes into it. It's true that it was pitted against Nissan Z's and RX8's when released (it will hold it's own in a 0-60) - and it's also true that it was never intended in that vein; despite the looks, it's more a Tourer. Since buying the car - I have read up on it's history, the concept car, the designer and how it all came together. I know that there is one chap with a huge collection of very exotic and rare cars, he has a Crossfire in his collection... in America; since the end of manufacture was announced, used Crossfire prices have risen; as many see it as a future classic / collectors car - taking it's place as the slightly ecentric offspring from the (now defunt) Daimler Chrysler marriage... hello Fiat!!!
In choosing the Crossfire (or 'Xfire' as the yanks put it), I test drove a Audi TT 3.2 DSG, 3.2 Boxster - and I had already driven an RX8 231; the Boxster and RX8 were proper point and squirt sports cars. The Xfire was very different in it's nature and altogether more unique - to me, it felt special; YES, it feels at times like a luxury Mercedes barge (in it's steering) but that's not a bad thing for me personally (it's no Lotus!). It turns heads and is a magnet for conversation. I've been stopped in petrol stations, carparks, traffic lights and I've only had it a few weeks.
As standard you get: electric driver and passenger seats: heated seats, dual zone climate control, Ininity sound system; 0-60 sub 6.5 and 150MPH top speed. A car that was just under £30,000 new can be had mint for £8000 upwards. I've had NO problems with it - solid Mercedes everything (built in Germany by Karmann - read up about Karmann!) - Chrysler changed the exhaust system to make for a better note / compared to the SLK 320. Look out for the Xfire 'SRT6' - a real beast.
The Xfire has a large and very loyal following in America - and the community / clubs are some of the most active I've ever seen - organising coast to coast Xfire road trips, stripping them for the 1/4 miles, etc etc. I've fallen so in love with the car that I'm thinking of going Stateside to join them for a road trip.
I've seen many cars both praised and slated on PistonHeads and people quote figures / EVO mag stats on track feedback, lap times, etc etc - at the end of the day, DRIVE it and see how it fits YOU (or rather your friend). I like rare cars / watches / gadgets and things with a story behind them... and I wanted a reliable everyday car that would fit the bill. Next on my list, however, is an M5 for the times I need more than two seats
Now for the things that your friend should look out for.
- Every Xfire that I've driven (and I've driven a few!); the spoiler works perfectly but check this as there are some horror stories. It comes up at 60MPH and goes down at 40MPH - but you can deploy it whenever you like via a button in the centre console (second from the left)
- Listen for a rattle where the front and rear of the exhaust system meet. 30 seconds on a ramp and a quick bolt tighten sort it out. Very rare but it happens.
- Open the boot, you will see two black 'feet' that are designed as stoppers. If aligned wrong, they can leave marks in the paintwork (about 2cm long) - re-alignment is easy but excessive paint wear might be a bugger.
- The Infinity head unit LCD display can go tits up but will still work. Again rare, but it happens.
- The leather on the seats can get ever so slightly 'baggy' - do not let it bother you as it happens on all of them.
- pre 2004 Xfire's have an over-engineered pop out cup holder... these are s
t and break constantly. 2004 ('54 reg) onwards do not have the holder and there is a trough instead. You can manually swap them over if you wish.
- There is NO spare wheel as there's no space for one - so check ALL of the tool kit and puncture kit is present in the boot.
- If you can get the 'roller-blind' boot cover then great! these were £300 new and it means that your luggage is covered - otherwise you can view the boot contents through the rear hatch.
Here's my baby...just want to confirm what LDN said... I had to get rid of mine due to the Mrs (too low and she felt the cabin to be claustrophobic) but I certainly don't regret buying one... not a sports car per se but more of a grand tourer with amazing roadholding (would stick like st on a blanket). MPGs aren't too bad (pushing into the low 30s) and the comfort in the car is good (maybe I'm getting on a bit but those heated seats in winter are heaven!!). Just check all the toys work and then enjoy... more info and a friendly bunch are on the crossfire forum
Looks are always subjective - personally I loved the way it looks, individualistic rather than follow the sheep with their TTs or Z3/4s because they're fashionable. Simply put if your mate/you like the looks and way it drives that's all that matters fk what everyone says.
t on a blanket). MPGs aren't too bad (pushing into the low 30s) and the comfort in the car is good (maybe I'm getting on a bit but those heated seats in winter are heaven!!). Just check all the toys work and then enjoy... more info and a friendly bunch are on the crossfire forumLooks are always subjective - personally I loved the way it looks, individualistic rather than follow the sheep with their TTs or Z3/4s because they're fashionable. Simply put if your mate/you like the looks and way it drives that's all that matters f
k what everyone says. Edited by Z28fan on Wednesday 12th May 10:47
I am always amazed with the stupid comment people on here can make...
Someone goes onto a forum to ask for advice on a car they are interested in an someone says 'buy another one?'
For all you that said something along the line of 'buy a SLK or a Boxster' - congratulations, you are very boring and will really stand out as the man with the Boxter/SLK....apart from the millions you see everyday!
Back to the point though, you guessed it - we have one! A 2006 convertible to be precise and it is EXCELLENT! Sure the steering is terrible, and it might be a bit thirsty, but it is a great car! Really rare sight, reliable, goes really well and fully loaded!
We compared against a Z4 and sure the BMW might be a 'better' car (has a BMW badge), but doesnt have the X.....
We drove 1800 miles this summer through europe as the TVR being fixed, but didnt regret it one bit!
Cant advise on what to look for - in 35000 miles and 2 and a half years, NOTHING has gone wrong!
Enjoy!
Someone goes onto a forum to ask for advice on a car they are interested in an someone says 'buy another one?'
For all you that said something along the line of 'buy a SLK or a Boxster' - congratulations, you are very boring and will really stand out as the man with the Boxter/SLK....apart from the millions you see everyday!
Back to the point though, you guessed it - we have one! A 2006 convertible to be precise and it is EXCELLENT! Sure the steering is terrible, and it might be a bit thirsty, but it is a great car! Really rare sight, reliable, goes really well and fully loaded!
We compared against a Z4 and sure the BMW might be a 'better' car (has a BMW badge), but doesnt have the X.....
We drove 1800 miles this summer through europe as the TVR being fixed, but didnt regret it one bit!
Cant advise on what to look for - in 35000 miles and 2 and a half years, NOTHING has gone wrong!
Enjoy!
matt-man said:
I am always amazed with the stupid comment people on here can make...
Someone goes onto a forum to ask for advice on a car they are interested in an someone says 'buy another one?'
For all you that said something along the line of 'buy a SLK or a Boxster' - congratulations, you are very boring and will really stand out as the man with the Boxter/SLK....apart from the millions you see everyday!
Back to the point though, you guessed it - we have one! A 2006 convertible to be precise and it is EXCELLENT! Sure the steering is terrible, and it might be a bit thirsty, but it is a great car! Really rare sight, reliable, goes really well and fully loaded!
We compared against a Z4 and sure the BMW might be a 'better' car (has a BMW badge), but doesnt have the X.....
We drove 1800 miles this summer through europe as the TVR being fixed, but didnt regret it one bit!
Cant advise on what to look for - in 35000 miles and 2 and a half years, NOTHING has gone wrong!
Enjoy!
Thanks very much for your input, I'm glad to hear you've not had any problems with the car, seems to be what most people say about them. Someone goes onto a forum to ask for advice on a car they are interested in an someone says 'buy another one?'
For all you that said something along the line of 'buy a SLK or a Boxster' - congratulations, you are very boring and will really stand out as the man with the Boxter/SLK....apart from the millions you see everyday!
Back to the point though, you guessed it - we have one! A 2006 convertible to be precise and it is EXCELLENT! Sure the steering is terrible, and it might be a bit thirsty, but it is a great car! Really rare sight, reliable, goes really well and fully loaded!
We compared against a Z4 and sure the BMW might be a 'better' car (has a BMW badge), but doesnt have the X.....
We drove 1800 miles this summer through europe as the TVR being fixed, but didnt regret it one bit!
Cant advise on what to look for - in 35000 miles and 2 and a half years, NOTHING has gone wrong!
Enjoy!
kazino said:
matt-man said:
I am always amazed with the stupid comment people on here can make...
Someone goes onto a forum to ask for advice on a car they are interested in an someone says 'buy another one?'
For all you that said something along the line of 'buy a SLK or a Boxster' - congratulations, you are very boring and will really stand out as the man with the Boxter/SLK....apart from the millions you see everyday!
Back to the point though, you guessed it - we have one! A 2006 convertible to be precise and it is EXCELLENT! Sure the steering is terrible, and it might be a bit thirsty, but it is a great car! Really rare sight, reliable, goes really well and fully loaded!
We compared against a Z4 and sure the BMW might be a 'better' car (has a BMW badge), but doesnt have the X.....
We drove 1800 miles this summer through europe as the TVR being fixed, but didnt regret it one bit!
Cant advise on what to look for - in 35000 miles and 2 and a half years, NOTHING has gone wrong!
Enjoy!
Thanks very much for your input, I'm glad to hear you've not had any problems with the car, seems to be what most people say about them. Someone goes onto a forum to ask for advice on a car they are interested in an someone says 'buy another one?'
For all you that said something along the line of 'buy a SLK or a Boxster' - congratulations, you are very boring and will really stand out as the man with the Boxter/SLK....apart from the millions you see everyday!
Back to the point though, you guessed it - we have one! A 2006 convertible to be precise and it is EXCELLENT! Sure the steering is terrible, and it might be a bit thirsty, but it is a great car! Really rare sight, reliable, goes really well and fully loaded!
We compared against a Z4 and sure the BMW might be a 'better' car (has a BMW badge), but doesnt have the X.....
We drove 1800 miles this summer through europe as the TVR being fixed, but didnt regret it one bit!
Cant advise on what to look for - in 35000 miles and 2 and a half years, NOTHING has gone wrong!
Enjoy!
Good luck!
Echo some of the comments above. To those who say 'it's st, rather have a Boxster, Z4, 350Z, blah blah blah':
It's not a sports car.
It's not a sports car.
It's not a sports car.
It's not a sports car.
It's not a sports car.
It's not a sports car.
It's not a sports car.
It's not a sports car.
It's not a sports car.
It's not a sports car.
It's not a sports car.
It's not a sports car.
Geddit?
What it does represent is actually quite rare on todays market - a smallish luxury tourer for empty nesters who appreciate comfort and style over opposite lock antics and like something out of the ordinary but don't have the need or desire for a huge car (nor for the running costs). Seen like that it's only some aspects of the interior (painted plastic center console stack, mainly) that come in for criticism. As for driving it's no different than a first gen SLK 320 auto (I've driven both) and you won't hear that many folks deride those - starstruck?
t, rather have a Boxster, Z4, 350Z, blah blah blah':It's not a sports car.
It's not a sports car.
It's not a sports car.
It's not a sports car.
It's not a sports car.
It's not a sports car.
It's not a sports car.
It's not a sports car.
It's not a sports car.
It's not a sports car.
It's not a sports car.
It's not a sports car.
Geddit?
What it does represent is actually quite rare on todays market - a smallish luxury tourer for empty nesters who appreciate comfort and style over opposite lock antics and like something out of the ordinary but don't have the need or desire for a huge car (nor for the running costs). Seen like that it's only some aspects of the interior (painted plastic center console stack, mainly) that come in for criticism. As for driving it's no different than a first gen SLK 320 auto (I've driven both) and you won't hear that many folks deride those - starstruck?
Despite my earlier post saying they were not popular and probably for a reason, I actually rather like them.
They are a rare sight and I like to drive something a bit different.
I also think they are a very nice looking car.
The only downside is that interior - it looks rather cheap and tacky when compared to the SLK and the TT is in a much higher league when it comes to interior style and quality.
They are a rare sight and I like to drive something a bit different.
I also think they are a very nice looking car.
The only downside is that interior - it looks rather cheap and tacky when compared to the SLK and the TT is in a much higher league when it comes to interior style and quality.
It really isn't a great car. Even when it was first released it ran on out-dated mechanicals and those mechanicals weren't even best in class the first time round...
There's much better out there.
Edit: Now read the rest of the thread - hope your mate goes for it and enjoys.
There's much better out there.
Edit: Now read the rest of the thread - hope your mate goes for it and enjoys.
Edited by Asterix on Thursday 13th May 11:13
Edited by Asterix on Thursday 13th May 11:15
matt-man said:
I am always amazed with the stupid comment people on here can make...
Someone goes onto a forum to ask for advice on a car they are interested in an someone says 'buy another one?'
For all you that said something along the line of 'buy a SLK or a Boxster' - congratulations, you are very boring and will really stand out as the man with the Boxter/SLK....apart from the millions you see everyday!
Back to the point though, you guessed it - we have one! A 2006 convertible to be precise and it is EXCELLENT! Sure the steering is terrible, and it might be a bit thirsty, but it is a great car! Really rare sight, reliable, goes really well and fully loaded!
We compared against a Z4 and sure the BMW might be a 'better' car (has a BMW badge), but doesnt have the X.....
We drove 1800 miles this summer through europe as the TVR being fixed, but didnt regret it one bit!
Cant advise on what to look for - in 35000 miles and 2 and a half years, NOTHING has gone wrong!
Enjoy!
Spot on. Love the TVR BTW Someone goes onto a forum to ask for advice on a car they are interested in an someone says 'buy another one?'
For all you that said something along the line of 'buy a SLK or a Boxster' - congratulations, you are very boring and will really stand out as the man with the Boxter/SLK....apart from the millions you see everyday!
Back to the point though, you guessed it - we have one! A 2006 convertible to be precise and it is EXCELLENT! Sure the steering is terrible, and it might be a bit thirsty, but it is a great car! Really rare sight, reliable, goes really well and fully loaded!
We compared against a Z4 and sure the BMW might be a 'better' car (has a BMW badge), but doesnt have the X.....
We drove 1800 miles this summer through europe as the TVR being fixed, but didnt regret it one bit!
Cant advise on what to look for - in 35000 miles and 2 and a half years, NOTHING has gone wrong!
Enjoy!
As for outdated mechanicals; it must be said, the mechanicals that have not let me down yet - and it seems other people here say the same. Dated mechanicals doesn't mean bad mechanicals - but as a forum for petrolheads, I'm sure that doesn't need spelling out
Great write up LDN
I looked for an SRT-6 for months then bought it
http://i1070.photobucket.com/albums/u491/cypry-ret...
I looked for an SRT-6 for months then bought it
http://i1070.photobucket.com/albums/u491/cypry-ret...
Edited by Chavy Plates on Saturday 8th March 08:06
3.2 manual fantastic looking future classic, bullet proof smooth and creamy V6 engine, pulls really nice and 6.3 secs to 60. As previously stated not exactly slow (PH'ers are generally stupid as we know but at least someone stated something factually correct in this case). Harp on about the 350Z which is only a fraction (if at all) quicker when in reality in a drag on the motorway the Crossfire will match it easily (if not pass it) and still return 30mph compared to the Datsun's 26mph.
Plus, the XF looks great. Sure, it's marmite because it's genuinely different plus the 'great God Clarkson' slagged it's looks and we know how the 'wealth creators' on here love him and take every word he says as fact. Despite Chrysler would not pay for his (then) wife and kids to go along to the launch so he verbally slagged it off. He actually done buyers a favour as what you can get for your money is amazing. And remember this is the guy who punched someone for bringing him a sandwich!
We had an R170 230 SLK and it was a nice car but although pretty quick it returned crap mph figures and the XF is still faster. Proper n/a power - goes like stink - looks great (especially in black). People come over and ask about it all the time and with the fabricated rear box it sounds even better than standard. Private plate and nobody can put a price on it as you can get one for sub 2k up too over 7k plus.I remember how badge snobbery slagged the Capri 2.8 injection back in the day when it was a great drivers car and damn good fun, tail out, n/a power 'muscle car' feel. Now look at the prices of those.
I am glad this idiotic sheep like worship of the bland and thirsty 350Z and the uninspiring Audi TT continues by the masses as now buying the wife her own XF for peanuts. Fantastic cars. Watch the prices rise when people pick up on them. Certainly won't ever be selling mine (keeping it along with my mint mk1 Capri brought for £650 now valued at 15k. Kinda puts it into perspective really).
Anyhow, it's not about money, it's about how a car makes you feel and on a dreary morning when work beckons the XF puts a smile on my face every time. Rare, with great art deco looks (something really different), fast, bullet proof, lovely sound from those twin rears, a proper GT car. But please, don't buy one. I like having something that is rare, fast, and not for woolly, grass eating people that sleep walk though our ever increasingly consumerist world where something different is scorned.
Plus, the XF looks great. Sure, it's marmite because it's genuinely different plus the 'great God Clarkson' slagged it's looks and we know how the 'wealth creators' on here love him and take every word he says as fact. Despite Chrysler would not pay for his (then) wife and kids to go along to the launch so he verbally slagged it off. He actually done buyers a favour as what you can get for your money is amazing. And remember this is the guy who punched someone for bringing him a sandwich!
We had an R170 230 SLK and it was a nice car but although pretty quick it returned crap mph figures and the XF is still faster. Proper n/a power - goes like stink - looks great (especially in black). People come over and ask about it all the time and with the fabricated rear box it sounds even better than standard. Private plate and nobody can put a price on it as you can get one for sub 2k up too over 7k plus.I remember how badge snobbery slagged the Capri 2.8 injection back in the day when it was a great drivers car and damn good fun, tail out, n/a power 'muscle car' feel. Now look at the prices of those.
I am glad this idiotic sheep like worship of the bland and thirsty 350Z and the uninspiring Audi TT continues by the masses as now buying the wife her own XF for peanuts. Fantastic cars. Watch the prices rise when people pick up on them. Certainly won't ever be selling mine (keeping it along with my mint mk1 Capri brought for £650 now valued at 15k. Kinda puts it into perspective really).
Anyhow, it's not about money, it's about how a car makes you feel and on a dreary morning when work beckons the XF puts a smile on my face every time. Rare, with great art deco looks (something really different), fast, bullet proof, lovely sound from those twin rears, a proper GT car. But please, don't buy one. I like having something that is rare, fast, and not for woolly, grass eating people that sleep walk though our ever increasingly consumerist world where something different is scorned.
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