Oh god, i find the Chrysler Crossfire appealing...
Oh god, i find the Chrysler Crossfire appealing...
Author
Discussion

elephantstone

Original Poster:

2,176 posts

186 months

Friday 21st March 2014
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So i am revving up to change my car (bad car related pun alert).

I have been thinking of classics/v8 barges/hot hatches/VW vans.. Really been looking at everything and anything for less than £5000.

It is hard to ignore the Crossfire. I quite like the looks of the thing, its got a engine with more than 4 cylinders and it seems to be OK to drive if not anything like the MX5 it will be replacing.

Not too bothered about the apparent st quality plastics inside, who really feels their dashboard when they are driving around? And the auto box and a V6 note will be nice for cruising to wales and down to Bath.

I'm going to have a sit in one today, should i hand my PH badge in on the way out?

TheAngryDog

13,230 posts

238 months

Friday 21st March 2014
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elephantstone said:
I'm going to have a sit in one today, should i hand my PH badge in on the way out?
Yes. It looks like a dog taking a st.

phil1979

3,671 posts

244 months

Friday 21st March 2014
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I've always quite liked them. But the one bit of styling that I can't abide, though, is that bonnet that looks like a draining board - did anyone ever make flat aftermarket one? It would improve the look of the car greatly.

AC43

13,614 posts

237 months

Friday 21st March 2014
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It's based on the original Merc SLK which itself has lots of oily bits from the W202 C Class. So pretty ancient underneath. I'm pretty sure it'll have the recirculating ball steering set up which is fairly slow and a bit vague.


thepeoplespal

1,694 posts

306 months

Friday 21st March 2014
quotequote all
I don't know I have always quite liked it, the write ups were never too brilliant though, I'd quite like one myself (hides head in shame). Has anyone sorted the handling out?

elephantstone

Original Poster:

2,176 posts

186 months

Friday 21st March 2014
quotequote all
TheAngryDog said:
elephantstone said:
I'm going to have a sit in one today, should i hand my PH badge in on the way out?
Yes. It looks like a dog taking a st.
Sorry Mr Clarkson rolleyes

BritishRacinGrin

26,500 posts

189 months

Friday 21st March 2014
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It's a cheap coupe / cab with Mercedes underpinnings- What's not to like? Well, I wouldn't, but so long as your not expecting a premium sports car you might not be disappointed.

However, for me? Boxster, S2000, Z4... there are much better cars for the same / not much more money.

elephantstone

Original Poster:

2,176 posts

186 months

Friday 21st March 2014
quotequote all
thepeoplespal said:
I don't know I have always quite liked it, the write ups were never too brilliant though, I'd quite like one myself (hides head in shame). Has anyone sorted the handling out?
I think the write ups were never too brilliant because no one was sure where to pigeon hole it. I think now as a used buy it is clearer. It is a cheap, relatively quick, slightly spongey cruiser. The value in terms of bang for buck and mileage and age is tempting.

elephantstone

Original Poster:

2,176 posts

186 months

Friday 21st March 2014
quotequote all
BritishRacinGrin said:
It's a cheap coupe / cab with Mercedes underpinnings- What's not to like? Well, I wouldn't, but so long as your not expecting a premium sports car you might not be disappointed.

However, for me? Boxster, S2000, Z4... there are much better cars for the same / not much more money.
I have been looking at the Boxsters, Z4's etc and have not discounted them. I am willing to give the crossfire a sit in atleast as for the same or less money i will end up with a newer, considerably less leggy car and 0-60 in 6.5seconds sounds alright to me.


Do they suffer from rust like the SLK?

alfabadass

1,852 posts

228 months

Friday 21st March 2014
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I bit the bullet 6 months ago and don't regret it.

Awesome value for money. German V6 power and build quality for under 3k is a bargain!

Handles well, plastics are fine apart from the centre console and even then, it's because of the cheap looking silver paint job. The plastics are actually better than in the SLK it's based on! Plus as it doesn't have to worry about a folding roof, it's lighter, faster and handles better!

Plus you get a cool automatic spoiler :-)

The build and feel of the car is solid. Mine is 10 years old and has no squeaks or rattles or broken trim.

lamboman100

1,445 posts

150 months

Friday 21st March 2014
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Black 350Z.

Chicane-UK

3,861 posts

214 months

Friday 21st March 2014
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I certainly found that with some light toning down (de-chroming!) they looked pretty nice. The SRT version is a bit of a weapon too! smile

alfabadass

1,852 posts

228 months

Friday 21st March 2014
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PS. Very colour sensitive. Only get black or grey unless you want to look fruity.

Also...if it's going to cost you closer to 5k I'd look elsewhere as IMO it's only worth getting as a bargain basement car!

avinalarf

6,438 posts

171 months

Friday 21st March 2014
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My wife has driven a convertible for the past 4 years.
No problems, quite nippy and good value for a basic ,older "sports" car.
She got it as it was a bit different from the usual suspects.

TheAngryDog

13,230 posts

238 months

Friday 21st March 2014
quotequote all
elephantstone said:
TheAngryDog said:
elephantstone said:
I'm going to have a sit in one today, should i hand my PH badge in on the way out?
Yes. It looks like a dog taking a st.
Sorry Mr Clarkson rolleyes
Apology accepted.

My point stands, it looks awful. For the money there are better cars out there. While I am no fan of the Nissan 350Z, given the choice between the two, it would be the Nissan that I would have on my driveway.

Kawasicki

14,365 posts

264 months

Friday 21st March 2014
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Got a cheap weekend rental deal on a Crossfire, did a few laps at the ring. It's not a slow car, and the handling is actually ok, not the last word in precision, but perfectly capable - ok balance and good grip.

elephantstone

Original Poster:

2,176 posts

186 months

Friday 21st March 2014
quotequote all
TheAngryDog said:
elephantstone said:
TheAngryDog said:
elephantstone said:
I'm going to have a sit in one today, should i hand my PH badge in on the way out?
Yes. It looks like a dog taking a st.
Sorry Mr Clarkson rolleyes
Apology accepted.

My point stands, it looks awful. For the money there are better cars out there. While I am no fan of the Nissan 350Z, given the choice between the two, it would be the Nissan that I would have on my driveway.
I would love a 350Z and they are available for under 5k but they all seem very ropey.. Part Service history, Cat d write off etc.

vtecyo

2,122 posts

158 months

Friday 21st March 2014
quotequote all
TheAngryDog said:
Apology accepted.

My point stands, it looks awful. For the money there are better cars out there. While I am no fan of the Nissan 350Z, given the choice between the two, it would be the Nissan that I would have on my driveway.
Except you're looking at 7 grand for a mediocre 350Z.

avinalarf

6,438 posts

171 months

Friday 21st March 2014
quotequote all
TheAngryDog said:
Apology accepted.

My point stands, it looks awful. For the money there are better cars out there. While I am no fan of the Nissan 350Z, given the choice between the two, it would be the Nissan that I would have on my driveway.
I agree that the coupe is an acquired taste, I think the convertible looks o.k.
If it was for my own use I would probably look at the 350Z although they are approx £2K/£4K more for similar mileage/year.

elephantstone

Original Poster:

2,176 posts

186 months

Friday 21st March 2014
quotequote all
alfabadass said:
Also...if it's going to cost you closer to 5k I'd look elsewhere as IMO it's only worth getting as a bargain basement car!
This is the thing really putting me off, is that i tend to keep cars for a maximum of a year. I imagine i will really struggle to sell it on and lose ALOT of money on it.

Which leads me back to getting a classic..