After much research throughout the past month or so, doing homework on the Mini Cooper S, BMW 3-series and the Audi TT, I've finally come to a reliable conclusion that the Crossfire is what I want. And it wasn't easy. I'll probably be getting one while I'm down in Florida within the next month or so. I'm looking at a 2004/2005 Coupe, the prices are very attractive for those years.. surprisingly!

One question:
What's the noticeable difference between the Crossfire Limited Coupe and the Crossfire Coupe? I went to Chrysler's official site and the only difference was that the base Coupe got better gas mileage.

Anyone have any personal experience that they'd like to share? This is really my first car I've ever actually owned, so any input would be appreciated. And please be HONEST!

 

Welcome to the fourms, joule! I've never seen a basic XFire. I've only seen limiteds and SRT6's. I think the basic has less options and is a cheaper version of the XFire. I'm sure you will learn the facts as soon as a few more people read your post. The way these cars are priced right now, I would definitely hunt for a limited rather than a basic coupe. If you're going to be driving it for some time, you may as well get all the options you can for your money.

Bob M

 

I don't think there would be any MPG difference between the Base & Limited. What you may have seen is a MPG difference between the Stick & Automatic versions. Engines & transmissions are same on base & limited. You may notice some EPA ratings differences between years.....the vehicles didn't change....it was the EPA testing that changed.

Someone correct me if I'm wrong.....I didn't think there were any base 2004s.....I thought in the begining they weren't called Limiteds....but they were all loaded up like the current Limiteds?????

 

Correct. 2004s were all loaded coupes. Options were color, manual/auto, tires, and Nav.
The base Crossfires came out in 2005. They are all black w/gray cloth interior. No TPMS, rear subs, leather, heated seats, all have manual trans, etc.

 

No limiteds or any base models either in 2004. Only one model and it came loaded it was just called a crossfire and it also came with a self dimming rear view mirror which wasn't available in 2005 or later models.

 

Well I was comparing the 07 Coupe and Base models, because they didn't have the 04/05 comparison. And the only difference is mileage. Both were manuals.

Also, I'm looking at a few 04 coupes on Autotrader and they aren't Limited. So how is that?

 

....like he said...


there was only one package for the crossfire in '04. thus, no actual tag to the crossfire name (limited, base, etc). any '04 you find is going to be comprable to a '05-'07 limited, but not exactly the same. leather, nav, heated seats, etc. are found on all years, but again.... not called a limited in '04... hope that helps.

 

In 2004, there was only one model of Crossfire. Thus, no "base" or "limited" models. All 2004 models were/are the same as a 2005 or greater Limited.

 

Well, considering the other cars you were researching, you may want to take a look at an SRT-6. They used to be 47 grand when new and will do 0-60 in under 5 seconds. They have 330hp (some will say 349 in actuality) There were only about 2600 made, so it is pretty rare. They are selling for under 24 grand with any where from under 100 miles to 10,000 miles. It's the performance bargain of the century IMHO. Just a suggestion. I'm sure you'll be happy with whatever Xfire you decide.

 

So the Chrysler site saying that the only difference in the Limited is that it gets less mpg is false?

 

Chrysler site, information, and service is all BS... from the horsepower rating all the way to their mechanics knowledge of the vehicle..

2004 Crossfire was offered with standard options like leather interior, silver painted vents and windscreen, Infinity Modulus sound system, power seats, dimming rear view mirror and a few others...

2005 Crossfire offered a choice of a base coupe which did not have all those options and was offered in a limited selection of color.. black...

2005 Crossfire SRT-6 also going for a ridicolously low price considring what it is and if definatly a car to be considred, with an AMG engine pumping out around 350 horse, best feautres of 2005 limiteds and 04 standards, upgraded brakes suspension and a larger fixed wing... 2016 were made as coupes and 928 as roadsters... if you are able to afford it, this is the way to go...

Be honest with what? expereince with the car? dont know what that means...

Its a great car sold for a cheap price with a timeless design.. it compares to a child of a German parents, born and raised in Germany with an American last name... the service techs don't know how to maintanace it, the average person knows nothing of this vehicle, and chrysler will not support you in any way.. it does not fit in with the Benz crowd because it has a different last name and it does not fit with the Mopar crowd due to it's genetics and place of birth...

Its not a car for the average joe who can't handle the attention and controversy it brings, or it is very expensive to maintanace for it's cheap going price, its not for brand ****** either who just want 3 pretty triangles or a propeller on their grill, its not attractive for the ricers and lazy tuners due to lack of aftermarket products, but this has been changing as of late at least for the srt owners... this is a car for those that acknowledge and love it for what it is.. much like the prowler before it.. but is it good as a vehicle? that depends on your judgement.. a nissan versa, a toyota yaris, or mini cooper will get you from place to place as well and will cost you much less, won't bring any negative attention, have more room for junk and sex in the car... so its up to you what qualifies a vehicle as good or bad...

If premium gas requirement, controversy, $1,000 tire changes and $120 oil changes scare you... than pass it for a lesser vehicle..

Would I buy this car again? Of course... sure you can buy a bmw 3 series.. wait a few years and your vehicle will be outdated by a new 3 series, but the crossfire is built like a top end exotics... TIMELESS...

 

I don't think the comparrison chart is right.

It lists both the base and limited coupe with 17 mpg city and the base getting 25mpg on the highway and the limited getting 21.

FWIW I've been getting 24mpg with my 05 Limited, (manual in town driving).

For others, here's a link to the chart form, the MPG is listed under Powertrain (It tough to find, sorry no direct link)

http://www-5.chrysler.com/vehsuite/dispatch.do

 

ignore chrysler... those guys are clowns... at best..

 

In answer to your intial question, first, I think the coupe looks better than the roadster(sorry roadster folks). that awesome back end is lost on the roadster. Second, I wanted a 6spd and the cedar/slate interior which limited me as to exterior color (only, alabaster, black, SSB, and graphite could be had with that interior I think) and it had to be a limited. I am not a fan of white cars, but I think THIS car looks awesome in white. I really love these cars and don't have any complaints other than it being a little snug for my 250lb 6ft frame. the only issues I have had were fogged headlights, bad seat heater. All replaced under warranty. FYI Mine was bought on EBAY for 19,000 with 16 mi.(2005 limited) in August of 2007. currently 8600 mi.
If I had to do it all over again I would sacrifice the 6spd, Alabaster and the cedar/slate interior for the SRT6. By the way, I would not look at a base model simply because of all of the premiums you will sacrafice. If your looking at a limited, the only big ticket option was navigation. My car has it, but I've never used it.
Just my opinion...I could be wrong.

 

i would have to disagree i believe that the limited number of options do not warrant the extra cash spent to get the limited. other than maybe the navigation, i do not see any of the other options as a necessity for me to enjoy my driving experience... so i would have to say that the base model would be better bang for the buck.

just my $.02

 

automatic seats alone are enough for me to warrant a purchase of the limited.. heh..

but in truth I don't like sitting on leather, cold in winter, hot in the summer...

 

automatic seats, shmautomatic shmeats.... if you are theonly driver then you will never have to move the seat... thus rendering automatic seats null and void. just saying

 

You do know that the Mini, 3-series (coupe) and Audi TT are all basically 2+2's and the Crossfire Coupe is a 2-seat hardtop roadster, right?

Do you need the back seats?

 

Yea, I agree. I'm not too interested in a roadster, definitely want a coupe. I'm looking for an automatic as well, can't deal with a manual.

And I don't need all that navigation system crap. I know where I'm going, and if I don't.. there's always MapQuest.

What bothers me is that I see 2004 Crossfires listed all the time but they say nothing about Limited. So I assume they're just base models and I'm fine with that. I just want something with good gas mileage, not a black/white/red color, and less than 40K miles. And I don't want to spend an arm and a leg just for the Limited name.
Yup, I know that. I don't need backseats, they aren't a necessity.

 

I like bling !