LOL, When I started this forum it was when i was "thinking" about selling my s2000. But now that I JUST sold it. My purchase for a xfire is as serious as it gets. I too have been driving stick cars my whole life and I have to say its probably the main reason why I wouldnt go for the srt. Not to mention the 3 or 4k price difference. Anyway thanks to everyone for all the reponses keep them coming! All thats left is to find a crossfire somewhere near by. I live in SoCal, and I've found a good deals a good distance away with ok mileage but I just dont feel right pulling the trigger without seeing the car first. I guess i'm going to wait for something local to show up. Let me know if anyone sees anything. Thanks!

 

Don't be afraid to wait for the one that's right for you.
It took me two months and a 4 hr drive to get mine.

 

I agree with Tom i spent a few weeks looking for mine and ended up flying to ohio to purchase it. Don't be afraid to look further away i saved around
$1500 and 20,000 miles on the car by spending $100 for a plane ticket.

 

Moosehead, I was just "bustin your chops". I know of some people who took much longer shopping for one, and I spent over 6 months looking for my own Crossfire. But with as many XF's there are for sale, it's a buyers market so take your time and weigh your options.
I was planning on purchasing a previously owned Crossfire, because there seemed to be so many on the used car lots when I started looking for one, and I just couldn't afford to spend anywhere close to "sticker" for a new one. A friend told me to check out EBAY, and as it turned out, while I was shopping the prices fell so much I was able to buy a brand new one for less than I was planning on spending for a used one. It was 9 hours away, but well worth the drive.
Don't hesitate to drive a little to save a lot. The right car for you may be a few 100 miles away, or even across the state line. But it's worth the trip.
I think so many people recommend the SRT6 to you because they feel (coming from a S2k) you'll be dissatisified with the performance offerd by a "NA" Crossfire.
Only you can decide how important owning a car that's 1 sec. slower in the 1/4 mile than your old Honda was "stock". But according to the roadtests (of the S2k, and Limited XF), slalom, skid pad, top end, and braking, they perform almost identically.
So unless you're into "drag racing", the biggest problem you may have is getting use to the Crossfires shifter. It aint bad, but it's no Honda.

 

Good point about prices on new. I've read recently that prices on new vehicles are actually better than used prices for many vehicles. This may be especially true for xfires, considering they've reached the end of their production run, and they are a low-demand vehicle.

The most important thing to do is not lose your cool. Look for cars that have been on the lot for >30 days. The longer the better. Name your price (even if it is a little ridiculous), and walk away if they don't want to meet it. If it in anyway helps them to sell the car and get it off their lot and their books, they'll be calling you in a few days. My xfire had been on the lot for 2 months when I made my offer, which was 20% off of what they were asking. It was rejected first, but a week later they called and accepted. Note this was a year ago. I'd expect if it happened today, they'd probably accept my offer on the spot.

 

Hi Neal,
I just enjoyed reading a post of yours from 2008, as you answered a question about whether or not to buy an SRT-6. At this moment I have a lead on one I may buy, so I am doing my research. Now, 4 years later, I wonder how your experience with the SRT-6 has been and what you might as to a guy like me, who is looking at one as a sporty, weekend auto? I am 66, 6 feet, 210 and I have driven one, so I do know that I fit the cockpit.
Would you be kind enough to share your thoughts and an update on your ownership?
Thanks,
Keith

 

Don’t hold your breath on a reply from Mimi05 the last post from that member was 2016. To answer part of your question 6’ and 210 no problem with the XF for ride comfort. Getting in and out can be challenging if you have hip or knee issues. Great weekend auto.
exetremly helpful if your handy and can do maintenance on your own.
the NA model is a fun cruiser but the SRT adds a little more kick to the ride
given the choice, go with the SRT

 

The SRT6 will provide the most performance for the dollar.
It will also attract attention.
Performance is exemplary.
Fun to drive - YES
Rare - YES
Pick a color (only four):
Aero Blue Pearl Coat
Black
Graphite Metallic
Sapphire Silver Blue
Educate yourself regarding these cars and make a decision.

 

Good Morning,

Thanks for the reply. I see a White SRT-6 convertible image in the message, so I assume that is yours. I am looking at a nice, low miles SRT convertible and am wondering if there are any serious downsides to a Rag Top in the SRT config ?? Thoughts ? Reflections ?

TIA, Keith

 

Yes, that’s mine. It started life as an NA but I’ve since cloned it.
I wanted a white car and SRT was not available in white.
There are days when my wife thinks I love my car more than her. There are days when I think she’s right.

A few differences and thoughts.
1) Roadster is way cooler than the coupe for both NA and SRT (I think all roadster owners will agree)
2) Less cargo space when the roof is down
3) You will notice more road noise with roof up. (Turn up stereo)
4) Spoiler supports (stanchions) are different from the coupe and as a consequence many of them on the roadster crack where the spoiler meets the stanchion (image included). Depending on how bad the cracking is, you may need to repair it or find someone to repair it for you. I have never seen one that does not have the issue of cracking. I repaired my own for less than $200 but I did the work and paint. Sending it to a shop could be $1500+ (most likely more).
5) When you tick over 100mph and the roof is down, common sense quickly comes over you and you back it down a bit. I would never want to roll in the roadster. I don’t believe the outcome would be positive. Those fancy hoops behind the driver and passenger are really there for appearance.
6) You have to vacuum it more often.
7) Get an air deflector. (Behind driver and passenger attaches to the hoops). On a cool night you’ll know why. It also makes it easier to talk to the passenger.

For all of your maintenance needs and performance upgrades, Rob at Needswings. He has everything you need to keep your car running great and OEM

Mines a garage queen, not a daily driver and it’s usually outside on days suited to a roadster, sunny and dry.
If you plan on keeping it long term start looking for and acquiring spares for the hard to find parts i.e. the divider bracket in the trunk (roadster only). You can find them but they are extremely rare. I believe Shamrock is your point of contact for these. He’s done an amazing job of recreating the, almost impossible to find, part on a 3D printer Buy a spare for both right and left, you’ll be super happy that you did. (There is a thread on this)
spare windshield trim, centre caps if you have OEM SRT Wheels, headlight assemblies and many more that you’ll discover over time. If your car doesn’t have a belt wrap kit, get one member LM21 (latemodel21) is the source for these.

Best to buy the spares before you need them, it’s a lot more cost effective
I purchased 2 right and 2 left headlight assemblies for $75 each. The seller didn’t know what he had and what they were worth. Seller asked me if I wanted the tail lights and I said no. He told me to take them anyway because he was going to throw them away
if the one your looking at doesn’t have dual cold air setup then you’ll need to contact Rob at Needswings.

2 key fobs from the seller are Uber important. Replacements are available but not overly cost effective.

Lots of assistance available on the forum. When soliciting assistance on the forum always circle back around with the outcome of that assistance. Did the correction suggested provide the fix you where looking for. It’s always appreciated when there is feedback. It helps us all.

Items that are hard to find but great to add to your ride when you come across them.
-turn signal mirrors
-illuminated door sills
-replace passenger seat tract with 8 way track from donor MB (threads on this too)
-clear marker lights

Sorry for the long message but these are just some of my thoughts. No one here is shy about sharing, all you need to do is ask.

When I first got mine I was speaking to a member and said “it’s cheaper than a girlfriend” and he replied “obviously you haven’t owned it that long”

You’re going to love your Crossfire