Crossfire Coupe A place to discuss Coupe specific topics.

Considering buying a XF

Thread Tools
 
  #1 (permalink)  
Old 01-20-2009 | 12:42 AM
Spaceman Spiff's Avatar
Thread Starter
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
Default Considering buying a XF

My first post

My job requires quite a bit of driving so I have been thinking about buying a second car as a commuter. I was looking on ebay and CL and noticed CFs are selling at VERY interesting prices! Looks like I can get a 2004-2005 XF with 20-50K mi (depending on condition and options) for around 10K. I was wondering why the car is selling so low? Is it a reliable commuter car? (average 30-40mi a day) I basically want something that I can put miles on w/o paying for any major repairs other than the normal maintenace, for at least 3-4 yrs. I REALLY like the design but haven't had a chance to test drive one yet and don't know anything about known issues or what to watch out for when buying used. I'd love to have your input!
 
  #2 (permalink)  
Old 01-20-2009 | 01:21 AM
Mr. Max's Avatar
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 916
Likes: 1
From: Pasadena California
Default Re: Considering buying a XF

Originally Posted by Spaceman Spiff
My first post

My job requires quite a bit of driving so I have been thinking about buying a second car as a commuter. I was looking on ebay and CL and noticed CFs are selling at VERY interesting prices! Looks like I can get a 2004-2005 XF with 20-50K mi (depending on condition and options) for around 10K. I was wondering why the car is selling so low? Is it a reliable commuter car? (average 30-40mi a day) I basically want something that I can put miles on w/o paying for any major repairs other than the normal maintenace, for at least 3-4 yrs. I REALLY like the design but haven't had a chance to test drive one yet and don't know anything about known issues or what to watch out for when buying used. I'd love to have your input!
Well for starters it's a Mecedes SLK with a Karmann body. The Engine is a 3.2 V6. They used this engine in the C320 also. Is it as reliable as a Toyota or a Honda? Probably not. It does have some issues but all in all it's a very good, well built car. My statement so far begs the question, what issues? I have only had my Crossfire six months so I have had no issues except a transmission leak that my dealer fixed for free.

The other fellows and gals will fill you in on the particulars. Your post was late at night for most of the U.S.A.
so you haven't gotten any responses but you will.

The reason their cheap is (1) were in a recession (2) they quit making them (3) most of the reviewers hated them and (4) not everybody likes the art deco style. They are a fantastic deal! The people who own them love them (independant studies) I hope you join us! cause were plain crazy about them!
 
  #3 (permalink)  
Old 01-20-2009 | 01:35 AM
Spaceman Spiff's Avatar
Thread Starter
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
Default Re: Considering buying a XF

Originally Posted by Mr. Max
Well for starters it's a Mecedes SLK with a Karmann body. The Engine is a 3.2 V6. They used this engine in the C320 also. Is it as reliable as a Toyota or a Honda? Probably not. It does have some issues but all in all it's a very good, well built car. My statement so far begs the question, what issues? I have only had my Crossfire six months so I have had no issues except a transmission leak that my dealer fixed for free.

The other fellows and gals will fill you in on the particulars. Your post was late at night for most of the U.S.A.
so you haven't gotten any responses but you will.

The reason their cheap is (1) were in a recession (2) they quit making them (3) most of the reviewers hated them and (4) not everybody likes the art deco style. They are a fantastic deal! The people who own them love them (independant studies) I hope you join us! cause were plain crazy about them!
Thanks for the reply! I know it's pretty late for most people
Something like that leak is exactly what I am afraid of! My problem is, I already have a "fun" car (Z4) so I was thinking I should buy a practical commuter car but I think I am gonna buy another fun car! I have never owner a Mercedes (or a Chrysler) before so I am not familiar with their typical problems. Hopefully I will get the answer here :> It's pretty much between XF, S2K and Miata now!
 
  #4 (permalink)  
Old 01-20-2009 | 06:11 AM
MAKIII's Avatar
Forum Regular
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 314
Likes: 0
From: VA
Default Re: Considering buying a XF

Have had my roadster for a year and half - drive it every day about 9,000 a year- unless it snows - have had the oil changed twice, and new tires that's it! Before I moved to VA I used to commute 3 to 4 hours a day drove 27 to 31,00 miles a year - would I do that in a Crossfire - sure would - the only issue I would 2nd quess - would be the tires - I would have to get a set every year - they are not cheap - but if you aren't driving that far - go for it - they are cheap enough - in the 5 years I did that commute I basically ran an Audi cabriolet and a Jag X-type into the ground with high miles and the wear and tear of stop and go highway driving.
 
  #5 (permalink)  
Old 01-20-2009 | 09:48 AM
cajunxfire's Avatar
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 210
Likes: 1
Default Re: Considering buying a XF

Buy One! You wont regret the purchase. A great car at at fantastic price. I use my 06 Roadster as a daily commuter. My only caveat is there is no spare tire. I sometimes go on I-12 for about 30 - 40 miles, and if I get a blowout, the only option is a tow truck, other than that you will love the car. GEt ready for a lot stares and quentions about the car at stores , parking lots, etc. Good Luck!! Let us know if you end up getting the XFirfe.
 
  #6 (permalink)  
Old 01-20-2009 | 10:05 PM
Spaceman Spiff's Avatar
Thread Starter
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
Default Re: Considering buying a XF

Originally Posted by cajunxfire
Buy One! You wont regret the purchase. A great car at at fantastic price. I use my 06 Roadster as a daily commuter. My only caveat is there is no spare tire. I sometimes go on I-12 for about 30 - 40 miles, and if I get a blowout, the only option is a tow truck, other than that you will love the car. GEt ready for a lot stares and quentions about the car at stores , parking lots, etc. Good Luck!! Let us know if you end up getting the XFirfe.
My Z4 doesn't have a spare either and I swapped the run-flats with normal tired for better ride quality (BTW does XF come with runflats?). I got a mobility kit including the pump and tire sealant just in case
 
  #7 (permalink)  
Old 01-20-2009 | 10:06 PM
Spaceman Spiff's Avatar
Thread Starter
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
Default Re: Considering buying a XF

Originally Posted by MAKIII
Have had my roadster for a year and half - drive it every day about 9,000 a year- unless it snows - have had the oil changed twice, and new tires that's it! Before I moved to VA I used to commute 3 to 4 hours a day drove 27 to 31,00 miles a year - would I do that in a Crossfire - sure would - the only issue I would 2nd quess - would be the tires - I would have to get a set every year - they are not cheap - but if you aren't driving that far - go for it - they are cheap enough - in the 5 years I did that commute I basically ran an Audi cabriolet and a Jag X-type into the ground with high miles and the wear and tear of stop and go highway driving.
I won't have any snow days in LA but a lot of traffic for sure!
What was your experience with the Jag? Did you have a lot of expensive repairs?
 
  #8 (permalink)  
Old 01-20-2009 | 10:37 PM
+fireamx's Avatar
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 7,507
Likes: 6
From: Akron, Ohio
Default Re: Considering buying a XF

Owning a Z4, you know what having a fun car means. It means everything else you drive isn't as much fun.
There's no law against having more than one "fun" car that I know of, so by all means, go for it. You can't get more car for less money.
Just so ya know, I have three other pretty fair "sports cars" that I haven't driven since I purchased my Crossfire nearly 4 years ago.
With 40k miles on my Crossfire, I haven't had one "mechanical" problem that's kept me off the road.
 
  #9 (permalink)  
Old 01-20-2009 | 10:38 PM
Franc Rauscher's Avatar
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 8,222
Likes: 620
From: St Louis MO
Default Re: Considering buying a XF

There are very few issues with this car. It is a Benz. The only thing on it that is chrysler are the badges.

It makes a great commuter car getting good gas milage, (27-28 mpg hwy) and is a lot like the Smart Car in that it is very sensible, only much sexier.

Crossfires are a real bargain right now and great fun to drive except for alll the stares. It is a very stylish "economy" car. The crowds that come around it when you park, can be annoying.

It is also very small which limits what you can carry. That said, it is still large enough to carry your Ego which will grow every time you push on the gas.

Stop thinking and just buy one. You'll have no regrets.


roadster with a stick
 
  #10 (permalink)  
Old 01-20-2009 | 10:57 PM
Mr. Max's Avatar
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 916
Likes: 1
From: Pasadena California
Default Re: Considering buying a XF

Originally Posted by Spaceman Spiff
I won't have any snow days in LA but a lot of traffic for sure!
What was your experience with the Jag? Did you have a lot of expensive repairs?
Hey Spaceman, Since I live in LA, and at least one other guy on the forum lives in LA, it would be great to have another guy on the forum who lives in LA. There are a lot of Crossfires in Los Angeles but you don't see them on the forum.

Nope the stock tires on an XF aren't run flat. They come with a performance Michelin or a little less performance all weather Continental. My Continentals are 'Y' rated, so even the less sticky tire is high performance.

I'll answer your Jag question since I still have an XJS V12 Convertible. Parts and labor are pretty stiff and in the case of mine there was some pretty bad engineering, especially in the wiring department. The 'X' type is a different creature.
 

Last edited by Mr. Max; 01-20-2009 at 11:00 PM.
  #11 (permalink)  
Old 01-20-2009 | 11:02 PM
GB'sXFire's Avatar
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 262
Likes: 1
From: Los Angeles, (Whittier)
Default Re: Considering buying a XF

Is LA as in Los Angeles or Lower Alabama? If LA, I'm in Whittier, there are some good deals in the area for sure. Got my 05 'vert last August, no problems, but really only take her out on weekends. If your a big person, I don't think I would recommend it as a daily driver. I'm 6'3", about 250ish, and I wouldn't want it as my daily driver, some here will disagree, but to each his own I guess. Good luck with your search, any questions, just PM me.
 
  #12 (permalink)  
Old 01-20-2009 | 11:19 PM
Mr. Max's Avatar
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 916
Likes: 1
From: Pasadena California
Default Re: Considering buying a XF

Originally Posted by GB'sXFire
Is LA as in Los Angeles or Lower Alabama? If LA, I'm in Whittier, there are some good deals in the area for sure. Got my 05 'vert last August, no problems, but really only take her out on weekends. If your a big person, I don't think I would recommend it as a daily driver. I'm 6'3", about 250ish, and I wouldn't want it as my daily driver, some here will disagree, but to each his own I guess. Good luck with your search, any questions, just PM me.
GB, I didn't realize you lived in Whittier. I could have driven over and showed you my wood dash.
 
  #13 (permalink)  
Old 01-20-2009 | 11:26 PM
Mr. Max's Avatar
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 916
Likes: 1
From: Pasadena California
Default Re: Considering buying a XF

Yep! there it is in plain sight, Whittier, I guess I just didn't notice it all this time. These days I have to be staring right at something to see it.
 
  #14 (permalink)  
Old 01-20-2009 | 11:26 PM
SteveS's Avatar
Forum Regular
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 455
Likes: 0
From: San Francisco, CA
Default Re: Considering buying a XF

Originally Posted by Mr. Max
GB, I didn't realize you lived in Whittier. I could have driven over and showed you my wood dash.
MrMax .... I didn't realize you lived in the greater LA area ... I was down that way 3 weeks ago and was able to enjoy a meeting with GBsXFire ... had we known you were so close, you could have joined us and I too could have admired your wood dash ...
 
  #15 (permalink)  
Old 01-20-2009 | 11:31 PM
GB'sXFire's Avatar
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 262
Likes: 1
From: Los Angeles, (Whittier)
Default Re: Considering buying a XF

I may take you up on that offer to have a up close and personal look at the wood kit you installed. I want to get it, but the wife is still on my back about buying stuff. Recession she tell's me, I tell her I'm just trying to do my part and buy what I can to keep somone from loosing there jobs, which isn't far from the truth. Spend money to make money.
 
  #16 (permalink)  
Old 01-20-2009 | 11:32 PM
SteveS's Avatar
Forum Regular
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 455
Likes: 0
From: San Francisco, CA
Default Re: Considering buying a XF

oh, and Spaceman ...

I drove mine for a year as a daily commuter ... close to 40 miles each way in Bay Area traffic, which rivals anything LA has to offer ... the last two years, I've been lucky enough to work from home, so drive far fewer miles per day, but (knock wood) have done so without significant incident.

Let me add a thought that is somewhat unrelated to your question or to any of the other responses ... you've no doubt seen the TV commercial in which a good looking dark haired woman is driving a red Caddy SUV and says that it's not about pop up maps or wood accents ... what really matters, she says, is that when you turn your car on, does it return the favor ...

My answer, in a single word is YES

'nuff said
 
  #17 (permalink)  
Old 01-20-2009 | 11:33 PM
GB'sXFire's Avatar
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 262
Likes: 1
From: Los Angeles, (Whittier)
Default Re: Considering buying a XF

What kinda cigar you smokin' Steve? I want one of those! lol
 
  #18 (permalink)  
Old 01-21-2009 | 01:55 AM
Mr. Max's Avatar
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 916
Likes: 1
From: Pasadena California
Default Re: Considering buying a XF

Originally Posted by SteveS
MrMax .... I didn't realize you lived in the greater LA area ... I was down that way 3 weeks ago and was able to enjoy a meeting with GBsXFire ... had we known you were so close, you could have joined us and I too could have admired your wood dash ...
That would have been great Steve! So far I haven't met anyone on the forum but would like to. Stop by anytime.
 
  #19 (permalink)  
Old 01-21-2009 | 02:12 AM
Mr. Max's Avatar
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 916
Likes: 1
From: Pasadena California
Default Re: Considering buying a XF

Originally Posted by GB'sXFire
I may take you up on that offer to have a up close and personal look at the wood kit you installed. I want to get it, but the wife is still on my back about buying stuff. Recession she tell's me, I tell her I'm just trying to do my part and buy what I can to keep somone from loosing there jobs, which isn't far from the truth. Spend money to make money.
Anytime GB, I'll PM you and Steve my home phone number. My girlfriend gives me a rash of s*** every time I want to spend money on the Crossfire. I have to keep reminding her that she contributed nothing to my net
worth and if I want to blow a few hundred bucks of my own money on the Crossfire I'm going to it. I do love the lady but I just can't understand why she will give me a bad time about buying sixty dollars worth of emblems, but wants me to lay down ten grand to reconfigure the dining room because she doesn't like the view or access to the back yard. Amazing!
 
  #20 (permalink)  
Old 01-21-2009 | 03:56 AM
SteveS's Avatar
Forum Regular
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 455
Likes: 0
From: San Francisco, CA
Default Re: Considering buying a XF

LOL ... yes, women ARE amazing ... many among us have had similar experiences to yours ...
 


Quick Reply: Considering buying a XF



All times are GMT -4. The time now is 05:26 AM.