I brought the Crossfire in for an intermittent supercharger and door locks that didn't work. I found the notes on the writeup amusing:

---
PROBLEM: "CUST STATES CORRODED HARNESS, WATER INTRUSION IN LOCK MODULE, ACCORDING TO PREVIOUS DEALER"

SOLUTION: "LOCK MODULE SUBMERGED IN ICE"

Diagnostic fee: $55 (originally $85 before I got pissed)
---

That's right, I got charged $55 for them to tell me what I told them, that the wire harness was corroded and the lock module was subjected to water. Morons.

In addition, it took then ten minutes to get my car out. I stood outside where they said it would come around. It started raining. I kept asking around and complaining loudly. I even asked a service writer, "Did you guys get lost?" She assured me that it was in the back and would take time.

FINALLY they brought it around. The kid told me it was parked behind a car that was dead, so they had to push the dead car out of the way. I -told- them I was picking it up Monday afternoon!

On top of that, they claimed to not be able to hear the diff whine or the engine ticking, and Greg the service writer got WHINY when I questioned his diagnosis and asked for his technician's Crossfire certifications.

His exact words: "What, you don't believe me?"
[No retard, I don't believe you.]

Current list of problems at 30,000 miles:
Broken power locks
Corroded wire harness
Engine ticking
Rear water leak
Faulty supercharger clutch / intercooler pump
Oil leak
Broken heated seats
Differential whine

Pathetic. I had a damn good time driving the Crossfire home, at least.

Goodbye, Chrysler. Have fun in bankruptcy court.

Seville STS ftw.

The Crossfire looks like a tumble turd (dung beetle).

At least you're not going to be a farther...

Pre-Chrysler Mercedes FTW!

Oh, and how's the suade interior? Still holding up?

So Im guessing this car had water damage when you bought it? Sounds like A LOT of the cars in New Orleans I knew of when I lived down there. Didnt it come from Tampa? Just a thought.

Pre-Chrysler Mercedes FTW!

Oh, and how's the suade interior? Still holding up?

LOVE the seats. They're looking great, though I need to vacuum some dog hair.

As for hurricane stuff, the car never spent any time in New Orleans, but water leaks and early spots of rust are a common problem. If you go to any Chrysler dealer and open the rear hatch on a Crossfire, you'll see surface rust along the seams on a few cars. Its pathetic.

My brief (three years) history with Chrylser product dealer service back in the 1970's wasn't any better. Hence they never got any more of my money. The refusal to standby their "new car" sales by correcting manufacturing defects upon delivery or during the warrantee was truly a disgrace. But let's face it the American buying public put up with this treatment of American automaker's customers well into the 1980's when even Mid-westerners started buying Japanese. By the way, Mercedes dealer's servic reps were famaous for their "Vhat did you do to our Car!" attitude when the over engineered and way over priced pieces of crap had to be towed in for repair. I know as as a teenager I was task with trying to keep three of them running!!!

Chrysler can suck it.


F

So, basically, the dealer can't get the car set up to run correctly ... Mopar was ill equipped to sell/maintain an exotic.
Shades of Lincoln/Mercury selling Panteras back in the 70's.

When/if you send the car back to Ian, will he try and retail his way out of it, or keep it for himself?

So, basically, the dealer can't get the car set up to run correctly ... Mopar was ill equipped to sell/maintain an exotic.
Shades of Lincoln/Mercury selling Panteras back in the 70's.

When/if you send the car back to Ian, will he try and retail his way out of it, or keep it for himself?

We're still working out the details.

Crossfires look like they wear...p00p.

I passed one on the highway the other day, and from the rear 3/4 view it doesn't look *too* bad. Still would take a 350Z over it though...

how bout a 370Z with synchro rev-match...

Our '98 Dodge Caravan had a slipping trans at 30K. Then we hit a stroke of luck and it got stolen, and insurance covered everything. :yup:

Dodge suk.

Our '98 Dodge Caravan had a slipping trans at 30K. Then we hit a stroke of luck and it got stolen, and insurance covered everything. :yup:

Dodge suk.

Is Jesda listening?
Park her in a 'suspect' part of town, spare key on the passenger seat,
and problemo solved.:yup:

I've been quite sick the last few days. I don't want to do anything but lay in bed. But I got hungry, and the dog looked bored so I decided to go for a drive.

I walked around the car and noticed some loose bits in the trunk. I opened the hatch and found that they DIDN'T REASSEMBLE THE TRUNK! I wasted money on diagnosing the locks and they didn't even have the courtesy to put the damn thing back together.

http://www.q45.org/cpg/albums/userpics/10001/DCP_3452.JPG
http://www.q45.org/cpg/albums/userpics/10001/DCP_3453.JPG

I was livid.

I called them at noon and asked to speak with Don, the service manager. After a long hold, I finally got through to him.

ME: "This is Jesda, I brought in an SRT6 and picked it up yesterday. I found a bunch of interior trim pieces all over the trunk. You guys never put it back together. I told you last week that I was picking up the car on Monday..."

DON: "Oh, yeah he must have thought that we were gonna replace the..."

ME: "I CALLED YOU THURSDAY AND TOLD YOU I WAS PICKING UP THE CAR MONDAY AFTERNOON. THATS FOUR DAYS NOTICE TO PUT THE CAR TOGETHER."

DON: [silence]

ME: "I HAVE SCHOOL, WORK, AND I'M SICK. I FEEL LIKE CRAP AND I DON'T HAVE TIME TO DEAL WITH THIS NONSENSE. I'M COMING OVER THERE AND YOU ARE GOING TO FIX IT RIGHT NOW. SEE YOU SOON."

I hung up. I headed up the road and pulled right into their service bay (blasting Phil Collins), got out, and slammed the door hard. I was right on the verge of blowing up at these people for all of their repeated screw-ups.

http://www.q45.org/cpg/albums/userpics/10001/SSPX0792.jpg

I walked up to a little lady at the service desk and said, "Hey, I'm JESDA I spoke to DON about..."

And before I could finish, my service writer Greg ran up and apologized. I handed him my keys and he pulled it into the garage.

http://www.q45.org/cpg/albums/userpics/10001/SSPX0791.jpg

The guys in the garage started yelling at each other.

Finally, after over an hour of sitting there in the waiting room hacking, sneezing, and coughing, I got my car back.

http://www.q45.org/cpg/albums/userpics/10001/DCP_3454.JPG

Grr. Royal Gate Chrysler sucks.

Royal Gayte.

Our '98 Dodge Caravan had a slipping trans at 30K. Then we hit a stroke of luck and it got stolen, and insurance covered everything. :yup:

Dodge suk.


i bet the thief was PISSED

Whatayabet a thief wouldn't touch that thing! You go back in a few days and there it is just as you left it. Thieves are selective they never want what you want to give them!

Hahaha, oh shit is that thing under warranty? You can DESTROY them on their CSI survey if you wanna. That would cost them far more aggravation than a few yelling matches.

Jesda, you do not have a bad car ! What you have is an inept bumbling dealer service dept.
Here's what ya do:

Call Chrysler ZONE. (The Zone office for Chrysler in your area). Ask for
the Zone Manager or Asst. Manager. When you get him, ask him which
dealer in your trade zone has the highest score for service.
Be sure to get the person's name & remember it.
Upon arriving at the dealership, tell the service writer or service manager
that Joe Blow directed you TO HIM!!

Write down the problems on paper & hand it to him.

You WILL get good results.
PS / Do Not go in with a bad outlook and be nice.
Do not mention your recent past experience with the above dealer.

I'd be shopping for a new dealership.

Screw it. MOPAR dealers are morons. Its going to a Euro shop from now on.

They could have at least vacuumed the damn thing for you. Sounds like a poor dealership to me.

Does that POS really have a stinky little 215HP SOHC V6? I looked at the Chrysler website and I couldn't believe my eyes. How the hell does it get out of its own smoke? P_E_E_E_U_U_U_U! That's even worse than a Mustang II.

Does that POS really have a stinky little 215HP SOHC V6? I looked at the Chrysler website and I couldn't believe my eyes. How the hell does it get out of its own smoke? P_E_E_E_U_U_U_U! That's even worse than a Mustang II.

3.2L SC V6. 350hp.

0-60 in 4.8s.

3.2L SC V6. 350hp.

0-60 in 4.8s.
That'd be a little bit better if the SC worked. How's the low end?

That'd be a little bit better if the SC worked. How's the low end?

There's an instant rush of seriously FRIGHTENING power from a dead stop. Its not a high-revving or very high-tech motor, but with forced induction it performs admirably. The SC works about 50% of the time.

If you choose to get the car back to factory spec, I believe Sandy gave you excellent advice.
Take Sandy's well thought out suggestion ... it comes from a Mopar insider.
Not every Chrysler service department is inept ... you just have to know the system.
Maybe it shouldn't be that way with an expensive product, but Sandy gave you solid insider knowledge
to get it done competently and quickly.

It sounds to me like a limited production machine that Chrysler would be just as happy if it evaporated. Hopefully you will find a dealer that knows how to fix it.

Jesda, you do not have a bad car ! What you have is an inept bumbling dealer service dept.
Here's what ya do:

Call Chrysler ZONE. (The Zone office for Chrysler in your area). Ask for
the Zone Manager or Asst. Manager. When you get him, ask him which
dealer in your trade zone has the highest score for service.
Be sure to get the person's name & remember it.
Upon arriving at the dealership, tell the service writer or service manager
that Joe Blow directed you TO HIM!!

Write down the problems on paper & hand it to him.

You WILL get good results.
PS / Do Not go in with a bad outlook and be nice.
Do not mention your recent past experience with the above dealer.

Sandy has given you good advice here, follow it, get it fixed and get rid of it!

There's an instant rush of seriously FRIGHTENING power from a dead stop. Its not a high-revving or very high-tech motor, but with forced induction it performs admirably. The SC works about 50% of the time.


Is the fun generated by the car worth the headaches associated with it? Could you drive it to Chicago? I'd love a ride in it.

But yeah, take that fugger to a Mercedes shop. If they sell and service the SLK, then I'd think this wouldn't be a problem. And their customer service should be miles ahead of what Chrysler's had.

Is this car still under warranty? If it is you would be crazy to take it to a Mercedes dealer. I would follow Sandy's advice first and find a local Chrysler dealer who can fix the relatively simple problems you have with the car. If that doesn't work out get Chrysler to recommend how they rectify the situation.

The factory warranty just recently ended last year, so its on a comprehensive private warranty, so I can take it anywhere. My trusted mechanic doesn't feel comfortable working on it, and I respect that. As for the headaches, I forget about them when I mash the throttle and turn up Careless Whisper. Its inferior to a 3-series, but still a thrill to drive.

I still don't get how a supercharger can only work "half the time"? I thought they were a constant source of power, belt driven. Is it a different style of supercharger than what's used on the Grand Prix GTP's?

Jesda, just wait until I get my S55 AMG, the one with the 469hp Supercharged 5.4L V8, not the naturally aspirated 5.5L V8, then we'll race. :cool2:

The clutch is operated by a magnet, and the intercooler pump on this car is notoriously flaky. When the computer detects an overheat situation, it sends a command and disengages the supercharger.

You need yourself an S Class. A proper Mercedes. We can't let this sissy little Crossfire sully the fine name of Mercedes in your mind. :) ;)

You need yourself an S Class. A proper Mercedes. We can't let this sissy little Crossfire sully the fine name of Mercedes in your mind. :) ;)
E-class.

W196

The Crossfire SRT6 is supposed to be the best of modern MB performance, with AMG power, handbuilt in Germany by Karmann. I don't want another Mercedes-Benz product ever again. The CF at least has the exception of being unique. And as you go up the ladder from the SLK/Crossfire, things get MORE complex and LESS predictable.

I suspect MB is still bitter about the outcome of World War II, so they're flooding the US market with crappy cars to distract us from the ovens still being stuffed with Jews.

They couldn't run their own firm correctly AND they ruined Chrysler. The only German automaker that matters is BMW.

The Crossfire SRT6 is supposed to be the best of modern MB performance, with AMG power, handbuilt in Germany by Karmann. I don't want another Mercedes-Benz product ever again. The CF at least has the exception of being unique. And as you go up the ladder from the SLK/Crossfire, things get MORE complex and LESS predictable.

I suspect MB is still bitter about the outcome of World War II, so they're flooding the US market with crappy cars to distract us from the ovens still being stuffed with Jews.

They couldn't run their own firm correctly AND they ruined Chrysler. The only German automaker that matters is BMW.

Obviously you don't speak German; "Karmann" is German for "rust."

Your reasons for the high price and unreliability of Mercedes products is flawed ....... I believe it has more to do the myth of German engineering, which if it had or has been truly superior the world would all be speaking
German instead of American English. I know there is a younger generation on this forum that believes Mercedes-Benz PR about the superiorty of its' autos.
I have experienced many generations of German cars both in the US and abroad and know them to be expensive to maintain, trouble prone. If we saw tuns of them day in and day out performing lowly transportation task we wouldn't be swayed by their elite status in the US. Yes, the top of the line cars are finished in luxurious materials ....... but to get anything with decent V-8 power to haul their 4500 lb weight around, you got to fork over close to $100,000! If you put another $20,000. into up grading a Cad's interior you would end up with something just as high quality and still have change left over for the better things in life.

Glad to hear your resolution, Jesda, you have set on a course that will save you a lot of money ...... and you won't have to put up with surly and incompotent Mercedes service. If you want something German buy a BMW and trade it before the warranty runs out!

The Crossfire SRT6 is supposed to be the best of modern MB performance, with AMG power, handbuilt in Germany by Karmann. I don't want another Mercedes-Benz product ever again. The CF at least has the exception of being unique. And as you go up the ladder from the SLK/Crossfire, things get MORE complex and LESS predictable.

I suspect MB is still bitter about the outcome of World War II, so they're flooding the US market with crappy cars to distract us from the ovens still being stuffed with Jews.

They couldn't run their own firm correctly AND they ruined Chrysler. The only German automaker that matters is BMW.

Couldn't have said it better myself. I keep the 2003-05 E55 AMG in the back of my mind all the time. Then I stop and think just for one moment of EVERYTHING that could possibly go wrong on that stupid car and the desire disappears completely. Mercedes Benz = Overpriced Junk after 1999.

At least the CF SRT6 has a VERY appealing price of entry and once the headaches are worked out, it is a thrill for the dirt cheap price and a very unique and special car.

All the CTS guys know I'm pissed that my V is only worth $5,000. I think that's a great value for new buyers, no?

I know there is a younger generation on this forum that believes Mercedes-Benz PR about the superiorty of its' autos.
I have experienced many generations of German cars both in the US and abroad and know them to be expensive to maintain, trouble prone.

I always figured it was the older buyers who got to directly experience MB's period of world-class engineering who still believe today's MB is the same as old. I presumed it was younger buyers who witnessed the DaimlerChrysler nightmare and moved on to the newer Cadillacs, BMWs, etc.

1999, I agree, seems like the cutoff for anything worthwhile from MB. Chad's S-class is stunning, and my dad's W124 is a rolling work of art (and as an added bonus, its very reliable).

Once the Crossfire finds its way to a good shop, and once I repair the water leak myself, I'll enjoy it more. Its a collectible car and a piece of automotive history.

It is? Is it because 5 different designers couldn't get a common theme on the styling?

they didnt vacuum it

what say you, tiff?

It is? Is it because 5 different designers couldn't get a common theme on the styling?

Two guys designed it. Stoddard did the concept, Dyson adapted it for the SLK platform. Stoddard moved on to Hyundai and Dyson moved on to Saab.

Two guys designed it. Stoddard did the concept, Dyson adapted it for the SLK platform. Stoddard moved on to Hyundai and Dyson moved on to Saab.
I just think the headlights, hood, profile and rear end just do not go together. To me, the 300 was a grand slam and everything else tried to use that...

The Crossfire SRT6 is supposed to be the best of modern MB performance, with AMG power, handbuilt in Germany by Karmann. I don't want another Mercedes-Benz product ever again. The CF at least has the exception of being unique. And as you go up the ladder from the SLK/Crossfire, things get MORE complex and LESS predictable.

I suspect MB is still bitter about the outcome of World War II, so they're flooding the US market with crappy cars to distract us from the ovens still being stuffed with Jews.

They couldn't run their own firm correctly AND they ruined Chrysler. The only German automaker that matters is BMW.

Why would the Chrysler knockoff be the best of modern MB performance? Maybe the best when it comes to price v. performance, but the SL65 would be M-B's flat out best performance car. And why does everyone say that BMW is the only German brand that matters now? They're cranking out the ugliest shit that is on the market. Chris Bangle RUINED automotive design across the boards and 7 years after it started, it's now FINALLY starting to die off. And that iDrive, headache that it was, was refined last year to be less of a headache and more driver friendly. MORE driver friendly? I thought their entire point of coming out with that damned system was to make driving easier than ever.

And it's not like Chrysler was world class before their time with Daimler Benz. They created crap, and still continue to create crap. Benz didn't hurt that at all...they improved it in some aspects by giving Chrysler's RWD sedans and wagons the suspension design from the E Class, making it a world class driving car, along with an extremely hot product. But all of Chrysler's other products at the time really lacked any strong selling points..

The whole M-B/Chrysler thing shoulda never happened IMO. Both companies left that relationship in worse overall condition than when they started in it.

At least the CF SRT6 has a VERY appealing price of entry and once the headaches are worked out, it is a thrill for the dirt cheap price and a very unique and special car.

So would you ever consider or recommend an E55 or S55 AMG? I always wanted an S55 AMG. How does an SRT-6 Crossfire compare to a 350Z in terms of performance and price? I'd rather have the Z, personally. And I suppose a Corvette wouldn't be much more expensive...

1999, I agree, seems like the cutoff for anything worthwhile from MB. Chad's S-class is stunning, and my dad's W124 is a rolling work of art (and as an added bonus, its very reliable).

Once the Crossfire finds its way to a good shop, and once I repair the water leak myself, I'll enjoy it more. Its a collectible car and a piece of automotive history.

I'd have to agree with you Jesda for the most part, but 2001 seems to be more of a pivotal year IMO. That was the last year for the R129 SL Class (the timeless one), which was the last car designed with their old "most over engineered cars in the world" slogan in mind. Everything that came after that wasn't as thoroughly designed, engineered or tested.

But it's not like there was a certain year in particular in which M-B went from "great" to "crap". The W210 E Class (the first generation for the "new fangled" front end design, and the first model to use cheaper interior materials) came out in '96. The SLK (a whole new line at the time) came out in '98, as did the CLK and ML Class, which were both new entries, but the ML had an awful interior. Cheap, ugly, boring. It looked like it was straight out of a Hyundai. I've never sat in a SLK, so I can't comment on that, and the CLK shared most interior bits with the E Class, which wasn't as well built, expensive feeling or as solid as the interiors in the S, CL, and SL Classes, but nowhere near as embarrassing as the interior in the ML. The new S Class came out in '00, and while not as great as it was in terms of build quality, quality of materials and solidity, it was about on average with it's competition.

Then the new C Class came out in '01, and that's about when the company hit rock bottom.

Two guys designed it. Stoddard did the concept, Dyson adapted it for the SLK platform. Stoddard moved on to Hyundai and Dyson moved on to Saab.

Is that Dyson the same Dyson that did the Vacuum cleaner?
http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WAAmeb0Lr_w/SQc32gY51PI/AAAAAAAAB4s/KxPf9F1Z0GU/s400/vacuum-cleaner-james-dyson.jpg

Before the Daimler takeover, Chrysler was the most efficient automaker in the world, and tremendously profitable. They were already designing the LX platform to replace the LH, and had plans to turn Plymouth into a retro-themed line of entry-level cars. There was no Sebring or Pacifica as we know it.

The current Sebring came out of the Daimler era, when Chrysler's profits were used to feed development for MB cars and trucks. After Chrysler was sapped for funds, it was discarded. The pricks in Stuttgart erased 5/6th of the company's value.

BMW's top-selling 3-series has now outsold the Mondeo in Europe, and sales of that model continue to increase worldwide. The abominations like the X6 and X3 will soon be eliminated or corrected, as evidenced by the restyling of the 7-series and Z4. Chris Bangle no longer works for BMW. Most importantly, during BMW's flirtation with horrible designs, they remained focused on fundamentals -- excellent cars to drive that are reasonably well made with reasonably good reliability, E65 aside.

When BMW took its eye off the ball, we got ugly cars that were still good underneath.
When MB took its eye off the ball, we got ugly cars that were awful inside and out, like the new C-class.

There's a few good books out there on the lies and BS that resulted in the DC merger, and Bob Eaton was as guilty of arrogance as the managers at DaimlerBenz.

The SRT6 easily outperforms the Z, as confirmed by other Nissan owners, but it costs quite a bit more to keep running and the resale value is terrible.

As for -that- Dyson, if he designed the Crossfire, it would have one wheel in the shape of a sphere. :D

I still don't think Bangle was all that bad. Certain items like character lines I think were good ideas...

Look up the phonetic German pronounciation of AMG. It tells you all you need to know.

I took German in high school. I know how it's pronounced. Doesn't mean shit though.

I took German in high school. I know how it's pronounced. Doesn't mean shit though.
doesn't it?

So would you ever consider or recommend an E55 or S55 AMG? I always wanted an S55 AMG. How does an SRT-6 Crossfire compare to a 350Z in terms of performance and price? I'd rather have the Z, personally. And I suppose a Corvette wouldn't be much more expensive...

The beauty of the CF, and particularly the SRT6 is that when you're someone like me (and by proxy Jesda) who has owned everything under the sun, it is nice to have a car that you might see another copy of maybe once in a YEAR of driving if THAT! Sure you can make all the quips you want as to whether that's because the car is a pile of crap or because no one likes them, the fact is regardless it's a car that attracts attention, negative or positive, wherever it goes, and is a blast to drive.

As to your first question, I'd suggest an E55 AMG only for much the same reasons. You don't see them on the road all that much, it's an immense amount of performance for a very reasonable price and it is after all, a beautiful and very usable luxury sedan. The problem is that even WITH a warranty you are going to be in and out of the dealership every 3 weeks for something new, and once the warranty has expired the repairs on an MB for someone who can't fix ALOT of the quirky and ridiculously redundant systems on such a complicated car can skyrocket in cost rapidly (supercharger on the SRT6 is a *$7000.00* part, yes that's right, more than a transmission).

On the balance however, the CF even with all its problems, is a far more reliable and enjoyable piece of machinery than the M3 Convertible which it replaced. Mark my words because this is one of the *FEW* times you will ever see me hand credit to the Daimler product over ANY BMW.

A 2004 CTS-V, broken rear-end and all, is a FAR more SENSIBLE choice for the money if you can stand a stickshift, than a similar year E55 AMG.

350Zs are a dime a dozen. Nice cars, but not terribly fast, and not terribly special.

I agree that the relatively "rareness" of the CF SRT6 make it desirable, plus it will probably become a collectors car along the lines of the De Lorean. Having owned and maintained several none mainstream cars over the years, I can say finding a good, competent mechanic (who isn't financing his daughter's equestrian career solely based on your business) is probably the number one adjunct to finding a good example of the car. Without a good source of repair service one is doomed to outrageous cost and frustration.

I was lucky, for many years, to have a really knowledgeable mechanic who kept my Jaguars and Lamborghini in reliable and great running condition. Since I've moved to the East Coast I haven't been as lucky and have been taken to the cleaners on a couple of occasions. So in less you can do the work yourself and can afford the premium price of the parts it might be best to admire the "Super Cars" from afar. I've never gotten the point of hot rod Mercedes sedans ..... for that kind of money I'd want something with a little more individuality for my buck.

After reading this, I find more and more appreciation for the C5 & C6 Corvette. The interiors might be crap, but other than that they are amazingly well engineered/designed cars. They adhere to the "Keep it simple stupid" philosophy, which means it weighs less than the competition, it doesn't break down, and it makes it very aftermarket friendly. The LSx motor is by far the best V8 ever put into a production car.

There are several of these Crossfire things in Fairbanks but it looks to me like most are not supercharged. Was the SC made in more than one year? The normally aspirated Crossfires are lame.

There are several of these Crossfire things in Fairbanks but it looks to me like most are not supercharged. Was the SC made in more than one year? The normally aspirated Crossfires are lame.

2005 and an extremely limited number of '06.

The only good thing about the regular crossfire is that it came with a 6-speed. All the SRT6s are autotragic.

That being said, even the 6-speed crossfire stayed for maybe 6 months before being sold.

The only good thing about the regular crossfire is that it came with a 6-speed. All the SRT6s are autotragic.

That being said, even the 6-speed crossfire stayed for maybe 6 months before being sold.

The automatic in the SRT-6 is one of the finest automatics ever mated to a high performance vehicle. Proof of this is that 99 percent of the people who are bitching about it not being a six speed when they are in the "consideration" stage are out winning races 2 weeks later and singing it's praises/changing their tune at CF owners clubs and on the track.

It definitely takes the enjoyment out of self-shifting, but on the same token that auto shifts faster and more accurately than all but the best human could, and the tiptronic works well.

For me? I still think BMWs auto trans from the E46 is the finest on the planet, but the Crossfire one has a cult following. It's really odd to see people so hyped up over an automatic anything.

The regular Crossfire is a piece of junk unless you get the drop top.

The damn things might as well be some kind of PT Cruiser variant if you consider just the end result.

god, i hate that magnetically couple piece of crap supercharger.
they even lie about it in the brochures about being a lysholm (whipple) charger (which it isn't, its a twisted roots design)

lets see, use a direct belt drive supercharger with a blow by valve like has been done for years, which is light, efficient, and never breaks down..

or go this pathetically complicated magnetically coupled drive..

good going MB. morons

It definitely takes the enjoyment out of self-shifting, but on the same token that auto shifts faster and more accurately than all but the best human could, and the tiptronic works well.

I totally agree with that statement. I just like driving with a manual. Though with something like the STS-V, I don't think I could EVER shift as fast as the automatic does. And that the whole shift it yourself thing is junk. You're destined to hit the limiter.

There are several of these Crossfire things in Fairbanks but it looks to me like most are not supercharged. Was the SC made in more than one year? The normally aspirated Crossfires are lame.

What the F*** do you do with a Crossfire in Alaska!! :cookoo:

^ I'd assume you'd drive it.

LOVE the seats. They're looking great, though I need to vacuum some dog hair.

As for hurricane stuff, the car never spent any time in New Orleans, but water leaks and early spots of rust are a common problem. If you go to any Chrysler dealer and open the rear hatch on a Crossfire, you'll see surface rust along the seams on a few cars. Its pathetic.

Why did you buy a crossfire again?

I mean... you bought it. :hide:

What the F*** do you do with a Crossfire in Alaska!! :cookoo:
I guess you drive it. The guy three houses down the street has one and it's his DD. I see others on the road every day. I still think it looks like a tumble turd, especially from the rear.

What the F*** do you do with a Crossfire in Alaska!! :cookoo:


Same thing you do in St Louis ... tow it to garages, whilst exclaiming, "Damn, that's one fast car!":)

I actually like the Crossfires, though I have never seen an SRT-6. The convertibles look cool too, but its not something I would want to drive. As for the 350Z, I drove my neighbors and it was ok. He said due to an alignment problem with the '03's (he has '03 Touring), he has to replace the tires every 7-10k miles due to wear. You know tires for a car like that can't be cheap...

Mercedes has never been my favorite brand. I like the older square headlamp models, but once the awkward looking '96 model came along, I kinda lost interest. The only models that peak my interest now is the CLS and SL, though I'd take a XLR-V over the SL. I guess my affection of Cadillac's will never go away. I still think my Seville STS is the best looking car on the road. Love is blind...

The last Mopar product my family owned was a 1981 Plymouth Horizon. The best that can be said for it was that it wasn't quite the disaster our 1968 AMC Rebel was, but it was a very close second. I think my dad had that Horizon home about 24 hours before it was back in the shop. It never strayed far from the shop in the six years we had it.

Same thing you do in St Louis ... tow it to garages, whilst exclaiming, "Damn, that's one fast car!":)

Hasn't needed a tow... yet! *fingers crossed* :D

Why did you buy a crossfire again?

I mean... you bought it. :hide:

Because... its fun? I'd be fixing just as much with a used Seville. Both are pretty cars with expensive issues. The 98+ Seville also has a rear trunk leak due to poorly formed seams, but fortunately nothing important can get flooded back there so its something most owners can just live with.

The '92 STS is as tight as a drum.

The biggest difference is that the Crossfire is supported by a network of incompetent dealers. Cadillac dealers can be a mixed bag, but I've only had excellent service from the ones I've dealt with.

Man, I'd just about take anything over a Crossfire, SRT or not. No offence to the people on here that like them, but they appeal to me in no way or form. I'd take an LS-1 Trans Am or Camaro, or perhaps a SVT Cobra over it any day of the week. But...that's just me and my weirdness. :)

Man, I'd just about take anything over a Crossfire, SRT or not. No offence to the people on here that like them, but they appeal to me in no way or form. I'd take an LS-1 Trans Am or Camaro, or perhaps a SVT Cobra over it any day of the week. But...that's just me and my weirdness. :)

Those cars are beasts, but they'd get eaten alive on a course by a dysfunctional SRT6 or a lightly modified Z.

I love low-cost American sports cars, but there is no way I'd compare one to a German or Japanese performance car (unless we're talking about drag racing alone). When you get up to the level of the Corvette, XLR, CTS-V, etc, you spend more and get a LOT more, and the comparison becomes more valid.

Sorry, but while they're all fun to own and drive, its a different league.

I'd take a C6 over an SRT6, but I'd take both over an F-body or Mustang.

I personally feel the XLR-V is the best value on 2 seater the market now. I'm seeing low mileage '06 models going for $40k. Not bad for a 3 yr old $100k car. My boss picked up an '09 Black/Cashmere with 1900 miles for around $77k. Talk about depreciation.

I personally feel the XLR-V is the best value on 2 seater the market now. I'm seeing low mileage '06 models going for $40k. Not bad for a 3 yr old $100k car. My boss picked up an '09 Black/Cashmere with 1900 miles for around $77k. Talk about depreciation.

I would murder everyone on this forum to have an XLR-V. You guys will just have to get me first. :D It really is my dream car.

I personally feel the XLR-V is the best value on 2 seater the market now. I'm seeing low mileage '06 models going for $40k. Not bad for a 3 yr old $100k car. My boss picked up an '09 Black/Cashmere with 1900 miles for around $77k. Talk about depreciation.

I'd be one of those when they hit 30-35, however in terms of sheer all out cheapness, 2004 regular XLRs are already at 20-22k!

I drove a black '07 XLR the other day (brand new, never titled) and I love the smug feel I have when driving around, much more so than I have with my Seville. I told my boss I wouldn't mind having one; its a great driving car, and looks good.

But after driving a new DTS today, I think I'm actually falling for them. Great driving car. Much smoother than my car.

But after driving a new DTS today, I think I'm actually falling for them. Great driving car. Much smoother than my car.

Cadillac's best-kept secret.....

I almost wish both mine and Tanner's cars were in the shop so we could rent a new DTS to drive to Chicago...

The DTS is one of my best road trip experiences. I absolutely loved the one I took to Nashville. There's nothing like calling down from your 4-star hotel room and saying "I'm ready to pick up my Cadillac."

Its not exciting, but its big on comfort without being a wallowy marshmallow. The best word to describe it: Professional.

"I'm ready to pick up my Mercedes-Benz."

"I'm ready to pick up my Kenworth"

"I'm ready to pick up my Daewoo Lanos"

"I'm ready to pick up my hooker."

All this talk about Mercedes ruining Chrysler.... and I just bought a Jeep...

Somehow tho, I don't think the TJ has any connection to M-B, they probably looked under it and saw the solid front axle, shook their head, then popped the hood and saw the aicent AMC I6 and gave up all hope.... actually probably a good thing.

No, I take that back, the NSG-370 6-spd that started in '05 is Mercedes-sourced, apparently it is the same 6-spd used in the Crossfire (base version)... which I don't understand, the transmission is fine for a Jeep, but IMO too crude/clunky for a "performance" 2-seater sports car, unless they made (lots) of changes to it.

Cadillac's best-kept secret.....
except for the awful seats. not even close to all day comfortable. huge gap between the edge of the seat and the door. using your leg to brace yourself on every turn leads to hip pains...

...but the Crossfire one has a cult following. It's really odd to see people so hyped up over an automatic anything.
yeah, i wouldn't trust 'em...:thepan:

except for the awful seats. not even close to all day comfortable. huge gap between the edge of the seat and the door. using your leg to brace yourself on every turn leads to hip pains...

Oh right, I forgot about that. I couldn't figure out why I was able to comfortably put my arm between the seat and the door. I'd have preferred a wider seat or thicker door panel.

Sometimes I miss my Deville, I loved that car. If it wasn't a lease for my grandmother that she couldn't drive anymore, I might still have it.

I'm glad I'm not the only one who noticed that big ass gap between the seats and door. Did the old Devilles have that? I cannot remember.

The DTS interior is more plain looking than Seville; better material quality and construction, but lackluster design.

All this talk about Mercedes ruining Chrysler.... and I just bought a Jeep...

Somehow tho, I don't think the TJ has any connection to M-B, they probably looked under it and saw the solid front axle, shook their head, then popped the hood and saw the aicent AMC I6 and gave up all hope.... actually probably a good thing.

No, I take that back, the NSG-370 6-spd that started in '05 is Mercedes-sourced, apparently it is the same 6-spd used in the Crossfire (base version)... which I don't understand, the transmission is fine for a Jeep, but IMO too crude/clunky for a "performance" 2-seater sports car, unless they made (lots) of changes to it.

Yeah, I think Mercedes kinda ignored the Wranglers.

Yeah, I think Mercedes kinda ignored the Wranglers.

Maybe that's why they are reliable, easy to work on and hold their value?

I'm glad I'm not the only one who noticed that big ass gap between the seats and door. Did the old Devilles have that? I cannot remember.

The DTS interior is more plain looking than Seville; better material quality and construction, but lackluster design.
Yeah, it looks much better in black. I had a DTS rental that was champagne with a gray interior throughout. Too light, too plain...

Maybe that's why they are reliable, easy to work on and hold their value?

Perhaps, but maybe that's why they're empty of any modern technology, made of cheap materials and are plagued with many rattles and squeaks that'll never go away?

Didnt the Wranglers, like the Cherokees, use Aisin automatics? Those were clunky.

the aisin auto (aw4) is 1000 times better than the shitty chryco 42re. But unbeknownst to me according to rick wranglers still had 3 spd autos through like 2002!!!

Perhaps, but maybe that's why they're empty of any modern technology, made of cheap materials and are plagued with many rattles and squeaks that'll never go away?

Exactly! Riding in a Wrangler is a chore in itself. Cheap, cheap, cheap! The materials are horrid as are the ergonomics, the ride sucks and you have to keep asking yourself "Why does it cost as much as it does?". Rick is right about the resale value though, an aspect I never understood for such a basic, boring vechicle. Perhaps simplicity is what people want?

"Why does it cost as much as it does?".

That's one thing I'll never understand . . . There must be a 10-20k markup by Chrysler on every one they sell. If they started at 15k to maybe 27k for a tricked out four door version it might be a good value.

EDIT: I was playing around on the jeep website, and you can get a 2wd Wrangler 4 door. 2wd, wtf sort of sorry Jeep is that?

That's one thing I'll never understand . . . There must be a 10-20k markup by Chrysler on every one they sell. If they started at 15k to maybe 27k for a tricked out four door version it might be a good value.

EDIT: I was playing around on the jeep website, and you can get a 2wd Wrangler 4 door. 2wd, wtf sort of sorry Jeep is that?

I'm surprised, there never used to be a 2WD Jeep Wrangler option that was a strict no-no. I'm assuming this has occured after the the increased popularity brought by the Wrangler Unlimited which with a hardtop is more like an entry level SUV than an off roader.

The Wrangler has always been neck and neck with the BMW 3 Series for resale value. The look and the utility and the fact they are one of the number one picks of college boys AND girls keep them up there.

EDIT: I was playing around on the jeep website, and you can get a 2wd Wrangler 4 door. 2wd, wtf sort of sorry Jeep is that?That is what I rented in Mexico. Big POS with a horrid interior. Some of the elements of that Jeep reminded me of my Dodge RAM............the same elements I don't much like in the RAM.:eek::alchi:

The Wrangler is popular among serious off roaders... and teenage girls. The teen girls don't care if its 1WD.

You know who's awesome and has a Jeep Wrangler?

John Redcorn.
http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_A8Lz4YhxMmM/SKcK5GVUXTI/AAAAAAAABjg/fXo-UipfZx0/s320/JOHNREDCORN.jpg

The Wrangler is popular among serious off roaders... and teenage girls. The teen girls don't care if its 1WD.Yeah but I bet the percentage that actually buys newer ones to use "off-road" is low.

Jeep Cherokees drive like they've all been wrecked. It's the only modern vehicle I've driven that you have to unwind the steering wheel coming out of a corner at a normal speed.

My good friend has a lifted '05 Wrangler X. I've personally never liked it, and he went from a pretty nice '01 Pathfinder SE to the Wrangler. It rides like hell, super slow, and uncomfortable. The only good thing about it is putting the top down in the summertime. Otherwise, a piece of junk. He is trying to sell it and is now driving a '88 Coupe Deville.

I prefer the Deville.

Jeep Cherokees drive like they've all been wrecked. It's the only modern vehicle I've driven that you have to unwind the steering wheel coming out of a corner at a normal speed.

Nissan Frontier is similar.

I want to add that I'm in love with the car now. What a difference a road trip makes.

I actually did see a red SRT-6 the other day right after I said that I had never seen one.

The highway patrol had him pulled over, giving him a ticket.

I want to add that I'm in love with the car now. What a difference a road trip makes.

Good news!
Sounds like a love hate relationship.
When you have to drive it everyday, through all types of weather, performing mundane tasks, its not so much fun.
On a nice, low stress road trip, its wonderful.

Sounds like you should get a 1992 STS for a beater, and keep the Crossfire for sunny days and road trips. You're gonna miss her when she's
gone.

It's a Jeep thing. I will NEVER understand...