Chrysler Crossfire

jglackin

I sat in one at a Chrysler training class for salespeople. It was in full working condition, as it was driven into the tent while we were sitting there. The trainer was much shorter than I, and I did have to lower the seat to the bottom and back of its limits, as I normally do.

wcollins

Just received an e-mail from Chrysler, indicating I have been invited to test drive the new Crossfire the 1st week in May at FedEx Stadium near D.C. I am almost sure they will let participants drive the vehicles. They requested that all participants must have driver's license and they want the name of all in my party who plan to test drive. They assigned driver's time slots to participants. I'll let you guys know what I think. I currently own a sad Jag S-Type, looking to go sporty.

jglackin

always interested in what Chrysler sends out to the public. Was this a Route 2003 mailer or something else? I hope you do get to drive it.

Kirstie_H

wcollins, I'd like to know if it's actually as fun as Celine Dion tries to make it look! I just bought my first 2 Chryslers last week, and have been ogling photos of the Crossfire since last year. If my current DC vehicles work out, the Crossfire will go on the list.

xa4

Collins, you might want to call someone re. your invitation if you're intent on driving the Crossfire. It sounds similar to the Route 2003 gig I went to in Atlanta: driver's license, time slot, friends... They were letting people drive all the cars (including Dodge and Jeep) EXCEPT for the Crossfire. Maybe they'll add a Crossfire or two along the way. It was a pretty impressive layout and obviously incredibly expensive to run. Atlanta was the first of several stops around the country.

wcollins

I'm thinking since the introduction date is in June, just maybe they'll let us test drive. If not, they shouldn't tease potential buyers with such advertisement.

nyca

This thing is sweet. Very sweet. I actually went into the event not thinking I would like it. The drivetrain is silky smooth (version I drove had an autostick). Reading backwards a few months of posts, anyone comparing this MB drivetrain to a V6 Camry or Accord is insane. The car is very precise, very German, exactly what you would expect. The steering feel blew the G35 away (the G35 does have a great engine however). Other people coming back from the "competitor" drives consisting of a Boxster and a TT in addition to the G35 were all impressed with the Crossfire. Nice interior, excellent driver seating position (I am 5' 11). When you stand next to the car, you think that the low roofline will obscure your sidewards vision (like the TT), but once seated, it does not. Rear view mirror visibility is very bad however, but heck, "what's behind you is not important"! Contols and aluminum facias on the dash are nice (the power window switches are installed "backwards" in my opinion, a minor point).

The biggest problem standing in the way of this car is the crummy Chrysler dealer network.

Sign up for the Art of Driving ASAP if it comes to your area!

svevar

I was also at Chrysler's Art of Driving event in NY today, and drove the Chrysler Crossfire back to back with the Infiniti G35 Coupe. I drove the Infiniti first. I didn't really like its interior. The power seat controls are awkwardly located on the right side of the driver's seat beside the center console. On the whole, the interior lacked the luxury the Infiniti name would suggest. I was very impressed with the G35's engine. After a short drive on a gravel road, we were directed out onto public roads where I quickly accelerated to 50MPH. The 280HP engine was smooth and really powerful. Once we entered the handling course, however, I found that the car's handling was poor. The steering was overly heavy and turns were wide. As soon as I began to drive the Crossfire, I found that handling is its strength. It truly handled like a dream. The Crossfire, like all the cars onhand for testing, had an automatic transmission. On the way back to the main site, the Crossfire's engine was somewhat disappointing, if only because it lacked the G35's power. It was incredibly refined, however, and sounded great. The Crossfire's interior was clearly nicer than the G35's, though their theme was similar. The seats were comfortable and I had plenty of room (I'm 6'0). The rear view was horrendous, so its best to stick to the sideview mirrors. While I was in the car I forgot to play with the spoiler. The guide said the it could be manually raised and lowered, or set to automatically raise at 55MPH. I drove a white Crossfire, though a red one and a black one were also available. All three looked great and better, in my opinion, than the Audi TT covertible, Porsche Boxster, and G35 which were available for comparison. When I left, I really wanted a Crossfire. I'd definitely buy it before the G35 despite its less powerful engine. The styling, ride, and handling were just amazing. On a side note, it was interesting to see people's reaction to the trio of Crossfires as we drove around on public roads. There was definitely some head-turing going on when we came to the stop light!

Visit the Chrysler Pacifica board for my comments on that car and its competitor, the Volvo XC90.

If you have the chance, attend the Art of Driving event when its in your area. Its the only place you can drive a Crossfire - several "guides" told me that the car won't be available at Chrysler's other traveling road-test event, Route 2003. Here's a link to Chrysler where you can register for the Art of Driving:

http://www.chrysler.com/artofdriving/eventlist.jsp?brand=C

-Svevar

jwilson1

Though I'm guessing my reaction might be the opposite of yours, I wanted to acknowledge the fine job you did in your review. My interest in the Crossfire is at least once again starting to rise! Thanks.

JW

nyca

i agree with all of your comments, having driven the same two cars. I tell you, I am surprised that the Crossfire has recirculating ball steering, they did a great job with it, it usually lacks the feel of rack and pinion. They should have tweaked the motor to get 25 more HP out of it, but that must be weighed against other factors: handling, styling, etc.

svevar

I was going to mention how surprised I was that the recirculating ball system, which auto magazines dismiss as archaic, actually outperformed the rack and pinion G35! I wonder how much Chrysler was able to modify the Mercedes SLK's underpinnings for the Crossfire; I know that reviewers sometimes complain about the SLK's steering feel and precision, but I don't see how they could say the same about the Crossfire. I wish I could have driven the Porsche for comparison, or even the TT Convertible, though they really should have had the coupe on hand.

-Svevar

nyca

Well, I guess it keeps the cost down to build it on what essentially is the old C class/SLK platform. The UK magazine CAR has the Crossfire this month as the cover story/feature article. I don't know what tweaks they may have made to the setup. Need to read some additional auto magazine reviews.

xa4

Since the next M-B SLK is getting a complete redo for 2005, it seems that the Crossfire will be starting life with last years hand-me-downs. I wonder when the smaller yet more powerful 2.7 liter engine (or 3.0 AMG?)will make it into the Crossfire - hurting resell value of the Crossfire with the old 3.2.

This from www.thecarconnection.com :

Built on the shortened floorpan of the current C-Class, the new SLK will be offered again with a wide range of engines, starting with a 1.8-liter 190-horsepower four-cylinder, a 211-horsepower 2.2-liter V-6 and a 258-horsepower 2.7-liter V-6, followed by the AMG 3.0-liter V-6 with 375 hp. In addition, we expect the new electro-hydraulic SBC (Sensotronic braking) to be offered, as well as a multi-function steering wheel controls, and the optional COMAND II system.

nyca

and what will that new SLK cost? Well into the 40s. The idea is to try and keep the cost reasonable.

svevar

The 258HP engine would be nice though... then the Crossfire could really compete with the heavier 350Z on all fronts. Too bad the Crossfire didn't retain the supercharged 2.7L Chrysler V6 from the concept. Though I don't know how it would be in supercharged form, the 2.7L in our Sebring is a pretty powerful engine for its size, even if it is a little rough at idle.

ezshift5

...the time-proven SLK chassis, engine, etc. But rearward vis hurts. A small trunk, only 215HP - but 19-inch asysmmetrical tire sizing....this summer should prove interesting....appreciate the link for A of D, Svevar........ez

ezshift5

....will be providing the Crossfire: you have to "buy in" (circa $8k, special equipment, special tech training). However, they're on their way as we speak.

jglackin

thats correct, we talked about that a while back. The tools/training cost for the dealership where I work is a little over $6000. We have been told we will get 4 for the first model year. The numbers are a little staggering for some of the smaller dealerships...maybe only 1 or 2 a year.

terrahopper

I'm a little out of my element on this forum. To be honest, I'm not even considering the purchase of a Crossfire. But, I did spot one today.

At the Taco Bell.

I didn't think Crossfires were on sale yet. Walking to the Taco Bell door, I first saw the white rear end. I thought it was another one of the loads of Beetles running around SoCal, but then the CROSSFIRE words hit me. Whoa! a Crossfire! I speak as an outsider to this forum; I never liked the rear styling and the front looked only marginally better to me.

I must say though, I got into line to order tacos, but I found myself staring at the Crossfire through the window while the driver backed up and rolled away.

I remember the custom license plate (already?) said BEPPE. Anyone's on this forum? It's a very unique and head-turning car.

TerraHopper

ezshift5

...looking rearward per C&D July '03 Road Test, that is.

It appears to be a striking automobile. I hope DC recent negative cash flow doesn't impair success potential to any real degree.

Looking forward to summer...ez

xa4

I called a couple of local Chrysler dealers yesterday to ask when they would be getting the first Crossfires. I got a lot of "drives like it's on rails" and "it's gonna be hard to get" comments, etc. One noted that they would be charging above MSRP even though I read a quote from a Chrysler suit who said that wasn't going to happen.

The second salesman told me that depending on how they were optioned, the price spread could be over $3k. I commented that the only option was the auto transmission. He told me I was wrong and started listing things like CD changers, etc. This is obviously contrary to everything printed to date.

If Chrysler salesmen know less than the general public about the Crossfire, it's not going to help Chrysler's goals of improving their image using the Crossfire. These guys talked to me like I was buying a Neon. I'm not saying I'm special but if I'm also looking at a G35C, a TT or a 330ci, these guys need to go to school to learn about their automobiles and how to talk intelligently to a knowledgable customer base. If the salesmen know practically nothing, can their service departments be much better?

Your comments...

jwilson1

We've shopped similar cars. My experience is that you could say the same thing about salesmen of anything other than very high performance cars (Porsche usually, Ferrari)and cars of high luxury. In any other field, sales personnel need to know their product exceptionally well; in the Oz of autos they're considered well-informed if they've read the brochure. Generally, I enjoy it most if I ignore them and, when I've made up my mind, shop the internet.

With very few exceptions, they're order-takers, not salesmen (or women).

JW

jglackin

there is still a lot of confusion out there in our world about exactly when we are getting the Crossfires in our showrooms. We can see on our computers that west coast dealers have started getting them already...AZ and NV too.

Unfortunately, many people in my field do not realize that the onus is almost entirely on them to educate themselves on what they are selling. Chrysler sent out a Crossfire addendum with a wealth of product features, knowledge, and competitive info. This is the only "training" we will receive on the car until next spring if it is included in our yearly launch. Personally, I have dissected the addendum in the same manner that I would for something like the Liberty, even though I may only have the opportunity to sell 1 or 2 Crossfires, vs. 50 or so Libertys this year.

Wilson may be correct, finding a well informed, knowledgeable, product consultant can be frustrating. Good Luck.

ezshift5

....they had one white out front (locked) plus one black on showroom flo. Both autostick, both with 9900 over MSRP.

I asked to see the custom lugguage...was told (1) you have to buy the car first, then later -by a different cat (2) "it's locked up"

a great looking car - I photographed the white one alongside my white Solara just for yuks - predominantly surrounded by chuckleheads and dorks. So what's new? BMW, Ferrari, Porsche excepted.............ez

jglackin

whenever DC offers extras with the cars, they do not go to the dealers...tents with the Libertys some time ago, golf clubs with the Pro Am 300M and Concorde. These items are sent to the customers after the sale is reported. Unfortunately, Chrysler has not given us a photo or "demo copy" of the luggage to show.

BTW, they have arrived on the east coast too.

ezshift5

....it's a gorgeous car. I've never owned a Chrysler product, but that may change.....ez

jglackin

sorry you were not treated honestly at the dealership...wait till you drive it. I drove our Alabaster automatic yesterday. Wonderful feel. Great all over. Head turning from every direction.

BTW...I am 6'3" and about 260, and fit fine in the car, which is very unusual in the class.

ezshift5

.....but - all variables considered - I will continue "clutching" Solara 6 for two more years.
But I'm saving my Naval Reserve pay.....

I'd be interested - jg - in learning more about that luggage.

all the best.....ez

xa4

I've heard from a local dealer that the "addendums" on the Crossfires are $5k to $9k pushing them past the $40k mark. What are you seeing in your areas?

Thanks.

oxmead

Saw a black Crossfire today. Dealer told me waiting list with at least $5500 over sticker. This is from a dealer who NEVER sold over sticker before. Not Vipers, Prowlers, or PT Cruisers. He said because they're very rare and made in Germany. I say " keep it".

ezshift5

a stick and a slush, side by side on Fulton Avenue. SalesDude sez "$42k final answer, no dickering". My buddy tells him "You'll be eating beans out of a can two years from now"......I wonder what he meant.....ez

nyca

It won't last, maybe 6 months. The dealers can try to make up for the huge discounts coming on the Pacifica, that puppy is not selling...

jglackin

DCX just sent us a pacjet of "video brochures" on cd-rom. There are several pix of the luggage (even one of it in the trunk). I can't extract an image from it to post it here for you, but I bet your local dealer got them too. Three pieces, one on rollers...they look very nice.

ezshift5

..courtesy. $35k worth of luggage and they throw in a slick coupe for free seems somehow rather perverse. OT: jg is a Navy rank.

Thanks again..ez

xa4

I've been following the Crossfire like a 15 year old for a year now. The styling alone was enough to win me over... then they announced a relatively weak 215 hp engine when 280+ hp engines can be had in the G35C and 350Z for significantly fewer clams. That, I thought, could be overlooked. Now all the gouging at the dealers.

There was a lot of hype about the Crossfire being an image car, about transoceanic synergies, about building brand loyalty and winning over current drivers of upscale German and Japanese brands. Unless Chrysler and affiliate dealers come to their senses, I too will take a pass. I'm afraid that I'm much more likely to make a move from Audi to Infiniti (drove one tonight) or even to Mini than I am to a Chrysler. This reminds me of all the disappointed customers that Mazda generated when the new Miata sold for 50 to 100% over sticker. I wonder how many of them came back to Mazda.

xa4

Just checked out a Sapphire Silver Blue Crossfire - automatic. The color looks great and is lighter than it looks on Chrysler's website. They're asking $5k over MSRP and aren't letting anyone drive it unless they demonstrate they are serious about buying it. Definitely a great looking car but I'm holding out until they ease back down to MSRP - wonder how long that will be...

oedipus1608

Prospective Crossfire buyers should wait until next year to purchase/lease a Crossfire. Chrysler said that only "qualified" dealers would only receive one or possible two Crossfire's this year. While I love the Crossfire, I would never pay over 5K over the MSRP. However, if you are serious about purchasing the Crossfire, I suggest that you visit Ebay.com where several Crossfire's are on sale for below regular price.

jglackin

just did five quick minutes of research for you. ALL of the Crossfires currently listed on ebay have buy it now prices well above MSRP or are currently bidding below MSRP, but have not yet met their reserves (which, I am sure, are above MSRP), so they probably won't sell.

Incedently, locally, some dealers are selling new Crossfire at closed Chrysler auctions (just like what happened to the PT Cruisers in the beginning) and other dealers are paying over MSRP.

paw1053

Well, like any new car (at least one this radical in design and limited in production--PT Crusiers are by no means a limited production vehicle, nor were they ever going to be) this is was expected to happen. Yes, it's rediculous that Ebay has some for $49K, but who cares, because no one will pay that.

As far as the dealers, I contacted about 30 and got ranges from MSRP to $10K over. I think it's like anything else, you have to be willing to do your homework and get the best price. At the end of my "hunt" there were 4 dealers I found selling at MSRP with car(s) on the lot. Hey when the G35 and Z came out dealers were doing the same thing and still today charge MSRP. The Crossfire is only selling 16000 units per year (in the US starting in 04) with only 1000 Crossfire dealers (half of all Chrysler dealers signed up for the program and it cost them $8100 ea to tool there shops for the XFire.) That equals only 16 units per dealer/per yr. That is a very limited number of units and eventually they will start selling at MSRP everywhere, but probably not any less (which is fine.)

I was as frustrated as everyone else in the high price, but if you do your homework you can find MSRP today no problem. As far as idiots selling on Ebay for $10-$15K over MSRP, who cares--if someone is stupid enough to pay it so what (but I SERIOUSLY doubt anyone will.)

I'm picking up my XFire on Monday for sticker in Black. For those who are really serious buyers and not window shoppers, there is a deal out there for you right now. It will be neat to be the first one on the block w/ one. There are enough G35's and Z's in my town.

nyca

good luck with your car. Its too bad Mercedes dealers won't honor warranty work on this car, they know how to use the diagnostic equipment better then the newly trained Chrysler technicians. The Zs are selling below sticker now, alot of NY metro dealers have 20, 30, 40 Zs on the lot. How many Zs do they sell in the US market as compared to the target of 16000 Crossfires per year?

paw1053

Not sure how many Z's are being sold per year (does anyone??), but the fact that dealers have 30-40 on the lot according to nyca, says a lot. Definately not a "limited production vehicle" more of a mass market. I see them everywhere now. There are only going to be 16K x-fires sold next yr which makes it a hard to find vehicle (and dealers should continue to sell at MSRP, but not over.)

xa4

According to www.nissannews.com, June sales of the 350Z were 2,720 and 19,503 calendar-year-to-date.

The Infiniti G35 Coupe was 2,375 for June and 13,136 CYTD.

I'm guessing you could double those for one year sales approximations.

As soon as I can track down a 6-speed Crossfire at MSRP, I'm in.

music287

There's a dark grey 6-speed at our local dealer. They're getting four Crossfires and aren't asking more than msrp. I'm 5'10" and 220 lbs. The thing fits me and exudes quality and solidity. The hatch opening is small but, the luggage space is medium sized...two suitcases will fit just fine, IMHO. Hmm, Audi TT or Crossfire? They seem very similar size and price. Oh, by the way, the label states that the car is 80% German and only 1% USA parts. There's a lever at the bottom rear of the steering column that appears to control wheel reach or tilt but, it didn't work. The radio/CD is 6-speaker and killer. Console appears to be aluminum but it's silver plastic. Nevertheless, a nice piece of work!
It's on my list when child #2 goes off to college and we have an "empty nest!"
Jay

xa4

I looked at three Crossfires last week: Sapphire, White and Red. I'm looking for a Graphite 6-speed at MSRP.

Where are you located?

xa4

Profanity because of the heavy gouging?!

mazda6iguy

I saw the Crossfire for the first time at the local Chrysler dealer. Someone posted a few messages ago that it was too bad that Mercedes won't do warranty work. We are lucky here in my town that the Chrysler dealer also sells Mercedes so they probably are cross training the service staff on this car.

msiseng

I have a Jag and a G35 and finally drove a Crossfire. I must say it is impressive, but not as fast as the others. Once the supercharger comes this will be a real winner. Think I will trade the G35 for this car during the second production year.

People suggested waiting for the second model year. After owning one second model year Jaguar X type and one first year G35, this sounds like good advice. The G35 is constantly in the shop and many of us have brake problems to contend with.

The Crossfire may be German, but you still need to give them time to work out the kinks.

BTW - dealers in the Washington, DC area are selling the car for +/- 41K. I got one dealer to 39K after hard negotiation. It appears other areas of the country are less expensive as fellow posters are getting MSRP.

music287

Deacon Chrysler, Mayfield, Ohio

colorado1974

Anybody read the article on the Edmunds homepage? Why is it that with Chrysler, over half the article dwells on one or two negative aspects with small blubs on many of the car's greatness?

But when it comes to the Honda Pilot or any other import it is the other way around. Small blurbs on the many negatives with huge praise on its greatness.

The bias is incredible.

oedipus1608

You should not be worried about reliability problems or first year bugs. The advantage to using SLK parts means that any problems with SLK parts were dealt with seven years ago when the current generation SLK went into production. Furthermore, I think,I THINK, the SLK has had a flawless reliability record.