Saw the real stuff parked outside the dealer in tokyo. I wasn't a great fan of the looks and design at first when I saw it on the magazines. But knowing it shares many MERC components, it is a good deal IMO. It surely will attract far more attention then the audi TT which is abundant here. MERC prices here are suicidal..on the other hand since nobody buys american cars here Chrysler is doing a good job introducing nice cars into the asian market. The car was not as big as I thought.. short but wide. The interor was rather...umm.. GM... hard plastic..with switches that look like they are from the last generation E-class..but hey! its cheaper then the E-class. I would like to think as if it is a E-class coupe with a chrysler badge..which it kind of is. can't really test drive this car here, since dealer are pain in the butt. Looks like chrysler's finally understanding a car is suppose to be made. I mean I like chrysler, for example the sebring conv. which I drove in nevada. Just wasn't up to my expectation. Driving experience was not skin deep.
One thing I will say against the Crossfire is that the options list is too sparse for a European-engineered touring coupe. Should offer SAT-NAV, hands-free phone, satellite radio and xenon. This car is not about raw acceleration, in my opinion, but it IS about style, comfort, sophistication. Should be better in the sophistication department. Since these options would potentially make the car more profitable, I find it a little odd that they're not offered.
speeds: Well appointed as the X-fire is I don't think more options will help sell it. Apperantly they are "overpriced" to begin with at least in the eyes of the prospective buyers. Sales have been dismal from the get-go.
Already dealers are deeply dicounting them. Some advertised prices here in Florida as low as $28,000 for a stick version. Local paper has a 39 month lease with no $ down & $350 per month. A Orlando dealer had 28 in stock the last time I checked their web. Even my tiny little town Chryco delaer has 4 in stock and sales guy said they have not moved ANY since intro.
I feel sorry for the "gotta have it now" folks that paid up to $4000 over MSRP for one just a few months back. A friend in Ohio said he'd seen some go thru auction for under 25K !!
How long will it be before Chryco puts a $2000 cash back on these puppies. I'm gonna wait for awhile before I commit.
hudrahead: At the very least, at these steeply-discounted levels, options should improve margins. Since the car has neither high sophistication nor high performance, it really doesn't have a clear competitive advantage. Your and I are discussing two ways to gain that advantage (add content or low price, or both).
Apparently the market is docking the Crossfire for its nameplate and HP/dollar ratio. That's really too bad, because the car is receiving great reviews. I agree that it's a bit overpriced, given that it has no clear competitive advantage other than its styling. The "it's an SLK for less money" pitch doesn't work, partially because the SLK offers the famous folding hardtop for that higher price. The SLK otherwise is not such an exciting car.
logic: my bro-in-law has a small used dealership in central Ohio and goes to a couple auctions per week. He does not deal in the class of vehicle of the X-fire, too new ,too expensive for his class of customer. We were talking on the phone a few nights ago. He knows what a car nut I am and in the course of our conversation I mentioned the X-Fire. He then said he had seen some go thru auction @ Columbus for some really low ball prices. Some were even new, untitled, from local dealerships. I know that seems crazy but new cars @ auction is not unusual at all according to him.He says the placeis FLOODED with PT Cruisers as well. I think this is just a indication of the sales flop (so far anyway)that the X-fire is suffering. You may recall that the Pacifica had the same problem until Cryco cut the price (decontented for a lower base price)after which things picked up. I think they will have to do someting similiar pretty soon if they want to move some "iron" off the lots.
Link to "CarMax", they have a Chryco dealership in Orlando that lists "no haggle" prices for all their cars on line. They may even have a dealership in your area as well. They have dealerships nationally.
350Z or Crossfire? While I love both cars until the Crossfire comes down to the 350Z price with rebates or what ever they have to do. I'll buy a 350Z next summer when my lease is up on my 2001 Mustang GT in Aug. Hopefully the hype of the Crossfire will be over by then and it will be cheaper. I saw the some Crossfires for invoice prices at 32 or 33/auto at a NJ dealer. Sill that is almost the same price as a 350Z touring model. What do you guys think? Thanks Frans
I bought mine in Baltimore in August for a bit under MSRP. The same dealer in December advertised for 2 consecutive Sundays in the paper 6 speeds for $29,995. Has since advertised strictly the leasing deal. Another dealer in the Baltimore area is currently offering $3500 under MSRP.
My 2 cents on a couple of misconceptions. In reading the reviews that have really put the car through the paces, they all support my own subjective evaluation of the car vs its relative competitors: 350Z, RX8, Audi TT.
The only area the car lacks performance compared to the others is 0 to 60 and quarter mile. All objective evaluations has it handling better than the Z, in both slalom and skid pad, and right on a par with the RX8 and obliterating the Audi. It's 60 to 0 and 80 to 0 stopping distances in braking is FAR superior to the Z.
In the accelaration, it gives up ALL it's disadvantage to the Z in 0 to 60. Again, in nearly all tests (I said nearly)it starts to close the gap considerably by the end of the quarter. Which is pretty consistent with independent reviews: The Z is said to be a bit weak on mid range grunt, which is the 3.2 Mercedes engine's strong point. It starts to catch up once past 2nd gear.
In terms of appointments. I guess it's what you want. I have no need or desire for hands free phone and especially have no use for a nav system. That's one of those things that I would not pay for at any price, and if it came with it I'd figure I was getting an unnecessary gizmo that I was wasting money on.
The thing is otherwise equipped VERY much, to the extent that if you equip a Z comparably you will pay more for the Z than you can now easily get a Crossfire for.
My ONE disappointment in how it's equipped is that the power seats really should have memory. There's a functional reason. The way the seats are designed, I can see wear over time the outside leather bolsters will wear from abrasion getting in/out (had that problem with a Lotus Esprit I had).
The thing is, at 5' 8" if I power the seat back while the engine is running, my feet are barely reaching the pedals when the seat gets to where it needs to be so I can get in/out without really rubbing the bolster.
You CAN power the seat back with the car off and the door open, but that's not so great in cold weather. So....it would be great if I could set the seat memory so that it automatically goes where I need it to for ingress/egress.
Again, the car is not a class leader. But there are some things it does better than it's competitors. I've owned 4 Lotuses, and have a 5th (Elise) ordered, so I've had the pleasure of driving some of the best handling cars in the world.
I can say first hand that the grip of the Crossfire is far superior to the Z or BMWZ4, or Audi TT. This with a rather number recirculating ball steering. If it had rack and pinion, it WOULD be in Boxster S or even Elise territory.
About sale prices now. This is the absolute worst time of the year to try to sell a two seat sports car in any area of the country that experiences winter, so you need to take sale prices with a grain of salt. Folks looking to buy now are not going to buy a car that a) does not negotiate winter weather well, or b) they will simply park in the garage over the winter and not get any pleasure from.
Depending on the price point for the Supercharged and Roadster due next year, you will see the prices creep back up closer to MSRP come late winter/spring.
kusheen:Contrary to what goes on up there in your neck of the woods this time of year is primo weather for sports cars & converts here in Florida. Actually all year long. So if Chryco can't sell X-Fires here then I guess it's pretty much a lost cause.
There was a ad today from a Clearwater dealer for "demo leases" that seemed to indicate the factory is upping the ante on dealer support. A 39 month lease, no down & $299.00 per month. In the tiny "mice type" at the bottom it said "reflects all factory incentives" which leads me to believe they are actually getting factory support of some kind. This may be only a regional deal. Anyway, if you want a deal come on down. LOL !
I've seen a few parked and on the road now. Some comments:
The black is absolutely breathtaking. The wheels seem to be a light silver or white of some sort and the contrast and fit with the gorgeous black finish is unbelievable. That particular car was one of the most beautiful vehicles I've ever seen.
I've seen a few others in different colors in motion. Looks very nice but I was wasn't really floored. I don't know why but the Crossfire reminds me too much of the RX-8, and the RX-8 of the Crossfire. It's as though they're Twin Funky Coupe Brothers.
WHERE in Florida are they offering a 39 month lease, no down & $299.00 per month? That is a great deal! If you can supply a dealer name and phone #, I would really appreciate it! Just spoke with someone who bought a silver one for $33K. Sounds as if he was ripped off!
therose400: The specific ad i saw for the "el-chepo" lease on a demo X-Fire was from the Dayton Andrews dealership.Bear in mind this was for a "demo" unit NOT a new car! The Fitzgerald folks have "one price, no haggle prices" and list them on line @ fitzmall.com. They also have no dealer or "admin" charges.
Fitzgerald also has dealerships in Maryland and Penna.as you will see when you pull up their web.
Car-Max in Orlando also has low, low out the door prices too. They are a Chrysler, Jeep dealer.
Good hunting. Let us know if you score a great deal. Bob Dance Chrysler in Orlando had over 20 X-Fires in stock the last time I checked. They also have a web site that you can scan inventory but they only list MSRP and they are a fast track dealer so it would be "grinder time " to get a low price out of them.
At night, the rear lights look similiar to the RX8. At a stoplight I was behind one, and mistook it for an RX8, untill I was able to get a better look. Personally, I think the Crossfire looks more sophisticated than the RX8.
I took a good look at the Crossfire at the LA Auto Show. I have been impressed with the stylings of the Crossfire. They look great on the road also. They had some modded ones in the display with 18-19" wheels and the car looked awesome. I watched the Motortrend.com TV review when they tested at the track, and the car seemed very capable at the track. It's a nice car it' just a matter of getting yuppies to think it has some status.
"At night, the rear lights look similiar to the RX8. At a stoplight I was behind one, and mistook it for an RX8, untill I was able to get a better look. Personally, I think the Crossfire looks more sophisticated than the RX8."
It definitely is. Again the resemblance may be more due to the Funky Coupe effect - they're both coupes and they're both way more Funky than other coupes on the road. Therein is found some slight kinship.
The Crossfire is stunning and beautiful. That, plus the handling and composed, quiet interior are good selling points. Too bad Chrysler is a little off on its marketing (pricing, options), at least in my opinion. That seems to be a Chrysler curse. Build interesting, unique cars, and then make marketing decisions over a few too many shots of whiskey. ;op
I was waiting to see what the up horsepower Crossfire would cost in the spring, but now I think I would rather have the ME-412 that was shown in Detroit this week. Where do I sent the check?
I am in the home stretch here and need a sanity check -- drove the Crossfire Friday after having driven an MR2 Spyder (Was also going to drive a 350Z but decided it wasn't a car I was much interested in for a number of reasons -- that I find it UGLY was number one). Spyder was FUN but too small and zero storage. Plus, already have one ragtop. I am considering the Xfire as a 3rd vehicle (Wife has a Sebring, I have a Ram3500 and I want a car for work that's FUN).
Funny, I found I liked driving the XFire much more than the MR2 -- there's no substitute for cubic inches -- and way more than most of the reviewers seemed to.
From my research, I seemed to come up with 32,000 as dealer invoice and the car I drove was stickered at $35,000 -- would it be realistic to go for $33,000? or are they not haggling much on this car?
John, I have seen some in NJ going for invoice price here. They were going for 32,000 for the 6spd & 33 for the auto and with it being winter time you might be able to get them down to those prices. Good luck Frans
Carmax at the Orlando site listed a bunch of them starting at$29.8 for a 6 speed. They have locations in Atlanta, Orlando and LA. You may want to check it out and print out what you need to do some bargaining.
I haven't been on here since the car was first released at those "art of driving" events. in my opinion, the dealer network killed this car. too many of the initial interested parties went to dealers, only to find $10K premiums over MSRP on the car. totally nuts, alot of people just walked away and bought something else. Chrysler should learn their lesson from this launch: stop dealers from marking up over MSRP.
"Chrysler should learn their lesson from this launch: stop dealers from marking up over MSRP."
I don't think that DC has too much control over their dealers. They can't even get them to live up to their "5-STAR" ratings. It means nothing as opposed to another DC dealer that doesn't have any stars.
Whilst looking (curious only at the time)at the Xfire I ran into some of the most weird marketing ploys ever. For some reason the "MOPAR" folks thought they had suddenly been catapulted into the "exotic" class of car hucksters. They actually thought they had a Ferrari or a Porsche on the floor and feebly tried to be a car snob dealer. LOL ! One dealer in the wilds of unexplored, backwoods Florida bragged to me that this "Kraut Car" is better than any impoert because it was Chrysler "engineered" and would blow the doors off anything on the road. All the while spitting tobacco juice on the ground and decked out in jeans, cowboy boots and mirrored sunglasses and smelling of his first "Bud" of the day. What a hoot ! He said if I was REALLY interested he might get the SM to let me drive it around the lot IF I'd put a $500 "good faith" deposit on the thing. Yes,it too had a $6000 ADM on the window. This was back during intro week. I passed by that dealer last week. They still had that same car in the showroom @ a "reduced" price. The reduced price meant it only had a $3000 ADM now LOL !
I saw the Crossfire convertible on TV at the Detroit auto show--looked great! The top folds into a flip-up panel, similar to the 350Z drop-top. Anyone out there know when it should hit the showroom floors?
Drop top is due out in March-April timeframe, but the big engine does not get into the Xfire SRT until the fall. I guess convertible and coming just before summer starts makes more sense than bringing it out in the fall, but I wish that big engine was available in the spring.
they still have a markup on the car? that won't last long.
don't get me wrong, I still think this is a fine car. but Chrysler could have exercised control over the dealer network. sell the cars direct, through a dealer, passing the normal MSRP to invoice spread to them for the sale. there are many things the manufacturer can do.
nyca: I believe that "direct sales" from the mfg. violates the "franchise agreement" that virtually all mfg's have in place with their dealers. Also this in actually illegal in some states.
Maby some of our dealer savvy posters can give us the scoop on this.
Depending on the state, manufacturers trying to sell direct to the consumer would violate the laws which govern their franchisees (dealers).
Ford attempted direct sales a few years ago by buying up a bunch of the dealerships that sold Ford products (one of them was actually within 5 miles of my home). This, of course never amounted to much since the independent dealerships ended up threatening law suits. I think Ford finally sold their dealerships back to private business owners to appease their current dealer channel.
Dealerships being franchisees and independent businesses, there is very little any of the manufacturers can do to dictate the dealerships' business practices if the dealership is adhering to the franchise contract with the manufacturer. That includes setting pricing parameters. A dealer can set any price they want on any car...above or below the MSRP from the factory. The consumer has to rely on the free market to dictate what any car is actually sold for.
If a MOPAR dealer, for example, insists on selling a Xfire for more than MSRP, then the best thing to do is to find a dealer who will make a better deal. Dealers must compete for your business so eventually, the MSRP + ADM dealer will have to lower their price to compete.
No one is holding a gun to the consumer's head to buy the XFire at any price. Conversely, a dealer can choose not to sell any of their XFires at anything but MSRP +, if they so choose.
If the cars aren't selling at the inflated price, it's a pretty good bet that deals below MSRP can and will be made by the consumer.
To the person who asked about driving a Crossfire in the snow-I have an SLK and will never drive it in the snow again (did it once).Assuming the Crossfire handles like the SLK-keep it in the garage.
no new ferrari is sold over MSRP. if the dealer does it, they don't get any allocation of cars from the manufacturer, that's how its controlled. that's why you always see these cars with 500 miles on them selling over MSRP, some dealers get around this by selling them as used cars, flipping them to friends of the dealership at MSRP who drive them for a few weeks then sell them back. the manufacturer can control dealer behavior by messing with their allocations; Lexus, Mercedes, they do it all the time.
but back to the point: the dealer network destroyed initial interest in this car through these pricing practices, I stand by that statement. If you check out some of the boards on the new Corvette, you see that almost no dealers are engaging in this practice for the C6.
graphicguy: Didn't Daewoo run into this very problem when they first tried to sell cars here, direct through their own "factory stores" especially in Texas ?
I read in one of the business monthly rags that Chryco was upset with some Car Max dealerships selling cars too cheaply & the local competetive dealers (Orlando) were making nasty sounds unless the mfg. "leaned" on them to cool it a little. I guess the other dealers were sore that Car max was advertising Xfires (as well as the entire car line) out the door for nearly 28K !! I wonder just how many they actually moved @ that price.
I was thinking about getting a G because I like how its styled and I like its performance. I read this board last night and I was surprised to find that people are already getting good deals on the Crossfire. I live in ohio and I'm planing on getting a new car very soon. I like the G coupe but they don't like to haggle on price with them, but the sedan on the other hand I've heard of some deals. I was wondering if anyone knows if there are any good lease deals going on now, I'm looking for one with an Auto (mainly because I can't drive stick) I went to my local dealor and talked to a sales person and he said that they have 12 of them on the lot and that they've been sitting there for about 5 months now and that the owner is ready to deal because they need to get ride of these befor they can get the roadsters. the roadsters are nice but I personally think that they should have copied MB and done a hard top convertable I think soft tops are unconventional especially if you live in climate like ohios'. I wanted to know what price I should shoot for. my father is going to go up there and disguss prices with them and try and come up with a good deal. I also have a friend who can get me a chrysler friends and family discount though I'm not sure what this entitles me to and if its even worth it because if these aren't selling well, I'm thinking my dad might be able to get just the same deal. but I don't know could ya'll please help. (I'm also considering waiting till end of march or begining of April because A. I want to look at the new 300 C and B. thats when he said the new convertables are due to come in at the end of april so what do you guys/girls think)
At the risk of stating the obvious, if you want to find out about the G, deals for it, etc....why not go to a forum about that car?
You mostly get info about the Xfire here.
If deciding between the G or the Xfire for you hinges entirely on what kind of deal you get, my guess is that you haven't driven one or the other of the cars, maybe neither!
They are two different cars. Different performance envelopes, different appointments, different feel, different styling...they're just WAY different.
Trying to compare them vis a vis the type of deal you'll get is comparing apples and bed sheets.
Which do you LIKE better, based on looks, performance, how you drive, how you'll use the car, etc. Let that drive your decision. If you (or your dad) can afford one, you (he) most certainly can afford the other.
I've driven the G a couple of times and like it, but unfortunatly becuause of pricing I've yet to be able to argue a good deal on the coupe which I actually like better than the sedan. I like the crossfire and was at the dealor the other day but they refused to let me take one for a test drive, they said that the roads were to salty and they didn't want that comming up onto the car.... this sort of ticked me off so I walked out. I sat inside a crossfire and since I'm short it fits me rather nicely. I don't do a ton of driving and I don't have any kids to worry about needing the extra room and besides if its room I need i'll use my explorer. I've got some good deals on the sedan for the G, but now I'd like to know about the crossfire and if anyones been able to get some good deals on that. I'm going to take my father with me over the weekend to the dealorship and test drive one then, at least this time my father can be the one to yell at them about there rudness (I don't like being the so called bad guy and acting all offended when the sales person says something) something my father does mutch better which is why I let him haggle prices. anyways I was just looking to see what others deals people have gotten on there Xfires I didn't mean to drag the above post out so long about the G either.
Yea....Daewoo came up with the idea that they would recruit college students as "Daewoo ambassadors" (read, sales people). The theory went that since the car was low cost, and Daewoo didn't have a marketing budget, they would target college students. Thus, the "ambassadors" didn't recieve a salary, but were straight commissions and took orders for the cars, which would then be built and shipped to the customer (student). Biggest difference here is that Daewoo didn't have any franshise contracts in place, so they could sell direct.
Daewoo actually went to the expense of taking some of these "amabassadors" to the plant in Korea to see the cars and how they were built.
OF course, the fatal flaw in their thinking was:
1) Daewoo assumed college students had money and/or credit 2) That there may be a slight chance that the student ambassadors actually took the job for no other reason than to get a free trip to Korea 3) That college students knew anything about selling cars 4) That their targeted market gave a "hoot" about yet another manufacturer entered the car market with yet another mundane model offering
Thanks for the help, everyone! We closed the deal after a few hours of haggling and walking on 'em once (sales manager sent our sales rep after us with the final deal that we accepted -- $33k out the door (included everything -- taxes, tags, etc which here in MD came to about $2k) Not bad? Don't tell me as it's too late anyway.
So we're on Day three and 250 miles and the car is living up to expectations. what a total BLAST to drive and everybody points and stares -- haven't gotten used to that yet...
The car is solid and feels like a German car should. And even though it's a Chrysler, the Mulroney sticker says 80 percent of the car is made in Germany -- ergo -- German car. And sporty. I took one of my favorite back roads and the rear end started getting a little "sporty." I'm no autocrosser but she doesn't seem to quite have the manners of my '69 BMW 2002 (Which isn't exactly the King of Watkins Glen either) in the corners. But remember, I'm no expert -- either in performance driving or in talking about performance driving.
Happy with the car? Heck yes. But check back with me in a couple of months after the honeymoon. I bet, though, I'll still be happy then.
Congrats on your car. Where'd you buy yours? I got mine from Tate in Glen Burnie. Out the door you did pretty good...I've seen them for $29,995 pre tax/tags, so the incremental gain you might have realized would've been soaked off by your time spent driving around looking for a better deal.
Where in MD are you located? Just want to keep my eyes open for another car. Mine is black, I live in the Annapolis area.
Bought mine in August, have 2900 miles on it. The day I picked it up I saw another on the road while I was in mine. Haven't seen another since while driving mine.
While driving my other car, I've seen one on the DC beltway, two in downtown Baltimore. Lots sitting on the dealer lots, not many on the road, it would seem.
Hi John, Congrats on the new wheels! Did you get the manual or auto stick? It sounds like you will be driving for a few day before you get back to the post. Gramps.........
Right now Chrysler is having a 389 for 39 month with about 2K down deal on the Crossfire. Have any of you seen or gotten a better leasing deal than that?
Heck if some of you are buying at 30K I think I would buy rather than lease at that price. Frans
I was just up test driving a Crossfire for the heck of it, kinda liked them. sales guy told me that the lease deal was as follows
358 a month (plustax) 1600 due at signing (includes first payment) thats about it... don't know if its any good or not seeing as its a 39 month lease with 12K a year. I asked him numerous times what it would be for a 36 month lease with 15K a year, he asked why the residual is better on a 39, I said because I'm off of bumper to bumper warrenty by the end of the lease, and I drive 13500 miles a year and need the 15K he said "well you probably won't be driving it for two-three months a year because of the snow, and your power train warrenty is to 7 70000. I don't know though I'm iffy about it. I don't think much can happen in three months difference but you never know, plus the dealors can just make things up if your not careful. my question is, is this 39 month 12K lease a good deal or no would it be better to argue the 36 15K lease. I'm rather confident that my dad can argue the car lease to this same price but with out the 1300 down payment. what do you think?
I saw at my local Chrysler dealer they are having a leasing deal for a Crossfire at 317 for 39 months. I don't know how much down yet. I didn't go and talk to them since I am not in a market for a car until my 2001 Mustang comes off the lease in Aug 2004. Heck, by then I might be able to get a left over for cheaper. Frans
Stopped by a Chrysler dealership yesterday and examined a Crossfire up close. After reading about the car on Edmunds website and reading your reviews I wanted to see for myself. What I found surprised me. The visors are a total joke. They don't flip outward (where you'll find the sun glare), they're only 4 inches high (no help in real life) and I couldn't believe that the little "Barbie" mirror has a sliding door! Does the driver not want to look at himself?? The console was indeed cheap silver plastic. What a letdown! I had read from Edmunds review that the rear window was hard to see out of, it was. I couldn't believe the one reviewer that stated that there was no spare tire, but he was right. And another surprise, the rear tires are 19" and the front are 18"? The salesman said to use a can of sealant to fix a bad tire. The trunk was allegedly large enough to handle a set of golf clubs (required by one buyer according the the salesman) but it almost looked like it could hold a spare tire if the expense was worth it. The cupholder was as much a joke as the visors. The little storage compartment on the driver's side of the console/dash is used for what..postage stamps? A moonroof would be great for this car. I haven't chosen to test drive it yet, I'm seriously thinking about a Camry. I currently own an '84 Corvette, so I know what two-seat space is like. The car looks sharp. As stated before, a real head-turner. I don't believe it's strictly a "chick car" but it sure is striking to look at. Too bad Chrysler didn't follow through as they could have. If anyone thinks I should look deeper into this car please let me know. Rich
Comments
Already dealers are deeply dicounting them. Some advertised prices here in Florida as low as $28,000 for a stick version. Local paper has a 39 month lease with no $ down & $350 per month. A Orlando dealer had 28 in stock the last time I checked their web. Even my tiny little town Chryco delaer has 4 in stock and sales guy said they have not moved ANY since intro.
I feel sorry for the "gotta have it now" folks that paid up to $4000 over MSRP for one just a few months back. A friend in Ohio said he'd seen some go thru auction for under 25K !!
How long will it be before Chryco puts a $2000 cash back on these puppies. I'm gonna wait for awhile before I commit.
HUD:):)
One is in California with under 3 k miles. The high bid is 14k, reserve is not met.
The other is in Georgia with 34.9 miles. The high bid is 27k, reserve not met.
Heck, I have my heart set on a Solstice (covertible or coupe). But if I can get a manual X-fire for 25k, I am all over that.
Apparently the market is docking the Crossfire for its nameplate and HP/dollar ratio. That's really too bad, because the car is receiving great reviews. I agree that it's a bit overpriced, given that it has no clear competitive advantage other than its styling. The "it's an SLK for less money" pitch doesn't work, partially because the SLK offers the famous folding hardtop for that higher price. The SLK otherwise is not such an exciting car.
Link to "CarMax", they have a Chryco dealership in Orlando that lists "no haggle" prices for all their cars on line. They may even have a dealership in your area as well. They have dealerships nationally.
HUD
Get to the right price, and it will be.
My 2 cents on a couple of misconceptions. In reading the reviews that have really put the car through the paces, they all support my own subjective evaluation of the car vs its relative competitors: 350Z, RX8, Audi TT.
The only area the car lacks performance compared to the others is 0 to 60 and quarter mile. All objective evaluations has it handling better than the Z, in both slalom and skid pad, and right on a par with the RX8 and obliterating the Audi. It's 60 to 0 and 80 to 0 stopping distances in braking is FAR superior to the Z.
In the accelaration, it gives up ALL it's disadvantage to the Z in 0 to 60. Again, in nearly all tests (I said nearly)it starts to close the gap considerably by the end of the quarter. Which is pretty consistent with independent reviews: The Z is said to be a bit weak on mid range grunt, which is the 3.2 Mercedes engine's strong point. It starts to catch up once past 2nd gear.
In terms of appointments. I guess it's what you want. I have no need or desire for hands free phone and especially have no use for a nav system. That's one of those things that I would not pay for at any price, and if it came with it I'd figure I was getting an unnecessary gizmo that I was wasting money on.
The thing is otherwise equipped VERY much, to the extent that if you equip a Z comparably you will pay more for the Z than you can now easily get a Crossfire for.
My ONE disappointment in how it's equipped is that the power seats really should have memory. There's a functional reason. The way the seats are designed, I can see wear over time the outside leather bolsters will wear from abrasion getting in/out (had that problem with a Lotus Esprit I had).
The thing is, at 5' 8" if I power the seat back while the engine is running, my feet are barely reaching the pedals when the seat gets to where it needs to be so I can get in/out without really rubbing the bolster.
You CAN power the seat back with the car off and the door open, but that's not so great in cold weather. So....it would be great if I could set the seat memory so that it automatically goes where I need it to for ingress/egress.
Again, the car is not a class leader. But there are some things it does better than it's competitors. I've owned 4 Lotuses, and have a 5th (Elise) ordered, so I've had the pleasure of driving some of the best handling cars in the world.
I can say first hand that the grip of the Crossfire is far superior to the Z or BMWZ4, or Audi TT. This with a rather number recirculating ball steering. If it had rack and pinion, it WOULD be in Boxster S or even Elise territory.
About sale prices now. This is the absolute worst time of the year to try to sell a two seat sports car in any area of the country that experiences winter, so you need to take sale prices with a grain of salt. Folks looking to buy now are not going to buy a car that a) does not negotiate winter weather well, or b) they will simply park in the garage over the winter and not get any pleasure from.
Depending on the price point for the Supercharged and Roadster due next year, you will see the prices creep back up closer to MSRP come late winter/spring.
It's a ball to drive, really.
There was a ad today from a Clearwater dealer for "demo leases" that seemed to indicate the factory is upping the ante on dealer support. A 39 month lease, no down & $299.00 per month. In the tiny "mice type" at the bottom it said "reflects all factory incentives" which leads me to believe they are actually getting factory support of some kind. This may be only a regional deal. Anyway, if you want a deal come on down. LOL !
Happy New Year
HUD
The black is absolutely breathtaking. The wheels seem to be a light silver or white of some sort and the contrast and fit with the gorgeous black finish is unbelievable. That particular car was one of the most beautiful vehicles I've ever seen.
I've seen a few others in different colors in motion. Looks very nice but I was wasn't really floored. I don't know why but the Crossfire reminds me too much of the RX-8, and the RX-8 of the Crossfire. It's as though they're Twin Funky Coupe Brothers.
Try this link:
http://www.car-buying-strategies.com/chrysler-dealers/fl/clearwat- er-chrysler-dealers.html
fastdriver
Fitzgerald also has dealerships in Maryland and Penna.as you will see when you pull up their web.
Car-Max in Orlando also has low, low out the door prices too. They are a Chrysler, Jeep dealer.
Good hunting. Let us know if you score a great deal. Bob Dance Chrysler in Orlando had over 20 X-Fires in stock the last time I checked. They also have a web site that you can scan inventory but they only list MSRP and they are a fast track dealer so it would be "grinder time " to get a low price out of them.
HUD
It definitely is. Again the resemblance may be more due to the Funky Coupe effect - they're both coupes and they're both way more Funky than other coupes on the road. Therein is found some slight kinship.
Drive a Crossfire in snow, ANY snow, if you have no other option.
Funny, I found I liked driving the XFire much more than the MR2 -- there's no substitute for cubic inches -- and way more than most of the reviewers seemed to.
From my research, I seemed to come up with 32,000 as dealer invoice and the car I drove was stickered at $35,000 -- would it be realistic to go for $33,000? or are they not haggling much on this car?
Thanks for any help here.
John
"Chrysler should learn their lesson from this launch: stop dealers from marking up over MSRP."
I don't think that DC has too much control over their dealers. They can't even get them to live up to their "5-STAR" ratings. It means nothing as opposed to another DC dealer that doesn't have any stars.
fastdriver
HUD
don't get me wrong, I still think this is a fine car. but Chrysler could have exercised control over the dealer network. sell the cars direct, through a dealer, passing the normal MSRP to invoice spread to them for the sale. there are many things the manufacturer can do.
Maby some of our dealer savvy posters can give us the scoop on this.
HUD
Ford attempted direct sales a few years ago by buying up a bunch of the dealerships that sold Ford products (one of them was actually within 5 miles of my home). This, of course never amounted to much since the independent dealerships ended up threatening law suits. I think Ford finally sold their dealerships back to private business owners to appease their current dealer channel.
Dealerships being franchisees and independent businesses, there is very little any of the manufacturers can do to dictate the dealerships' business practices if the dealership is adhering to the franchise contract with the manufacturer. That includes setting pricing parameters. A dealer can set any price they want on any car...above or below the MSRP from the factory. The consumer has to rely on the free market to dictate what any car is actually sold for.
If a MOPAR dealer, for example, insists on selling a Xfire for more than MSRP, then the best thing to do is to find a dealer who will make a better deal. Dealers must compete for your business so eventually, the MSRP + ADM dealer will have to lower their price to compete.
No one is holding a gun to the consumer's head to buy the XFire at any price. Conversely, a dealer can choose not to sell any of their XFires at anything but MSRP +, if they so choose.
If the cars aren't selling at the inflated price, it's a pretty good bet that deals below MSRP can and will be made by the consumer.
but back to the point: the dealer network destroyed initial interest in this car through these pricing practices, I stand by that statement. If you check out some of the boards on the new Corvette, you see that almost no dealers are engaging in this practice for the C6.
I read in one of the business monthly rags that Chryco was upset with some Car Max dealerships selling cars too cheaply & the local competetive dealers (Orlando) were making nasty sounds unless the mfg. "leaned" on them to cool it a little. I guess the other dealers were sore that Car max was advertising Xfires (as well as the entire car line) out the door for nearly 28K !! I wonder just how many they actually moved @ that price.
HUD
You mostly get info about the Xfire here.
If deciding between the G or the Xfire for you hinges entirely on what kind of deal you get, my guess is that you haven't driven one or the other of the cars, maybe neither!
They are two different cars. Different performance envelopes, different appointments, different feel, different styling...they're just WAY different.
Trying to compare them vis a vis the type of deal you'll get is comparing apples and bed sheets.
Which do you LIKE better, based on looks, performance, how you drive, how you'll use the car, etc. Let that drive your decision. If you (or your dad) can afford one, you (he) most certainly can afford the other.
Daewoo actually went to the expense of taking some of these "amabassadors" to the plant in Korea to see the cars and how they were built.
OF course, the fatal flaw in their thinking was:
1) Daewoo assumed college students had money and/or credit
2) That there may be a slight chance that the student ambassadors actually took the job for no other reason than to get a free trip to Korea
3) That college students knew anything about selling cars
4) That their targeted market gave a "hoot" about yet another manufacturer entered the car market with yet another mundane model offering
As we know, this plan failed, as did Daewoo.
So we're on Day three and 250 miles and the car is living up to expectations. what a total BLAST to drive and everybody points and stares -- haven't gotten used to that yet...
The car is solid and feels like a German car should. And even though it's a Chrysler, the Mulroney sticker says 80 percent of the car is made in Germany -- ergo -- German car. And sporty. I took one of my favorite back roads and the rear end started getting a little "sporty." I'm no autocrosser but she doesn't seem to quite have the manners of my '69 BMW 2002 (Which isn't exactly the King of Watkins Glen either) in the corners. But remember, I'm no expert -- either in performance driving or in talking about performance driving.
Happy with the car? Heck yes. But check back with me in a couple of months after the honeymoon. I bet, though, I'll still be happy then.
Regards,
John
Congrats on your car. Where'd you buy yours? I got mine from Tate in Glen Burnie. Out the door you did pretty good...I've seen them for $29,995 pre tax/tags, so the incremental gain you might have realized would've been soaked off by your time spent driving around looking for a better deal.
Where in MD are you located? Just want to keep my eyes open for another car. Mine is black, I live in the Annapolis area.
Bought mine in August, have 2900 miles on it. The day I picked it up I saw another on the road while I was in mine. Haven't seen another since while driving mine.
While driving my other car, I've seen one on the DC beltway, two in downtown Baltimore. Lots sitting on the dealer lots, not many on the road, it would seem.
Congrats on the new wheels! Did you get the manual or auto stick? It sounds like you will be driving for a few day before you get back to the post.
Gramps.........
Heck if some of you are buying at 30K I think I would buy rather than lease at that price. Frans
If you lease and get a lemon, then all you do is give it back to DC. If you buy, then you're left holding the lemon...er...bag.
fastdriver
358 a month (plustax)
1600 due at signing (includes first payment)
thats about it... don't know if its any good or not seeing as its a 39 month lease with 12K a year. I asked him numerous times what it would be for a 36 month lease with 15K a year, he asked why the residual is better on a 39, I said because I'm off of bumper to bumper warrenty by the end of the lease, and I drive 13500 miles a year and need the 15K he said "well you probably won't be driving it for two-three months a year because of the snow, and your power train warrenty is to 7 70000. I don't know though I'm iffy about it. I don't think much can happen in three months difference but you never know, plus the dealors can just make things up if your not careful. my question is, is this 39 month 12K lease a good deal or no would it be better to argue the 36 15K lease. I'm rather confident that my dad can argue the car lease to this same price but with out the 1300 down payment. what do you think?
The visors are a total joke. They don't flip outward (where you'll find the sun glare), they're only 4 inches high (no help in real life) and I couldn't believe that the little "Barbie" mirror has a sliding door! Does the driver not want to look at himself?? The console was indeed cheap silver plastic. What a letdown! I had read from Edmunds review that the rear window was hard to see out of, it was. I couldn't believe the one reviewer that stated that there was no spare tire, but he was right. And another surprise, the rear tires are 19" and the front are 18"? The salesman said to use a can of sealant to fix a bad tire.
The trunk was allegedly large enough to handle a set of golf clubs (required by one buyer according the the salesman) but it almost looked like it could hold a spare tire if the expense was worth it.
The cupholder was as much a joke as the visors. The little storage compartment on the driver's side of the console/dash is used for what..postage stamps?
A moonroof would be great for this car. I haven't chosen to test drive it yet, I'm seriously thinking about a Camry. I currently own an '84 Corvette, so I know what two-seat space is like.
The car looks sharp. As stated before, a real head-turner. I don't believe it's strictly a "chick car" but it sure is striking to look at. Too bad Chrysler didn't follow through as they could have.
If anyone thinks I should look deeper into this car please let me know.
Rich
anyone know the dates of the Chicago Auto show... I'm thinking of taking a run down there?