I am interested in the Chrysler Crossfire but wondering why the prices are so low since they are relatively rare. I am also interested in the 370Z Nissan whos prices are higher for similar years. Which is the best car? Which is the best year for these cars? Thank you.

Personally, I say no-go on the Crossfire, which got the axe after 2008 model year...it was never an outstanding car and you can count on low resale value and low reliability. Here's what Consumer Reports (CR) has to say: The outdated steering system makes the handling neither as precise nor as sporty as one expects of a two-seater. Also that it has a "clunky six-speed manual transmission". Why are they priced so low for whatever quantities Dealers have left = LOW Demand and desperation to get rid of them! The Nissan 370Z is far superior. CR has it on their Recommended List and reports the following: The Z two-seater shares mechanical components with the Infiniti G coupe, including a wonderfully strong and smooth V6. Acceleration is very quick, and fuel economy is respectable. The six-speed manual is a bit notchy but easy to use. Reliability has improved to above average. I would avoid the 2009 model year (1st year for the 370Z, changing over from the 350Z) as there were Transmission, Electrical and Minor Engine Problems reported. 2010 and up should be fine. Hope this helps!! :)

Thanks, Racer. Doesn't the crossfire come in an automatic tranny as well? I am used to driving a Wrangler for the past 20 years so judging handling and precise steering of the crossfire may seem good to me. I don't know. Haven't driven one yet. Have you driven one? I don't want a car that is TOO precise because it could oversteer with a short wheelbase. They are sure cute cars. I will check out reliability again because everything I read about repairs was favorable...owners really seem to like the cars and they are hard to find. I think the Z is real hot looking too but a lot more $$$$. Thanks for info on best year for 370Z. Anyone selling one for under $30,000 with low miles, and not a convertible?

Hi Motormouth...The Crossfire was available with an optional 5 speed Auto Tranny (6 speed Manual was standard equipment). I know you're from Canada, but I can honestly say that most smart Americans who take the time to research cars avoid Chrysler products because of their poor reliability track record (The people who DO buy them have done zero research and just want a cheap set of wheels...Remember the Yugo from the mid 80's? Well, that is a PERFECT example of what I'm trying to say here). No, I've never driven one and with the single exception of ONE that I saw on a highway 2 weeks ago, I haven't seen one in MANY years. Sales and production of these cars took a serious downturn from 2004-2008 and very few were imported into the USA during its final 2 years. These cars were built in Germany and share 80% of it's components with the Mercedes Benz SLK320 = Nightmare repair bills and the chance that some parts may have limited to no availability since the car is no longer made. Check Wikipedia for more overall details. Now, I have owned a Nissan 350Z Coupe and loved it...as with any REAL sportscar, there was some degree of oversteer and understeer, but it wasn't excessive with the Z, in my honest opinion. In contrast, the sportcar I have now, the Mazda MX-5 Miata is VERY precise and also a lot lighter than the Z, so it's more prone to this...thankfully, stability & traction control systems compensate...I enjoy a car I can toss around corners though (it's definitely NOT for everyone though). Since the 370Z Coupe is less costly than the Z Roadster (convertible version), you can definitely find some 2010 and 2011 Coupes for under $30k and with low miles. The 2011 models have the available Synchro Rev Match feature which "blips" the throttle and matches revs on downshifts & upshifts, a nice feature to have (if you buy a 6 speed manual). Not sure where you're looking to buy one from, but most Nissan Dealers will have some 2010 and 2011's. Good Luck!

Opps...One more VERY important thing: The Crossfire was only 215 HP, the Nissan 370Z has 332 HP....big difference!

Hope all of this information was helpful, Motormouth! I was wrong about one thing...parts for the Crossfire are likely still available, since the Mercedes Benz SLK series is still being made....God only knows what parts would cost, since they may have to be shipped from Germany. Let me know what you end up getting!! Good Luck with whatever car you purchase though!

Well, I would quess parts would be as easy to get for the crossfire as for most cars since most are built all over the world these days. Do people have to order parts from Germany for their BMW's or Mercedes? Anyone know? Anyone got a crossfire? Thanks for the good luck wishes, Racer. I'll let you know!

I found a 2005 coupe at a dealers in Victoria, B.C. Canada (which is closer to where I live) It has 36,000 km, is immaculate, tires and brakes 60%. They want $18,000 plus tax...works out to about $21,000 total. Too much? I saw photos and it is clean...blue with leather seats. What do you think?

I had a 2005 Nissan Z Coupe and loved it. 36,000 km (or 22k miles) is VERY good. You might be able to do a little better on price though...see if you can negotiable down a little. (It's a fairly decent price though). Assuming this is a 6 speed manual, not the automatic and Enthusiast or maybe Touring trim level??

WHOA Motormouth, You haven't driven one yet but your worried about prices ! You are going from the ease and comfort that a lot of access/egress space offers you getting in and out of your Jeep wrangler, to basically "get on the ground and crawl on in" for the Chrysler Crossfire. Remember good people get killed by a thing called Crossfire ! Oh and while your in the Crossfire, could you let the trailer truck next to you know if his tires have enough air in them, since you'll be so close to them.

Well Fordtudor37...These type of low slung, 2 seater sportscars are DEFINITELY NOT for everyone...I realize that each and every day as I pass 12,000 Toyota Camry's and Prius on the highway in my MX-5...well not everyday. Rainy days (like today on the East Coast) and snowy days, you'll find me in my 4WD SUV. BUT I know that there are a TON of people whose brains are wired differently (I guess) and don't understand it when I zip by them with the top down on a beautiful sunny in a convertible (or in my Nissan Z Coupe when I owned that). I AM discouraging Motormouth from buying a Crossfire (I hope)...as it's not the best sportscar bet at ALL. If you're NOT into these kinds of cars, just fine by me....The world's highways would be a helluva lot more insane if everyone drove one! LOL!

Earth to "Racer_X", earth to "Racer_X" come in please ! I have NO IDEA what your thinking by leaving the past comment but you obviously got it ALL WRONG ! My comment to "Motormouth" was to go for it if that is what he truly wants, BUT to realize the ease of getting in and out of a Jeep Wrangler is vastly different then a Chrysler Crossfire, never mind the numerous issues they have mechanically "hence the Crossfire innuendo" and that doesn't take into account the fact that if "Motormouth" is a tall person (maybe the reason why he had a Jeep in the first place) he might find it extremely difficult getting in and out of the car in bad weather or even on a daily bases. You need to learn to ask questions FIRST BEFORE ASSUMING what someone else is trying to say. AND to set the record straight, check out my garage page and look at my black '31 Ford 5 window coupe, enough said !

Well, guys, most cars are small these days and getting smaller. I could have bought a new Honda Accord, but that felt like I was sitting in a tin can. I don't want a ubiquitous car. The Crossfire is built by Mercedes, and it's not junk. Also, don't assume I'm a dude....I am a petite female and will have no trouble getting into the Crossfire....I know. I sat in a 370Z and a couple of RX8's (which I used to have) I DO have trouble getting into my Wrangler since I am short and it has a rather high step in. Before you assume the Crossfire is a piece of junk, look on the Crossfire forum pages. It is also built by Chrysler and I happen to be fond of that brand since my Jeep is 19 years old and runs like a top. ANY sports car is going to need more maintenance. But it's a unique car, this little Crossfire and it will beat the pants off of anything else on the road...wanna race??

My apologies to you miss. I did not mean Ill will, its just that I have known of more then 5 Crossfires that were at best a door stop after 65K miles. Wanna Race ?? Sure, go into my garages and check out my black '31 Ford coupe. Varoom, varoom

Guess I misunderstood what you previously stated @Fordtudor...My bad. I'm not trying to argue with people on the internet...so I'll just let you and the OP type to yourselves...Good Luck with whatever car that you do choose, MM. Peace..

"Happy safe motoring everyone".

I have a 2005 Chrysler Crossfire Limited for sale. It has 40,000 miles and is in perfect condition. Has been babied it's whole life and is immaculate. I am located in Sioux City, IA and my asking price will be much less than any dealership as well. Feel free to contact me if you are still interested in one of these cars. My email is: Cassidykeleher@yahoo.com

I think I should step in here. I just bought a 2005 crossfire with 38000 miles for 8 grand. Thank God for poor resale! :-) These cars are the best deal on the road period. There is nowhere for the price to go. Chances are these are second cars. Go buy a new nissan and you will be out 8 grand in resale the day you buy it!

Can't believe the negativity on the Crossfire. I have two of them. A 2007 limited coupe and a 2007 Roadster. I have had my coupe for 5 years. It has 62,000 miles on it with 0 problems. Great car. I just bought a 2007 Roadster with 14,000 miles. Looks like new.

Darwin, I too do not understand all the "bad-mothing" about the Crossfire. I have a 2005 Roadster that looks just like you 2007. It has 97k miles on it and I will buy another one when this one dies. I have had a few problems, but it does have 97k miles on it!!! Don't knock a car based on what you have read. If you haven't owned one, how can you advise someone else not to purchase it? Shirley

Anyone who says a crossfire is a poor car is immediately classified as a moron in my opinion. This is a Mercedes in Chrysler clothing. Do your research and you will understand that this is a fantastic car. Great value for the money!

I'm now looking at these, since I've always been in awe of them Great cars they are... every forum will have posts on problems, what car is perfect, but don't let that sway you from the majority that have had zero problems... the forums are for "those" cases that do have a certain problem

i know this post is old, but i don't quite get the xfire bashing either. bought mine 5 years ago. no problems. 6 speed is great and if it had any more ponies, i'd probably kill myself in it. i bought a '72 240Z new and an '83 RX7 new...the crossfire is my favorite, by far. i'm looking for a second one.

I am driving my son's 2007 Crossfire. It has 119,000 miles on it. No problems. I have had people stop me in parking lots admiring it. I'm a senior citizen. It does make me feel young.

My wife doesn't drive so sports handling or the likes is not the number one concern for me. She just always like the car so thinking of buying it as an anniversary gift and maybe it will inspire as she sees her car sitting in the garage. For the price of about 8k I'm seeing, appears to be a win win situation.

I have a crossfire for sale...really cheap and in great condition only 22k. if your interested email me, xshep@hotmail.com

I'm selling it on the site for 10k OBO

I see them going really cheap now, 4-6k clean!

I recently purchased a 2004 Crosssfire with 20k miles. The only thing that I have had to do is replace the original tires which were 11 years old. I love it. It is the best $7700 I have ever spent on a car. People who look at it think that I just purchased it new and can't believe that it is 11 years old. Yes, as stated earlier, it only has 215 hp, but the SRT version has 335hp and is a match for most Nissan Z cars. I expect to keep this car for at least 20 years, or until I die, which ever come first. (I'm in my 70s) If the price on this car falls much lower, I'll buy another. The paint job on every Crossfire that I have ever seen is amazing. Chrysler or Mercedes, who ever did the painting did a far better job than on any of the 4 Nissans that I have owned.

I bought an SRT6 last year with only 12K on it and have put another 10K on it so far. Fantastic, high quality car. I wasn't looking for a sports car, but I found this to be the best deal out there for low mileage and cost. Looks brand new. They must have used a very high quality paint. This is a hand built Mercedes engine. The only maintenance/repairs I needed to do were a couple of small items easily gleaned from the forums and change the oil. I am basically driving a brand new, Mercedes quality, great looking, fun to drive car for a fraction of the cost of the average run of the mill vehicle out there. It puts a smile to my face every time I get to drive it. Seriously, do you see any other cars out there with 20K miles for under $8K like the poster mentioned above? So you can pay your $8K+ and get some other beat up car with 100K miles, and pay through the roof for repairs/maintenance or pick up one of these low mile like new cars. No brainer if you don't need the extra seats. I am nearly 60 and have had a lot of nice cars, Corvette, Jaguar XJ8 VDP, MR2 Turbo, etc. This is by far the best deal, lowest issue car I have ever had. It's like I stole a new car for 75% off. (I did like the MR2 Turbo handling better though has much more growl and speed). My wife doesn't like the stiff suspension, low seating, and lack of space. She prefers our Suburban. For me and my running around, I definitely prefer the Crossfire.

Meant to say the SRT6 has more growl and speed than the MR2 Turbo.

Thanks for all the info. I am interested in a Crossfire coupe, automatic. Any recommendations about specifics to look for and where you have found the best ones/best priced ones? It seems to be a Mercedes in Chrysler dress and that suits me!

I purchased a 2004 Crossfire with a 6 speed manual shift in June 2015 for $7700 on ebay. It had 20k miles on it. I am now a little over 23k. Here is what else I have had to spend to get it where I wanted it. The PA sales tax was about $600. I had a Chrysler dealer do an overall inspection which included the PA yearly inspection all for about $400. The tires were original and dry rotted, so I replaced them for about $650. The AM radio was not working, so I put in a window antenna for about $100. The FM and CD player work really well. I was hounded by warranty companies, so I chose a 60 month, 100,000 mile full warranty on all parts with a $100 deductible for an upfront cost of $2360 from Vehicle Service Center in Irvine CA. I just did a 3000 mile oil change which took 8 quarts of the best synthetic oil for $100. I purchased an online owner’s manual which states that the Crossfire only uses 5 quarts, but the Monro Muffler shop insisted that it requires 8. Not counting gasoline and the oil changes, I have spent a little under $12k for this car. Now, I love this car. The paint on it is amazing. Everyone who sees it thinks that it is a new car. I rarely use 1st gear: instead I use 2nd gear which I find gives me a smoother start. I only use 1st gear when I am facing up on a steep hill. I don’t think that I would trade this car for many other ones, accept maybe a Crossfire SRT 6, or a Tesla. Jim

I bought mine on Ebay. I saw one sell for about the price I wanted to pay and offered that same amount to another seller who had theirs listed as buy it now or best offer. You might want to look at crossfireforum.org where people list their cars for sale. Prices can range all over the place for this car. A guy had one just like the one I bought up, but was in the same city I am in, but he wanted $6K more that what I got mine for and he wouldn't budge. So it all depends on the seller. I bought mine with very low miles so I didn't need to worry too much about condition. Though I am sure the low mile cars will be harder to find through time.

Thanks for the quick response. Searching for one this week.

Jimbloomquist or others I now have 04 crossfire and the tires are dry rotted, can you share where you purchased yours from for $650.I also need two rims with caps along with two additional caps ( which were stolen)

I purchased the tires online at Tire Rack. Then I had them mounted at my local Monro Muffler dealer. The specific tires are 2 225/40ZR-18 General G-MAX AS-03 XL at $120.39 each or $240.78 2 255/35ZR-19 General G-MAX AS-03 XL at $184.48 each or $368.96. I am pleased with their traction and ride. Jim Bloomquist

I bought a new 2006 Crossfire roadster manual with a sticker price of $41K and now have 19K miles with no problems: new battery, new tires @ 15K miles. Loved it so much that I bought a 2005 roadster automatic with 48K miles last year for $9K - no problems, just new tires.

Bought me a sexy 04 crossfire limited automatic 2 days ago with 90k miles on it and it runs like a dream! New tires, belts, and battery... I am in love with the thing. Interior and exterior have held true for 12 years so beautifully. Definitely undervalued

i just bught an 04 with 21,000 miles kept in a climate controlled garage has brand new 1200.00 tires and a brand new 126.00 interstate battery like brand new even smells new all for 7000 wow

Wow this site makes me feel better! I'm looking at an 04 Crossfire that has a clean car fax and looks awesome with only 74k miles on it. The issues of stalling and not restarting I have heard about really concern me especially since we are looking at this for our son. Any comments on that? My email is lifegetsbetter.com@gmail.com if anyone has any urgent comments as we are literally about to pull the trigger on this baby by Friday.

I have had an SRT6 for about 7 months. Love it. Have had the dying problem which turned out to be re-soldering the RCM you hear about. Cost me $60.00. The car is very fast. The Supercharger is always working. Stay away from the Chrysler dealers. It seems the problems the cars seem to experience are more of trying to figure out what the problem is rather than the fix. With only bout 3,000 SRT6's built, I believe it will be worth some money in a few years.

I, as an owner of a 2006 crossfire, am very happy with it. Yes it is a head turner. NO it is not the fastest car on the road with the 215 hp. And yet it is perfectly adequate for aggressive driving on USA roads. I am past the speed limit in only moments. And I will say to anyone out there... if you cannot put your automobile in a 4-wheel controlled slide around a curve (like me - no way) then you probably cannot tell the difference between the handling of say a 340Z or corvette or whatever - not enough to win a race against a Crossfire in a corvette on twisty roads. You need to be a really really good driver to take advantage of the higher horsepower and 'better' handling. The crossfire hugs curves at 70mph like it is on rails. It is not a drag racer but once past 30mph if you step on it it flies. Yes.. someone migh be a smidge faster but really who cares. Racing on the street simply gets your car impounded. If you only want bragging rights then get some super fast supercar. If you want a true luxury sports car, you cannot go wrong with the crossfire. It is a beauty. It is reliable. No squeaks. solid build. No buyers remorse - only sellers remorse!

Anyone know what the highlighted part is called or used for? I just purchased a USED 2005 Crossfire Roadster and it is somewhat stuck. (I got this pic of the internet to use for reference) I dont know how to fix it and figured this place was the best. Everyone seems to be very passionate about their baby the Crossfire.

Thats a cupholder . I own a 2007

Ha ha ... or as I think of it... a cup spiller. Those Germans laugh at us Americans who eat in our cars so that we can get to work sooner! Yeah ... press on the black part and it goes back down. I think .... but am not sure... there was a solid metal thermos/cup to go with it but I tell ya DO NOT put paper cups or styrofoam cups in there cuz the little black plastic clamp simply crushed them either on the way in or out of the holder. I had an owners manual and read some parts of it. There are features not found on American domestic cars such as the radio will stay on if you tap the knob, the heater or AC too.

I have a beautiful 2006 limited. 6 sp. Bought it 4 years ago and love it. Only has 31,800 miles on it now. Gunmetal grey. Love Love this car. Always get compliments on it. Handles great and even drive it in the winter. I put 18" front and back on new rims winter tires. Wish they still made it. Have had zero problems. The safety is excellent with the steel. My friends went off the road and it rolled and they walked away unscathed. I baby her as I don't want to lose her. She is sexy and fast

So.... what rolled exactly? Your Crossfire?

It,wasn't my Crossfire but a friends. Theirs went thru a guardrail and rolled until it hit the bottom. Because of the steel safety cage they got out and walked away. They bought another one. Safety rating on the Crossfire is very high.

good to know that Donna. I have too many cars and motorcycles and I want to get down to 1 car and 2 motorcycles. The Chevy Cruze with 6 speed has performed flawlessly, economically, reliably. But so has the Crossfire. The Cruze has 67k miles, the x-fire has like 75k. I wonder, now that I am retired and on fixed income, will the Crossfire go to 175k without any serious issues? It is expensive to fix the crossfire but much less to fix a Chevy. I guess that is why they call them (Mercedes Benz bones) "Luxury Cars" hunh?

Sorry, but Racer_X needs to shut up if he doesn't know the car. It's essentially not even a Chrysler since it was built by Mercedes in Germany. And when he said almost all were manuals he continued to show his ignorance. No, people in the US don't avoid Chryslers. If they did then the company would have shut down right after they opened for business.

I bought a four year old used 05 Crossfire SRT for my wife's 45th birthday seven years ago. It now has 50k miles. She has moved up the corporate ladder, sold businesses and could buy any car she wanted. I can't get her to trade it in. She loves the darn thing. Mechanically very few issues, starts up in the Spring after being parked for 3 months (MN winters). We have only spotted one other SRT 6 in the area over seven years!!! I'm 6'2" and I'm just a bit too tall for it. But that doesn't stop me from taking it out to get coffee or on date night with my wife (I drive). It needs new tires so I plan to take my 16 year old son (who just got his license and has never driven this car - mom won't let him touch it) over to the school parking lot and do burnouts. With all these front wheel and AW drive cars kids (and grown ups) can't do this very often. I forgot what I paid for it, it was in 09 during the dark days of the recession I think and no one wanted two seater RWD sports cars in MN so it was cheap... It isn't much $$ to insure either. It has been a great experience for my wife (and me) to have something that doesn't break the bank, is different, and fun to drive. The car is still cheap so we will continue to hold on to it as long as we have garage space. Honestly, this might be a car we keep as long as my wife is alive.

I am going to buy a 2005 crossfire roadster woth 105k miles on it. The car apparently seems fine. But since i have a negligible experience of buying used cars, i am not sure what things to checks especially for a crossfire. If anybody can help me which flaws to look for that are usually in the old crossfires. My email is azadsaleem71@gmail.com. I would really appreciate the help.

I have a coupe. I would say the of the 3 main things that go wrong, 2 out of 3 have happened. You got your overheating crankshaft position sensor ($50 plus 1/2 hour tops to install for someone who does car work enough to own a socket wrench set and can go to the store and buy a reverse torx head socket) and the shitty solder job on the one part of the wiring. The 3rd thing is the ignition switch. Treat it gently. Do not have a whole big string of keys dangling. Never force the key twirling to start or remove. Many many many mercedes benz models, including this one, are plagued by an ignition system overly concerned with thieves. They break in the 'locked' position and then to replace takes all sorts of saws and drills. So when removing the key, do it gently. Rotate the wheel ever so slightly if when (like on any car) you have it in off to remove and it is hard to pull out. Also, the car is hard on front wheel bearings. Find a mechanic who can do brakes, preferably and independent one, or, that guy down the street who is a gearhead who works on cars on the side. Do a 'padslap' ... that is get the best quality brake pads and put them on now. That will cost at MOST, absolute most, $100 for front and another 100 for rear. Also, replace the front wheel bearings. The big fat tires are harder on the crossfire hubs than the thinner SLK ones, and they do not hold up as well. NO FEAR... they are inexpensive actually. However the tire places and the dealers make it sound like major surgury. The bearings cost maybe $15 each for high quality Timkin Brand. When you get the brakes done, have the bearings done. Also, the design of this car is such that the bearings NEED LUBE as part of maintenance. It is JUST as EASY to replace the bearing during the lube job as it is to put new grease on them. Dealers and greedy independents will take advantage of your ignorance here. New bearings and tight brakes will have your front end tightened right up, and put that new car feel into it. Listen carefully.... you are buying a car that is a dozen years old. Certain parts wear out, no matter if the car was maintained perfectly, the car driven to church by an old lady, garage kept, oil changed every week, So, deal with all the maintenance issues. And plan on new tires and shocks. The REAL tires for this car are the Michelin's. Don't get anything else. Have $1,000 ready for that. The car will go thru them in about 25,000 miles... there will be tread, but they start to get noisy. And get new shocks and new mounts for the shocks. Buddy, this is not a Toyota. If you think you are going to get a 'luxury sports car' and have it treat you like a Toyota Camry that you can drive into the ground, bu cheap parts for, that anyone can fix, think again about what you are buying. If you cannot do some of these things yourself, then, put like $300 per month aside and every few months pay the mechanics to do these major cost but minor for gearhead tasks. And replace the serpentine belt. even if the seller says they did it a year or two ago. I do not know anything about the convertible top. Do not buy this car if you have a shoestring budget. It requires attention not because of poor quality (except the fu***ng ignition switch) but because it is a LUXURY sports car. They say LUXURY because it is just that, a higher priced item requiring luxury service. Don't get it fu***d up. Have a budget for this car, do the maintenance, replace parts as they legitimately wear out, and you will love the thing. If you think that you are going to buy this 12 year old car, with more than 100K, and not need to spend another 2 or even 3 thousand on it to put it in tip top shape, then, getcha a nice hyundai, or focus, or cruze. Or... get it, drive it in to the ground and sell for thousands less than you paid. Butt really, put it into good shape, it is old, shocks, bearings, belts, all are coming to the end of their legitimate service life. Deal with that reality. Learn where to get those things done, do em... and I bet you get a a good 65-75k more trouble free miles. Ignore it and you will have a car that looks nice but rides and handles like a jalopy.

I found this article to be most helpful and reassuring in the quality of the Crossfire. Thank goodness I found this post and many thanks to John for the info.