GrahamC230K
MB Enthusiast
- Joined
- Jul 14, 2002
- Messages
- 9,755
- Car
- Audi A3 & S4 quattro
scotth_uk said:Autocar got in touch with me this morning about providing some input into their Crossfire long term report. I was open and honest - can't wait to see the results.
How a bout letting us read what you told them so we can compare with their version?
Steve_Perry
MB Enthusiast
I'm intrigued, how did they know to contact you Scott?
S.
S.
One of the members here spotted an email address in the magazine I believe and provided me with the details. I sent something in November and heard back today!
Here's what I wrote (verbatim):
Hi Matt,
Thought about it some more, and thought I'd get it out of the way....
More information available at http://www.crossfireforum.org - the only useful web resource. There is a strong, helpful, friendly xfire owners presence here where eveything is discussed in detail including problems, etc.
Some background:
The car is a basic manual with no satellite navigation. Saphire Silver Blue.
I got the car on one of the much discussed lease deals in July last year(12 month contract, £233 per month inc VAT) through Skyfleet in Kent. Had originally ordered an MX-5 through them, which never arrived. Eventually I got fed up and they offered me the deal of the decade on the Crossfire. Collected the car from Lancasters at Bishops Stortford within a few days.
Lancasters were a pleasure to deal with. I had some issues, which I'll get into in further detail below, and they have been proactive and responsive with my enquiries. I've received advance warning of service requirements from them by post which has been welcome.
Since then I have done just over 10,000 miles in the car and can sincerely say that I have enjoyed every single mile of the drive. It's been up and down the country along the motorways between London and Stoke as well as my daily driver around East and Central London.
The car is individual - I rarely see one, and as a result I am still be ogled everywhere I go and asked what it is. Overtaking drivers seem to almost crash into me trying to work out what it is, whilst moving closer to try and read the badge. People lucky enough to see the wing go up or down usually come up beside for a look to see what is going on inside. I believe that the car's design grows on people over time as it has with me. Individuality is rare these days on British roads.
The car was criticised by many for it's lack of power. I can honestly say that I disagree. Whilst many tuned motor vehicles may get from 0-60 faster than this, the presence of torque in this vehicle makes up for anything that others claim is missing. Regardless of gear, this thing accelerates happily from any speed. I've seen just shy of 150mph (indicated) and it's been happy for more. The challenge is of course finding a piece of road long enough to play around. German Autobahns and the M6 toll have been my only opportunities so far.
Fuel economy has been very average. A tank lasts about 220 miles around town and sees 300-350 on pure motorway work at the appropriate speed. Have tried running it on every fuel there is and the best results for me have been with BP's Ultimate, although these things are possibly always perceived to be better and are difficult to test.
Safety features luckily have not been tested to any great degree, however I can vouch for the pure excellence of the traction control and braking systems. Both are very capable for a car of this size and weight, although the traction control does inhibit fast take offs but cutting the power for longer than I would like. Certainly inferior launch control when compared to an AMG CL55 or similar. Supplied tyres are quite frankly the best that I have ever driven on, and are wearing well.
The car's been a nightmare to park around London as it takes up more carpark space than your usual battered Fiesta. As a result I have received countless door dings and minor scratches which is raising my blood pressure somewhat. As a result I usually take up two spaces wherever I go.
Had a minor incident with a minicab in Clapham where the rear drivers side met a Toyota Carina in a friction exercise. Directline were fine, and let me take the car to my chosen repairer - Hilton's in Bishop's Stortford who repaired the car quickly and skillfully.
Sound system is awesome. No complaints about the standard system except for the aesthetics of the Infinity head unit which looks like it just got here from 1982.
Storage space has been more than adequate - the only issue is the odd shaped opening for getting in large objects.
Things that have stopped working:
The first component to fail completely was the fan control module, which meant that the engine cooling fans would never shut down - even after the car had been parked for many hours. A phone call to Lancasters quickly sorted the problem. I visited their showroom in Bishop's Stortford and they had the part replaced within an hour. I spoke directly with their xfire specialist who was clearly an enthsiast which impressed me, as many grease monkeys really don't care for the motors that they are working on.
Since then the only other failure has been the driver's side heated seat. A common problem for North American owners according to the forum website. Haven't had it repaired yet, as the car is going in next week for it's 10,000 mile service - which by the way is very cheap at under £200 inc VAT (a welcome departure from DC's MB servicing costs).
Things that are bothering me (please note that the dealer has agreed to address these issues Monday):
There is a noticable noise from the clutch release bearing. It's a known issue with early xfires.
Shift from neutral to first is almost impossible when cold. Going into third then first seems to make my life easier.
Shift from first to second is noisy and crunchy. Got to get the revs just right.
The car has jumped out of first gear a few times when taking off from stopped. Only happens under light acceleration though. Has never done it under heavy acceleration. I believe that this was a known batch build issue.
There is something loose in the rear end setup. When you are on the motorway doing approx 70 in 5th, engine braking and then acceleration produces a noticable clunk and a feeling that something has moved.
There is a slight increase in vibration from the drivetrain as more miles are travelled. Possibly related to the issue above.
Steering wheel play has increased considerably since the car was new.
The cupholder is beyond useless. Unforunately this was not changed from the American design and makes me furious. Every time I rest my elbow to change gears, the damn thing pops up. I have asked the dealer to remove it upon next service.
Overall:
I really do like this car and am only really disappointed by the pathetic use of silver plastic inside rather than brushed aluminium along with the comedy cupholder.
I am seriously considering buying this car from the leasing company and believe that in comparison to other vehicles that I have owned from new is performing well.
The dealer's service has been a welcome surprise as the DC network is not known for it's customer satisfaction.
It's a solid performer with everything I need (and safety features for when I need them), and it's just that little bit different to the others in this price bracket. Would really like to try the SRT-6..... RX-8s are good, but common and I just can't quite come to terms with the 350Z.... Yet.
Here's what I wrote (verbatim):
Hi Matt,
Thought about it some more, and thought I'd get it out of the way....
More information available at http://www.crossfireforum.org - the only useful web resource. There is a strong, helpful, friendly xfire owners presence here where eveything is discussed in detail including problems, etc.
Some background:
The car is a basic manual with no satellite navigation. Saphire Silver Blue.
I got the car on one of the much discussed lease deals in July last year(12 month contract, £233 per month inc VAT) through Skyfleet in Kent. Had originally ordered an MX-5 through them, which never arrived. Eventually I got fed up and they offered me the deal of the decade on the Crossfire. Collected the car from Lancasters at Bishops Stortford within a few days.
Lancasters were a pleasure to deal with. I had some issues, which I'll get into in further detail below, and they have been proactive and responsive with my enquiries. I've received advance warning of service requirements from them by post which has been welcome.
Since then I have done just over 10,000 miles in the car and can sincerely say that I have enjoyed every single mile of the drive. It's been up and down the country along the motorways between London and Stoke as well as my daily driver around East and Central London.
The car is individual - I rarely see one, and as a result I am still be ogled everywhere I go and asked what it is. Overtaking drivers seem to almost crash into me trying to work out what it is, whilst moving closer to try and read the badge. People lucky enough to see the wing go up or down usually come up beside for a look to see what is going on inside. I believe that the car's design grows on people over time as it has with me. Individuality is rare these days on British roads.
The car was criticised by many for it's lack of power. I can honestly say that I disagree. Whilst many tuned motor vehicles may get from 0-60 faster than this, the presence of torque in this vehicle makes up for anything that others claim is missing. Regardless of gear, this thing accelerates happily from any speed. I've seen just shy of 150mph (indicated) and it's been happy for more. The challenge is of course finding a piece of road long enough to play around. German Autobahns and the M6 toll have been my only opportunities so far.
Fuel economy has been very average. A tank lasts about 220 miles around town and sees 300-350 on pure motorway work at the appropriate speed. Have tried running it on every fuel there is and the best results for me have been with BP's Ultimate, although these things are possibly always perceived to be better and are difficult to test.
Safety features luckily have not been tested to any great degree, however I can vouch for the pure excellence of the traction control and braking systems. Both are very capable for a car of this size and weight, although the traction control does inhibit fast take offs but cutting the power for longer than I would like. Certainly inferior launch control when compared to an AMG CL55 or similar. Supplied tyres are quite frankly the best that I have ever driven on, and are wearing well.
The car's been a nightmare to park around London as it takes up more carpark space than your usual battered Fiesta. As a result I have received countless door dings and minor scratches which is raising my blood pressure somewhat. As a result I usually take up two spaces wherever I go.
Had a minor incident with a minicab in Clapham where the rear drivers side met a Toyota Carina in a friction exercise. Directline were fine, and let me take the car to my chosen repairer - Hilton's in Bishop's Stortford who repaired the car quickly and skillfully.
Sound system is awesome. No complaints about the standard system except for the aesthetics of the Infinity head unit which looks like it just got here from 1982.
Storage space has been more than adequate - the only issue is the odd shaped opening for getting in large objects.
Things that have stopped working:
The first component to fail completely was the fan control module, which meant that the engine cooling fans would never shut down - even after the car had been parked for many hours. A phone call to Lancasters quickly sorted the problem. I visited their showroom in Bishop's Stortford and they had the part replaced within an hour. I spoke directly with their xfire specialist who was clearly an enthsiast which impressed me, as many grease monkeys really don't care for the motors that they are working on.
Since then the only other failure has been the driver's side heated seat. A common problem for North American owners according to the forum website. Haven't had it repaired yet, as the car is going in next week for it's 10,000 mile service - which by the way is very cheap at under £200 inc VAT (a welcome departure from DC's MB servicing costs).
Things that are bothering me (please note that the dealer has agreed to address these issues Monday):
There is a noticable noise from the clutch release bearing. It's a known issue with early xfires.
Shift from neutral to first is almost impossible when cold. Going into third then first seems to make my life easier.
Shift from first to second is noisy and crunchy. Got to get the revs just right.
The car has jumped out of first gear a few times when taking off from stopped. Only happens under light acceleration though. Has never done it under heavy acceleration. I believe that this was a known batch build issue.
There is something loose in the rear end setup. When you are on the motorway doing approx 70 in 5th, engine braking and then acceleration produces a noticable clunk and a feeling that something has moved.
There is a slight increase in vibration from the drivetrain as more miles are travelled. Possibly related to the issue above.
Steering wheel play has increased considerably since the car was new.
The cupholder is beyond useless. Unforunately this was not changed from the American design and makes me furious. Every time I rest my elbow to change gears, the damn thing pops up. I have asked the dealer to remove it upon next service.
Overall:
I really do like this car and am only really disappointed by the pathetic use of silver plastic inside rather than brushed aluminium along with the comedy cupholder.
I am seriously considering buying this car from the leasing company and believe that in comparison to other vehicles that I have owned from new is performing well.
The dealer's service has been a welcome surprise as the DC network is not known for it's customer satisfaction.
It's a solid performer with everything I need (and safety features for when I need them), and it's just that little bit different to the others in this price bracket. Would really like to try the SRT-6..... RX-8s are good, but common and I just can't quite come to terms with the 350Z.... Yet.
Well it came out today....
It's a long term comparison between the RX-8, 350Z and the Crossfire. They didn't use much of my material, but did credit me with the following:
Pages 74 and 75 if anyone's got it.
"Evidently, it's a common feature of Crossfire ownership. Reader Scott Hamilton wrote explaining that his car is ogled everywhere he goes. 'Individuality is rare on British roads these days,' he says, 'and this car certainly has it'.
I am more than happy with the write up. Essentially he's also had some irritating moments, but loves driving it around.
:bannana: for me!
It's a long term comparison between the RX-8, 350Z and the Crossfire. They didn't use much of my material, but did credit me with the following:
Pages 74 and 75 if anyone's got it.
"Evidently, it's a common feature of Crossfire ownership. Reader Scott Hamilton wrote explaining that his car is ogled everywhere he goes. 'Individuality is rare on British roads these days,' he says, 'and this car certainly has it'.
I am more than happy with the write up. Essentially he's also had some irritating moments, but loves driving it around.
:bannana: for me!
PJH
MB Enthusiast
Fame at last then Scott. :bannana:scotth_uk said:
pammy
MB Enthusiast
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nice letter Scott - glad the articles kept you happy.
So you're thinking of buying it out then - cool
So you're thinking of buying it out then - cool
Steve_Perry
MB Enthusiast
No relation to 
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