Topic: Miata vs. Crossfire?

[Giant Dwarf]

I saw an ad in the local paper this morning about a Chrysler dealer that's advertising a new Crossfire roadster at $341/mo for 24 months (lease obviously).  They're asking for a $4990 downpayment.  

This essentially puts a new, with warranty, previous generation Mercedes-Benz SLK320 in the same price range as a new '05 (not an '06) Miata.

Now, I realize for the diehard, Autocrossers out there, the Miata is the better choice.  BUT, for the rest of us who'd use the car not just for racin', but also a daily driver in stop-and-go Toronto traffic, wouldn't the torque (and having A/C) be a nice luxury?

With it being only a 24 month lease, reliability is virtually a moot point.

So, I ask ya, if you were considering these two to lease, which would you go for?

(and no, I don't want to hear "I'd go for an RX8 or an STi or an S2000"... none of those cars are as cheap as these two options I've presented).

[Mdxtasy]

I'm assuming it's the Crossfire convertible you're talking about?  Or is this price for the Crossfire coupe?

What's the buyout of the Crossfire or are you only considering it for the 2 years?  Is this price with taxes all in?

If so, I'd consider the Crossfire.  Even though it's butt ugly and whatnot, the car isn't selling well and deep discounts just to get them off the lot is a good thing for "kept men/women who want a mall cruiser" type.  

[Giant Dwarf]

Yes, MDX, by "roadster" I meant "convertible".  I'll be more clear next time.  

[Mdxtasy]

Sh*t....caught only skimming your post.

[Shnak]

that comes out to 550$/month plus tax... so that's 630$... that's way too expensive to lease that vehicle... you could lease a BMW 3-series with executive package or probably a RX8 for that price...

[Giant Dwarf]

$550/mo plus taxes?!  How do you figure that?

Let's do math together, shall we?  (and this is my weak point, so I'm sure someone will correct me)...

$341
+$117.50 (approx. $23.5 per thousand of downpayment, isn't that correct?)
=$458.50/mo.

+taxes

=$527/mo (plus PDI and a air tax and a few other niceties that you'd have to pay anywhere else too)

Go on the Mazda and BMW websites and try to build an RX8 or Executive edition 3-series (of which there are probably none left) for $527/mo taxes in with $0 down FOR 24 MONTHS and let me know what you come up with.

[Shnak]

Jeff... $341 + ($4990/24) = $548... yes? no?

$548 + tx = $631... yes? no?

The only good thing about that deal is that it's only 24 months IMO.

(Message edited by Shnak on June 24, 2005)

[Giant Dwarf]

Aw crap, bad math on my part.  the $23.5/mo per 1000 only works on 48 months.  Doh!

Even still, a 24 month lease on a Miata works out to $663/mo for one with leather (the most likely comparison).

So, my point (and original question) still stand despite my lousy math skills.  The Miata and Crossfire CONVERTIBLE are essentially the same price right now... which do you go for?

[Shnak]

The one not built by a domestic carmaker...

EDIT:
Not that it really matters in this case since 2 years is probably not long enough that the car would give you tons of problem... but I prefer the Miata to the Crossfire anyways... Crossfire just isn't my taste... and honestly, it's interior is craptastic! TONS of cheap plastics!! What else is new for a domestic...

(Message edited by Shnak on June 24, 2005)

[Snowman]

The Crossfire Roadster would be my pick for a summer toy. I have fitment issues the Miata and I do like the styling of o The Crossfire Roadster.

[Giant Dwarf]

...and by comparison, a base model (GS) RX8 without any options works out to $730/month for 24 months.

...no exec edition 325s on the website, but a new 325 without any options at all works out to just shy of $800/month

[Shnak]

Like I said, the only thing I like about the Crossfire deal is the 24 months...

I'd most certainly lease a Miata (or RX8) for 36 or 48 months for similar, or even a bit more money, than this Crossfire deal. But that's just me.

[froggy]

Isn't the crossfire the same as the SLK 320?
Then the crossfire!

[Mdxtasy]

Why not just come up with the down payment up front instead of rolling it into the payments?

I'm in for the Miata....I'm sure the Crossfire is a fine auto, but I'm not a big fan of the Pacifica front end or the J Lo butt.

[Wetson]

Crossfire.  If you're 6' or over and your torso is long you'll have difficulties seeing out of the Miata.  I hope Mazda has corrected this.  When I sit in a Miata the top of the windshield is right in the line of vision.  Besides... Crossfire is a WAY better looking car.

[wing]

I believe I would take the miata, especially since the '06 is suppose to be cheaper

You get A/C in the miata too Jeff, especially if you get the leather.  The miata is just more fun to drive.  I'd probably test drive both though before making my final verdict.

Oh but I would get an S2000 instead hahahahah. just had to say that.

(Message edited by jamesbe on June 24, 2005)

[Giant Dwarf]

James, as far as I know you can ONLY get the A/C (as an option) in the GT (leather-equipped) models unless you go aftermarket.

I'm not lookin' to get into either one right now, and I can't imagine doing a 24 mo lease either, I just thought I'd raise the topic again since the Crossfire's price keeps dropping and is now -- I believe -- a pretty good value.

[wing]

Really?  I don't think that's right, unless they changed the options.  I know a guy with material seats and A/C and he didn't go aftermarket.  His board name is runwhatyabrung

[Giant Dwarf]

Well, AC doesn't show up for the GX or GS models on the Mazda Can website when you build your own.  And it doesn't present it as an option when you build your own.

The brochure I've got from '03 says the same thing if I remember correctly.

I'll defer to the Miata experts, that's just what I've noticed in my 'shopping'.

[wing]

They probably changed it.

Moot point as you said you would compare it to the leather equipped miata anyways