The Chrysler Crossfire SRT-6 Is A Supercharged Bargain

Despite the lack of power, 0-60 mph with the six-speed manual was a rather respectable 6.4 seconds. In 2005, Chrysler introduced a much hotter version called the SRT-6, along with a prettier convertible variant. The 3.2-liter V6 was now supercharged, and produced 330 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque. 0-60 mph now took just 4.8 seconds (only 0.4 seconds slower than the then-new C6 Corvette), with a five-speed automatic the only transmission option. Though the Corvette may have been faster when it left the factory, the supercharged layout of the Crossfire left it open for tuning. Tuned Crossfires can be something of a drag strip sleeper.

Even though we have a soft spot for the Crossfire, it didn't live up to Chrysler's sales expectations and was killed off after selling fewer than 2,000 units in 2008. All told, a little over 76,000 Crossfires were sold in both right-hand-drive and left-hand-drive markets. Chrysler's loss is your gain, because used examples are now extremely cheap. If you are a manual purist, you can pick up the base V6 model ranging from around $5,000 for a 100,000-mile example, to around $13,000 for a mint condition model with less than 20,000 miles. These are decent options if you like to row your own gears, but the SRT-6 is the far superior car.

Even the most expensive SRT-6 model we could find comes priced at a reasonable $29,900 - and that was for a museum piece with only 602 miles on it. We still found plenty of pristine examples, both coupes and convertibles, for less than $15,000. If you simply don't like the way the Crossfire looks, or feel ashamed to drive something with a Chrysler badge on it, you can simply opt for the Mercedes SLK. The Crossfire shares around 80% of its parts with the SLK, but lacks the German car's folding metal roof. The SLK may be slightly older, but the prices are in line with those of the Crossfire.

Even the most expensive SLK32 AMG model we could find had an asking price of $19,550 with around 30,000 miles on it. We also found plenty of higher mileage examples for as little as $6,000. Though these cars are cheap, it is important to remember that they are old and German. Don't say we didn't warn you, but maintaining an old German car isn't for the feint of heart. Neither car is what we would call upscale on the inside, as even the Mercedes wouldn't pass for luxurious by 2018 standards. The Chrysler features a bunch of silver plastic that can wear badly, but nice examples with clean interiors aren't difficult to find.

No matter which car you choose, the SRT-6 or the AMG, you'll be getting a supercharged sports car with over 300 hp, which can be tuned to be a great sleeper. Neither car was perfect, but that is precisely why they are so affordable today.