Greetings!

I'm not the owner of a Crossfire - yet. I'm looking at a few used 2004s, all with about 46,000 mi on them, though I'll only opt for the six speed (so that narrows it down to one, I suppose).

I'm curious if there's anything I should be looking for with these cars? Any common issues or big scheduled maintenance visits coming soon in the car's future?

I'm shooting to offer between 13000 and 13500 for the car, does that sound appropriate (assuming the car is in good condition etc.).

Thanks for your input guys! Hopefully I'll be able to say I own a Crossfire soon!


Ah, and one final question.. I've just briefly searched, but does this car use a timing belt or chain or is that just a dumb question?

 

Sounds like your right on with the price. If your looking at a limited, check the seat heaters. Also cloudy headlights. If the car has navigation, make sure it has the disks.

 

Welcome to the forums, Crookedview! Where do you live? Your location may have a slight effect on what you pay. I was in your position last February. I was looking for a car to replace my aging 90 Vette. I wanted to spend less than $15,000 mainly because I already owned two other vehicles. I ended up trading the Vette in and purchased a 2005 yellow roadster, 6-Speed, with only 6000 miles on it. The selling price was $20,000 at that time. The bottom line was $12,500 and my Vette. That was more than I had anticipated spending for a third car, but you can't tell my XFire from new. I'm averaging 26 mpg and loving every minute of my XFire ownership. I figure I purchased a car that retailed for more than twice what I paid for it. That's a great deal in my book.

My advice is purchase your car from a reputable Chrysler Dealership. I would avoid any fly-by-night used car lots or a new car dealership other than Chrysler. Cars on those lots may be less than the cream of the crop. Remember, many Crossfires on lots were former lease vehicles that Chrysler couldn't sell at inflated prices so they offered great deals to their employees, and the general public in some cases just to move the cars off their lots. Now you can find low mileage Crossfires at great prices because of those leases have come to their end.

Be patient, and you will find the right Crossfire at the right price. Stick with Chrysler Dealers that have a quality inventory and a good reputation in that community. Ask if they have done a Carfax check on the vehicle. Most reputable dealers don't want former wrecks in their inventory because if can come back to bite them. Dealers are hungry to sell cars in a less than favorable economy. Bargain hard and you will get more bang for your bucks.

Bob

 

Not a dumb question at all. It's a single overhead cam with a chain.

Other than expensive tires, expensive oil changes, and expensive service calls, it's a blast to own.
Good hunting.

 

I would look around on cars.com. I just did a quick search and looked through it some there are a little over 150 cars under $15k. so that may be a good place to start. You could also check your dealer for a new one. I was in your posittion a couple months back, looking for a used crossfire. However, I went to a dealer near me and they had about 8 never titled, what i gues you could call brand new crossfires. I ended up buying a new one from them with 23 miles on it for $19,800 after TTL. I know that is more than your $15k price limit, but thought I would throw it out there because if you buy a new one it will come with a 3yr/36k bumper-to-bumper and a lifetime powertrain warranty, both of which are definately perks over a used... along with knowing exactly how your car has been treated since you are the first owner.


p.s. you could always check the cars for sale section on the forum, a new car seems to be popping up every couple days or so...who knows what you may find there

 

Wow, thanks for the replies! You guys are quick

Responding to some of your stuff now..

I'll definitely check out the Chrysler dealers in my area (Sioux Falls, SD). The sole six speed in my area is on a used-car lot, which doesn't make me entirely comfortable. I'll try contacting my Chrysler dealer to see if they can find something (it looks like 2005s are all they have in stock at the moment).

I'm test-driving the six speed today. I looked at it after dealer-hours, and noticed that there was quite a bit of paint wear in the center console area, which initially tells me the previous owner didn't care so much about the car..

As far as the chain goes, how often does this need maintenance, if at all? I've been a Honda guy, so no timing belt to worry about is music to my ears! And oil changes are something I'd like to do myself, though I realize it will be more expensive than what it would be with my Accord

One big question I thought of while trying to fall asleep was, how does this car handle snow? Chances are this would be my sole car and I 'd like to hope that I won't regret getting the car come winter (SD winters are usually very white )

Lastly, I'd like to keep this car for a while.. Any of you guys have some high mileage with no major problems? I'm sure there are Cinderella stories out there somewhere! I've seen some sites that say they're unreliable for very long due to being mostly Mercedes, but right now that's just heresay.

Thanks for the replies folks! I want to do this right!

 

Crookedview,

Welcome to the forum.

Your last post stating that you will be driving your Crossfire year round in SD and that you are planning to keep it a long time is very helpful.

First of all, there are forum members who drive their Crossfires in the snow. They tend to use a winter tire/wheel setup that allows them to drive in a small amount if snow. But as you can imagine, the Crossfire will have some winter driving limitations. Perhaps someone will respond or you can do a search. I have seen threads on this very topic.

Secondly, your desire to keep the Crossfire for a while should also influence your selection.

The most important thing is to be patient. There are many Crossfires available. Lots of leased cars are being turned in. You should be able to find one in your price range with many fewer miles than 50k. It may take your search outside of SD, but it might be worth it. You will fall in love with the 1st Crossfire you test drive. Please be patient and remember there are many out there...you will find the right one. Most Crossfires seem to be weekend/summer cars so there are many out there with low miles.

Since you are planning on keeping it, try to find one that still has an extended warranty available to either transfer or purchase. Chysler has a 7/70 extended waranty that begins with the cars "in service" date. Which is the day it sold new. But beware that over the years the rules on warranty transfers has changed. I do not knw the details, but in some cases the 3rd owner cannot get the warranty. So beware that you might buy a car to only find out that it cannot get an extended warranty. Another thread search might be in order. Please check the warranty options before you sign on the dotted line. Dont assume a low mileage car will have warranty available.

The warranty could be valuable as the Crossfire will be more expensive to repair than a regular Chrysler. In fact if you buy an out of warranty crossfire, you may want to have your service performed at an independant Mercedes repair facility. They know the R170 platform and the 112 Merc engine and unlike Mercedes dealerships, they might service a Crossfire. Or you might get lucky and find that your Chryler dealership has qualified Crossfire techs.

Before I purchased my new 2006, I spoke to a Mercedes tech who told me that the Merc 112 engine was nearly bullet proof and that they rarely see engine problems. The R170 SLK platform is also tried and true as its been around for over 10 years at this point.

Good luck....keep us posted......

 

Service can be an issue. You have to find a dealer with a trained Crossfire mechanic. Parts are an issue. Plan on anything that you need not being in stock. Winter driving is not the cars strong suit. Winter tires help. A little weight in the back helps. But this is not a jeep. It is perfectly happy sitting on top of packed or heavy snow and not moving at all. I have spent 4+ years putting 40K on the clock and other than the flurry of initial TSBs, I've had no issues other than the seat heater. I would think that the concensus on this forum is that the car is very reliable. I have never heard of anyone changing a timing chain. There is the occaisional car that develops a problem that seemingly can't be fixed. These are rare and I think this relates more to the service training issue mentioned previously.

Be careful listening to what experts outside this forum tell you. The experts are on this forum. The other sources of information are just guys with opinions.