I will be test driving an '05 Coupe with 65,000km (35,000 miles) this week.Other then the driving impressions, what maintenance should have been done at this time and what would you suggest are the high priority items to check when considering this car for purchase? TIA

 

just bought a roadster with 56000 miles and am having problem with the supercharger not kicking in all the time. Found out if the supercharger overheats, it will shut itself down to protect it. you can still drive it like that no problem, just no SC..There have been people that had to replace the intercooler pump that keeps the SC cool. I think Im going to have to do that. I bout the 4 year Maximum care bumper to bumper warranty (I suggust you get this if you buy it. This is a no brainer. The supercharger alone is about 7 grand I heardm so be worth the money. ) Also having some electrical issues. Its a electrial cluster! Leave it to the Germans! Besiades all that, I love the car! Get the warranty and get the car! You wont regret it!

 

Oh, I would check the tread on the tires also. They bring a pretty penny for new ones. Might have them throw in a oil change on the deal also. It holds 8 1/2 quarts of Mobil one, also pricey..

 

yes definately get an oil change before purchase, and make sure they use the right oil. The mechanic that did my oil change was just going to put whatever in it. I had to get out the book, and show him the sticker under the hood that says 0W40, before he believed me. And if there is a catch in the ignition switch I would make sure they replaced the switch. Mine was pretty bad when I bought it, and the dealer said he would fix it, but 6 months later sometimes I'm not sure if it will turn. Which is now going to cost 525 + tax, to have it done right at a chrysler dealership. Those were the only two problems with mine. except for some stupid reason the dealer put 215 tires on the front, even though there is a sticker inside the door, that says to use atleast a 225. Good luck, chris

 

Tony, when I recently bought my Roadster, I knew it needed tires and it cost me $600 at Tirerack.com PLUS $75 to have them Fitted and Balanced, BUT I took that into consideration when negotiating my purchase price. But my tires, although nice tires, (Kumho's) were just for my weekend driving, a really good set can cost you $1200 ??? + fitting ??? AND an oil change is probably a MUST, I did an oil change myself the weekend after a bought mine, just to make sure it was done right, with the correct oil.

 

Take a real good look at all of the glass. The windshield isn't cheap!

 

Thanks Guys for your comments so far. Points well taken.
I have made an appointment at the Chrysler dealership to test drive it this Friday morning. After the test drive, I'll be taking it to my trusted mechanic who will then get it up on the hoist and together we will give the car a good going over. If it passes the inspection and all seems well, I will be purchsing it. BTW, it is a silver coupe which in my neck of the woods, are very rare. Roadsters on the other hand, are plentyfull.

 

Seat heaters!!

 

"Seat Heaters!"

Yep, they are the list as well. I have downloaded the owners manual and will be turning everything on/off, checking that all is working as should.

 

OK Folks, you are the first to know. I havn't even told my wife yet!
I purchased the Crossfire today. It's an '05 with 35,000 miles (56,000km here in Canada), Silver Coupe, Stick, Limited Edition Model. The car both outside and inside showed extremely well with no wear shown in the interior and a small amount of curb rash underneath the front spoiler and a minor scruff mark on the rear bumper.
The Chrysler Dealership gave me the car for as long as I wanted it. They knew I was taking it to my mechanic for a complete road test, engine diagnostics and hoist lift to inspect underneath. The more we inspected the car, the better the impression. Both my mechanic and I could see no reason to turn our backs on this car.
This is what we did find however, and the dealership has agreed to address all issues as part of the sales aggreement;

- Air Bag icon lit on instrument panel for no apparent reason. No, the passenger airbag is not turned off.
- Passenger seat not heating
- Steering Stabilizer is showing wet. Everything else under the car is looking dry. Brakes/Rotors in very good condition.
- Balance all four wheels
- For some odd reason, the front left and right lift pads are missing! These are the square, thick rubber pads found under the body behind the front wheels. This is where the hoist makes contact with the car. The dealership is replacing them.

That's the list as short as it is and as you can see, no big concerns.

Test Drive Impression;

- It took me a while to make smooth shifts transitions at the beginning, but got better at it. Just a matter of getting used to the clutch/transmission.
- The Clutch was smooth and linear.
- The transmission felt tight.
- The brakes were good with no fade or problems otherwise.
- At speeds over 100km (60mph) their was noticable rumble from the wheels, due to a poor balance. (This car sat on a lot for four months which would contribute to "flat spots" on the wheels. The dealership has agreed to balance all four wheels and install fresh Nitrogen with two year warrenty.)
- All electrics work with the exception of the previously mentioned seat heater.
- A/C blows very cold. Compressor was not cycling or working overtime.
- Good tread left on rubber, but expect to replace next year.
- No sqeaks, rattles or noises from cockpit, but wind noise at high speeds coming from passenger door weather seal, located near the mirror area. Mechanic and I both agreed the rubber has become a little hard and is not sealing properly. Will treat later.

Other information;

- I have ordered both rust protection and tinted windows.
- Ordered new owners manual, Winter slush mats, Rear cargo protective mat.
- Have already purchased 8 litres of synthetic 0W40 Oil for immediate oil change. My mechanic will do this for me including air filter change and fuel filter change when I get posession of the car next Friday.
- Dealership has agreed to shampoo the engine. We discussed how care will be needed and not to spray high pressure water into the electronic areas. Nothing stupid.
- Dealer has agreed to install lock nuts when returning the wheels after balancing

That's pretty much it. I have been searching for a Low Mileage, Silver, Coupe since November.
This car is definately a cherry and after some detailing, a visit to crossfireaccessories.com and some special care, this car will be a sight on the road and hopefully return many miles of satisfying driving.

Cheers;

T.

 

Congrats Tony!

 

Welcome aboard, Tony!

Lots of great people and information here! Enjoy the ride. She sounds like a lot of fun!

Monty

 

Update;
I've had the Crossfire for two weeks now. All issues listed at time of purchase have been taken care of by the Dealership including the passenger seat heater that required a $500 part (on their tab).
Oil/Flter, Air Filters, Fuel Filter have all been changed. GPS Transponder has been installed behind radio. Custom Emblems on hoods, wheels and engine. Tinted Windows. New Rims/Tires/Sensors purchased and being installed Friday. New OEM Cargo Mat installed (searching for security cover).

It's going to be a good summer....

 

Glad you're enjoying your Crossfire Tony, (pretty hard not to ) and welcome.
I didn't see it mentioned in any of the other posts, but have you checked under the rubber door seal along the bottom of the door? Rust there is common, but an easy fix.
There's a thread about it posted as a "Sticky" incase you haven't noticed. Good Luck.

 

Yea, took a look, no rust. Rust proofing was part of the sales agreement as well which has been done. This car has never been Winter driven which for me living in Southern Ontario is a big deal. The winter months will find the Crossfire in the garage most of the time with very little driving. I will be mounting 18" winter wheels this Fall regardless, so if needed, I can drive the car in the winter.

 

Tony congrats on the car, silver or Silver Sapphire Blue? I didn't think silver was available in 05?
Enjoy the car, I'm sure you will.
Pat

 

Silver Sapphire Blue. BTW, I didn't mention that headlamp eyebrows have been installed as well giving the Crossfire a look different then others you see on the road........when you do see them which in my town of Toronto, you don't see many. They are rare....especially the Coupe's

 

Tony - for a while there you'd see quite a few around here. We are about 30 minutes north of the Nations Capitol but we seem to be back to an endangered species. I see very few on the roads and most I do see are roadsters. I know three folks that have totalled theirs this spring so the flock is being thinned out. Keep it nice, its still a blast to have people come up and ask what it is, where can I get one ?..........almost four years later and it still puts a big smile on my face.
Pat