Hello,

I am in the market for a Crossfire Coupe Hardtop, I live in the Chicagoland area and was wondering the BEST year to buy and also things to look (problems ect)

I know a fair amount about these cars, just looking for some expert advice and comments. Thanks everyone!

 

There is really no differences between the year models. The '04s are all "Limiteds", with the only diff. being the auto-dim rear view mirror, I beleive. Some minor cosmetic changes to the knee bolster areas in later years, for the air bag system, again, I beleive. The later years came out with the Roadsters, SRTs ('05 only), Base, and Special Editions ('05 only) .
On the Base models, you don't get the big amp for the stereo, Black paint only, no window surround (silver part on the others), no silver side strakes, cloth seats (no heat), and maybe a few other minor things ( someone else may help me on this.
The '05 Special Editions are all (I beleive) Inferno Red or Blaze Red (not sure which), silver surround, silver strakes, and SRT wheels, and maybe a few other minor cosmetics.
And last, but surely, not least, the SRT6s. What can I say, hand built, supercharged, AMG V6 with 320 HP motor!!! WOW!! I beleive they beefed up the suspension on these a bit. And a few minor cosmetics on the cabin interior.
Best thing is to look for the color you want and milage you can afford, stick or auto (SRTs are auto only).
Hope this helps...

 

We really need to make a sticky for this question!
Didn't someone already do a "I want to buy a Crossfire/what to look for" thread? If so I couldn't find it.

Did a search on buying a Crossfire and found some threads that should help you out Kip.

https://www.crossfireforum.org/forum...crossfire.html

https://www.crossfireforum.org/forum...-problems.html

https://www.crossfireforum.org/forum...ok-dealer.html

https://www.crossfireforum.org/forum...ld-i-look.html

Now go buy a Crossfire! Your support group here at the forum will help you with any issues that pop up!

 

Thanks a lot guys, all your links and words are very helpful. I am going to a dealer tomorrow to test drive a pre-driven one. I will let you all know how it goes.

Till then,

- Kip

 

A new sticky thread that will be updated with useful buyer tips here:
Helpful Info for those looking to purchase a Crossfire

 

Sweeet! You da man!

 

Make sure the fog lights work (pull out the switch when on). i got burned on mine. I didn't bother to check them only to find out later they are completely gone. 1 wire hanging down in the compartment)

 

Sold my 05 Limited 6 speed with 4000 miles on it, then missed it so much that I bought another one a month later, when a great deal dropped on my lap.... 04 Limited Autostick with 18,000 miles for 6 grand less than I sold the previous CF for Identical vehicles other than the transmission.

The car wasn't without it's issues, however. Parked under a tree for the last year, it took about 6 hours to remove all the sap stains with tar&sap remover, then clay bar'd it and waxed afterwards. Looks mint. One blown shock (new ones coming on Wed.), a burnt out dash light (labour for that looks silly. Remove the steering wheel to get at the gauge cluster? frig...), and inside door handles that seem to stick out and down, having just enough movement to unlatch the door when pulled.

These cars are wonderful. The best car you can buy for the money, by far. I enjoyed rowing through the manual 6 speed, but gotta say the autostick is much smoother and makes for a nice cruiser, while keeping the left leg pain free in stop-and-go. Also, much easier when your significant other wants to use her mouth to umm... kiss stuff.

 

I had two instances (my SRT6 and the 2007) where the car was traded in and the dealer changed the oil with dino oil instead of synthetic. Both were in the Chicago area, btw. So make sure they used the correct oil and either have them change it again or reduce the price so you can do it. And it goes with out saying, check every switch, ****, and option to make sure they work. I would also have an Autozone pull the codes, on the offchance there are some in history even if the CEL is not lit. My three cars have been generally bulletproof reliable.