Hi All, I am in the market for a 'summer fun car'. Always loved the Crossfire. My dad, who has worked for Chrysler for 45 years, does not recommend the crossfire. He say's "they are an electrical nightmare, lots of problems, and few who can fix them..." (I trust his opinion, but still.......)
I can not stop loving the style and the look and all it offers. (Maybe he only see's the worst in the shop...a small percentage of whats out there??)
I'm supposed to test drive an '05 limited convertible stick with 27K mi this weekend. reading the post's, I will scour the rear window for signs of issues.

Now to my question: What are some thoughts out there? What to specifically look for or be aware of?What years are good/bad/other?
All recomendations would be welcome.

Thank you!

 

If he works for Chrysler, then he probably knows nothing about them (like most people who work for Chrysler), as there is nothing Chrysler about them, they are almost totally Benz.
I have run one for over 6 years and have had zero electrical issues.........but don't take it from me, i'm sure others will chime in.
can he name some of the 'electrical nightmares', because aside from a few niggles, such as the ignition lock cylinder, and rear window falling out of convertibles, they are usually trouble free

 

i remember when i was looking to buy a crossfire, i called a few service managers at dealerships asking if they recommended the car. I only had ONE (out of about probably 5-6) who said anything negative. and he said exactly what your dad is saying. "it's a beautiful car, but don't get it. the electrical system is crossed between chrysler and mercedes and it just doesn't work. and if something goes wrong it can't be fixed usually. the car is a nightmare". HOWEVER, i was too in love with the car to NOT buy, and disregarded his opinion. I have never been able to figure out why he said that, but my theory was that he had seen one or two crossfires in his shop that he couldn't fix that gave him lots of electrical problems, and that is why he was predjudiced against them. having been reading everything to come across this forum for almost the last year, i can tell you that this car does NOT USUALLY have electrical problems. the only exceptions i can think of off hand are the TPMS system (nightmare, but optional thankfully), the crankshaft position sensor, and occasionally rear spoiler motor. As far as the electrical systems, those are about the only remotely common ones. Sometimes someone will popup with gremlins floating around in the wiring that they can't get rid of, but it's more rare than you (or your dad) would think. Plus, the members on this forum will go out of their way to help a fellow crossfire owner.

Hope this helps!

 

When I bought mine I had asked a local Service Manager the same question, And come to find out he owns one and highly recommended the car saying their pretty much " Bullet Proof. And I would highly recommend one to anyone now.

Ken

 

Thanks for the info I've recieved so far. The electrical issues he mentioned specifically where computer issues. The car is supposed to have an excessive number of computors on board (My guess is most things do now-a-days).
I have read about the windows leaking on the convertible's, I also see in this forum, where Chrysler is replacing them now....good deal, no?
I am looking forward to further input from the site, and am happy with what you all have told me so far.
It's all very helpfull.

 

[QUOTE=C-Note;677299]Thanks for the info I've recieved so far. The electrical issues he mentioned specifically where computer issues. The car is supposed to have an excessive number of computors on board

No more than the equivalent Mercedes ..............

He obviously hasn't worked on a 95 Jag ............now thats problematic electronics , ask me how I know

 

I think that what you need to look for when shopping for a Crossfire (or any used car) is a maintenance history. The Crossfire is really a quite reliable car, with typical Mercedes quality. There are a few common problems, but every one of them has been covered in great detail on this forum. If you buy a Crossfire and have an issue, you'll be able to come here for assistance in diagnosis, and usually will get detailed information on how to repair it. Most of the common problems can be fixed by a car enthusiast with average skills. If you can't do the job yourself, you'll be able to provide your mechanic with information that will make his job easier and will save you money.

You need to understand that your local Chrysler dealer probably is not the best place to take a Crossfire for repair. Many do not have Crossfire-certified technicians, and Chrysler dealers charge obscene prices for parts. You'll often buy the same parts for less at a Mercedes dealership, and independent mechanics who can work on a Mercedes SLK should be able to service your Crossfire.

The great thing about buying a 27,000 mile '05 roadster is that it has already taken a huge depreciation hit, and I think that prices are likely to stabilize and may even begin to rise in the future. I think that you will find maintenance costs to be quite reasonable, and you could probably put another 175,000 miles on that car with no serious issues.

Go for it.

 

We have 2 Crossfires an NA and an SRT both have been very reliable with no electric issues. I usually wouldn't say not to listen to your dad but in this case, don't listen to your dad.

 

I have two also, different years and no electrical problems.

Kj

 

I have four and would drive each to California and back without concern. I fix my own but there are people who make a living working on these cars and loving it. They are designed to be easy to service. The hood opens full so you can pull the engine without removing hood. Oil and filter change takes me 15 minutes using Pneumatic extractor. I have OBD tool and codes.I enjoy these cars. The build is the highest quality I have seen. I recommend you buy one. I have had zero issues. I preserve them with Waxoyl. . Gary

 

I would re-iterate what has been said by other Forum members. The Crossfire is primarily a Mercedes SLK 320, and was Manufactured and assembled in Germany by AMG/Karmann, with no involvement at all by Chrysler. Any maintenance would always be better undertaken by Mercedes, as ALL mechanicals ARE Mercedes and NOT Chrysler. I have owned Crossfires for 3 1/2 years with ZERO Electrical problems, for that matter NO problems at all, except as mentioned before, the rear window on the Roadster. which was covered by Chrysler. GOOD LUCK in your search, hope you buy and join us here.

 

Dads are Dads. I would only recommend this car to my 3 sons because I can work on them, or I know someone who can. This really isn't the car for a young first time buyer. Not saying you wouldn't find one that might run trouble free for many years. They are out there. But, if you find one that isn't, that is the problem your Dad is thinking of. If he works on cars, there isn't anything he can't find on here if he needed to diagnose a repair. You can assure him of that. If he doesn't work on cars and just builds them (factory), then he is probably right. We are all here for you and your DAD if you chose to buy one. Good luck...

 

Many "electrical problems " can disappear with a new battery. Best car I
have ever owned, and I'm an old guy.

 

I have put 45,000 miles on two different used Crossfires in the last three years, one N/A and one SRT6. One "electrical problem" with the fan motor relay. As one astute member already pointed out, maintenance history is the best indicator of future life. Be prepared to spend money doing your maintenance and the car will treat you well. Concur with joejet, best car I've ever owned and I'm an old guy, too.

 

I bought the roadster new in April 2005 and other than the cooling fan recall and a loose screw in the door lock (ok, the TPMS icon won't turn off), zero problems at 39k. Purchased the SRT6 used in 2008, and zero problems other than the i/c and a popped plenum sesnsor soon after. Bought a 2007 with 16k miles for my son 3 years ago, and it has not had one problem (other than the spoiled little **** is too lazy to wash, wax, and detail it like it deserves). Most of the electrical problems I have read about seem to be cured by installing fresh battery.

 

Looking to purchase a 2005 Crossfire as it would appear the 2004 has some issues, anyone got any tips as to what to look for in problems in a crossfire?

 

As far as quality goes, all years are virtually the same. What have you been told about 2004's?

 

Wow.. found your long lost step sister here..

Chrysler : Crossfire SRT6 Roadster Supercharged Chrysler : Crossfire SRT6 Roadster Supercharged | eBay

Lowest mileage one I think I've seen yet..

 

Well, I have commited to a car. Thank you all for your insight and words of encouragement!

We bought an '05 Limited convertible. Picking it up in two weeks.
So exciting!!

 

Congrats!.. You're going to love it.. your wallet won't with some of the mods out there.. LOL. And it's really nice to have this forum for support "if" something does jump track with her.