Another eye opener friends. OK, I'll start at the beginning. I went to the Chrysler web page and got the listing of all nearby dealerships (DC area). Of those I made a sub-list of 5 Stars (assuming non 5 stars don't have a mechanic trained on the Xfi). Of those I made a sub-list of those open on Saturdays (a key factor for me). DARCARS on Lee Highway and Courtesy in Rockville had both previously told me they don't have the equipment for a 4-wheel alignment (note Courtesy is considering getting it i the future so don't rule them out indefinitely). So I emailed 8 other 5*s who are open on Sats.

My email said I'm comparison shopping for estimates on 2 new tires of a certain brand and type, and a 4 wheel alignment for my '05 Crossfire. I asked if they have the equipment for the 4 wheel alignment, if they have a Xfi mechanic, and if he would do this work if I came to them. I provided my phone # and/or email address as requested in their respective online contact forms (on the dealer websites). I heard back from only 2 of the 8. For any one of the 6 that didn't bother to respond it could be (1) they don't have the equipment to balance 19 inch wheels and not replying took less effort than giving the courtesy of a reply, or (2) they don't have a Xfi mechanic and not replying took less effort than giving the courtesy of a reply, or (3) they do have a Xfi mechanic but won't commit him to such mundane work as installing tires and doing an alignment, or (4) they have contact forms on their dealer websites but no one reads the inbox, or (5) they just don't need the business -- unfortunately a problem with many car dealerships in the DC area/they're inundated with work, or (6) as batmobl alluded to in a related thread, they groan to see a Xfi pull up, say hmm when they look under the hood -- in a word they are just as happy to let Crossfire business go to some other dealership. I think #6 was a factor in at least some of the non-responses. A sad commentary no matter what mix of these is the case.

These are the two who did respond: Waldorf MD Chrysler Jeep and County Chrysler Jeep/Upper Marlboro MD. County Chrysler can do the 4-wheel alignment and employs 3 (!!!) Xfi trained mechanics. Waldorf just mentioned a front end alignment & I have to follow up on the 4 wheel, but I don't think they do even the front if their equipment can't accept the 19"s. So I have 2 good options. Most importantly, these two dealers were courteous and responsive, interested in Crossfire business!!!! Bear that in mind when you need alignments or other service from someone who's actually interested in our patronage. I do think Courtesy/Rockville likes us too.

If any of the other 6 answer me tomorrow I'll update the post, but let's not hold our breath.

 

Have you thought of taking your Crossfire to NTB? I took mine there to get 4 new tires put on and I'm sure they could do an alignment. Seeing has how they have to be able to accommodate everyone. I took mine to the one in Germantown, not sure how close that is to you but I know there are more in the DC area. Good luck!

Heads up if you go to Germantown, look out for the cops. Just got my first speeding ticket ever today.

 

Actually one of the dealers who replied to my email gave me an OUTSTANDING price - better than tirerack. I got lucky.

 

Yeah, I use Tire Rack sometimes, but they are not always the cheapest. I've gotten better deals from the local tire shops lately.

 

Was Manassas Chrysler on the list of shops you emailed about the alignment? They service a fair amount of crossfires.

 

Mine included...and I've had no complaints with 2 service visits so far.
I haven't had an alignment done though, so dunno if they have the stuff to do a "4 wheel" alignment.

 

I did not email Manassas Chrysler because the website (assuming it's correct) says they're not open on Saturdays. Since I'm in DC that's the only day I can go that far out of the city without taking time off of work. Thanks for the recommendation though - I'll keep them in mind if I'm ever wanting to have something done on a day off.

 

Aw...we're not THAT far away! And going against traffic! Half day, max.

Drop my a PM...we can go drive around some back roads the other half the day.