Originally Posted by
dennisoates
What is the best tool for evaluation of a 2005 SRT? I am looking at one with 44,000 miles coupe at a dealership. They want 14500,
Like others have said, look at the included documents on maintenance and so forth. I'm sure it's highly detailed.
Does the horn blow with the Key in the off position? It's good if it does, it means more likely than not, its relay control module RCM, has been modified and improved by DJ Tighe. That's a good thing. He writes the date in silver Sharpie on the side. If the horn doesn't blow with the key off, expect you will need a new RCM, Relay Control Module, before long.
Look for evidence of leaks. There is a couple of common places.
Obvious stuff like brake pads, tires, jack, lug wrench, tire sealant tank.
I wish I knew an easy way to check for water under the Styrofoam block in the trunk. They get water in them and that can trash the central locking pump.
Is the alarm working? You can test it by rolling down the window, closing the door. Pressing the lock button on the fob, or by locking the door with the key. Then reach inside through the open window, open the door, then see if the alarm sounds. If it does, now listen to see if it beeps when you lock, or unlock the doors. If the siren doesn't sound or beep, someone has already disconnected the siren. That keeps you from having to do it later. They can cause a parasitic drain on the battery and most folks simply disconnect them. If it beeps when you lock or unlock using the remote fob, it means someone has already replaced the siren with a newer model, you're good for quite a while until it starts draining the battery.
Check the TPMS light. Does it have black tape covering it? If so, one or more of your TPMS sensors has failed. They are not cheap, and only a few places are actually equipped to program them.
Check to see if the HomeLink transmitter blinks a red light when you press the button.
How many keys do you get. These bad boys only come from a few places in the US. They are not cheap. You might get lucky and find one in your neighborhood, but don't expect to walk into a Chrysler dealer or a Mercedes dealer and expect them to help with anything, especially when it comes to a new key 🔑.
Look at the exhaust. Is it modified? Does it have 4 catalytic converters, or just 2 up near the engine. Should be a resonator and muffler. While you're under the car, look at the control arm bushings. Mine have nearly 130,000 miles and are worn. Yours should look good a 44K.
Do you get the owners manual and factory cigarette lighter? Is the ashtray/coin holder broken yet? Does it have the factory radio, or has it been replaced with a new one. Does its color match the dash? Is the cup holder broken yet, or has it been replaced with a pocket? What about the bulkhead cover behind the seats? Does it have very many cracks or broken pieces from the seats going back too hard on them yet? How is the headliner? Clean or did a 7 foot tall person with too much hair product own this car? What about the seat heaters? Have the bottom heaters quit working yet? Maybe only the backs work. Does the driver seat move like it should, including up/down? How's the glove compartment? Does it flop open like it's going to break yet? Or maybe the little strap that is supposed to retain it is still in place & working. Burnt out bulbs, if you try all the lights, including pulling the **** for the fog lights, does the indicator show a burned out bulb? Couple of reasons it might have tape over it, cheap LED bulbs for one. Look at the aim of the headlights. If they are aimed at the ground, the bulbs are probably in upside down. A quick paint of the bumper and hood is $1000+, how's the chips? Are the fog lights broken or cracked yet? Do you get the factory engine cover, or has someone removed it to install an aftermarket cold air induction system? Does it have the original supercharger pulley (steel) or a smaller aftermarket pulley (aluminum).
I could go on, but consider hiring one of the popular Crossfire mechanics like Brian Hoffman in Florida to scope it out for you.
If you check it out with a code reader, be sure it's one designed for the Mercedes SLK32 R170 platform. If it's just a generic scanner, you will miss the important Mercedes specific codes.
With that mileage, if everything is good, probably not an awful price at all.
good luck! Welcome to the Chrysler Crossfire SRT6 brotherhood lol.