A well-maintained car with good history, low mileage for its age, and a thorough pre-purchase inspection (you or a mechanic) can still be a smart buy, especially reliable models like Mercedes, etc. Key is assessing its specific condition, maintenance records, and your willingness to handle older car issues. Wadsworth makes a valid point

 

Mate its a 20 year old car. You can't expect everything to be perfect. If you're frightened of basic maintenance issues, go buy a new car!

 

Ahhh, now the replies are becoming more optioned. That's ok.

USC, if I was afraid of a 20 year old car I wouldn't be on this forum. What it is called is research and information before making that decision. I'm sure you did the same when you bought your Crossfire, unless you used to work for Chrysler.

Regarding the Miata, if i was looking to drop $20-$25 K to buy a used car that would be obvious wouldn't it? I stated $11K, maybe $12K, or so was my range of budget so I don't think a 2,3,4, year old Miata fit the bill.

I'll repeat, I'm looking for the most car-fun I can buy and enjoy for a few years with my DW in the amount of retirement funds I'm willing to spend without it being a rock around my neck

 

Just be aware, it is a 2004 Mercedes SLK 320 or SLK32 AMG if supercharged, under the skin. They are very reliable and easy to work on if you can do your own work. Dealers, Chrysler and Mercedes, do not want to work on them because neither approved of the merger. If you must have work done, an independent shop that works on German cars is your best bet. The two most common issues is the RCM, relays wear, and the CPS, Crank position sensor. Both are quick and easy repairs. I have had my first Crossfire since 2006 and am very happy. Best fun for the buck.

 

I'm waiting to hear back from the dealer today to go look at the Crossfire again, looking for things you guys pointed out in this thread. Like the condition of the top, checking out the antenna gasket and trunk area for leaks, among other things.

I have done my homework, and two things stick out. One, on the CarFax report, it shows the NYS Emissions Inspection failed 5 different times over the span of nine years. Then, after another 50 miles or so, the report, sometimes a day or two later, at times the same day, shows the car passing the inspection. Have there been any emissions issues with the 3.2L Mercedes engine?

Second, not to sound like a broken record, but just about everyone I talk to about the car has told me, "With a Mercedes engine, you have to take it to a Mercedes dealer" for an oil change. I watched a YouTube video that showed the top mount oil filter unscrewed usually by hand, removed, and then you remove and replace the paper cartridge and three O-rings with a Fram or other good name cartridge. This video shows the oil being sucked up the dipstick opening using a marine-type oil suction pump.

 

It is the easiest engine I have ever changed oil in and I am 81 years old. There are videos on U-tube and yes, if you do the suction method you do not even need to get under the car. Use only Mann Fleece oil filters and 5W 40 synthetic oil. I change mine every 5K miles and have owned my first one since 2006. I do not recommend a dealer for anything, and most Mercedes dealers will not even work on them because of the Chrysler nameplate. If you must, your best bet is an independent shop that works on Mercedes. What you are buying is mechanically a 2004 Mercedes SLK 320 with a Chrysler designed body..
Please review post #24.

 

NYTrever- Regarding the emissions Inspection failures; ("Then, after another 50 miles or so, the report, sometimes a day or two later, at times the same day, shows the car passing the inspection").
Cars often require driving 50-100 miles after maintenance—especially after battery disconnection or code clearing—
to complete a specific "drive cycle" that resets the On-Board Diagnostic (OBDII) monitors to a "Ready" state. This process ensures the computer has monitored engine performance and emissions systems, verifying that no faults exist.
-CFK

 

You just can't beat the car for the money. It is a blast to drive, very reliable engine. It's not hard to work on and the advise and help you get on this site is the best. If you're worried about maintenance then find a Honda S2000, you'll overpay but dealers still work on it...but I wouldn't. I started lookin at Porsche Boxers, S2000, Pontiac Solstice, MB SL500, and of course XFR. I drove all of them and always came back to the crossfire. Glad I bought 3 years ago

 

It's so easy to change the oil. Either traditionally or with the pneumatic pump.
Here's my post on the first time I used a pneumatic pump. Also, never use a paper filter, only use a fleece filter. The first picture in the my post shows the proper filter to use.
LINK - Pneumatic engine oil change