Hi, in about 5 months I'm going to be looking at getting a different car and was just looking for some info about Crossfires. I'm looking in the $10,000 to $12,000 range and I wanted to make sure that the cars in this price range would be alright. I'm still in school but just got a job detailing cars at our Chrysler dealer. From what I've read and heard these cars seem to be very reliable. I live in South Dakota so how do they do in the winter (snow, cold weather)? What sort of things should I look for when buying? I have heard the automatic transmission isn't the best but either way I would prefer a manual. Thanks

 

They are reliable but repairs are very expensive where it is a mercedes

Any car does great in the snow if you have snow tires on it.

Any car does horrible in the snow if it has summer only tires on it.

The automatic transmission is top quality, the manual transmission is fine too.

I would look for one with low miles and in good shape lol.

 

Agree, agree, agree, agree agree. I think you can probably find one in your price range that you will like. As far as the auto vs. manual, the autostick may satisfy your urge to shift if you can only find an automatic.

 

having 3 sons of my own and having hunted in you area...not sure I would recommend this car unless you have a pick up truck or something as backup transportation...haven't had any trouble with mine, except SC...and you won't be buying an SRT in your price range, so that isn't a problem...but service and parts can be expensive...check w/ the parts guys where you work, and the mechanics...talk to them...if they are willing to help out a fellow employee, then I would feel a lot better recommending a XF...if you are handy and can do the work yourself...then go for it...it your decision...we love our cars and I know you will too...just wanted to warn you about the expense side...

 

Thanks for the advise. I do have other modes of transport if I would have to drive in snow, bad weather, ect. How many miles should I avoid getting over(50,000+, 70,000+)? I haven't seen very many that have had over 50k on them.

 

I have seen lots here over 50k. Some near 90k. And they still had very happy owners. You can count on these cars to go far further than most other cars in the price range.

 

Is there any particular part that have had problems?

 

Mine's an '07 stick, bought it 12/5/07.....my experience during a couple of months of snow & ice was that between the ESP, TC & ALBs.....it handled better than any FWD car I've ever owned! Of course you're not going to plow through any thing real deep.

 

Thanks for all the advise. I would probably put all season tires on. Has anyone ever put 18's all around? Just thought that would be more practical since then you could rotate your tires.

 

Never mind the 18's. I forgot that the back tires are wider.

 

If you buy onw with a warrenty, make sure you have a 5 star(trained tech, correct tools) dealer nearby to perform any work. If you dont, you will be sorry because just "any" dealer cant work on these cars.

 

The dealer I work at is a Five star so that shouldn't be a problem.

 

At that price range you're probably looking at an mid-mileage '04 or a higher mileage '05.
I can only speak from my own experience: my '04 has 58K on it & it has been flawless. It's withstood plenty of snow; especially last year, though I won't drive it in anything more than 3 inches; the car's clearance isn't much more than that!
I'm not sure where you've heard that the tranny is poor, these autos. are something else......in these cars the only reason you'd want stick is for the sports car feel.
As others have stated, the only caveat is the cost of maintenance. Synth. oil, premium fuel, expensive repairs by sometimes questionable dealers & independents.
A Camry it ain't!
Beyond those issues this car provides for a wonderful driving experience. That's why I have 2 (for now)!

 

To be honest, I think since the price is so low that people are going to expect to much out of these cars..

Boy, will they sure be shocked when they have to change the oil, tires, buy parts, etc.

It's not cheap!

 

.....and it's not easy at 19, either! I've gotta give you credit, Nox!

 

I've just rolled 24,000 miles on my '04 coupe and thus far the only major expense has been the new set of tires I put on yesterday-- I'd give my car top marks for reliability. I've got the auto, which shifts seamlessly and never "hunts" for a gear. Depending on how you drive, an automatic should be less expensive to service than a manual-- check out the cost of replacing the clutch before you make the final decision.

My '04 Limited (black with red interior) may be for sale in the next few weeks for something around $16,500, the top end of the market, but then the car is in excellent condition, has an extended warranty, new tires, factory luggage, factory car cover, factory cargo cover, and is always garaged.

In your price range you should be able to find a good car with 40-50,000 miles on the clock, cloth interior, and about 20-30% tread left on the tires. Look for a one owner car, a full service history, and avoid anything that's been raced, autocrossed, modified, or customized in any way, and that includes fitting non-stock wheels.

These are expensive cars to properly maintain, and you want to get one that was Grandpappy's pride and joy as opposed to the one Speed Racer is selling to make bail.

Good Luck!

 

Yes. It's VERY difficult to get the permagrin off your face.

 

My car has been great so far. 04 Manual, I bought it with 30k miles and paid 12,000 for it at a Chrysler dealer. The deals are out their really push for the price you want. They were asking 15900 and I offered 11k. It helps if the dealer isn't moving very many cars or your shopping around the end of the month and they are trying to meet their quota. The Crossfire appeals to a small group of people, not everyone can have such limited room and a rear wheel drive sports car as their daily driver this can work to your advantage.