Hello all. My girlfriend and I are on the search for a new car for her and came across a white 2004 Crossfire that she has pretty much fallen in love with. Before all of the coin is dropped on a car, I figured I would ask for all of the Crossfire gurus' help. I honestly cannot say that I know the first thing about these cars, so all info that you can give about them will be greatly appreciated. Are there any specific things we should be looking out for on these cars? Are they pretty reliable? Last thing we want is to pick up a car and then turn around to start dumping money into it. Are there any general problems with the cars? I looked around the site trying to gather basic issues with the cars but came up empty handed.
Also, with the looks of Chrysler being sold out to another manufacturer...How will this affect ($) getting parts in the future if need be?
Again, just anything we should know about the cars before the moolah is thrown out there!
Thanks a ton,
-Tyler

 

3 valves/cyl, 2 spark plugs/cyl, 2 air filters, 22 mpg driven hard, 25 mpg driven moderately, 27? possible??, 150mph top speed,0-60= 6.4 , 19s rear, 18s front, 8.5 quarts 0-40 mobil-1, stability control, traction control, on the 5spd automatic the "W" button makes it start out in 2nd, on the 6spd manual....keep the revs up to shift smooth, wing rises at 62mph.

 

tires are pricey so check the tread on it,
headlights can be hazy or fog on the inside if wet.
check the heat seaters as they go out quick

check the TSB section

check the sticky in srt-6 section for the service manuals

 

Also check for trans fluid leak.
There is a TSB on this, and it is an easy fix.

I don't think you will find a better car for the money or that gives more grins per dollar.
If something happened to mine, I would buy another; how many cars have you had that you can say that about?

 

Oil and filter service is very pricey. Check for rust in the door bottoms. Key switch can be an expensive fix. Both of mine have run fine without troubles though. I did start to have trouble with no starts on my 04.
Check around there are post on all of these and more.
Hope you buy it, they are great cars.

 

Generally they're pretty reliable if treated right. Your best resource is to read back through 8-10 pages of this forum. There are complaints and praise. Make sure you get two keys as they cost $140 to replace. Make sure it tracks straight and doesn't pull under braking. Check every accessory for proper operation. Have them run it up on a lift and look for underside damage -- make sure no one hit a rock or curb. PS - Wing goes up at 62 but comes down at 40. Unless you lock it in the "up" position -- another button to check.

Be prepared to spend ~$100 for an oil change, DIY, or strike a deal with someone who will let you provide your own Mobil1 0W-40.

Most of all, test drive it --- buy it --- enjoy it.

 

Thanks for all the tips. I will definitely be keeping these things in mind should we decide to go the Crossfire route
-Tyler

 

This might help....

A Crossfire is a Mercedes-Benz SLK320 with different sheet metal. All the mechanical parts are straight from Mercedes.

If you can afford to buy parts and service for a Mercedes then you can make a Crossfire work.

 

Did someone say 'Heat Seaters"..lol

 

It's a Mercedes. Service is really expensive. The engines cost a fortune. Get the extended warranty. I've had mine less than a year and it's already paid for itself.
Having said that, the car is a blast to drive and I'm not about to sell mine.

 

Nice catch!

LOL, fhat's Thunny!

 

Oil change is expensive but the suggested interval is 7k so it is not as bad as it appears. Check the interior door pulls for separation at the seams in the metal against the door. Sometimes these get sharp and can cut a finger when closing the door. If the car has this problem get them to fix it b4 you buy. Good luck , you will both enjoy the car.

 

The replacement part is $70ish each. We have had several sliced fingers and so took a very soft old finger nail file (paper kind with the foam in the center) it did the trick at least for now.

Check the radio, does the screen/lettering "run" when cold? Expensive to buy a new one unless under warranty.
Post the details; price, miles number of owners. Many members here can give more advice with that.