Hi Guys, I'm strongly considering buying a Crossfire and I wondered if any of you could answer any of the questions I still have. If I go ahead I'd be getting a 2005 - 07 manual coupe with 40K or less (edit not the SRT, too thirsty!). I'm in the UK, if that matters.

First, what are the servicing costs like compared to similar cars? I heard they really need to be serviced by Chrysler specialists because the Merc engine is fairly complex, is that right?

(For people in the UK) - how have you found servicing costs? Just for comparison, on my current car a standard service is about £250, and big service with belts £780.

Maybe I'm being thick on this one, but I can't find out whether it's a timing chain or a belt. Sometimes people say belt, other times chain. And what is the recommended replacement interval? (I downloaded the Crossfire manual but I couldn't find anywhere that mentioned either bit)

I will be test-driving one but I'm wondering if anyone has any comments about performance, just generally. My current car's a Clio 182 Cup and whilst the handling is amazing, straight line performance isn't great because it only picks up at 5Krpm, meaning you have to drive like a madman to get anything from it. I don't hoon about country roads any more, though, which is why I'm looking at the bigger engined Crossfire.

Again, really for people in the UK, how have you found tyre prices? Currently I pay around £500 for four, but looking at the decent quality tyres to fit the Crossfire that seems to increase to around £1K, which is a bit much for me. Anyone get good tyres cheaper?

Any comment on the paintwork? Chip easily? Thin? Lumpy? I'm not a detailer but don't appeciate orange-peel paint or really thin ice-cream stuff.

Loads of questions but any help would be great - thanks!

 

If you read the forum, you'll find the XF is generally very reliable and built on the older (~1999) Mercedes SLK320. I've owned my roadster since '05 and other than the recall on the fan, all I have done is change oil and filter every fall. Everything else is original and only nagging problem is tire pressure sensor alert won't shut off. Air and cabin filters are changed every 40k, plugs at 100k, and it has a timing chain. I installed K&N air filter, so I just clean and carefully lubricate it annually. There have been a couple posts of vehichles with over 150k. You will be pleased with the gas mileage of the manual, but it's still a big engine and a sports car, so don't expect miracles. Tires are ridiculous here. I haven't shopped seriously yet but I assume close to US$1000, and I would only get high performance 94W rated tires. These can absolutely reach their governor speed of 150 mph. Paint/clear coat is hard and the front may chip from road debris (I am one of the few who uses a bra, but I rarely drive in rainy weather). Read the detailing section of the forum for lots of ideas and feedback on how to make the car look like new.

 

Thanks, Goldwing, appreciated - that's some great info