Hi everyone. I'm likely buying a 2005 Crossfire Roadster with 90k miles on it next week. I'm a younger dude who is just beginning work, so this is my first "adult" car. I hate having like an Accord or something boring to drive everyday to work, I like being a little different with my cars. I've done a decent amount of research on the car, but there's not a ton of info out there, especially on higher mile Crossfires. I was wondering a couple things:

- What issues or parts of the car should I be looking for when I check the car out?
- What kind of repair costs have people experienced?
- How often does the car need repairs?
- Does anyone own a Crossfire with around 90k or more miles and how is it performing and has there been any reliability issues?

Basically, what should I know about the car before I buy? I mention that this is going to be my first "adult" car, so I will be balling on a budget for a few years, so repair and maintenance costs do worry me a bit, but I do understand higher performance cars need more expensive parts. Thanks in advance!

 

Parts are expensive as hell. I have 79,000 + on mine. There are cars that are more reliable. Parts that should have been replaced by now are the crank position sensor, the battery, trans service is supposed to be done at 80,000 miles---just had mine done last month. Front brakes at the dealer cost $820 so make sure they were done recently. Eight quarts Mobil One plus filter so even if you do it yourself you're looking at about $75 every 7000 miles. Spark plugs should be changed by 100,000 miles and there are 12 of them. Good luck with your decision.

 

1. Every used car is a pig in a poke
2. Things happen

That said, I have had a base coupe and an SRT roadster and beat the snot out of both of them commuting 500+ miles a week. My biggest expenses have been tires and windshields (5). Be prepared to spend money on maintenance and tires -- especially tires. If the tires on the car you want to buy are new, have the suspension checked or you may be sad. If not new tires, check the wear pattern. If the car is lowered, you must check the suspension to ensure a proper alignment can be performed. Replace the steering damper if it is not new (cheap and oh, so worth it). Considering 1 and 2 above, figure $200/month for maintenance and repairs averaged out over time. That is barring any unpredictable catastrophic failure.

Do you know the car's maintenance history? Are you buying from a reputable dealer, consignment lot or private party?

 

The cars are tough and can take a beating.
Having said that, a mechanic once said "if it spins, it will eventually quit spinning".

Have the car throughly checked out before purchasing and at 90K, drive it gently.

 

Welcome to the forum!

 

There are some high mileage XFs mentioned on this forum, including an SRT6. Bottom line is that the drive train is a pretty solid 2003-04 Mercedes SLK320 and if well maintained, consensus is that these can go 300-500k miles. Look for the repair history and have it thoroughly inspected. Tires are not cheap (@$1000 set) and last 30-40k depending upon how you drive. Donut tires for a Honda are a lot cheaper, but no where near the fun to drive.

 

I've got about 92k on mine. Had no problems other than wear items and I drive it hard. But heed the 1st two things Morpar or no car said. Helps a bunch if you do your own wrenching.

 

Hard for me to answer, I have only 24000 miles on it. But I change my Oil every 7000 miles and make sure to keep up on the maintanence work to lube and check parts. So far the only part besides the Oil filter was a lamp on the passenger side. That cost me $20. Oil change is about $90, with filter. Drive it alot since buying it a year+ ago. Just too much fun to keep it covered.

KJ

 

Welcome, you came to the right place. Lots of friendly, helpful folks of all ages here with one thing in common,...to keep having fun with the Crossfire. Enjoy.