Hello all,

I recently purchased a Mazdaspeed3... it was a little more expensive than what an SRT Crossfire is selling for used, today. I'd taken notice to the SRT Crossfire about a year ago, however, opted to go with the Mazda instead. The allure of owning a new car got to me.

I am, however, a twenty year old single male and the allure of owning a new car is also acompanied by the ... allure-stealing car insurance. Switching to an SRT Crossfire would reduce my car insurance cost by about 35% a month.. which is.. let's just say substantial.

I was really excited about the prospect of buying the Crossfire about a month ago, but was turned off the lack of a manual transmission, and apparent lack of an aftermarket.

After looking around this site, however, it would appear as though the lack of an aftermarket statement may not be entirely true. Granted the handbuilt AMG engine parts do carry something of a premium over a small Japanese 4-banger, I do like to modify but in reality any modifications I do would happen slowly regardless.

I am a car enthusiast, my past two cars have been blown (01 F-150 Lightning and the Mazda), and I get the feeling I would love the Crossfire.

I do have a few questions before I dive into this, however. What are some common problems associated with the SRT Crossfire? What are some of the known weak points? What aftermarket options are available (from what I've seen even the pulley and CAI selection is limited, much less tuning and suspension)? Does the trans defeat torque converter creep when in first gear with the autostick? How does the trans work as a whole? Does the 7 year/70,000 mile powertrain warranty transfer to a secondary/third owner (I only ask because I known Chrysler's policy with their current Lifetime Powertrain Warranty not transferring past the first owner)? What are some key things to look for with this car when purchasing used?

Any input would be appreciated!

Thanks!

 

Welcome.
I dont have a problem with the auto. Try one for yourself first and go from there.
Some have had blower clutch problems but it is the inter cooler pump going that is most common.
After market is coming along. Check to see if it is a program car as they were driven agressively to say the least. Other than that you will have to wait for others to chime in.

 

Hello.

First, let me just say that the SRT is explosively quick! The HP ratings are severely underrated. The car weighs roughly 3,000 lbs and has nearly 349 hp on tap.

Transmission: This is the only auto I've ever owned. The SRT was worth the trade off. This trans. is manufactured by McLaren I believe. It is known that it is one of the best manu-matics available. All AMG cars come (came) with it for a reason. It is adaptable, very intelligent, and optimises every ounce of HP from the car. Drive one, you won't miss the stick too much, especially in traffic or on a steep hill.

 

Drive one and then... it becomes a no brainer. Fast goes without saying, but the turning circle is what sold me and you don't see them too often like dime a dozen mustangs, 350z, or G35s.

 

I don't think the 7/70 warranty applies to the SRT6 model.
Personally, I drove both cars before I made my purchase, and unless you are a drag racer, I see no reason to buy an SRT over a Limited model. But that's just my opinion since I haven't drag raced anybody in years.
The SRT6 will not only surprise you, it surprises lots of other car owners too.

 

I too was put off by not having a manual transmission available. However once you drive the car you will be delighted IMO by the power and control you do have with the autostick. It will allow you to hold gears with ease. It is driver adaptable which is very interesting. My other car is an RX7TT, I drove that car with both an auto and manual before I bought it. In that car the only option IMO is the manual. You will not be disappointed with this car. There are a great group of people on this forum, eager to help and point you in the right direction. The aftermarket will improve with time. besides the price of the SRT's is to good to pass up.

 

I thought about several cars before I bought the SRT. I had an 06 Minin Cooper S six speed and I don't miss shifting it at all. Like it has been said before, the autotrans is the best one I have ever driven. it adapts to your driving and is one of the smoothes trans you will ever drive. There was a thread about recalls and there are no recalls for any Crossfire. Drive one and you will buy one. Pretty simple stuff.

 

One thing you'll appreciate about the Crossfire is that the interior is nice, soft-touch, with leather and high quality fabric everywhere.

The Mazda....not so much. Not anywhere close.

 

if you shop wisely you can get a STR6 for a very attractive price. What you get is a hand-built totally blueprinted AMG engine with a Karmann/Mercedes sports car thrown in for almost free ! Seriously, the replacement cost of the long block is something like 24K !!!

As for the lack of an aftermarket; so what ? These cars are so highly tuned and finely balanced they are awfully hard to improve on without screwing up something. If you want something you can endlessly tinker with and bolt on parts, get a Mustang.

If you want a great looking sports car with supercar performance and a bargain price...by a STR6 !

Slim

 

1. Intercooler pump failure, Radiator Fan Recall, Seat Heater, some rusting issues are among the more common ones..

2. There Are crank pullies, supercharger pullies, ecu remaps, intakes, and turbo in development.. nothing really worthy for the suspension.. the vehicle does not come equipped with an lsd and it is not offered..

3. The trans works like any other automatic. you have driven except it is tuned for AMG performance thus is does not short shift unless you want it to and such...

4. What to look for when purchasing? Try not get an SRT Expereince Track car...

 

I'm sure my SRT has the 7/70,000.
I had a '04 Autostick and loved it ! And really wasn't that impressed with the SRT6 until I changed the shocks to Konies, as for would I be happy with a nonSRT yes very much so ! And as for mods not much will pass you in the canyons in a stock LTD anyway.
If the price was still up there as original MSRP for SRT6s I'd probably bought a LTD.
And if you wanted to do as some Germantuners have you can get alot of HP out of the stock 3.2 nonSC for about $4,000.

 

Hold up there for a second... Granted the MazdaSpeed3 isn't up to Benz build quality, but the MS3 DOES have a few notable features that our cars do not.

1. Auto Climate Control
2. 6 CD Indash Changer with MP3 Compatibility
3. Steering wheel Mounted Audio Controls
4. Bose Sound
5. Sunroof
6. Cupholders that work
7. Seats that recline
8. Tilt Steering
9. HID Headlights(Automatic aswell I think)
10. LED Taillights
11. A REAL Color Screen Navigation System

etc.

I've driven MS3s and I have a friend with one. Not to say the Crossfire isn't a nicer, classier car overall becase it is, but the Grand Touring MS3 DOES have a lot more creature comforts. The Mazda is a sweet car for a compact Hatchback. He shoudl still trade it for an SRT-6 though, because the MS3 "IS" a Compact Hatchback... Sexy Fast vs. Sleeper Fast.

 

It doesn't, I promise you. I am a former DCX Employee and NO SRT vehicle of any description has ever had the 7/70 from the factory except the vary early SRT-4s. If you have a warranty like that it is either a Chrysler Certified Pre-Owned or you purchased the Chrysler MAXCARE Extended Service Contract. Look in your warranty guide that is in with your Owner's Manual, it clearly states that SRT vehicles only have the 3/36 Bumper-To-Bumper.

 

Most of the good SRT6s will come with the certified used car warranty that is 8 years or 80,000 miles. If they don't, tell the dealer to include it. I negotiated the 8/80 warranty into the deal. Got a nice warranty card (like a credit card) and 24 hour roadside assistance with that warranty.

 

Check this thread for more excellent info on warranties. It discusses the Certified Pre-Owned and Max Care Warranties in detail from myself and a Chrysler Dealer.

https://www.crossfireforum.org/forum...+Care+Warranty

 

I got mine certified pre-owned and they added the 8/80k warranty for me too. My brother works at the dealership though, so I don't know if they will hand it out as easily as I got it.

Im sure it will cost you too

 

True NeverEnough. I guess I never thought about it this way, but "features" are starting to become the modern equivalent of "quality".

 

I know this comes from an old guy, but an old guy with 3 sons. The SRT 6 is the cheapest race car you will ever buy. I own a blk Mazda 6 customized for my wife. Took emblems off, put nice rims and tires on it. She loves it, but guess what she would rather drive. Yep the SRT which is also black. I drive an SRT8 GC Jeep...she doesn't like the gas mileage on it, so I am safe. Sell the 3, buy the SRT...there, now that even rhymes...Doc

 

Yes, the MS3 has a lot of nice options as standard. But stand back and look at one....then look at an SRT6. The choice is easy.