I am looking at an SRT roadster from long a distance. What are the things to have a service centre/mechanic look at? I will be reaching out to a member for an extra pair of eyes in the city where the car is located before I head down to see the car.
So between a members keen eye and the details from a mechanic's assessment as well as conversations with the seller I might have some of the risk under control. What say you?

 

If you haven't driven an SRT6 before, then I suggest finding the closest owner to you and drive one or as many locally you can. Then at least you will have something to compare it to when you find one. It will have to be a mercedes mechanic or independent shop that is familiar with the platform. A chrysler dealership will be of no use. Not many SRT6 roadsters out there for sale, but post in the roadster forum for problems associated with the convertible platform. Here is one in Colorado maybe someone in the N/A forum can check it for you.

 

things to look for.

1. ic pump failure. equates to loss of power under wide open throttle. cost to fix at dealer 700$. cost for diy 150$
2. lower control a arm bushings. cost at dealer 700$ cost for parts 80$ and some tools needed (ie: press, spring compressor)
3. seat heater failure cost at dealer approx 700$ for 1 seat cover. common failure diy cost is approx 250$
4. idler pulley failure or grinding. cost at dealer 300 to 350$ . cost of parts approx 150 for all idler(3) pulleys. common issue with mb pullys
5. valve cover breather leaking. cost at dealer approx 100 to 150$. diy cost 10$ for sealant
6. glazed headlight covers, scratches and dents. parts for the xfire are hard to find and very expensive!! make sure the paint is in better than avg condition. also inspect the underside of the bumper for cracks from dragging in dips. bumpers run 600$ or more

i used all my findings at dealer cost to negotiate the price down and then fixed it muself. saved over 4k in repairs and found a great deal!!

 

I'm picking up my SRT 6 in VA on Tues and I'm from California. Going to be making the drive back. The guy is a forum member and everyone has vouched for him. Otherwise I wouldnt be doing it.

I'm taking a gamble because I'm going out there to test drive it if I dont like it I'm walking away and am out $700 on a plane ticket. So I have gathered enough info on the car and my dreadful CA emissions laws, so hopefully I shouldnt have any worries. I'll be taking it to a mechanic to inspect it and to the VA DMV for a VIN check before i buy it.

Its been a pain in the *** truthfully, so I believe this will be my last out of state car I do. Goodluck to you.

 

i live in tn and found my car in vegas. never even sat in a 32 before, much less drive one. had a mb inspection done carfax and agreed on a price. bought a 1 way ticket and flew out. he picked me up in the car and a short 5 min. drive to his house i knew she was going home with me. mind you i havent even sat in the drivers seat yet!
did the legal stuff backed out of the driveway and headed for tn. 1881 miles and 2 days later i was still smiling and even today i find myself walking into the garage to look at my beautiful car.
i hope your experience is as enjoyable. if you pass thru nashville tn dont hesitate to call and stop by the house so i can shoot some fotos with the other xfires around and my 32

 

Where in VA are you picking up your SRT and which forum member is the seller.

 

Williamsburg, VA. How far are u from there? I am purchasing the car from member NeverEnough

 

He's a stand up guy, was really into his car.....so, I think you will be pleased...and once home, and your detail job is on it....you will be even more pleased....too bad VA to CA won't bring you thru IN>.......we would put you up @ the Holliday End....lol

 

I found this to be an interesting comment as paint for these cars is readily available.

 

but not cheap.......and it is a bargaining chip....when buying...

 

thats my point exactly!!! a repaint on my 32 was quoted at 5000$. until i found a great shop just doing the front and rear bumpers was an even $1000.
swirls and minor chips can be dealt with but whats the first thing everybody looks at when they see a nice car? paintwork. so if yours is in need its a BIG bargining chip

 

I know the man and the car, you should have no worries. He is a stand up guy and really took great care of the car. I am about 64 miles from him and he lives about 5 miles from my Daughter.

 

Man, where have u been? lol I would of loved for a forum member to test drive the car for me. Him and I have lost a lot of hair within the last week lol. If your available tomorrow and can make the drive I would really appreciate your thoughts on the car before I fly out. Let me know and we can set something up.

 

Been here all along, even though I no longer own my Crossfire I still check in/post almost everyday. Never knew that Frank was even selling his car. Actually I was in his area yesterday, I will check with my Wife to see what plans we have and get back to you.

 

Heard what happened....thats gotta suck. Glad that you were not hurt and the car is still drivable.

 

oh no what happened?

 

It seems that he had a slight accident in Arizona. He hit a tire that was in the roadway, from what I understand he damaged a fender and fog lights. The car is still drivable and he is back on the road.

 

That's too bad. Have to add tires to rattlesnakes and cactus to watch out for here in AZ