Looking to replace my wife's 2005 Mini Cooper-S (lemon law). One of the cars we are considering is the Crossfire SRT-6. Looking for input on reliability, common problems, etc. Local dealer has 2005's at $34,900 is that a good deal? That is the coupe.

 

That price new, used, etc? If used (and new for that fact) I would def. get the extended powertrain warranty since the SRT's are only 3/36k.

I have worked on and still stand by M.B. models but mine must have just been a bad apple since after loud engine ticks, multiple transmission leaks that the dealer tried to fix 4 times and now transmission lockup (back in the shop) with less then 4k on the clock...It's going thru the Lemon Law process.

 

The car we are looking at is new. Doesn't sound like you are having good luck with yours. We have had Benz's in the past with very good luck. Do you plan to replace your lemon with another Crossfire?

 

No. I think some of the problems have also stemmed from the fact this dealership is pretty much in the dark when it comes to servicing this car past normal oil changes, tune-ups, etc. While I understand this is the only SRT-6 the dealership had/sold, this still doesn't make up for the fact alot of my vehicle concerns were handled without much care.

I'm eyeing the SLK55 as a replacement but wish M.B. would bring back the free sched. service on there new vehicles since I believe the others (BMW/Lexus/Audi) still offer this. Forget the prices for my dealership in Tampa I went to but want to say Sched. A (oil change along with some other minor things) was to the tune of $250'ish...that's just plain highway robbery if you ask me...

 

I do know BMW is still offering free scheduled maintenance. So is Mini come to think of it. Didn't know MBZ had ropped it. SLK55 looks like a very nice ride. Wife called me after her test drive on her lunch hour. She likes the car. Her big concern is the poor visibility and seating position. She is a whopping 5'2". She had the seat up and forward to see. That position put her legs into the dash. She didn't have much time so she didn't really adjust the seat perfectly. Might have been able to make it a better fit. Any input from other vertically challenged drivers?

 

The lack of visibility does def. take some getting used to. I also do have a hard time finding the "perfect" seat position and often need to make several readjustments each drive to find a comfortable feel.

I meant and forgot to ask in the last post, how come you had to lemon the Mini? Was BMW easy to work with or did you have to go thru a lawyer?

 

The Mini has been to the dealer 5 times for a cold start issue. Basically it runs on 2 cylinders until fully up to temp. Then for the first 1-2 miles there is a 3-5 second delay from pressing the accelerator to the car responding at all. So far we are only dealing with Mini no lawyers. BMW really treats Mini like a step child. Completely separate companies. Wife is bummed. It took her a year after ordering the car to get it. She loved the car before it started having issues. Hard for her to get excited about anything else.

 

Out of curiosity, what state are you in (Silver-Bolt). I'm wondering weather dealers in So Cal are offering similar low prices on new ones. Thanks.

 

I've been driving my SRT6 for 13 months now, and I've had no problems, other than
a symmetric ticking sound from the engine early on. I've got 21,000 miles on the odo,
and the car is still a pleasure to drive. Hasn't failed me yet. Car has been serviced
twice (no cost), and I'm about to put new shoes on (approx $500 from Tirerack.com),
which are sitting in the garage. I think I can get another month and a half out of the
tires on the car now.
If you can get the car priced as quoted, get it. I do not believe you will find yourself
disappointed.

Coyote