I am in WA State & looking into purchasing an SRT-6 Coupe. I used to have a classic car (66 Thunderbird w/ a 428) that I sold a year ago. I am just learning about Crossfires and I think that I am infatuated. I test drove my first one a week ago. My wife thinks that it is a "mid-life crisis" but I told her there is no "crisis."
Anyway, I have been warned by my mechanic, about the budget that I might need and that I should get a maintenance warranty in case of a computer going out or something else.
I am glad to receive any advice, suggestions or wisdom that you have for me. Thanks!!

 

Welcome Jeff,

September 26 and a bulldog and a Crossfire. We are sure to be friends !

i just joined a few weeks ago......a great place to calm your nerves......the only pitfall I am aware of is not having one of these 15 years ago.

much good advice for your SRT will be found here

best
joe

 

Hey Joe!
Thanks for the welcome! I am thinking about purchasing an SRT6 to be my daily driver. The one that I am looking at has 55k miles. Are these reliable cars that I could enjoy putting some miles on?

 

Jeff Mack,

Go for it! Welcome! This community is the best support net for your soon to be purchased Crossfire! Purchased our SRT6 coupe a year ago. Joined this forum shortly after. Just a tight, well put together rocket! Put about 3K miles on her in this first year. Just make sure the battery is fresh as these cars are just super sensitive to electrical gremlins. Don't attempt to reinvent the wheel as someone here, past and present, has been there and done that!

Enjoy the hunt for your 'Fire!

Regards,

 

Jeff.....many SRT owners here to guide you and will come out of the woodwork to help. I have a 04 coupe ( and cannot speak for the differences ) which has 49k, drives like a day off the showroom floor. An observation is that the problems are mostly quirky ones not hard to figure out with the help of members.....I really don’t see many at all that surround the engine, transmission, drivetrain, suspension, frame structure( which some say is 80% of the car )

many things will put you at ease here
1. Find the thread on the 100,000 mile club.......the numbers will astound you. Many stories of their times..........
2. Find the thread on the listing of the problems fixes with detail instructions and pictures.
3. Join a club near you and begin to enjoy the buzz of crossfires en mass.

this car will astound you with its looks, handling, and all the love stories that go with it.

best of luck
joe

 

Jeff, make sure you get two keys with your car. If you don't know...replacements are $500-$700 each but now there seems to be a mysterious "supply disruption due to changing of suppliers" which is strange because I thought Mercedes was the supplier. Needswings says they are backordered until October.

 

Hello to all, I’m a new member to this forum. Not new to reading it though. Lots of great info
and helpful people that know the Crossfire. I bought the 2004 two years ago
for my wife. She loves the car, which she dubbed Secret, especially since she was stuck driving blah sedans or clunky suvs. I enjoy driving it as well once in awhile when I can get it away from her lol. It’s a blast to rip around a curve. Anyway the few problems we have had I’ve been able to
repair myself or with help from this forum. Lots of knowledge here on Crossfires. Thanks to all. Sal

 

Hey Everyone, looking for some wisdom. The SRT6 that I was looking at sold. I have now found a limited (stick shift) that I am interested in and it has less than 20k miles. With a car that is nearly 15 years old and so few miles on it, what do I need to be looking, in regard to problems? My immediate concern would be that seals, etc. might be dried out and cracking or ready to crack. Is this accurate? Is there something else that should be on my radar? Your wisdom and advice are welcome and appreciated. Thanks in advance!!

 

Wow! Less than 20k in mileage. I’ve been a Crossfire owner for a few years. Love the car. Fun to drive, eye catching as well. The typical problems these cars have are not too bad at all. Intermittent turn signals which I’ve found to be directly linked to the headlight switch. AC issues which are typically linked to the cooling fan not coming on when it should. Intermittent power seat issue linked to a relay under the dash on drivers side. Relay control module issues with dry solder connections but easily fixed. Other than that the cars are reliable and fun. This forum has the most talented individuals I ever met who know a lot about the cars and the repairs you can do yourself. Buy that little jewel.

 

I think the "dried out seals" notion from lack of use is an old wive's tale. Just check for leaks before buying the car; it's not going to spring a bunch of leaks just because you bought it and started driving it. I have an '05 with only 4K miles...no leaks. I have an '04 with 22K miles...no leaks. And as I said above, make sure you get both keys with the recent problems in getting replacements.

 

Secret007 and Scott M- thank you for the wisdom and the encouragement. The car is a couple of hours away, so I need to figure out a time to go look at it soon. I'm hoping it is everything that the seller is saying that it is.
Thanks Gentlemen!!
Jeff

 

I purchased with 3700miles two years ago. I am pushing 11,000 now. All the seals are fine. Check age of tires if older then six or seven years (some guys push out to ten) they will need to be replaced.

 

You maintained a 66 T-bird so you have an eye for value and what it takes to maintain that value.

Talk with the owner on his service records, borrow a diagnostic ( or a quick stop at an auto parts store on your test drive ), test the brakes and notice tire wear. Open the hood and check color of oil on the dipstick. If you would cater a meal cooked off the engine, you are on the downhill stretch.

.........whats he asking?

best
joe

 

run the Vin to be certain there is no recall on the air bags., and try a Carfax report. If it is a roadster then ask if the top or rear window was repaired and does it have the tool you need to operate the top manual.
Test drive it. The Limited will not have the high speed pick up as the SRT6.
Look at the plastic shield under the engine; Is it oil free.
Check the A/C for proper speed as you rotate the control **** for the fan.
Does the cup holder still work on the console? Check the cigarette lighter; Many seem to disappear.
Has the car had the "sticky key" fix?
Ask if there are any modifications or after market products on the car. Check the rims for curb rash. What kind of oil was used for oil change?

I have 135,000 on my Limited automatic; no oil seal problems, no major problems of any kind.

 

JoeO- he is asking $8500. Here is the email that he sent me.
Hi Jeff. My Crosssfire has under 20k on it. It's in top notch shape. Interior I would say 8 or 9 out of 10. Exterior about the same. Leather heated seats. Keyless entry, power windows & locks I put in a very nice stereo system that sounds fabulous. Never have had any issues whatsoever. Installed brighter head & fog lights. She's very quick & very fun to drive. Basically new tire on her. The color is what's they call an oyster metallic gold. If your looking for a quality fun 2 seater I think this one would be worth looking at. My wife told me I have to get rid of some toys. That's the only reason it's up for sale. Let me know if you want to have a look. We both work so evenings after 530 & weekends are the times I'm available. Thx. Ken.

 

Zip- Thank you for the great advice. How do I run the VIN number? I know how to do the Carfax.
It's a '06 stickshift, coupe. Pics look good, I will share them here

 

You are aware that Oyster Gold is a very rare color, right ?

 

ala_xfire,
No I did not know that about the Oyster Gold. However, I have not seen any others that color.

 

Less that 500 of the total 72,000 built.

 

> 20,000 mi..........It’s really a new car ! Follow the advice of the previous posters for possible pitfalls.

Assuming no scratches or bits of bumps, nor rust....i’m assuming a perfect car.."......Go to KellyBlueBook and dial in the condition of perfect, buying from a private seller.......... and see what they say. I think it is priced to sell..........don’t be afraid to offer less.

Consider it wont last long though.........

best
joe