Hi guys,

We viewed three Crossfires today in various parts of the country. I think we're close to making a decision and colour is no longer the main concern.

Due to their age, none of the cars were perfect, so I'd appreciate some advice on which of the following faults I should worry about?

Two of the cars had foggy headlight covers - How much to put this right?

One car had bubbled paint on the trailing edge of the spoiler.

One car had paint peeling off the length of the 10mm strip between the door top and the roof panel on one side only (they offered to respray this)

One car had a missing compressor for flat tryes.

On one car the drivers side heated seat didn't work.

I'm being really fussy with this one, but when I looked very closely, one car had a slight line of ripples in the paint half way down the doors on both sides. It was much higher than the door seals and seemed to be where the door skin is closest to the side impact bar. I don't think it's rust related.

Cheers
David

 

Just found a thread on my last point. Apparently those ripples are a feature of the manufacturing process. I think the dealer thought I was crazy - he couldn't see them!

 

hi david...most are fairly common problems...as for the headlights if they are hazed then 3m do a renovation kit that is quite successful if it is condensation it either a missing rubber bung in the back of the headlights or the seal around the lens is compromised, new headlights are virtually unobtainable, 2nd hand they are very expensive....bubbled paint on the spoiler shouldnt be too difficult to get sorted...as would the paint on the roof trim...missing compressor, if you really wanted one could be picked up from a breakers but the sealent will be years out of date anyway i keep a couple of cans of holts tyre seal in the boot....heated seat not working is a common problem could be something simple such as a chaffed wire or fuse, apparently there used to be a repair kit for this but a lot of stripping out most people just put it..shouldnt be any ripples in the doors whatsoever, none in mine anyway..also have a good look at the area around the bootlid latch when it is open, and rear wheelarch`s there are a few reports of some cars starting to bubble there.....personaly i would go for as low milage as possible, sevice history and general condition and whatever feels right when you drive it...hope i`ve been some help and not confused you even more.......chris

 

just read the thread on door ripples i can honestly say i have never seen any...but if it ever stops raining i am going out to have a really close look...hopefully they got it right by 2007...

 

Thanks Chris,

The front runner is an early 06 (registered a few days before the VED increase) with 6 months warranty, just serviced and 12 months MOT. They guys basically agreed to fix all the imperfections I pointed out including a professional refurb of the wheels. We just need to accept it's Machine Grey rather than the Aero Blue that Kathy originally wanted. Think we'll have a few drinks and see if that helps us decide

Cheers
David

 

sounds good david...machine grey is a nice colour and not as common as the blues...by common i mean i mean you see more blues than greys before any " blue " owners get on me case....

 

well now you're considering machine grey cars pop on over to have a looksee at mine - you'll not be disappointed

 

Hi Guys,

Well we talked it through last night and decided to go for the early 06. Went back to the dealer first thing and after taking it for a blast on the dual carriageway, the deal was struck!
Very pleased as the few minor imperfections it has will all be professionally attended to before we take delivery. It looked amazing in the sun and that's before it gets detailed.
Sorry Waylander, read your last post too late but we were looking for a dealer car with extended warranty and also despite driving as far as Peterborough, the car we've bought is 15 minutes away!
Anyway, looking forwarded to meeting those of you I haven't met before. I think I'll have to bring the PT and Crossfire to the Ace in November. I've already chosen a complementary plate.
Thanks for all the advice. You can expect more stupid questions from me over the coming weeks
Cheers
David

 

congrats on your purchase david...look forward to seeing it...chris

 

No worries - glad you've found one that you like, enjoy! BTW, may I be rude and ask details (mielage/px etc - no worries if you'd prefer not to say )

 

50K miles, No px. came with third party warranty. price comparable with the market, serviced with Tax and 12 months MOT. FSH. (I saw one car that claimed a FSH but only had 2 stamps in 9 years!).

The main thing I liked was it was a dealer who specialises in top marques but was still willing to give this older / cheaper car the same level of detailing to meet my fussy requirements

David

 

thanks for that

 

Well done on bagging a Machine Grey eligible for low tax - quite a find - and welcome to the wonderful world of joint Crossfire & PT ownership!
Maybe see you with it at Gaydon...?!