Dear all,
I am new here, but thought I should check in with all of you enthusiast before making the jump and buying my first. I have always loved the crossfires but they have always been beyond my affordability. I have just seen a few around the £3000 mark and must say I am tempted.

Not sure if any of these would make for a great first ownership of a Crossfire, so all advice and recommendations appreciated.

Additionally if anyone on here is selling theirs for within/around my budget, I can guarantee your pride of a car, a great home.

I'm after a coupe version (silver/black - may also consider red).

Many thanks.

Alfie

Used Chrysler Crossfire Coupe 3.2 V6 2dr in Birmingham, West Midlands | Railway Car Sales

Chrysler Crossfire 3.2 V6 2dr Auto FULL SERVICE HISTORY

 

Hi Alfie, you can get cars around the 3K mark but you will need to look very close at them! I am thinking about selling one of mine, it is a Silver/Blue coupe on a 53 plate, give me a shout if interested.

 

Hi,
Would you be able to advice me on what specific things to look for? Understandably a car over 10yrs old will come with a few niggles which I'll happily fix with time.

In your experience would any of the 2 links I posted be good cars to go for?

If your selling one of yours around my budget I'm sure to be interested!!! Would you be so kind to PM/email me with some pictures, mileage, any outstanding issues and a price? Thanks.

A

 

There you go - just buy Mo's spare car - job done!
But FWIW - my thoughts anyway:
Being a Mercedes mechanically, as a general rule, higher mileage Crossfires are a pretty safe bet, as long as they've been serviced properly - so you can get a bargain sports car that will give you little trouble - but if you do have problems, this forum is the perfect place for help!
Mileage also has a bearing on whether you want it for weekend fun or daily use - and how long you intend keeping it.
Of the two you've mentioned, I would look first at the one on Autotrader - it's lower mileage (still a good thing if you can get it, despite what I said above!), with FSH and looks very tidy - but, these days, the camera can lie - nothing like seeing it 'in the metal' - it's got a few little extras like chrome grille & side strakes and c/f-effect centre console kit - quite smart - but just check out that poor wing/bumper joint on the O/S/F - also the higher-placed CROSSFIRE lettering on the boot is not typical of a 2003 car (usally it's along the lower edge - and only higher up like this from early 2004) - so possible signs of repair - not necessarily a bad thing but check them anyway.
Not saying there's anything wrong with the Birmingham one but for only a little more money, you might do better.
You haven't expressed a preference for auto or manual - unusually, the auto is a little more economical.
With your budget obviously you're looking at earlier cars so, while the Crossfire does not have a reputation for rust, there are just a couple of areas to watch: on rear wheel arches - even careful owners don't always keep them cleaned out underneath - and most have a little rust round the boot latch - not a problem and easily sorted.
Some owners have reported signs of rust under the doors behind the weather seal - just pull it out and have a look - not usually bad but should be caught early to avoid trouble late on.
Also watch for water under the boot floor - easy fix, just pull one of the rubber plugs underneath (two each side, the centre ones are at the lowest point) and it will just run out - quite important as there are a lot of electrics under the boot floor.
Even my 2006 SRT6 (29k miles at the time) had several litres in there - I was amazed to see it run out onto the drive! - luckily before any damage was done.
None of these things need be a problem as long as you're aware.
And just exercise the usual caution you would for any used car - good luck and keep us posted!

 

This was really detailed and very helpful. Thanks
Trouble is without the expertise of having owned a sports car previously almost unsure ofwhat to have looked for so cheers.

I was hoping for a daily use car.
I live in a village in Oxfordshire (hoping you'd do another Blenheim palace meet), with poor transport links to work, so I have to drive the 6mile journey to work... I have considered cycling, but weather wont permit this as a regular thing. The only time I would be driving it properly would be at weekends.

Ideally automatic preferred.
I am hearing good things about Mo's :-) lets see if he does put his spare car up for sale.

In the meantime, I have had a look at the ones current available.
Any yes the Birmingham one at the £2600 price if it didnt have much else wrong with it would be a bargain. I would probably keep it for 2years and if me and XF got on, will hopefully have saved up to upgrade to a new one.

At present: this fits my budget perfectly:
Chrysler Crossfire 3.2 V6 2dr 1 FORMER KEEPER-HEATED LEATHER

This two just might with a bit of battering:
Chrysler Crossfire 3.2 V6 2dr Auto + FULL SERVICE HISTORY

Chrysler Crossfire 3.2 V6 2dr Auto FULL SERVICE HISTORY

And this would be my dream --> 2006 reg for under £4000... Chrysler Crossfire 3.2 V6 2dr Auto Mercedes SLK 320 in disguise


Anyway, I listed these 4 that I have now placed on my watch list.
If anyone is close by any of the above and willing to view them on my behalf? I would be most grateful... as I would be going in entirely a novice.

I take your word for it that the mileage on the Birmingham one makes it a little less appealing, and if I did get it will probably struggle to sell it on after 2yrs even though I dont anticipate doing more than 5k miles a year.

All advice, response, input, gratefully received.

Alfie

 

Personally, for a daily driver, I would be looking for as low mileage as reasonably possible - blow your budget on the best you can find - you're not looking at the top end of the market so, if you don't get on with it (highly unlikely!), the better the car, the easier it will re-sell, especially as you won't be looking to recoup a fortune.
It doesn't sound as if you're going to put huge miles on it (12 per day + w/ends) so, if you buy well now and you do get along well together (very likely!), it could be a good long-term 'keeper' - you probably won't need to upgrade later!
Plus, as time marches on, lower mileage cars will become harder to find.

B'ham £2.6k car:
Do check those rear wheel arches - for a cleaned car, there are some suspicious marks which just might be rust coming through - also a ding on N/S/F arch - and, as you say, think about resale value if upgrading later.
No mention of FSH - essential for a high-miler - IMHO.
I would want those alloys refurbed - more cost (or a bargaining point)
And those tints might get you unwanted attention of the legal kind.

2006 grey, Southampton, just under £4k:
Nice - awesome colour! (Machine Grey)
Fair price for age & mileage.
Be aware that Crossfires registered after 23/3/06 (I think - check with DVLA) are double the road tax due to changes in the top bands at that time. So '06 plates are in the danger zone - and this one's reg. date is not revealed...
(10 mins later...)
Yep - just checked - first reg'd 11/4/06 so it's £475/12mths - £261.25/6mths - almost double what earlier cars would cost - ouch!
But if that doesn't bother you, ignore this!

Sorry I can't personally check out any on your shortlist - too far away - but if you spot a likely candidate in southern Scotland, I might be able to take a look (just remember that Scotland's a bigger place than the BBC weather maps would have us believe...)
If you're serious about this, you might have to be prepared to travel for the right car!

Just more of my rambling thoughts FWIW - others may have differing views!
But first check out Mo's car - you can't go far wrong with one owned by a caring sharing enthusiast - or Mo...!

 

Oi!!!!! I saw that! lol


I am so undecided about selling the old girl! no, not Gill! lol she hasn't cost me a penny over the years, apart from servicing and consumables, and with her being one of the first registered in the UK..................... I just don't know.


And she is not "the spare car" she is Gill's daily drive lol

 

Hah! - sorry, Mo - but we couldn't have folks thinking you were soft could we?!
I reckon you should keep the 'old girl' - she sounds like a nice cheap date! - and you know what they say: if in doubt, don't - especially if you don't need to sell - or, what sounds more likely, you don't have permission!!!
I just thought it wouldn't hurt to encourage a newbie in the right direction - and you did start this by saying you were thinking of selling... Called your bluff, did we...!?
Nah, there's plenty of decent cars out there for Fredank without risking your domestic bliss.

Just out of interest, how early is the car? - is it a very low VIN and/or very early reg. date?

 

No risk of a domestic lol we both are undecided on selling it!!!!


She is a low vin No. and was registered only two days after the UK launch date!


It's just that we are thinking of having a change from Xfires, not really sure to what tho lol. And would I ever sell my 2 SRT-6's???? don't know if I could bring myself to it lol


Like you say, there are some great crossies out there at good prices, its still a buyers market!!!!!

 

here's the thing mine will be up for sale (at some point over the next few months ), just mot'd and serviced, it's literally get in and drive - however it is above your budget as it'll be on offer @£5k(ish) and while I'll listen to offers I'm not going to give it away... gets to that point and I'll just run her until she dies (which given the condition will be a LONG time yet )

 

Hi Mo, I don't want to seem to be pushing you for a sale. But I guess I would rather buy a crossfire from an enthusiast than a randomer.

Also if you did sell it to me, you'll still see it at all the meets...kinda like you loaned it to a new friend, Is that a persuasive argument enough, lol.

In any case, I have been looking around and this is what I have come up with, taking Cross-fun's advice... It's automatic, earlier than 2006 for Road tax reasons and is lowerish in mileage... Please tell me what you think, I will hopefully go see it on Saturday. Will keep you posted.

Used Chrysler Crossfire Coupe 3.2 V6 2dr Auto in Leighton Buzzard, Bedfordshire | A5 Auto Group

 

It's just that we are thinking of having a change from Xfires, not really sure to what tho lol. And would I ever sell my 2 SRT-6's???? don't know if I could bring myself to it lol

Blimey - not thinking of defecting altogether, I hope...?!
Unless you're going seriously upmarket, the SRT will be a hard act to follow, surely?

 

[QUOTE=fredank;777777]Hi Mo, I don't want to seem to be pushing you for a sale. But I guess I would rather buy a crossfire from an enthusiast than a randomer.

Also if you did sell it to me, you'll still see it at all the meets...kinda like you loaned it to a new friend, Is that a persuasive argument enough, lol.

In any case, I have been looking around and this is what I have come up with, taking Cross-fun's advice... It's automatic, earlier than 2006 for Road tax reasons and is lowerish in mileage... Please tell me what you think, I will hopefully go see it on Saturday. Will keep you posted.

Used Chrysler Crossfire Coupe 3.2 V6 2dr Auto in Leighton Buzzard, Bedfordshire | A5 Auto Group[/QUOTE
]







That looks ok! spend lots of time looking at it, drive it plenty too, not just round the block.


If you are not to clued with cars, take someone with you that is, if you can! if you see something your not sure about walk away and post up here and I'm sure you will get plenty of help.
good luck, keep us informed.

 

Well worth a look for sure but careful you don't get seduced by a low price - notwithstanding other aspects (location, condition, history etc), for not much more you could do better on mileage - eg:

Chrysler Crossfire 3.2 V6 2dr Auto

or

Chrysler Crossfire 3.2 V6 2dr Auto

Not saying these are right for you - but you can't ignore those miles - a LOT less than the Leighton Buzzard car!

 

Hi Crosscats,

yeah thanks for the warning. I called the Autogroup about the £2990 car and even though its advertised on their website as Full service history, turns out they barely have any service history at all... The sales guy couldnt even tell me when it was last serviced. Not feeling optimistic about this search for a XF at all.

Might take a break from the search as dont want to rush into anything and all the ones I started considering seriously have all tended to have one issue or another... :-(

 

Hi Mo,
I sadly do not have any close friends with car expertise ("medical expertise now that would be a whole different ball game")... :-)

in any case, was planning on going to see the car/similar with the wife this saturday, but as I just mentioned it turns out the car doesnt even have much of a service history, so its price as it stands may well be a false economy, with disasters waiting to happen. But with the wife never having driven or seen a crossfire in real life, may take her to still go see it just to see if she will fall for them like I have.

Cheers for the advice though

A

[QUOTE=UK-SRT6;777945]

 

[QUOTE=fredank;778045]Hi Mo,
I sadly do not have any close friends with car expertise ("medical expertise now that would be a whole different ball game")... :-)

in any case, was planning on going to see the car/similar with the wife this saturday, but as I just mentioned it turns out the car doesnt even have much of a service history, so its price as it stands may well be a false economy, with disasters waiting to happen. But with the wife never having driven or seen a crossfire in real life, may take her to still go see it just to see if she will fall for them like I have.

Cheers for the advice though

A





Don't get hung up on service history!!! I have seen cars with "Full" history and they were a bag of nails!!! remember times are hard for some and self servicing is the only option. These cars are pretty bullet proof. My 53 N/A came with no history what so ever! it's not cost me a penny in 5 years (other than consumables) I know a lot of people will say service history is everything!! it's not!! easy to get a service book stamped!!
Something I do when I buy a car, when viewing at a dealer, ask for the V5, make a note of the previous owners details and try getting in touch with them and ask them about the car, they will have nothing to gain by not telling it as it is!!!!!!!


Buying any car is going to be a gamble!! don't look at too many as it will get all blurred lol lol I have never come across an abused Crossfire, not saying there are non out there. Trust your gut instinct, you will know when you find the right one :-)

 

Yeah, why rush? - there are good ones out there for sensible money if you take your time - but don't stop looking and don't be put off by a cheapie not living up to expectations - it's hardly surprising, really - if it seems too good to be true, it probably is!
If your good lady is yet to be introduced to the delights of the XF, it will hardly inspire her (or you) with confidence if you start with possibly dodgy marginal cars - so instead look at a few that are more likely to be OK - lower miles, priced a bit higher etc - so you can more confidently look them over, take them for a spin etc.
You never know, a nice one with moderate mileage priced at around £4k might be yours for a bit of hard haggling!
Before I lucked on my SRT6, the first XF I drove (with the Mrs) was a standard car at a local dealership with around 50k miles - but crazy-priced at over £8k (same as I ended up paying for the SRT!) - but it established that it was the right car for us.
I told the salesman before we drove it that I wouldn't be paying anything like that price and he promised he'd do us a blinding deal - turns out a drop of over £3k wasn't quite what he had in mind!

 

Hi Mo, so having read yours and Cross-cats advice I decided to go view the car at least and get the missus to try out!

The positives:
1. I'm 100% certain I want my XF in black or gunmetal grey
2. The automatic was so easy to drive, was great in low speeds and responsive when I stepped on it
3. Electrics worked fine
4. Most importantly the wife loved it too---> so all systems go, or maybe not


The negatives:
1. So the dealers idea of a full service history was 2 stamps. First at 19000miles and 2nd at 77000miles
2. The 2nd stamp very questionable - no number/name where this service happened (alarm bells ringing)
3. MOT new---> with no advisory, but done at the same dealers garage selling it (thinking vested interest) however left headlight not working at all... So how it passed its MOT with that obvious fault was questionable (more alarm bells ringing)
4. Rust on back wheel arches...
5. No HPI certificate
6. No receipts for any of the services or work done
7. No tax or warranty

Then entered into a conversation with the owner who then said, oh we serviced it before even doing an MOT: I was like so why is that not in the service book???

I walked away, saddened that I didn't quite get an XF but also convinced that it's the car I really want. Anyway if this is a bug I reckon I've got it bad. Nothing else in my price range advertised so gonna sit it out and wait patiently. But once I get one, I'll let you know... And who knows I just might join you on a meet soon!!!

Thanks for the help so far

A


[QUOTE=UK-SRT6;778107]

 

Smart move, if in doubt forget it. If you proceed after having some doubts and you then find lots of problems you'll kick your own a$$ from here to hell and back and the wife will add a few swift kicks as well.