Pre-loved: Chrysler Crossfire 2003-2009

by Ewan Kennedy    Want to buy a used Mercedes-Benz sportscar at a pretty modest price? Then take a look at this Merc with a different bo...

by Ewan Kennedy 

 

Want to buy a used Mercedes-Benz sportscar at a pretty modest price?

Then take a look at this Merc with a different body. An American one.

Daimler and Chrysler were partners for a while and Chrysler Crossfire sits on underpinnings of a Mercedes SLK.

The shape is great, featuring a huge grille, strakes on the long bonnet, vents in the front guards, and a short cabin that runs all the way to a curved-down tail in the coupe.

And the roadster’s minimalist top looks great.

Simply stunning and real head-turners even years after the Crossfire first hit the road.

At the launch of the Crossfire in November, 2003, Chrysler told us: “Everything you can see and touch is unique to the Crossfire.”

However, some of the minor controls looked rather familiar to us.

Chrysler and Mercedes have since divorced and these days Chrysler is controlled by Fiat.

It’s a complicated world out there in automotive land.

The Crossfire is very well priced on the used-car market as it didn’t sell all that well when new, and isn’t doing particularly well as a used car.

That situation may change as some of the radical styling features have since come into vogue on recent model cars. No promises, though.

Crossfire’s dynamics are impressive as it uses larger wheels at the rear than the front.

Chassis balance is impressive as a result and under hard driving the car remains safe and neutral.

This is a genuine sports machine that is a delight to hammer hard over twisty roads, with plenty of grip and nicely predictable handling.

Yet it remains surprisingly comfortable for a car with sports suspension.

There’s an interesting German connection in the Chrysler Crossfire. It was built in Germany by Karmann.

The Crossfire has full leather trim, power seats with heating, an Infinity Modulus stereo system, dual-zone air-conditioning, cruise control, as well as a quite a few other comfort features -- this is far from being a stripped down sports special.

Seating is strictly for two and there’s a reasonable amount of cabin storage and a good-sized boot, but the stylish rear end of the Crossfire means the opening of the rear hatch is very skinny.

The coupe was joined by a roadster convertible in August, 2004.

Its cabin is on the tight side for anyone much over average height and the seat backrests are very limited in the angle to which they can be reclined.

But the styling works beautifully and many feel it’s even more visually striking than the coupe.

A high-performance model, the Crossfire SRT-6 was introduced in June, 2005 and sold in both coupe and roadster convertible format.

Its 3.2-litre, supercharged V6 engine provides 246kW of power and 420Nm of torque.

The torque boost produced by the blower is there all the way from 2300 through to 6200 rpm.

The big advantage of a supercharger over a turbocharger is the virtually instant acceleration it offers.

The whine from the blower adds to the driving pleasure.

To match the extra grunt, SRT-6’s suspension has increased spring rates and performance-tuned dampers.

Note however that the ride is rather firm so may not appeal to those looking for a cruiser rather than a bruiser.

The internally-vented brake discs also are larger.

Aerodynamics see the fitment of a deeper front spoiler and a fixed rear wing.

Most Crossfires sold in Australia have a five-speed automatic transmission, but our preference is the slick-shifting six-speed manual gearbox.

Oddly, the hot SRT-6 does not have the option of a manual-shift transmission.

These are relatively complex cars and really should only be repaired by professionals, though the simple, non-safety items can be worked on by good amateur mechanics.

There are Chrysler dealers in many areas, though, naturally, there’s a concentration in major cities.

Some Mercedes dealers may have mechanics with expertise in Chryslers.

It’s smart to talk to the Benz people to ask if they still carry spare parts for the Crossfire before falling in love with the fascinating lines of the American model.

Insurance charges are quite high, which hardly comes as a surprise.

There is quite a difference between companies, so it’s worthwhile shopping around. Be sure the comparison is a fair one.

Chrysler Crossfire was discontinued in Australia early in 2009 and, sadly, hasn’t been replaced.

 

WHAT TO LOOK FOR

Do the usual checks on engine starting and idling smoothness when cold.

Make sure the gearbox or automatic transmission is working correctly.

Signs of hard driving aren’t that common in sportscars these days, as many are only used as cruisers.

Beware of one with any signs of competition use, such as a rollcage, extra instruments or race seats.

Check tyre tread wear for uneven feathering, possibly another sign of harsh driving although be aware that smart sellers will renew tyres to hide these clues.

Look for crash damage by sighting along panels for signs of a ripply finish.

Also look for colours that don’t quite match and for tiny specks of overspray on non-painted surfaces.

Check the floor of a convertible for signs of dampness and/or rust.

Chrysler Crossfire demands a professional inspection before you hand over your hard earned.

Skimping on this may leave you thousands out of pocket.

 

HOW MUCH?

Expect to pay from $10,400 - $23,100 for a 2008 SRT-6 convertible auto; $10,050 - $22,200 for a 2008 SRT-6 coupe auto; $5450 - $16,050 for a 2008 convertible auto; $5150 - $15,700 for a 2008 convertible manual; $5800 - $15,850 for a 2008 coupe auto; $9700 - $22,000 for a 2007 SRT-6 convertible auto; $9350 - $21,100 for a 2007 SRT-6 coupe auto; $4900 - $15,150 2007 convertible auto; $8,950 - $20,950 for a 2006 SRT-6 convertible auto; $4350 - $14,200 for a 2006 convertible auto; $4500 - $13,900 for a 2006 coupe auto; $8,000 - $19,100 for a 2005 SRT-6 coupe auto; $3800 - $13,300 for a 2005 convertible auto; $3500 - $12,750 for a 2004 convertible auto; $3200 - $12,400 for a 2004 convertible manual; $2600 - $11,150 for a 2004 coupe auto; $500 - $7900 for a 2003 coupe auto; and $500 - $7600 for a 2003 coupe manual.

 

CAR BUYING TIPS

Take a friend with you when shopping for a used car.

That way they can keep the chattering sales person at bay while you check out the car without interruptions.

Used car prices have generally increased during the period of new car stock shortages.

Start looking at adverts for used vehicles several months before you intend buying.

That way you can get a feel for the price being asked and whether they are rising and falling, as dealers need to clear stock due to overcrowding.

Keep an eye on adverts for new cars that say there are specials on particular models.

This can lead to a lot of traded-ins taking up too much space in yards and they will be discounted to get rid of them.

Keep an eye open for ads of unpopular cars, as there can vary greatly in price.

Owners struggling to find a buyers may be forced to grit their teeth and drop their asking price.

If checking a used car at a dealership look at other cars on the lot. 

This can provide an insight into the quality of the vehicles in which the dealer specialises.

If buying privately ask for proof of ownership and make sure the insurance covers you for taking a test drive.

Take a slow walk around any car you're considering, looking for obvious defects.

It amuses us how many people dive into tiny details, only to discover later a major ding somewhere on the other side of the car.

Ideally any road test of a car you're getting serious about should be done with the engine stone cold. Early morning is best.

If you're serious about buying a vehicle, tell the seller you would like to take it for a good long test drive.

If they insist on coming that's understandable, but try to avoid them "selling” the car to you.

Put bluntly, ask them to shut up,

In their later years, cars with a reputation for being long lived and trouble free sometimes attract buyers who have no intention of ever servicing them.

The next owner may suffer as a result.

 

RECALLS

To browse recalls on all vehicles go to the ACCC at: www.productsafety.gov.au/products/transport/cars/

 

BE SURE TO CHECKOUT OUR OTHER USED CAR REPORTS