2005 Chrysler Crossfire Review - Stuck In Limbo!

[@ShootingCars]

This car uses the SLK platform, not the SL

[@johnm4461]

Thanks for a fair review. I've owned a 2008 Crossfire Limited Roadster since 2013. Maintenance has not been a problem. Most any independent Mercedes or German car shop will work on them. And Mercedes parts are available online at affordable prices for DIYers. (Just search for non-body parts as if they were for a 2004 Mercedes SLK320.) Who takes a 15 year old car to a dealership anyway? While the coupe has controversial styling (love it or hate it), the roadster/convertible is more consistently admired from my experience. Hot rodders are not impressed (nor should they be). My wife and I use it for pleasure drives when the weather is nice. It is a perfect car for that - peppy, reasonably comfortable and fun to drive. Plus it has all the safety features and sturdiness of a Mercedes. It does get noticed. People are constantly asking what kind of car it is. For those who want to buy one, these cars were subject to the Takata air bag recall a few years back. Personally, I would not buy one that did not have the air bag replaced under the recall. It was a difficult task, even at the time, because Chrysler dealers were the only shops that could do it, and they did not have the right tools or training. The onboard computers have to be reprogrammed for the replacement air bag. Also, as another commenter mentioned, check for the sticky key problem and the RCM (relay control module) problem. Although if not already done, these are not terribly difficult to fix when they do come up. Overall, I'd recommend the car to people who like sport/luxury German cars, particularly to those who do their own wrenching or don't mind having to look for Mercedes mechanics for a Chrysler. It's a well-built and unique car with styling that has withstood the test of time better than most.

[@sonyadempsey5154]

I LOVE MY CROSSFIRE, 💘 14 YR OWNERSHIP AND GOING !!!!

[@djpollo2474]

Has it been reliable? How many miles you got?

[@sonyadempsey5154]

@@djpollo2474 yes mine has been reliable. It's got 93, 000 I think. I recently bought an old Honda to so I could take my pride and joy off the road as a daily driver. If you want to see it ..its on my Instagram page. dempseysonya

[@djpollo2474]

@@sonyadempsey5154 thanks so much bro, I'm gonna check it out. I asked because there's one that's selling for 6,500$ with 87k miles but honestly idk if it's a good daily

[@GT.Bugger]

I bought a Crossfire two weeks ago it's an 04 with 45k on the clock and i love it. You say how it's basically a Mercedes, like that's a bad thing! Also, the ashtray face pulls down to reveal coin slots. While this isn't anything amazing, I think little details like that are really cool and useful. I feel like these cars are very much underrated, and I hope they become more recognised for what they are, unique, fun, and honesty, a great car.

[@fightworld101]

The ashtray actually has a hidden change holder if you pull down the silver cover on the tray

[@XennialGuy]

I daily drove one for nearly 7 years and put 100k miles on it. But it was a stick, way more fun to drive than the auto. And it made a decent track car, I took it out probably four or five times to the track with no mods. I think you would have had a different take on the vehicle if it had been the stick. Also, the trunk opening is very narrow but it actually does hold a lot of luggage for its size, I made a trip cross country with it. My biggest negative with the car is it is extremely cramped inside, and I don't know how I did it for 7 years.

[@shagyjay9554]

This needed to be made like I low key love these cars and after seeing a heavily modified one is a sight to see

[@Gorilla_Jones]

Limbo? Any competent Euro mechanic will gladly and expertly work on these. It’s an SLK from the firewall back, and a CLK from the firewall forward. I’ve owned mine since new and it’s a wonderful car. Too many channels with Civic loving drivers reviewing cars.

[@thevoxofreason8468]

I remember seeing these on the road in the early 00's and it seemed like every one of them was a light, blueish grey color. This may be the first white one I've ever seen. Anyway, they're an interesting, if not really exciting, machine.

[@sonyadempsey5154]

I have a red one, I love it . I have had it 14 yrs. If you go to my Facebook you can see my pictures of it.. its worth a look. I have modified it. Also just added a dual cold air intake I had custom painted.. my Facebook is ...Sonya Dempsey.... Chattanooga Tennessee have a look 👀

[@Dr.ZoidbergPhD]

I have that light blue/silver one lol when you clean it up, it's a really beautiful hue

[@rick400171]

@@Dr.ZoidbergPhD I just bought a 2004 same color... couldn’t find a white one locally.. $4000, 134k miles, very clean runs great, love it!!

[@ModelA]

I always liked the looks of these.

[@thomasmeyers5165]

Crossfire shares 90 percent internal parts with 3 different cars. All you need is a mechanic that’s familiar with older german cars.

[@FrankieBag0donuts]

The owners' reviews on Car Gurus and Edmunds disagree with your assessment. They LOVE this car. Check it if you don't believe me. And no, I don't own a Crossfire. But it looks bad a$$ and it's mostly a Mercedes... and that's pretty cool. Btw...who would go to a dealer to fix a 15 year old car?? Dealer shop rates are crazy expensive and the average dealer mechanic is a computer-dependent flunky from Lincoln Tech. That part of this review is totally pointless. Most people have a local mechanic that they trust and utilize regularly, at a much lower cost.

[@dave11686]

Not to be that guy But it’s based off the SLK

[@nedeczkynorbert358]

Mine is a 2005 manual and I love it..I fix everything on my car never took it to any merc or chrysler garage.. The engine is gearbox bulletproof 💪 And I really wanna get an srt6 too😍

[@vracerv]

Thinking in getting one, but would you say, its considered as a mercedes or bmw? Was expendive to maintain, can i take it to walmart for an oil change for $50? Mid grade gas? $20 air filter? Stuff like that. Ty

[@DavidMendoza-i4y]

​@vracerv , yes you can on all your questions. I had mi e for 5 years, never had a problem with it. Always started in the cold Chicago weather too !! Maintenance is the key to this beauty, do what the nook days and you will never have a problem with anything. Sadly my niece got T-boned from an assclown with know insurance ! They totaled it because of the age of it. It was fixable too ! She got hit at 45 mph and walked away with only a stiff neck and a sore shoulder ! They said that car saved her from serious injuries 😮 A pick up truck smashed into her spinning her around 360 degrees...Now comes the hard part, where to find another clean one with low miles and with good Maintenance records on it !! Solid built car by both Mercedes and Chrysler 😂 Good chick magnet 🧲 too ! The ladies loved it, especially the round rear end style. They said it reminded me of their smooth rear-end lol Plus this guy forgot to mention the hidden side storage compartments in the trunk. Or how cool it looks at 60 mph when the wing pops out, speeding onto the highway ramps, especially when passing some one 😊 Don't forget to join the crossfire fan club for excellent tips on this beautiful car 😀 So now finish reading this, do some more research on one, then go out and buy thos rolling work of art 😅❤

[@edd2184]

The crossfire is mixed back I have owned both a limited roadster and SRT6. Both I was able to buy under the price of a base Crossfire coupe. They both had relatively little problems. At 250k miles on the crossfire only major issues I faced was the Skreem immobilizer (fixed by Mercedes Swap Shop), the sticky key (an 1hr job and a lot of patience follow the instructions to the Tee, Otherwise you'll be like me missing a couple screws in the lower part of the dash but hey it's my daily and there are no rattles of shakes) and I did the engine and transmission mounts. SRT6 from 20-42k miles no issue whatsoever, out side of small transmission leak at the 13pin connector. Which was easily fixed with a $20 seal, and a spray of conductor cleaner on the connector 10 minute job. Pro tip use a hand wrench and NOT a drill you will strip the bolt, and unfortunately at that point. You will need to replace the conductor plate and possibly have to get the transmission reprogrammed. If you guys have any crossfire issues, message me here.

[@mikeyploeger3387]

Is a Limited 2006 coupe worth buying with 39 thousand miles for 9000?

[@edd2184]

@@mikeyploeger3387 that's pretty low mileage, if it's one owner even better. See if the previous owner did any of the crossfires fixes like the RCM and sticky key modification. And of course try to sweeten the deal try to get him to go 8.5 or 8 flat

[@mikeyploeger3387]

@@edd2184 appreciate it definitely will see

[@mikeyploeger3387]

@@edd2184You think I could drive it in MN winter with snow tires?

[@redriver15262]

Its actually A pretty Reliable drivetrain, its the Shitty plastics and bodypanels that will be hard to replace if that were to be the case.

[@nedw2626]

I've had my white convertible , manual shift Crossfire for 16 years and maintained it in pristine condition as well. Why? Well, that's the way I am with everything but anyway I agree with all u have said about this vehicle. The only thing it has going for it is looks and u can buy one with low miles in good condition for 9-10K. I remember the fist time I took it for service I went to Mercedes and they said several things. I thought u were bringing us something, get it off our lot and we don't identify with it. They don't identify with it but they do with the Smart Car (a joint venture between Mercedes and Swatch - the Swiss watch maker). Not too smart if u ask me. Anyway I have mine serviced @ a Euro car center with no lip service and they have told me many times it's a solid little car. Cons: manual shift is stiff to shift until the trans fluid gets warm, 1st to 2nd is useless because they just move the car forward until u can get into a higher gear, 215 hp, sounds like a Porsche but barely keeps up with traffic and doesn't increase in value even though it's a classic. If u must have one get the SRT6 version with the automatic. It has 330 hp and the auto is about 1.5 seconds faster w/better gas mileage.

[@JerryJaiven]

I own two: a 2005 Roadster MT6 I purchased new and a 2005 SRT6 coupe I picked up three years later. Both have been rock solid and fun to drive. They have great lines and in graphite gray, take a spectacular ceramic shine. They are summer cars and garage queens, but I have taken the roadster from MI to FL once. You either love them or hate them, and I definitely love them. +1 on the hidden coin holder. And, yes, the cup holder's only claim to fame is immediately impaling a styrofoam coffee cup so don't use it.

[@michaelwoodsdale460]

It’s a love child of Chrysler and Mercedes - “maintenance limbo” is implied

[@RecoveryoneDrone]

I've had my 2004 for around a decade and it runs like a champ, but the interior is showing its age and the fact I gave it to my daughter back in 2015 and she just drives and go. So whenever I get to take a look at it, it always needs some TLC. At this day and age of these vehicles its a perfect starter car for a teen, not over powered, but still has a nice look.

[@WarioSaysSo]

I'm not much for Chrysler cars due to there lack of quality. Still I'm a sucker for Dodge cars! BUT this, the Chrysler Crossfire I can't help but love. It is just so special in my opinion.

[@davidkosach3095]

You forgot the fog lights and the secret coin holder lol it is very smooth car at 120 to 140mph

[@alex6261971]

LOVE your review , love the channel , keep up the good work.. all the things you said about the crossfire is true, but being an owner of one myself for 18 years and working on them.. places that turn away these cars is mainly because they don't know anything about any car , that is just my own opinion. ( because on a different note, there are places with true techs that will work on these cars or any car..) and yes this is a car built on a slk R170 platform. over the years companies out there have done things to make this car a little better , like (you can now remove the cheesy cupholder and replace it with a cubby to put items in it.. real easy to do) the hardest parts to find on this car , (unless you go to a salvage yard ) is the chrysler body shell parts , like (doors , panels , lights, lids , hoods) .. as there are hardly no companies out there that makes those parts , (i'm surprised the japanese or chinese have not cloned that market).. however , suspension , steering, mechanical parts , electrical components.. you can still buy those parts anywhere.. and if you need to , just buy a part from mercedes for a slk R170..

[@srtology]

For maintaining the car if you don’t wrench take it to a independent Benz repair shop. They will work on them since they’re basically a 1st gen slk. I work on my srt6 myself since the m112 motor is simple and easy to work on. Back when you could work on benz engines. The new ones while fast can only be worked on by the dealer 😑

[@danielmarshall2190]

Several Mercedes dealers, and several Chrysler dealers in my area all have no problem supporting this car. I can't imagine what you're talking about.

[@vr4787]

I remember when these came out they caught a lot of people’s attention, but it left a lot to be desired due to the Daimler Chrysler fighting.

[@chemane2000]

I love my Crossfire, I'm on my 3rd one since day 1

[@dolphinleary3777]

it's the back seat in my Chrysler crossfire that has me smothered by it & to have the work done on it for a lazy boy recliner interior install for the 3rd seat it COST $1.18- $21 and the 7 months of purifying price was $9k- $30k its like a jeep engine though for upcoming notifications THANKS

[@eliafranzini8038]

The W/S on the gear selector stand for winter and summer not weat and sport.

[@evanr9945]

Correct... also, the only thing it does in W is delete the 1st gear in that setting, so you'll take off in 2nd.

[@eliafranzini8038]

@@evanr9945 thank you for the information, i didn't know about it.

[@evanr9945]

@@eliafranzini8038 you're welcome, you can try it - you'll see the gear indicator in 2nd when switched to Winter.

[@SlingSlangSkrrt.]

You missed the coin holder on the front ashtray. The cover flips down to reveal a 9 slot coin holder lol. Glod review though. Cheers

[@alex6261971]

Trevor Creed, Senior Vice President - Design, Chrysler Group. made the body-sides tall while minimizing glass surfaces. We wanted to give the driver that special feeling of being inside the cockpit of something very sporty, serious and protective. / In my opinion the cockpit resembles a fighter plane..

[@christiandelvalle67]

So I own a 2005 Chrysler Crossfire now and I have to say. I agree with literally almost every point in the video. But I will say this, something about driving one and owning one just feels different, Yes its not the fastest and the 5 speed is not the best, but iv driven mine long distance and it just feels nice. Iv enjoyed owning my current crossfire and I for sure would buy another one down the line. would I recommend one to someone? Not really, but if you are considering owning one, you will have one of the most unique vehicles on the road. Its such a weird thing to say but the points of finding someone to work on these cars is tough, I luckily have a guy who is a total expert on these cars down here in Florida, but finding someone that will work on these properly is tough. yes they may share parts but certain things are unique on the crossfire that Mercedez benz just doesn't support. Atleast from what iv been learning on mine.

[@Justkev04]

Outstanding review 💪🏽

[@markhealey9409]

Love Crossfires!! 😍😍

[@JK-xz1lt]

This in white is pretty cool. Nothing spectacular, but it's got a certain uniqueness.

[@levyan4718]

love my baby XF, I fixed all her problems my self

[@kwasia4882]

Rainforest cafe? I thought that was a Toronto thing. Great review

[@JK-xz1lt]

There's one in Dallas, TX too.

[@carsandcollin]

There a couple in Florida because of course there is

[@Q__tube]

There’s one in Pittsburgh too lol

[@carroscamaradas]

Nice vídeo! 🇧🇷✌🏼

[@torythefanman]

My cousin recently sold his Crossfire..I'm getting ready to sell a Pacifica..

[@tleoipl37]

Ppl sleep on the rare srt6 one

[@darrelldvorak9633]

There is no limbo on service. Any Mechanic that works on Mercedes can work on the Crossfire. The car is a lot more responsive with a manual. Torque band is very useable and a hoot to drive. Anyone that reviews a car and drives with his thumbs wrapped around the wheel is probably less then knowledgeable about driving. I wonder if the kid can even drive a manual. By the way those seats he didn't like are milk cured leather and smell wonderful.

[@w.e.s.]

Every crossfire owner i know who has had problems qhoch has been all toted them to the scrap yard or put them out in the woods

[@noahh.8737]

why do the w and s buttons look like they’re from the 80s 😭 they look so different from everything else in the interior too

[@ultrakoolyvibes7505]

It was a sporty car for the time stop comparing it to what's sporty now.

[@OtherMoAV15]

Chrysler Crossfire used the old Mercedes SLK platform which means it was out of date and was not successful.

[@bruceferrell3394]

I have a 2004 crossfire. You can make this car much better with K&N air cleaners and an SR6 throttle body. A very quick little car now and I have drove it for 20 years.

[@rondematteo369]

I thought name came more from the cross between Chrysler and Mercedes joint venture!

[@joshkrause2977]

It’s a sports car, it’s not a super car.

[@The_gear_head_]

9:46 or (certain) 2000s Pacificas before it was a minivan

[@trevorsanders5303]

A coop is where chickens live 🙄🙄

[@Xfire1347]

What you missed is 4 shocks. 4 springs upper and lower conteol arms. A steering gearbox. IRS. The shifter is a slapstick. Other cars of this era were cheaply built. IE using struts and rack an pinion steering. These cars are also built like a tank. Extremely rigid design. You only looked at creature comforts. Not a real good review from a non car person.

[@crypto_11]

I wander how the dealer let him do a review of their car when he’s talking shit. Not a way to sell a car lol !

[@Antwon516]

5:09 A robot!

[@MichaelGG123]

How tall are you?

[@ShootingCars]

5’11

[@fabyrbl8177]

i always thought thesw where on the slk platform form mercedes, their smaller roadster, also i have to say it , it looks like a dog taking a dump

[@Swiftceo]

You just know the dealer is asking way too much for that hunk of junk

[@sonyadempsey5154]

Agreed a dealer will ask way too much. We crossfire owners love them.. a hunk of junk in your eyes is a hunk of burning love in others...

[@vracerv]

How much for good one these days?

[@alex6261971]

LONGWINDED (FROM : ROBERT IN HOUSTON TEXAS)...for those (wanna-b-mechanics) that are given the opportunity to work at any car place (dealer) or whatever, (of course ) those lazy and hardly no knowledge for cars , (would not know what to do and shy away from these cars or almost all cars).. Only a knowledgeable auto tech with true mechanical and electrical skills Certainly they would not turn away any car, no matter the brand.. as a true auto tech, you are patient enough to research the engineering of any .. electronic or mechanic.. car issue.. Zack Pradel , i have to say that you are right, ( this car does get turned away at dodge , chrysler dealerships .. ) it did once get turned away at one , with my crossfire, (guy said , the car requires special tools to work on) which was totaly B.S. .. But on another note ( at another chrysler dealer , there was an experienced tech that did not shy away and figured out a transmission issue).... Today i am a full fledged Tech in electronics and mechanics in the auto industry.. and i can certainly tell you that this is not a complicated cart to work on ,and it does not take special tools , ( if you have some true knowledge in the auto mechanic industry) you are right , this car has a mercedes slk R170 engine, transmission, chassis , steering and suspension along with brakes and all the electronics , including the seating and cluster arrangements , just a bit more cheaper made.. the body shell and lighting arrangements of the car and some interior and badging are the only chrysler components. you can purchase parts from mercedes under the slk R170 , but as far as the body shell and lighting components , you would have to hunt those down from chrysler or some junk place as some body parts are discontinued.. anybody with mercedes knowledge can work on this car.. and also anybody that truely knows cars in general can also work on these cars , But not the wanna-B's....