A vehicle from 2005 is pretty new to normally show up here on Barn Finds, but that was 21 years ago, so it’s not really that new. It predates the iPhone and most “modern” smartphones, most backup camera systems, my gray hair, and a lot of other things that most of us are used to now. The seller has this Aero Blue 2005 Chrysler Crossfire Limited Roadster posted here on craigslist in Wilsonville, Oregon, and they’re asking $12,900. Here is the original listing, and thanks to Curvette for the tip!
This is one of the cars that I noticed after getting my 2002 Audi TT ALMS edition. I was wondering if I should have waited after seeing one at the auto show in 2001 or so, a couple of years before they debuted in showrooms. 2004 was the first official model year, but the roadster didn’t come out until the 2005 model year. My TT is a coupe, not a convertible, and I think the Crossfire Coupe is maybe a better design, but I don’t care for the TT convertible at all. Our own Adam Clarke showed us a nice light yellow 2005 Crossfire convertible with 37,000 miles not that long ago here on Barn Finds. This blue example has 38,111 miles.
Still, there’s something about a convertible/roadster/droptop that makes a nice drive even nicer. Bumper-to-bumper gridlock freeway traffic in the blazing sun, not so much, but otherwise, having a convertible has to be the ultimate vehicle feature. Ok, a Crossfire with a Hemi wouldn’t be half bad either. That little spoiler above the third brake light automatically opens up at 62 mph. I remember being next to one in my TT on a four-lane 55-mph road 15+ years ago, and the guy looked over at me. The next thing I knew, the spoiler on his Crossfire raised up. Clearly, he hit the dash button to raise it, and he wanted me to know that he had something special.
A 6-speed manual would have been the base transmission, but this one has the optional 5-speed automatic. These cars were from the DaimlerChrysler era (1998-2007), and they were made for model years 2004 through 2008. They were a mashup between the two companies, with a lot of Mercedes-sourced parts and engineering going on here. The materials are beautiful, with black and white leather seen here. I looked at a brand new one on the showroom floor a couple of decades ago, and that silver plastic on the console was already scratched, and that was disappointing. I’m sure this one is as perfect as every other part of this car looks. Here is a 2005 Chrysler Crossfire brochure.
The engine is basically plucked from the Mercedes-Benz SLK-320, a 3.2-liter SOHC V6, which in naturally aspirated form pumped out 215 horsepower and 229 lb-ft of torque when new. Backed by the 5-speed automatic sending power to the rear wheels, the seller says this car was always kept in a heated garage when not in use, and this looks like a nice one if a person were into early-2000s convertibles with a German/American flair. Have any of you owned a Chrysler Crossfire?
Years ago initial remarks I heard were, the interior quality was not up to the exterior design and performance.
I look forward to a more informed opinion.
If your considering a sporty convertible, this looks like a deal.
The big plastic engine cover keeps all that hot heat under the hood. Not a good thing.
Proper rwd layout, manual transmission std. Credit to Chrysler for offering such cars.
I did a PDI on one years ago at the dealership. Other than the unpleasant journey into the cockpit and back out, I rather enjoyed the experience. Such a throttle response and that feeling when the spoiler took sail. I agree with John. The interior effects were less than stellar, but I’d own one.
I had a silver coupe. Fun ride, with caveats.
I used it as a commuter. That car went through tires pretty quickly. The magnesium wheels cracked at least once. The German AC unit failed and was pretty expensive to fix.
I found the seats uncomfortable and the stereo lacking.
I think it’s a fun weekend car. It will move fast. But I wouldn’t want one again as my daily driver. I gave up a base 99 Mustang for the Crossfire, and it was a mistake.
Good feed back from TA Man and Bones.
Just what input I come to Barn Find for.
Thanks Gentlemen
I like the style of these when comming out (always a 2nd take due to the durability of the name plate tho). Not sure I like a vert tho. The Hard top was a full expression of ‘sports car’ look I seek (long hood, no/short rear deck, FB, 2 seater, etc) but not the only one, of course. Odd our preferences (XKE, 240Z, MGB GT, 1st gen stang FB, etc), eh?
The TT is a nice looker (again to durability) but it’s hard to fit in each time brought here for maintainence. This 1? probably OK?
C, I was pretty worried about the TT when I got it well over two decades ago, but I’ve only had the right front turn signal bulb go out, and that’s it, and it’s 24 years old now. No mechanical issues at all, zero. No weird dash pixels are gone, or any of those typical TT/Audi things. The AC is even ice-cold. I must have gotten a good one.
I’ve got one just like it (but 2006)with 76k for $5,000.00. Loved it but replaced it with a BMW Z4. Hopefully someone out there is right for her.
This is primarily a comment to Scotty but the car is great but I’ll get to that soon. Scotty, when I see your name as the one doing it on any car I immediately know I’ll enjoy the read. You have an excellent, down to earth attitude in ones you write about. I’ll phrase it this way so it isn’t an insult to the others. I can easily say you are one of the best writers on the Barnfinds staff. Now to the car. My nephew had one and loved it. Although the engine is very adequate, I wonder if would be feasible from a financial point of view to swap in a newer 3.6 V6? My car, a former police car came with a 3.6 V6 in a Charger. It’s an absolutely fantastic engine and in mine it has just a hair under 300 horsepower. That would really bring this car to life even more than the engine the factory put in these. Added bonus is that with proper maintenance they will go 300k miles or more. Not one bit uncommon with regular maintenance and the owner doesn’t make it a point to be hard on it all the time. My step dad used to quote a common expression from the past. Some people could tear up a crowbar.
I would think that replacing the Mercedes engine with a Chrysler would be quite difficult.
We have one of these, and I drove a V6 Charger for 160K miles. I would say it is not worth the effort. The stock engine is quite good. However, if you want one of these with more oomph, go for the SRT-6 version. Basically, an AMG engine without the expense. They are the best bargain in sports cars you will find. But, don’t tell too many people.
PRA4SNW which engine in your Charger? Was yours the 3.6? In the early 4 door Chargers you could get as low as a 2.7 V6 then a bit later a 3.5 V6 then later a 3.6.
SD Ulrey, I had a 2013 Charger Blacktop Edition with the 3.6 that put out 300HP from the factory. It had the special 8 speed ZF transmission (new that year, I believe), paddle shifters, cold air intake, straight through true dual exhaust – all from the factory. These mods put the standard 292HP that the 3.6 normally had up to the 300HP. 20″ black wheels and rear spoiler (also from the factory) really gave it a sinister look.
I sold it to my nephew, who I just saw this weekend at a wedding. It is still going strong, not a single issue, and he has it up to 220K miles now.
Here is a pic from my ownership:
My brother has one just like this right now. He loves his. The silver interior door pulls are pretty crappy as the silver comes off in tin foil like sheets.
Chrysler quality and mercedes engineering , what could go wrong ? Certainly a maintenance headache
As mentioned in the previous BF Crossfire article, we got one of these for my wife and she loves it. I still haven’t solved the top issue, so if you are looking for a weak point, that would be it. Mechanically, though, it has been top notch, and have read that the Mercedes mechanical stuff is not scary, quite serviceable, and not as expensive as one is led to believe.
Thanks Scotty, for the brochure link. I have downloaded it to add to my resource library for this car.
I would say that this one will be a hard sell at the price. Low miles and interesting color, yes, but these cars just don’t have a big following.
If I could buy another one, I would be looking for an SRT-6 coupe, manual of course.