And national tyres back before I knew stuff they quoted 600 for one wheel bearing bear in mind it was a bolt on not a pressed one. And also an alignment jokers
They have a structured profit making plan which involves ripping the public off including the elderly by doing work that doesn't need to be done . Kwick fit was exposed in the 90s with under cover filming on mainstream TV. A couple of years ago I took my alfa to Kwick fit for 4 wheel alignment and they only did the front tracking claiming you needed a 'special tool' to do the rear wheels. They charged me for all 4 still. A few months later I was working on the rear suspension and discovered you only need a 19mm socket and spanner to do the rear wheel alignment. They charged 65 quid for 5 minutes work so I was proper angry . I've had other questionable experiences over the years too.
I bought a 6 month old 53 plate, kept it for 13 years, great car. Did about 80,000 miles, never let me down, never failed an MOT, only things that needed replacing was an exhaust after 6 years and a battery after 12 years.
So glad you've taken this on Joel! I had a red convertible up until a year ago and loved it. Like you, I appreciate something different, and I really hope you can save it.
Absolutely love the Crossfire, had 3 of them in the past! FYI - Those V6 badges you've highlighted aren't stock from factory (someone's been shopping on eBay/Temu) 😉
The most common problem for the flashing light is an open circuit in the spoiler motor. The BCM is looking for a certain amount of resistance in the motor circuit and can't find it.
Congratulations on 100k subscribers!! 🎉. Been a massive fan of the channel since you had your 7 series! Hope you get an L322 again. Maybe you could get a different type of Land Rover next time. Keep up the great content 😊
Nice and unusual car at a reasonable price - shame about the rust. I agree to give Halfords, Kwik Fit and the like a miss. You need to develop a relationship with a good local independent garage for repairs and MOT. I have used a local garage for MOTs and repairs that I can't do for about 25 years now. They are reasonable, reliable and trustworthy. A good sign is that you need to book well in advance as they are always in demand. Looking forward to the next Crossfire video.
The S and W button on the gearbox is indeed Winter and Standard mode. Winter mode pulls away in 2nd gear, also doesn't hold onto the gears as long changes up way before redline. Also I had no idea they were based on the SLK! We have literally just bought my fiancee a R170 SLK so when i saw this inside it's like being in one of them! Mercedes wiper and cruise stalk and everything:')
I adore me some classic top gear BUT sometimes, they can be unnecessary harsh just for entertainment. I can tell you I lived in Texas for 21 years (now back in the Y'uk). For a while I sold Chrysler's and had the chance to drive a few of these when brand spanking new on the Texas highways. They were a very capable and good handling car especially with those large tires on the rear... Serious go cart fun!!!! reminded me of European cars I grew up with. Now yours is going to be a little more.....soft with age lol BUT if you can get it close to handling the way it was when new, You'll have a ridiculous amount of fun and be surprised at how well it handles for a US car.
I guess that this competed with Audi TT mk1, whose values (for a tidy one) are becoming solid at last. I always liked the look of the Crossfire, so I hope that values rise enough for them to be looked after.
I've had mine a month. Great car! All German, made at Karmann in Osnabruck. Mine's been cossetted and has 47K, so not £750 or £1500! A great design in its own right.
I couldn't believe you were taking it to Halfords for an MOT as well! By the way a main beam tell-tale is a dashboard indicator light that shows when a vehicle's main beam headlights are on - usually blue.
I have to admit, the Crossfire is my guilty pleasure car. I've always liked the front end, I think the front light and bonnet look actually cool. The coupe is to short for the body line, hence the famous "Dog parking it's breakfast." line which I don't disagree with, but I think the convertible is an all round handsome little thing, especially in the darker red it was available it. I know most disagree but we all have that one car everyone hates that we secretly like. This one does seem to have lived a bit of an unloved life in recent times.
People never seem to make their own opinions on things. Much easier to just listen to Jeremy Clarkson etc, and then decide you hate something without really looking at it with your own eyes, or driving one and finding out what its actually like. I think its a cool car. And with that history, what a bargain :) The 320 V6 Mercedes engine is a very reliable unit and makes a nice noise. Those stalks/the way they work is straight out of a Merc!
Jeremy himself even admitted he liked the Crossfire but I guess it doesn't make good television to just say you like everything. They would take the bad aspects of a car and stretch that material to the moon to make an entertaining show 😂
Totally agree, and I feel fortunate that I can go out and try these things for myself. I personally like the looks of the crossfire and think it drives well if you understand it's neither a sports car or a luxury cruiser, just something slightly inbetween. Either way, it's something you rarely see on the road that has bucket loads of character for under 1,000 quid
I’ve always thought these looked pretty cool/quirky, I didn’t think the power figures were that high though. I think even if the bill is the cost of the car again(£750-1000) it may be worth it if you like the car, and want to potter about it in for the next year, it’s a little bit famous as it’s been used on Top Gear too, there’s probably footage of it on TH-cam somewhere, might make it worth saving? By the way headlights can be buffed easily, so that’s not really an issue. The other issues with the lights should be easy to sort out too.
very beautiful car... in normal condition it costs 7-12 k€ in Europe. There is no estimate for the srt version, but it could be in the range of 25-35k€. very beautiful coupe...only rcz can compete.
When I was looking for some cheap wheels I considered buying one of these, just 'cos I like something a bit "different". I mean, I'm sure there are objectively "better" cars to pick, for the money, but as long as these are "alright", that'd be good enough... and, if a car isn't desirable, you tend to be able to get a higher spec' for the same money. Definitely wouldn't have bought THAT one, though, regardless of who'd sat in it before me.
I have had the issue of the spoiler light flashing for months now, tried all the usual things, but was convinced that nothing specific was wrong, as in if I reset the car (by disconnecting the battery and reconnecting it) everything works for about 10 mins, IE the roof went up and down, spoiler went up and down, then the flashing light came back again and the roof wouldn't move, or the spoiler. Took the car to Mercedes who charged £300 to tell me they couldn't find the fault!, tried a few of the suggestions here, still no fix. Sent the ecu to a specialist, no fault found. In desperation I took the ECU out, and the small unit next to the ECU (body control module I think?) and removed every plug, fuse etc, and cleaned all 50-60 pins. I found one pin on the small white connector (first plug from the front on the bcm) had slight corrosion, and was tracing to an adjacent pin. Cleaned it up, - put it all back - Light now off!. Roof and spoiler works fine! I have tried to re create the problem, engine on and off, roof up and down, spoiler up and down, open boot, close boot, etc etc, So far all good news! Total cost to fix - zero! So, as they say, try the simple things first! Hope this helps anyone else who gets the flashing ligh
Wow i remember these cars back in the early 2000s back at school my teacher infact brought one i was very impressed back then being only 12 at the time 😂for £750 quid its a bargain and the fact clarkson had it on top hear makes it worth buying dor sure as i would buy it for sure without hesitation then visit his Farm shop 😂😂
The headlights are actually plastic and not glass, and therefore can't be polished but would need to be replaced... I've bought numerous in the past and cost was between £400-£500 per side (but this was about 10 years ago!)
Great looking cars and as a prev owner of many, both man and auto…..But oh so so horrid inside plastics wherever you lay your hands it feels hard and flimsy plastics, plus major electrical issues.
Potentially worth preserving out of general interest but it does need a full stripdown and restoration…. may be justifiable if you do a lot yourself…..
I wouldn’t have paid £75 for it! That’s my second most hated car. Only beaten by another Chrysler abomination….the PT Cruiser! It has the apologetic looks of a dog taking a dump.
@@itsjoelamazing how these cars still mess with people, 20 yrs after Clarkson destroyed them. My wife drives ours and many people have no idea what it is. It's different,potent a good cruiser, and has a great soundtrack. What's not to like, mines is 2006 so shocking tax band, But only 55k and mint
I just can’t get over the looks of this thing. And I don’t like the SLK either so it’s a lose lose for me 😂. Each to their own I think this is one of the first times my own weird car taste hasn’t aligned with Joel’s
I'm sure anyone who gets one of these will receive some... comments about it (many will see it as a POS), but while I haven't driven one I can't see how it isn't a good car given they've been sub £3k for ages now, even SRT-6 are under £10k I think. As you say, effectively an SLK320 or SLK32 but with a more modern body and interior. That SRT-6 is genuinely fast. My only real gripes are the ugly rear and lack of a manual on the SRT.
Haha, your like a woman in Target! They cant say no to a deal in that store. Ah, it was just 750 so no big deal plus it will make great video! Congrats Joel, cheers Kirk
Did I pay £750 too much? 😂
lol, I think so. The corrosion could be terminal. Fingers crossed you can find someone willing to do the welding
I don't think it's worth saving
Most definitely. We're rubbish when they came out. And still rubbish now. Sorry Joel.
749 too much.
Yes way too much lol. You should of got a mercedes slk instead
Never take your car to Halfords for an mot. Every good petrol head knows that.
And stay away from kwick fit.
Damn right they are the 2 to avoid 😂
And national tyres back before I knew stuff they quoted 600 for one wheel bearing bear in mind it was a bolt on not a pressed one. And also an alignment jokers
As soon as he said that he was going to Halfords I thought exactly the same, almost stopped watching as he cant be a petrolhead.
They have a structured profit making plan which involves ripping the public off including the elderly by doing work that doesn't need to be done . Kwick fit was exposed in the 90s with under cover filming on mainstream TV.
A couple of years ago I took my alfa to Kwick fit for 4 wheel alignment and they only did the front tracking claiming you needed a 'special tool' to do the rear wheels. They charged me for all 4 still.
A few months later I was working on the rear suspension and discovered you only need a 19mm socket and spanner to do the rear wheel alignment. They charged 65 quid for 5 minutes work so I was proper angry .
I've had other questionable experiences over the years too.
I'm Gen Z, so I don't know how to make phonecalls. I can book online with halfords 🤣
Congrats on the 100k mate. Always had a soft spot for the Crossfires too honestly
Thanks dude, you'll have to drive it
@@itsjoel we’re overdue a collab i reckon
I bought a 6 month old 53 plate, kept it for 13 years, great car. Did about 80,000 miles, never let me down, never failed an MOT, only things that needed replacing was an exhaust after 6 years and a battery after 12 years.
So glad you've taken this on Joel! I had a red convertible up until a year ago and loved it. Like you, I appreciate something different, and I really hope you can save it.
The fact it's something different is enough for me to want it. Character is everything in cars these days
@5:17 "It is knocking like Jehova's witnesses." 😂😂
Absolutely love the Crossfire, had 3 of them in the past! FYI - Those V6 badges you've highlighted aren't stock from factory (someone's been shopping on eBay/Temu) 😉
Oh no! Need to pull them off immediately
The most common problem for the flashing light is an open circuit in the spoiler motor. The BCM is looking for a certain amount of resistance in the motor circuit and can't find it.
Congratulations on 100k subscribers!! 🎉. Been a massive fan of the channel since you had your 7 series! Hope you get an L322 again. Maybe you could get a different type of Land Rover next time. Keep up the great content 😊
Congratulations on 100k subscribers. Great content as usual ❤
Joel the towing button is to turn off the alarm when towing with the car upended.
Thank you!
Nice and unusual car at a reasonable price - shame about the rust. I agree to give Halfords, Kwik Fit and the like a miss. You need to develop a relationship with a good local independent garage for repairs and MOT. I have used a local garage for MOTs and repairs that I can't do for about 25 years now. They are reasonable, reliable and trustworthy. A good sign is that you need to book well in advance as they are always in demand. Looking forward to the next Crossfire video.
Jeremy Clarkson is the type that would bottle his flatulence and sell it as perfume.
Great content Joel. Looking forward to the next one.
Just bought one recently, really enjoying it.
The S and W button on the gearbox is indeed Winter and Standard mode. Winter mode pulls away in 2nd gear, also doesn't hold onto the gears as long changes up way before redline. Also I had no idea they were based on the SLK! We have literally just bought my fiancee a R170 SLK so when i saw this inside it's like being in one of them! Mercedes wiper and cruise stalk and everything:')
Thanks for the insight!
All day long you would buy that car, unusual , sweet engine , happy to take it off your hands for the Top Gear connection alone
This is a slk 320. Same chassis, engine, gearbox. Pretty solid if not rusted out
Great Video Bud 👍Love seeing Cars being saved 👍Worth a try Joel keep them coming 👍👍
Should be an interesting project and the Top Gear history is cool, too. It's nice to see unusual or unpopular cars on TH-cam.
Agree
As they say, “you get what you paid for”. However bravo for going after this unusual Mercedes/ Chrysler anomaly. Looking forward to the updates.
Congratulations on 100k Joel!
Thanks Matt
I adore me some classic top gear BUT sometimes, they can be unnecessary harsh just for entertainment. I can tell you I lived in Texas for 21 years (now back in the Y'uk). For a while I sold Chrysler's and had the chance to drive a few of these when brand spanking new on the Texas highways. They were a very capable and good handling car especially with those large tires on the rear... Serious go cart fun!!!! reminded me of European cars I grew up with. Now yours is going to be a little more.....soft with age lol BUT if you can get it close to handling the way it was when new, You'll have a ridiculous amount of fun and be surprised at how well it handles for a US car.
I guess that this competed with Audi TT mk1, whose values (for a tidy one) are becoming solid at last.
I always liked the look of the Crossfire, so I hope that values rise enough for them to be looked after.
After what feels like a million years, you’ve got to 100K 🤣
Think it has been a million years!
I've had mine a month. Great car! All German, made at Karmann in Osnabruck. Mine's been cossetted and has 47K, so not £750 or £1500! A great design in its own right.
I like these. The huge hood is awesome. Corvette style, but a Mercedes engine to make sure it keeps going.
Never understood the dislike of the crossfire, I actually like the look of it and they drive and go pretty well, I'd have a cheap one if it came up.
I don't personally like Crossfire's. However. As ever Joel a really interesting video. I look forward to seeing what you do with it.
Thanks for watching
Missed opportunity to end on that bombshell 😂 I like it, can't wait for the next one 👍🏻
I couldn't believe you were taking it to Halfords for an MOT as well! By the way a main beam tell-tale is a dashboard indicator light that shows when a vehicle's main beam headlights are on - usually blue.
100K Subscribers Well Done Great Channel Joel
I have to admit, the Crossfire is my guilty pleasure car. I've always liked the front end, I think the front light and bonnet look actually cool. The coupe is to short for the body line, hence the famous "Dog parking it's breakfast." line which I don't disagree with, but I think the convertible is an all round handsome little thing, especially in the darker red it was available it. I know most disagree but we all have that one car everyone hates that we secretly like.
This one does seem to have lived a bit of an unloved life in recent times.
People never seem to make their own opinions on things. Much easier to just listen to Jeremy Clarkson etc, and then decide you hate something without really looking at it with your own eyes, or driving one and finding out what its actually like.
I think its a cool car. And with that history, what a bargain :) The 320 V6 Mercedes engine is a very reliable unit and makes a nice noise.
Those stalks/the way they work is straight out of a Merc!
I can’t “look at it with my own eyes”. I literally have to avert my eyes if I ever see one…which is mercifully rare these days. 😂
A American coupe car
@@derin111That's hilarious considering how many hideous vehicles British manufacturers have produced over the decades!
Jeremy himself even admitted he liked the Crossfire but I guess it doesn't make good television to just say you like everything. They would take the bad aspects of a car and stretch that material to the moon to make an entertaining show 😂
Totally agree, and I feel fortunate that I can go out and try these things for myself. I personally like the looks of the crossfire and think it drives well if you understand it's neither a sports car or a luxury cruiser, just something slightly inbetween. Either way, it's something you rarely see on the road that has bucket loads of character for under 1,000 quid
Most in the comments say it's a waste of money. Prove it's worth... I'll keep watching your posts. Best of luck.
It's a car that appeared on the real Top Gear back in the day, how cool is that? Get it fixed and hang onto it
I quite like them. Will be interested to see how it goes
9:04 its to disable the motion sensor on the alarm. Incase its being towed or on a ferry
I’ve always thought these looked pretty cool/quirky, I didn’t think the power figures were that high though. I think even if the bill is the cost of the car again(£750-1000) it may be worth it if you like the car, and want to potter about it in for the next year, it’s a little bit famous as it’s been used on Top Gear too, there’s probably footage of it on TH-cam somewhere, might make it worth saving?
By the way headlights can be buffed easily, so that’s not really an issue. The other issues with the lights should be easy to sort out too.
very beautiful car... in normal condition it costs 7-12 k€ in Europe. There is no estimate for the srt version, but it could be in the range of 25-35k€. very beautiful coupe...only rcz can compete.
you press the traction control button to switch it off,it is on all the time until the switch is pressed,how is your z4?
Crossfire is base on SLK chassis, I don't really like the SLK which I had one, not too sure if the Crossfire is better than SLK?
Regarding the gearbox: W stands for Winter and S for Sommer. In W mode, the car should start acceleration in 2nd gear to prevent spinning on snow :)
I always thought that but it turns out that it might be winter and standard according to the really nerdy Mercedes types.
“Knocking like a JW” made me LOL. So much so, I was told to get up if I can’t watch in silence.
Mrs Joel put her foot down on the spend before Christmas lol.
Chin up mate you can always out a 8 x 5 concrete base down and keep your mower in it 😂
Vastly underrated cars. I have a mint Roadster (prefer the coupes looks) just to point out, the crossfire lettering is incorrect.
My dad had a CLK of this generation and would say it’s winter and sport for the W & S
Until I read the manual and it’s actually winter and standard
100k subs. Well done young ‘un.
Tires from 11/22 are cool. Fingers crossfired that the rust isn't too much...
Taking a rough car for an mot at the pickiest place is a recipe for disaster lol
It’s up for sale again in Enfield ?
Mate has a convertible Crossfire in red it’s actually a really cool car and the bulletproof M112 V6 and 5G box.
At least it doesn't have sagging headlining, and if you leave the spoiler up it may keep the boot closed!
Do enjoy your Joal...but that was awfully brave taking the oil cap off while the engine was running...surprised you were not covered in oil....
=D I do hope you update that "book" and include a page for your covering here =D It's getting a real history this Crossfire!
You never fail to suprise me Joel😂
mission accomplished
@itsjoel it's no Porsche cayenne though dude 👌
I’ve always wanted a car that featured on Top Gear. Would love to find the Skoda Yeti that they landed a helicopter on
A nice surprise seeing another car that was on top gear still around. I know of another still around...
Yep The Dog Is (STILL) Parking Its Breakfast lol (If you know you know) cheers fella 👍
When I was looking for some cheap wheels I considered buying one of these, just 'cos I like something a bit "different".
I mean, I'm sure there are objectively "better" cars to pick, for the money, but as long as these are "alright", that'd be good enough... and, if a car isn't desirable, you tend to be able to get a higher spec' for the same money.
Definitely wouldn't have bought THAT one, though, regardless of who'd sat in it before me.
I like it its different it's special it's got soul
totally agree
Hi Joel, These videos where you buy a car are the best.
Thank you for the feedback, appreciate it.
I have had the issue of the spoiler light flashing for months now, tried all the usual things, but was convinced that nothing specific was wrong, as in if I reset the car (by disconnecting the battery and reconnecting it) everything works for about 10 mins, IE the roof went up and down, spoiler went up and down, then the flashing light came back again and the roof wouldn't move, or the spoiler.
Took the car to Mercedes who charged £300 to tell me they couldn't find the fault!, tried a few of the suggestions here, still no fix.
Sent the ecu to a specialist, no fault found.
In desperation I took the ECU out, and the small unit next to the ECU (body control module I think?) and removed every plug, fuse etc, and cleaned all 50-60 pins.
I found one pin on the small white connector (first plug from the front on the bcm) had slight corrosion, and was tracing to an adjacent pin.
Cleaned it up, - put it all back - Light now off!. Roof and spoiler works fine! I have tried to re create the problem, engine on and off, roof up and down, spoiler up and down, open boot, close boot, etc etc,
So far all good news! Total cost to fix - zero! So, as they say, try the simple things first!
Hope this helps anyone else who gets the flashing ligh
That tow button turns the alarm off when being towed
Never understood why people hated this car so much - I think it’s got lovely lines
Wow i remember these cars back in the early 2000s back at school my teacher infact brought one i was very impressed back then being only 12 at the time 😂for £750 quid its a bargain and the fact clarkson had it on top hear makes it worth buying dor sure as i would buy it for sure without hesitation then visit his Farm shop 😂😂
molly molly molly molly
Why is there tape on the back of the steering wheel?
Congratulations 100k.....AT LAST....HOW LONG DID THAT TAKE!!!!
As they say, can can't always get what you want but what you need, and the Crossfire on this will be on you haha.
The headlights are actually plastic and not glass, and therefore can't be polished but would need to be replaced... I've bought numerous in the past and cost was between £400-£500 per side (but this was about 10 years ago!)
You can wet sand them and laquer them
Wowser….you really paid that much for a headlight when they can be simply polished…even brasso works.
@@404040hIt was my pride and joy, so wanted brand new and plush lights 👍
You obviously don't know much about plastic headlights then 🤔
@@adeh503 I never said I was an expert 😉
I think these are really cool. Design is not that bad.
Fantastic Joel
if you still have the car… You should schedule an appointment with DriveTribe and get your car reviewed at The Smallest Cog
Great looking cars and as a prev owner of many, both man and auto…..But oh so so horrid inside plastics wherever you lay your hands it feels hard and flimsy plastics, plus major electrical issues.
Potentially worth preserving out of general interest but it does need a full stripdown and restoration…. may be justifiable if you do a lot yourself…..
16:14 is that your laugh Joel? :)
I wouldn’t have paid £75 for it!
That’s my second most hated car. Only beaten by another Chrysler abomination….the PT Cruiser!
It has the apologetic looks of a dog taking a dump.
I think because of quite how much everyone hates it, it makes me love it
@itsjoel seems a good way to gain views that 😂 not
Agree about the PT Cruiser massive POS!😂😂😂😂
@@itsjoelamazing how these cars still mess with people, 20 yrs after Clarkson destroyed them. My wife drives ours and many people have no idea what it is.
It's different,potent a good cruiser, and has a great soundtrack. What's not to like, mines is 2006 so shocking tax band,
But only 55k and mint
Congratulations on 100k!
It would appear the head gasket has called time on its career.
Not the best idea going to halfrauds for any work/MOT, they'll try and pressure you into loads of stuff you dont need and charge ridiculous prices.
I just can’t get over the looks of this thing. And I don’t like the SLK either so it’s a lose lose for me 😂. Each to their own I think this is one of the first times my own weird car taste hasn’t aligned with Joel’s
That door closing sound is exactly the same as my old F30 320d with the window fully down... it is not a quality sound.
How can anyone concentrate on what he’s saying with that thing under his nose? Just get it removed
I mean it is an odd-looking car! no doubt this very same model represents a piece of automotive history. I‘d say go for it and enjoy it!!
Didn’t James May complain of Rack & Pinion steering when he drove this car?
I’m the same I had a bmw m3 people kept saying don’t buy series 7 loads of bad stuff I sold my m3 and brought a series 7 and I love it better car
I'm sure anyone who gets one of these will receive some... comments about it (many will see it as a POS), but while I haven't driven one I can't see how it isn't a good car given they've been sub £3k for ages now, even SRT-6 are under £10k I think. As you say, effectively an SLK320 or SLK32 but with a more modern body and interior. That SRT-6 is genuinely fast. My only real gripes are the ugly rear and lack of a manual on the SRT.
Joel and the gearknob was a bit too much for a gay guy like me! 🤣 What a find though.
Mayo in the oil, potential head gasket failure😢, get that checked first before you spend money on the rust
Every engine more or less has that after idling from cold, it’s just condensation
Grease the boot lock and it should start to work again.
U paid for a rot box , mite be worth saving tho as was on top gear
I was wondering what a car with a Vehicle Score of 148 would look like !
winter mode will just start the car in 2/3rd gear
Last time I saw an oil cap like that it cost me £600 and my BMW 😢
Nooooooooooo!! The sound you heard at the back was people laughing and screaming Nooooooo!!
MOT at halfords ffs you ok 😂
Halfords - for an mot ??!!??
SVJ you can sell that plate and be in profit 😂
Haha, your like a woman in Target! They cant say no to a deal in that store. Ah, it was just 750 so no big deal plus it will make great video! Congrats Joel, cheers Kirk