O/T Chrysler 300C

Big A · Nov 8, 2005

This just got released here this week. Took a look at it today quickly and it looks nice from the outside and inside, but it is very comparable with local Ford and GM equivalent products. And it seemed a bit thin on options.

Supposed to get a new shopping car next month, either a new GS Lexus replacing the current (superseeded) one I have or a new 5 Series BMW (I like the new look).
Over the years, everytime I looked at Mercs or BMW's, they could not compare to Lexus on many levels, so most likely the Lexus will win again against the 5 Series, but now the 300C V8 has entered the equation.

Anyone owns one of these or has experience with them. What do you think? Do you regret buying it or are you happy?
The car is basically for day to day slogging around to the shops as well traffic driving and cross country driving (12 hour drives, etc). It has to be comfortable, quiet and have adequate power. I can't handle road noise, wind noise and any squeaks will drive me crazy!

Snarf · Nov 8, 2005

I just got a 300 as a company car. Its free to me, so I can't complain.

Overall, I like it. But I would not compare it to a 5 series BMW (not a Lexus fan, so can't compare it there). I have actually owned quite a few BMWs and they are true driving machines in terms of road feel, performance, on road feedback etc. The Chrysler is adequte for the price.

My biggest complaint is that everyone and their grandmother has one. They are everywhere. I am spending a few grand dressing mine up so it doesn't blend in with the crowd. Basically doing 20s, new grille, some trim pieces etc.

For a highway slogger, it does fine. Haven't noticed squeeks yet but I only have 400 miles on it. Wind noise is ok, but it won't be as quiet as your Lexus.

Hope this helps.

bigbadasian · Nov 8, 2005

Reply

|--[\\\]>-------- I went and test drove a few couple of weeks ago. My escalade will be paid off early this coming year so i was looking for another car to toy around with. the 300C was my 1st choice. i went and looked and they are awsome on the outside. The one i test drove was gun metal grey and another was half black and half grey, both had 22's! (who ever wants 20's screw it, just go 22's, they'll fit) anyways, i got in and it looks nice, but a 'cheap' nice. Riding an escalade for the past 3 years, you get spoiled by the nice leather and cushy(sp) seats, the 300 leather is a 'hard leather' not very comfortable. The engine is strong and has a lot of get up and go, BUT gas milage is not that good, all in all, for the price, it's a great car, but will i go with one? who knows, right now, i have decided to wait until early next year to see wht the new hot car is and then i'll decide. Recently i dropped a new transmition in the 'lade and i'll be doing a new motor too...one of the many benefits of living out here in the west, the body of the car stays in tip top shape.

JETHRO TULL · Nov 8, 2005

I like the way those cars look!

I wish I had one.

BIGKIWI · Nov 8, 2005

I like the look them haven't driven one but wouldn't complain owning one

I do own 5 series BMW and find that great car travel in it constantly nice ride

Would love to get my Merc back from the police though as did prefer that

fingers crossed

Big A · Nov 8, 2005

I am not looking for driving performance, driving enjoyment, etc. I have cars for that.

I am looking for a shopping car. Whether it's a Merc, a BMW, a Ford, a Lexus or a Kia, they are all shopping cars to me.
No offense to anyone that has these cars, but unless it's an Azure or a Phantom or even a Quatroporte, all sedans are just shopping cars to me.
None of them would be worthy to be in my garage, they'd be in my driveway.

What I am looking for is a car that totally separates me from the road. I want to feel like I am on a couch at home, without any outside noise. However, I do need the power to overtake at will, without feeling the car screaming and also if need be, to be able to do quick maneuvering to evade an accident.
Lexus does this in spades. Just looking at alternatives.

I agree about the 300C feeling luxurious on the 'cheap' side. That is why I was comparing it to the local Ford and GM equivalent. I like the outside look though. Especially the nose!

I don't have to worry about every second person having one as Chrysler pretty much bombs with sales here. Noone buys American cars here. Aust, Japanes and Euro are huge. So here, I would actually stand out a lot in a 300C. Everyone in Crossfire' does.

The one I saw today (the first one in Aust) was silver with grey leather and rosewood. It was nice, but not that special on the inside. Also, it seemed a bit short on features at first glance - I could be wrong though.

For comparison sake, the local Ford equivalent would be a Fairmont Ghia which has a 5.4litre V8, 270kw, 0-60mph in 5.5sec, fully optioned with everything from elec wind/mirr/seats, trip computer, digital climate, electric pedals, full memory for everything, sat nav, reverse camera, leather, sunroof, etc, etc and it's 2/3 of the price of the 300C.
That being said, without any extra options than the Ford, the Lexus/5series here is double the price of the 300C:
* Ford Fairmont Ghia V8 - AU$48k (US$36k)
* 300C V8 - AU$68k (US$50k)
* GS430 - AU$130k (US$100k)
* 545 - AU$140k (US$107k)

jawbreakerkid · Nov 8, 2005

There is no comparison between the Lexus GS and the 300 C. The GS blows it away. I'm not a big BMW fan either, no question I'd pick the GS over either of those. I recently bought a Cadillac CTS, the CTSV is a REAL nice car, 400 HP and pure luxury. But out of your choices go with the Lexus.

jerrywear · Nov 8, 2005

i dont know i dont like 300 everybody driving those here.all my life i loved bmw and i have 745 now.but everybody have they own thing.lexus GS it definetly nice car.actualy very first lexus i really like.so i was looking at it too.but again not for the price.
i was test driving new 750 wow that was nice.and bentley continental,i love that too.but when you think bmw 90 anf d bentley 150,just you dont think twice.money is money and the car is just a car.but i still want it

Steak Helmet · Nov 8, 2005

Well the BMW M3 or M5 would be a much better purchase

The 300 is a good strong car...not nearly the options you get with a BMW, but the 300 class has some balls to it

Test drive it is the best thing I can say....not everyone likes the same cars.

Big A · Nov 8, 2005

Steak Helmet said:
Well the BMW M3 or M5 would be a much better purchase

Nah, I've got cars that give me more thrills than those shopping cars in drag would ever give me.
I just need a comfy saloon that is not pretending to be something else.

I'll be doing the test drives all in one day back to back and if there's more than 1 that I like, I'll take each for a few days test drive and see which I like the best to live with. But from past experience, everytime I compare cars, Lexus always wins on every aspect for this purpose.

Steak Helmet · Nov 8, 2005

Ahhh yes I remember you posting the other cars....well the 300 is roomy for the big fellas...lots of balls and you can dress them up pretty nice.

LEX · Nov 8, 2005

I got a magnum for work and love it, wifely loves it and so we drove a 300c for her and proly gonna buy that or the charger for her car. I really love the magnum and the 300 again like the other guys have said only thing is that they are all over.

ag-guys · Nov 8, 2005

As a past Crysler owner, I can attest to their "sub-par" quality. I've owned the 300 and the Crossfire; unfortunately, both cars had mechanical problems almost right away. The Crossfire kept having starter problems (within 30days) and the 300 had overheating problems within 6 months.

Overall, if you have the ability to choose, go with the Lexus, the quality is UNMATCHED by any Crysler IMO.

thanks
AG
www.ag-guys.com

Mr Pickles · Nov 8, 2005

Big A

there is a new version of the 300C coming out next year. its all suped up. bigger engine, more hp, ft lbs trqe. ect.

you may wanna wait for that one if you like the 300

i think the 300 on some nice rims is Piiiiiiiiimp. i'm thinking of selling my 86 Monte Carlo SS and getting one of those. the 300 is the first car that made me seriously think about getting rid of the Chevy.

SRT-8 i think its called

Armageddon · Nov 8, 2005

Don't was't the money on a Chrysler! It's not worth it at all. Get a Cadillac!

TrainingHard · Nov 8, 2005

Big A said:
This just got released here this week. Took a look at it today quickly and it looks nice from the outside and inside, but it is very comparable with local Ford and GM equivalent products. And it seemed a bit thin on options.

Supposed to get a new shopping car next month, either a new GS Lexus replacing the current (superseeded) one I have or a new 5 Series BMW (I like the new look).
Over the years, everytime I looked at Mercs or BMW's, they could not compare to Lexus on many levels, so most likely the Lexus will win again against the 5 Series, but now the 300C V8 has entered the equation.

Anyone owns one of these or has experience with them. What do you think? Do you regret buying it or are you happy?
The car is basically for day to day slogging around to the shops as well traffic driving and cross country driving (12 hour drives, etc). It has to be comfortable, quiet and have adequate power. I can't handle road noise, wind noise and any squeaks will drive me crazy!

After driving a few cars I was also in a bind. I ended up with a Jaguar S-type with the V8. I love it, Smooth problem free after 4 years of serivce and 85K miles. Just drive one and check it out. I suggest the CATS suspention and I promise you they don't squeak and no road noise. Plus at 150mph hour it glued to the ground like a BMW. I also have a M3 my wife drives.

Big A · Nov 8, 2005

So the 300 sound slike the Local Ford and GM things.

The only thing that Chrysler has going for it here is rarity.
I did try a PT Cruiser years ago when I was updating the sales fleet. Got in the car, the moron sales rep wanted to drive first, to 'show' me what the car can do

He turned it on, it sounded like a tractor. I asked him if it needs a service. He looked at me like I was weird. I sat in the passenger seat and my back started aching. Drove down the driveway, as soon as it went over the little gutter, into the street, I told him, turn around and take it back as this is crap. He was like, what? I said, the car can't even clear a 1" gutter without shaking my bones, my head is humming from the tractor like engine and my back is killing me. Take the piece of shit back. I bought Kias instead.
That was my quickest 'test drive' ever - 100metres

Cadillac doesn't exist here. I don't know what a Magnum is.
Jags are nice, but once I'm in my 40s.
The only US cars here are Chrysler and Hummer, and of course Ford and GM. The rest are Euro or Jap. And basically everything of those, some which you cannot get in the US.

I always end up with a Lexus. Just this time around, out of everything out there, I do like the look of the new BMW's. Haven't driven the new ones though. Like the nose on the 300, but probably it will be a short test drive too.

tbonus · Nov 9, 2005

Big A said:
So the 300 sound slike the Local Ford and GM things.

The only thing that Chrysler has going for it here is rarity.
I did try a PT Cruiser years ago when I was updating the sales fleet. Got in the car, the moron sales rep wanted to drive first, to 'show' me what the car can do He turned it on, it sounded like a tractor. I asked him if it needs a service. He looked at me like I was weird. I sat in the passenger seat and my back started aching. Drove down the driveway, as soon as it went over the little gutter, into the street, I told him, turn around and take it back as this is crap. He was like, what? I said, the car can't even clear a 1" gutter without shaking my bones, my head is humming from the tractor like engine and my back is killing me. Take the piece of shit back. I bought Kias instead.
That was my quickest 'test drive' ever - 100metres

Cadillac doesn't exist here. I don't know what a Magnum is.
Jags are nice, but once I'm in my 40s.
The only US cars here are Chrysler and Hummer, and of course Ford and GM. The rest are Euro or Jap. And basically everything of those, some which you cannot get in the US.

I always end up with a Lexus. Just this time around, out of everything out there, I do like the look of the new BMW's. Haven't driven the new ones though. Like the nose on the 300, but probably it will be a short test drive too.

I think you might be suprised at the 300C with the V8. I thought it was a nice quiet ride with decent power. The new one that is coming out soon is the SRT and that is to have more power and options. The Magnum is similar to the 300, but with a wagon tail end.

BALDNAZI · Nov 9, 2005

Always German

Prior to the shit hitting the fan earlier this year with my finances,I was able to be a car fanatic.I only drove Benzes or BMWs.My last car was the 2003 Mercedes E500 Lorinser.I loved that car.Fast yet comfortable,very smooth on open stretches,yet can handle the curves and any abrupt maneuvers.Plus it was gorgeous,and I got looks everywhere I went.If you want a Benz for a "shopping" car,thats the one.One thing though,ever since the merge of DaimlerChrysler,Mercedes quality has gone down a notch and Chrysler's quality has gone up.The 300c is a nice car but here in Brooklyn NY its EVERYWHERE,nothing special about it unless its riding on 22's like someone stated,but in the end its still an American car.And no American car can stand up to the Germans in terms of quality,craftmanship,and delivering that awesome handling.The new Caddy STS comes close,but its still not there.

BMWs are excellent cars.I believe the quality is even better then Benz and the handling is awesome.Its a true drivers car,up and down the line.I presume you would be looking at the 5 series and that is an excellent choice.In fact,you have the money,if you can get it go for the new M5.500HP V10,0-60mph in 4.4 seconds.The car is a rocket and its beautiful.My last BMW was the 2001 X5 4.4i,the truck.I have to tell you BIGA,you didnt mention an SUV as a choice,but this is one truck that handles better then most cars.Its fast and perfect for shopping.Look into it,I think they have a 4.8i now,lots of power.And you can never go wrong with the 750,I love that car.

Im suprised you didnt mention AUDI.This one is a sleeper.A great car company and they make some of the most beautiful interiors you will find in a car.They are fast,built to handle,and have all wheel drive,you get alot of grip in corners and in the wet.And quality now is a non issue like it was many years ago,these cars are built even better then Benz.My girl is getting the new A4,great little car.For you I would suggest the S4,A6,or if you want to spend,just go for the A8,its fucking awesome brother.Very fast,super luxurious,and the interior is unbelievable.

I know you like Lexus,but in my mind you are just spending money on an expensive Toyota.Yea,they are nice,the quality is great,but whenever I drove one I felt disconnected from the road.I dont like that,I like to drive and I know you do too.If you want to go Japanese,check out the 2006 Infiniti M45.I test drove it earlier this year.I was very impressed.Very fast and alot of luxury.Let us know what you get......

bigbadasian · Nov 9, 2005

Reply

jawbreakerkid said:
There is no comparison between the Lexus GS and the 300 C. The GS blows it away. I'm not a big BMW fan either, no question I'd pick the GS over either of those. I recently bought a Cadillac CTS, the CTSV is a REAL nice car, 400 HP and pure luxury. But out of your choices go with the Lexus.

|--[\\\]>------- YES...my greasy friend just joined the cadi club!