Chrysler 300M

fastdriver

Thanks. The air freshner is there because I smoke even though there's NO ashtray! Just have to use that Dunkin Donuts cup again! LOL... Yes, it is a Type-S 260 HP and MOVES and shifts great! It is indeed smaller then the M, but that does not matter to me. Rarely is anyone in the back seat. Yes, it does not have some of the gadgets that the M had like gas mileage indicator, compass etc. but I always use the calculator and paper anyway. Have to tell you that my first tank of gas- thanks to the dealer- got me 24MPG!! I rarely got that on the M. This is driving fast and slow during the break-in. It can only get better.

No nav system for $2,000. Figured I haven't been lost yet, so I'll save that option for "old" age when I'll need visual and audio clues as to where I am going.

I have to tell you that this car is definitely faster then the M- as least it seems it to me. It shifts beautifully- no hunting for gears or hesitation. Also has vehicle stability system as well as traction control. The MSRP is $30,330! NO OPTIONS except nav system!

Can't wait for that Zaino. Supposed to rain until Sunday! Oh well, she has to get dirty sometime. Have over 400 miles already. The red is only available on the Type-S. Didn't know that until after I chose it. The only other colors are black, silver and white.

fastdriver

PS It even goes STRAIGHT on the highway!!!

fuzzywuzzy

I think I'm the only one who has them installed. At least no one else has posted that they have them. The lights are not as bright as stock. However, I tend to see better with them at night. I drive some very dark streets. The blue hue lights those dark roads better. The 300M has 3 sizes. The low beams are 9006XS, The high beams are 9005XS, & the fog lights are H3. Every place that makes lights makes the H3 bulb. So ,any H3 bulb will work in the 300M. Eaglite makes the XS bulbs. They are the only ones I know of. Install of the fog light is very simple. The low/high beams are a real pain. Because of DC's excellent design. You have to take the front facia/front end off to change the stupid bulb. REAL PAIN TO DO.

fuzzywuzzy

Congrats on the Honda oh sorry Acura

No really, it looks good. I'm not a fan of red though, but your looks good. Hope all will be well with it.

fastdriver

fuzzywuzzy-

Honda, Acura who cares. As long as it doesn't see the dealer like Christine did, I'll be thrilled! How's your Intrepid, er, I mean 300M doing?

fastdriver

fastdriver

They must be doing something RIGHT! Don't see articles like this about DC.

http://detnews.com/2001/autos/0103/30/b03-204853.htm

fastdriver

fuzzywuzzy

LOL

They do make good cars. To small for me, but they are nice.

wencao

News from car-truck.com, it seems 300HP 300M is on testing, and should available for 2002 model.
Wish this is true.

fastdriver

fuzzywuzzy-

It is indeed smaller then the 300, but that is not one of my concerns. Rarely is anyone in the back seat. Also, I am not a big person, so that is no concern of mine either. I know this car is not for everyone, but I have to tell you that there is NO comparison between Christine and the CL. The acceleration reminds me of my 96 Buick Riviera- touch the gas and the car ZOOMS away in a quiet, efficient and FAST manner. NO roaring engine sounds. Just a slight throaty sound from those standard DUAL exhausts.

Oh well, like I've said before- to each his own. I have NO brand loyalty. I buy what I like and what I can afford. Just sorry this car wasn't available in June of 98!

fastdriver

Evandermel

Fastdriver,

Congrats and great choice! The red definitely makes a statement.

As Fastdriver knows, I also unloaded my Y2K 300M for a silver CL Type S last December and have had 0 problems with it. It is a blast to drive. I wish I could say the same for reliability of the 300M, but won't offend this forum with details. Suffice it to say that Chrysler won't see me back anytime soon.

Chrysler, if you are reading this forum, I suspect that Copperhead1 probably got laid off as he hasn't been here for some time, that makes three auto enthusiasts from this forum, remembering TAG2000, who have left you for Acura because of product quality.

One final thought for the 300M performance contingent, I took my Type-S to the 1/4 strip a few weeks back and turned a 14.66 and 14.61 at 95.9 mph. Time trials leaving the shifter in drive. Stock with 1400 miles on the odo. CL-S weighs within 50 pounds of the 300M.

Again, not intending to offend anyone here, you are mostly a great group of people, but I hope that Chrysler is listening and wondering why they bleed $1 billion every quarter and have to offer these huge discounts and rebates to move their product.

Enough said, Fastdriver, hope to see you at acura-cl.com soon!

Erik V.

drivem

Just an idea...try going to carsdirect.com. On their site, price out the car you saw at the dealer with all the options. This should give their price with the rebates in effect for your area of the country. The little questions mark icon explains any rebates. In this way, maybe you can find out if there is that extra 1k or not. Good luck.

race9fan

you all are making want to go trade my beautiful and agressive looking 2000 300m in on one NOT!!! would be nice if Acura could make a car with a roomy back seat that didn't cost 50k. why does such a little car weigh so much??? All you Acura dudes can be excused C YA!!!

Race

sdmike2

I have to admit, I'd be driving a TL right now if it was bigger and had memory seats. However, those are two big things for me.

Mike

tj300m

I drove both of these cars in December and January. I bought the 300m with no regrets. It is a 2001 which has less problems, but for less money than the CL, the 300 won hands down. I want a luxury car with pickup and that handles well, not a sub 15 second 1/4. I have owned 5 Chryslers in a row with no problems. My '95 Intrepid is still being driven around town by a friend with 100,000 plus on, Looks great runs great.

I don't dispute your problems, hope you enjoy the car. Its what you want not what we want.

Enjoy the CL board.

sugar300m

I'll only wish you all the best w/ this vehicle. After the saga w/ Christine (great name, by the way) you deserve a trouble free experience. Sorry for Chrysler that they can't build them all as good as the one's some of us have. Good luck!!

sdmike2

I have two dealers pinching pennies on my new 300M. The "won't be undersold" dealer couldn't beat the price I walked away from last night and are trying to interest me in another car that's less loaded (and therefore less money). They would match price, but only with a silver car that didn't have the $200 paint. Sounds like I hit the bottom, huh guys?

sugar300m

Has anyone had to use this yet? I've got a couple of pot-marks from all the crap on the roads we have in the Northeast & want to cover them up. '99 Candy Apple Red M that just passed 27,500 trouble free miles.

SDMIKE - go back to the dealer ya saw last night & get that car man!!

fastdriver

sdmike2-

The CL Type S does have memory seats!

fastdriver

memphis300m

Have used touch up once on my 2K Inferno Red. Nicked left front fender with my attic pull down (can anyone say stupid). It does cover the scratch (clean with alcohol before applying to ensure clean) but not a great color match when looked at closely. From distance looks OK. Think that the touchup is not really a clear coat but just regular paint. Need to use it on the left rear (wife nicked it backing out and touching our decorative driveway wheels - the old can't see out the back syndrome with this car). Even if doesn't look great, it is better than the option of rust.
Good luck.
Memphis300m

laurasdada

Congrats on the CL-S! I'm probably at least a year away from a new car (thanks, NASDAQ!!!), but the CL-S is on my list. I just wish Honda/Acura had stylists like Chrysler....
Anwyay, my '99 300M continues to hum along with (thankfully) none of the issues you had to endure (except for a couple of window motors). I can't even complain about 5* dealers since I've seldom been back to the dealer!
22,000+ enjoyable miles with at least another 14 months to go before I begin shopping: CL, BMW 3 or 5, MB C320, Jag X-type, Audi A4, Saab 9-5....don't want to get too excited yet. Or, my evil wife will make me buy her the Lexus RX300 and I'll continue with the M until 2007!!!

bigmike5

Can't believe you went for a rice burner. Actually, I have a friend who owned a Legend and it rode great, and the dealer replaced an injector that went bad for free even out of warranty because he said the injector should not have failed. That approach always impressed me. Don't know much current history on the Acura, but IMHO they are starting to look "Buickized." Anyway good luck on the new wheels. By the way, what kind of tires are on the car? I might be looking for the same model if they are really quiet.

rsmbob

Hi all,

Well, my original list of 22 cars got narrowed down to 6 and now is down to 3...one more round of test drives this weekend of the Chrysler 300M, the VW New Passat GLX and the Infiniti I30t. All 3 are great $30K cars, and each has its advantages and disadvantages. Any words of advice and info is appreciated.

sdmike2...sounds lie you are getting close...can you itemize how you got to your sticker price? Looks like $5K off sticker is possibly doable, but on the edge. Good luck!

- Bob in RSM, CA

jeito

I am glad to see Fastdriver has found a fault in the design of his new Acura (see Acura townhall topic). One-day and one discovery of poor engineering.

fastdriver

jeito-

I was aware of the monroof not opening all the way before I bought it. It is kind of stupid not to open all the way, but I'm not sure if I'd like it to open outside the car like the Pontiac GP GTP. I would think that would cause a drag on the car. Anyway, no big deal. If that's the ONLY thing they designed poorly, I can live with it. Some car companies design a lot of things poorly.

fastdriver

dustinnewton

I'm VERY surprised to see so many folks unhappy with the Acuras. Fit and finish, squeaks and rattles, but I guess you can get a bad car no matter what brand you buy. Almost bought an Acura myself. I wanted that nav system and $455 for it was a steal, but I have been 100% happy with my M and my notebook computer nav system. Getting ready to put in a touchscreen pen tablet to run the software and save space. Good luck with the Acura, Fast! 16K happy miles on my M and counting...

sdmike2

sugar300m - I called the dealer today and told them "I got the same deal from another dealer, but since they didn't BEAT you I will go with my original dealer (them)". Showed that I was a "nice guy" and that I still had an alternative. I just got the call back...they accepted $29,760 for the car. With the MSRP at $34,580, the deal is $4,820 off MSRP. I pick it up tonight and will post pictures tomorrow.

frankblue - Go read the entire contents of www.carbuyingtips.com. Offers like that are often just news bait that don't really exist. The "new" 300M that the local dealer was selling for $5,000 off MSRP was a loaded 01 with about 800 miles on it. It was used as a courtesy car at the Holiday Bowl this past December. If you can live with the way it's equipped and don't mind whatever it's wart is you can get a great deal. Either way that ad makes a great bargaining chip. The place where I"m getting my M tonight had $4,500 off MSRP on a silver 01, so that's where we started the pricing conversation. Not at invoice, not at MSRP. Just tell them if they can do the same deal on car X you're buying tonight.

fastdriver - I was referring to the TL when I was talking about the memory seats. I have 3 kids...I need at LEAST 4 doors. Don't be a stranger now that you aren't an M owner anymore. I've been welcomed here for the last month as a Galant owner, so this place is pretty forgiving! lol. Best of luck with your new car.

-Mike

sdmike2

You'll want to read all the stuff at www.carbuyingtips.com before you go into the dealer. There are a lot of "watch out for this" tips. They also have a spreadsheet there that helps you calculate a fair offer to the dealer considering their TRUE cost of the car (invoice less holdback and any incentives). I have all the rebate, MSRP, holdback, and invoice information for the 01M if you want any of it. In fact, I'll email you the spreadsheet already filled in with most of the information if you just email me at mritchie@san.rr.com. Once I went back and re-calculated everything I was surprised to see the dealer making only about $225 (less than 1% profit) over their cost on the car. The web site suggests 3%-5%, but I have found you can do much better now.

I too compared the cars you are looking at. The thing that got me into the 300M over the other two is size. It has more rear seat leg and hip room, which was important for me to haul around 3 car seats if needed. In fact, the 300M has more back seat room than the Ford Crown Victoria! All three of those are fine cars.

malyel

I found the list of links of sites that mention if there are any factory to dealer incentives being offered. I am not sure if all the links still work as I made this a little over a month ago. Hope this helps.

Frankblue Chrysler gives special dealer incentives for "courtesy" cars that are very big and almost imposible to find out.

Dealer Incentive web sites

 

1. http://www.intellichoice.com/ic2/rebates/

 

2. http://www.edmunds.com/edweb/Incentives.html?id=hpcurrentincentive1

 

3. http://www.carsmart.com/cgi-bin/carsmart.exe?pagecode=csrb3&YEAR=2001&MAKE=CHRYS

 

4. http://www.cars.com/carsapp/national/?szc=20165&srv=parser&act=display&tf=/news/andealinct.tmpl

 

5. http://www.motortrendcarclub.com/mtd/Research/Info/i_rebates.html

 

6. http://www.jdpower.com/auto/incentives/#Chrysler

 

7. http://www.autoweb.com/rebates/default.htm?uMID=65&uS=RESEARCH

 

8. http://www.msautomall.com/advice/incentives.html

frankblue

Thanks, sdmike www.carbuyingtips.com was a great site. Read all the chapter etc. Down loaded the spread sheet in chapter 4.

The bait and switch ad it talks about usually refers to "ONLY ONE AT THIS PRICE" and guess what we already sold it... but here is something more expensive.

The ad from yesterday said they had four avalible, but your probably right that they were from the Holiday Bowl or maybe even the Bob Hope Classic golf tournament. That would explain the huge discounts they were offering!

Everyone, please continue to post "your best deal" it helps in determining a fair price for the 300M.

Thanks again frankblue

lalarry

Wow. Couldn't help notice how quiet it is in the Acura CL forum. I don't see the comaradarie that we've come to enjoy here in our cozy little group. I hope that fastdriver knows that he's always welcome to drop in...right guys?!?!

An update for us M'ers. The DVYNE M just turned 17,200 miles old (10 months of driving). Not a single problem, not a single visit to the dealer (I have my oil changes and tire rotations done elsewhere).

It's still a head turner. Always has been, and how could it not be...

http://albums.photopoint.com/j/AlbumIndex?u=1579064&a=12010004&f=0&vt=vp

sdmike2

Awesome information. It's interesting that about 1/3 list a factory to dealer incentive of $1,000 on the M and the other 2/3 don't. Save this information for period posting for people that come in here looking for buying information. It's great stuff.

Thanks again.

funroads

I see that lalarry's M is a 2000 in the Deep Saphire Blue.

The Y2K brochure I have does not list this color for 2000. Neither does Edmunds.

Did they add this color mid year in 2000?

lalarry

I bought my M in June 2000 and the color was advertised as a 2001 color. I've only seen one other y2k in Sapphire Blue, and just a few 2001 models. I still don't have touch up paint for it. It wasn't available back in June, and I havn't been back to the dealer since. I assume it's available now.

tag2000

Welcome to the club. I just got your mail and was stunned. I have the Silver/Ebony Type-S. It's not perfect. But darn close. It doesn't look as nice as the M. But I have only been to the dealer for one glitch, and they gave me a loaner without even asking. Oh yea! I got the NAV. I love it. The thing I like the most about the NAV, is being able to dive into a subdivision to avoid traffic jams. "She" just directs me out the other side.

How are all my other friends doing here. I've been lurking.
Racefan, are you putting that manual to good use?

easyrider300m

just curios what you ended up paying for the accura--or did you lease it--even if leased, what price was it based on--leave out reg fee and taxes in your figures--I hear they dont discount the acura much at all but I would think they would hold their value better than the M--which would translate into a higher lease price---

best of luck with it--I'm sure you'll be happy with it--my brother loves his TL with nav system--they probably would have added it for about $1500 if you wheel and deal--you'll have to come to one of the M meets so Racedriver can give you a challenge in the 1/4 mile

Easyrider300M

jedi_knight

So I have the itch to get some different rims (and tires of course) for the M. Been leaning towards the KMC wheels Tramp, its a bit pricey at $460 per wheel then another $350 per tire for pilots. I recall one of the guys here used the MAS Shadow, problem is its only an 18" and its real close in price to the 20" KMC. I'll probably wait until the H&R springs are installed to see how the ride is, if its not bad then go for the 20's, if its pretty stiff then stick with the 18's.

What if anything have you folks seen on M's that looks nice? I think the 5 spoke design is real sharp on the M, but thats only one mans opinion :-/

easyrider300m

brought a list of 8 probs I have with Lolita--mostly minor stuff but irritating--service writer took a look at the list and told me I should have made it shorter so they could complete them in a day--I told him I just wanted them to do whatever they could complete and would bring it back if necessary--but he was irritated anyway--nice start my service department experience

1) they put on my new dash wood trim piece althought the new one is not much better than the old one--still has a wavy imperfection near the glove box area--anyone else notice this on his M

2) they installed new throttle body to cure the hiss noise that I was getting at 1-2k rpm--so far I havent noticed hiss although I will have to wait for a dry day as it was pouring rain today

3} they installed a new window regulator which solved clicking problem when lowering or raising driver's window

4) "couldnt duplicate" auto climate control problem which would turn on the ac and upper vents if outside temp was 45 unless I raised temp to 75 or more

5) couldnt duplicate the creaking noise from right rear when going over bumps

6) couldnt duplicate brake groaning noise on slow stops though it is apparent all the time--I will bring it in again --I think they're taking me for a ride on that one----I will take THEM for a ride on my next appointment

7)said they wont fix the loose welt on headlight and said to take it up with Chrysler--when I mentioned the TSB they changed their tune and will order a new welt.

8) they will rechange my tranny fluid on my next visit as I noticed they had put in atf 3 when I brought it in for service last month---they indicated they used atf 3 on the bill even though I specifically mentioned that it needs atf 4 and that is the only reason I brought it to the dealer instead of Jiffy Lube

When I picked upt the car, he told me I should stop reading the TSB's and I would be happier with the M--I told him I dont mention problems unless they are apparent and irritating. First class treatment, huh.

so much for my supposed 5* dealer--they should let the customer give the ratings --I dont think there would be many 5* dealers left

of course I have to remember what the dealer told me--"the 300M is not a caddy or a Lexus so I shouldnt expect perfection"--is this what a 5* should be telling his valued customer--maybe I'll have to buy the Seville next time so I can get perfection

please excuse my long ranting but I feel better now

I still love Lolita although she is no longer perfect

Easyrider300M

race9fan

whats up man? good to hear from ya!!! of course i've been putting that manual to good use hey maybe i should just trade my Ram in on one of those type S's i just can't give up the m, what's the towing capacity on a cl anyway??? i went out cruising today with the zaino gleem blinding other drivers, i love pulling up beside all these MB's in ATL and having them look over with that what da - face!!!

Later,

Race

race9fan

as far as i know the customers do give the dealers the ratings, that's why they send out service questionaires after service, i believe they do have to earn it. i have a true 5* dealer. wish you all did, because when its true its great and i've owned a honda before and this chrysler dealer is just as satisfying.

Race

massivslinky

I'd look for someone else to service the car. Obviously this mechanic is not very enthusiastic about his job, or the cars he works on. Fortunately my friends father is a Chrysler mechanic. He has his own garage at home and does work on the side. Whenever I don't want to be jerked around, I take it to him first to see what the real deal is. He's a master mechanic with close to 20 years experience.

race9fan

check out www.carmax.com do a new car search and see what you find. this is why i have bought my last two cars from them...no spending hours and days haggling with some bozo!!! i walk in having already seen the inventory online, i know if they have the car i want, i look the car over if it checks out well i tell them to ring it up, hand them the check and i'm gone in under one hour. and they have true 5* service to boot. makes life a lot easier too bad not every city has a CarMax. but you can use it as bait for the 2* dealers to reduce some of the haggling.

Race

sdmike2

About an hour ago I pulled "big red" into my driveway. What an awsome 15 mile drive from the dealer. I'll post some pictures on Saturday.

Your new 300M buddy...

-Mike

race9fan

buddy, tell me that wasn't the best extra 500 bucks you ever spent!!!
congrats!!!

Race

scotian

I remember when I first got my used 1990 Buick Regal Gran Sport (beautiful car, BTW) an brought it in to have some work done, and the dealership screwed up on a couple of things, I remember the shop manager (or whatever he was called) told me, "The mechanics are like trained monkeys -- you have to tell them exactly what to do."

I was stunned. A manager speaking of his employees that way was bad enough, but telling a customer that they hired "trained monkeys" was, from a business standpoint, just plain counterproductive (or as the English might say, antiproductive).

sleepymw

don't know if the person that was having that funky sound coming out of their wheel is still having the same problem, but mine was the front driver side bearings that was replaced.

sound that came from it was a humming noise, rather than a whoosh, and it progress from around 15 miles up, and stays evenly humming at any speed thereafter.

hope that helps.

fastdriver, does this mean we're going to lose you since you bought that acura?

hope my flag shows up now

fuzzywuzzy

My 18 MAS Shadows were not close to the price of the KMC's. Mine were $309/rim, That's over a $100 difference! Tires are about the same. I just think 20's are a little extream, at least for the 300M. My opinion. Please let us know how the springs are.

fuzzywuzzy

I'm the one with that noise. It's coming from the rear though. Have a few more things to try before I take it in. I was also reading that the bearings on the 300M, front/rear are a 1 piece unit that are attached to the spindle. The whole spindle gets replaced.

sdmike2

Here are the first pictures of my new 300M. Too bad it's cloudy today, the shine isn't showing up like I know it will. Boy will it look great in Zaino! Make sure to view the pictures full sized. I'll need to do the reductions my self and re-upload them to improve the smaller quality.

Da Pics

Thanks everyone for their help on this!

-Mike

sdmike2

Man, you've got that right. Aside from the engine block heater which I don't quite think I'll need in San Diego, I wouldn't have this car equipped any other way! She was giving jealous onlookers whiplash on the way home last night. I can't wait to take her out on a sunny day down by the beaches with a couple of layers of Zaino on her. What a beauty. I'll have to keep my pretty wife out of it! LOL!

race9fan

so i suppose your clock face is going to read "Big Red"
hey you didn't get the chrome shifter either, oh well just something else to keep shiny anyway.

Go Driving Man!!!

Race

rklass

Car looks great, Mike!

Joshua Tree, woodtrim.com , has a new real wood kit to match the Luxury Group. See mine at:

http://albums.photopoint.com/j/AlbumIndex?u=1501794&a=11408326&f=0

The sale price is $216, and the quality is superb.

Did you get the PHG?