Well I have been out of my 300M for about 4-5 months. but for you guys that still have one and are looking for a possible replacement check this out in about 9 months.
I have a infinti now and have had few problems and all fixed while being given a loaner and my car washed after service or repair. Service costs are less than the 300 was. Don't like the hemi C and just scared of chrysler quality (kept me from buying a pacifica). So if you are looking for a replacement check out the M35/45.
My car has 61,500 miles on it. I suppose if I learned anything it's this: Wait a couple of years. Had I bought a 2001 instead of a 1999, it would have had a 7 year warranty.
"Mmm... wasn't the 99 300M "out there too" when it first appeared? Caught my eye right away and yours!"
Actually, I never thought the M styling was "out there." Just handsome! I gotta admit, I was a fool for a pretty face, one of the major reasons I bought the M. So superficial! Yeah, it's been a winner. Although I'm interested in the cars previously posted as possible replacements, I'm very intriqued by the forthcoming M45, Acura RL and possibly STS? Also, the current MB E320 always catches my eyes. I find it to be a simply elegant and sporty design. Although rumor is it will become the E350 next year. And not wanting to buy a first model year car (again...), do I have to wait for the '06 models of the M45, STS, RL or E350... Such problems.
The CTS, on the other hand, stylistically is too overdone. IMO, a handsome basic shape marred by too many cut/character lines, a truck-like front end and too busy posterior. The Caddy "Art & Science" (I think that's what they call it) design theory works much better on the SRX & XLR. Also, from preliminary pix of the STS, there too.
Ruski: Actually, probably the best screwed together car I've owned was my '88 Acura Integra. My father has an '02 TL-s with no issues to report. If my Chrylser is a faithfull servant, I'd have to believe an Honda/Acura should be too!
When I was a Husky, biggest event was the Men's soccer team winning the national championship. Basketball team was usually a 20 game winner, but not a big ncaa tourney threat. Nice job, my alma matter. Football team not too shabby either...
clpurnell: Do you have the FX? That, too, catches my eye everytime and just on style alone, I want one!
'21 Dark Blue/Black Audi A7 PHEV (mine); '22 White/Beige BMW X3 (hers); '20 Estoril Blue/Oyster BMW M240xi 'Vert (Ours, read: hers in 'vert weather; mine during Nor'easters...)
Your right, I overstated the blandness. I always liked the Firebird and Trans Am models. It was the Grand Am, Grand Prix and Bonneville that were getting more mundane every year. Kinda getting to the style of the Chevy Malibu which looks worse than most Hondas and Toyotas this year. But yeah I did like the discontinued models.
I haven't seen a 300C in person yet, but from the pictures I have seen, I might even like the CTS more! I've loved my 300M for almost 4 years now and had few problems with it. All in all, one of the best cars I've owned. But Chrysler won't get my repeat business from what I've seen of the 300C so far.
Window motor on driver's side rear replaced, and the cost by my KY 5* [to my extended warranty plan] is $86.40 parts, $100.45 labor; $9.04 shop supplies[???]; and $5.62 tax, for a total of $199.66. I was actually surprised that the repair did encompass about 2 hrs of shop time as I was the first customer that a.m., and I waited for the car.
That's because, in the great scheme of things, it's old news and a non-promotional issue. They've moved on and they hope we move on with them. Higher car payments anyone?
Did anyone else see the Road Test show on Speed Channel do their test of the 300C on Saturday? The performance numbers were impressive (under 6 seconds to 60) and the handling appeared to be very good (loved the repeated side by side power slides Tommy Kendall and David Donahue executed - ya can't do that with front wheel drive!). The only problem I could see is that the car, unfortunately, resembles it's photos too much. I was hoping it would look better than it does in the magazines. Oh well, I guess I'll just stick with my M!
Hey Ruski, I think we are going to have to unload our "OLD WHEELS". I was into the dealer Friday to have my wife's old 2000 300M serviced and made the mistake of taking one of there 300C's out for a spin. What a car! There is no comparison in the old 2000 and this replacement for the old style design. I thought the 300M was a nice car which it is but the 300C is a vast improvement. Remember back when we bought our 300M's? Well wait till you drive this set of wheels. I test drove one of the PT convertibles afterwords, but I like my 2004 PT Cruiser better but that is probably because I never was a convertible kind of guy.
After wading through 29 unread messages in the 300 forum, I checked out the 3 unread messages in the 300M forum. All 3 were about the new 300...
I guess it was bound to happen, now that the 300M has been discontinued. There is a lot of early excitement over the 300. Time will tell if the excitement will still be there when the car becomes commonplace -- and it will, with 4 different versions of the car.
The 300C still seems like an old fart's car to me --longer on bulk and luxury than sportiness. However, having just observed my 60th birthday last week, maybe the 300C will start to grow on me...in 10 or 20 years!
Seriously, it seems like a great car and a winner for DC. I just wish it wasn't so stodgy looking...
Yes, there are only a few of the original cast of characters who still post here. And yes, there is a lot of excitement on the 300C board as they wait for their new cars. But, like you, I think the new 300C is too stodgy for this 62 year old, no matter how fast it can go. And I "built" one on the DC site at $37+K, so it will be very expensive compared to the M [I got mine for less than $28K brand new in July 98]. I do plan on attending the 300 Premier event on the 22nd, but I am also going 80 miles to the Corvette Museum on the 24th for the big party for the C6 roadster. Have about given up on getting a good price on the Crossfire SRT-6 [$48K is way too much for the 330 hp] and an 04 Vette is now possible at about $35-38K so I may end up there and keep the 300M as a daily driver. Fast, Fuzzywuzzy and some of the others are out there, but they lurk now more than post.
HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY! Mine was a few weeks ago too- same day as my car that was 3 years old! WOW! Where has the time gone? With gas prices heading higher and higher every week, I think the Toyota Prius is going to be my next ride! ;-)) I refuse to play this gas game! They can keep their oil!
You have to admit that the 300C certainly didn't arouse the same "ooh's" as the 300M did when it first came out in 99. My first reaction for the C was- oh my God- a tank! I don't see them as being a big seller at those prices with so many different models. Time will tell I guess. I certainly hope they sent their mechanics for some "updated" training. I wonder if mechanics have to get CEU's- continuing education units-like some other professions so that they can keep up with the latest technology?
The only reason the 300C topic is fairly busy is because the people there can't get any straight answers about their cars from Chrysler, so they are depending on each other for info. Pretty sad for a car that DC thinks is going to be their "savior". I still haven't see any 300 commercials! What are they waiting for- April 21st? I've seen minivan commercials and the new PT Cruiser convertible, but that's it.
Time will tell how this all plays out. Glad that your 300M's are holding up ok.
If the 300 is too stodgy for me at 60, I wonder what I would have thought at 30??? To me, it just says "retirementmobile". Again, maybe it wikk grow on me as I get ready to retire...
My wife and I share a Crossfire as a 3rd car. She is seriously eyeing the convertible. The 215 hp will sticker at about the same as the 2004 coupe.
I find the Crossfire is fun to drive and has a lot of zip, especially at highway speeds. Much like the 300M, the acceleration from 50-80 mph is hard to beat. There are plenty of faster (0-60) cars out there, but once I get a car that handles well and has decent acceleration, I'm pretty happy. Horsepower beyond practicality is just for bragging rights IMHO...
As far as the lurkers go, I guess I've been in that category too!
Thanks for the birthday greetings and happy birthday to you, too! You neglected to mention which birthday you recently celebrated...
Both M's are going strong. My wife's 2001 just hit 36,000 miles on the 3rd year anniversary. We worked the car-switching well to maximize the warranty for both miles and years. I have only 5,600 miles on my 2003. Between my wife and I, the Crossfire is racking up the most mileage. We need to make sure we get our 39,000 miles out of the lease...
BTW, they have a general Chrysler commercial that shows, but does not identify the 300 as well as the Crossfire convertible and the PT Cruiser convertible. It always amazes me how Chrysler (and now DC) seldom seem to think that any of their cars deserve a 30 second slot of their own...
I put a post on another 300M board a few weeks ago but now have 250 miles our our new red 300M. We'd have more miles but we were on vacation for 7 days in AZ driving a Outback rental (4 cyl nice gas mileage but could barely get my leg under steering wheel to drive it! weird design). Yes I am 6'4 and my son is 6'1 so we got the 300M vs a Bonneville SE (and other smaller imports we liked the looks of but fit even worse in). I am very thankful the 300C came out since I got a significant friends/family discount -and- of course the end of life 300M $4000 rebate that way, paying a bit over $24K for the inferno red 300M with premium package (sunroof, etc), about $2K less than the Bonne w/o sunroof since kid did not fit in back seat w/sunroof on Pontiac. Anyway, thanks again DC because the 300C as others have said: 1. Looks too retro, stodgy, or worse (I am 50 and can't get inspired by the style at all vs the 300M) 2. Has rear wheel drive which wipes out 30-50% of the US in the snow or mountain belt from driving the car 3-5 months of the year. In rural Minnesota it's not a remote consideration for me to look at RWD despite also owning a 01 Grand Cherokee. Must be a Mercedes thing, or a way to add Audi-like AWD for probably a $5K premium. So getting a 300M was a no-brainer, we love the car and if the reliability holds up I can't imagine we will ever stop as it has everything other than maybe a remote starter that I could ever imagine wanting. The wife will be the primary driver and we intend to keep it under 36K miles the first 3 yrs having an extended warranty on the GJC to rack up miles on first (but gonna be tough to not drive it this summer with sunroof and better gas mileage than GJC). Other than the 300M limited rear visibility other reviews have harped on I see nothing to cut. Thanks again DC.
When I talked to my 5* service rep a week ago, he said that their best mechanic had gone to training on the new 300, so that they would be ready when they finally got one. They also spent $8K getting training and tools for the Crossfire, and the one I test drove hasn't sold yet [since last June]. I'm gonna take my 34 year old daughter,[who will be visiting with our first grandchild] to the Premier on the 22nd. She is kinda into cars [not as much as Blonda, but kinda] and has an 03 Audi A4, so it will be interesting to see her thirty-ish female reaction to this Brougham.
"Thanks for the birthday greetings and happy birthday to you, too! You neglected to mention which birthday you recently celebrated... "
LOL... I'm RIGHT on your heels!!
For a flagship model that they see as their "savior", they sure aren't running those ads!
bigmike5-
ONE mechanic? WOW! Talk about cutbacks. Hope he can train the others that work there too. Then again, I imagine they'll see how sales go before they spend anymore money for training.
They are not a big volume dealer, and I think that when I bought my M, that was considered a "big ticket" item for them. Course, now the Dodge Magnum trucks and SUVs have much bigger tickets, but since they couldn't sell either Crossfire they got in, I don't expect them to move a lot of $38K 300C's. But they might move some of the base models if they get any. The one mechanic they trained was my former service tech for a while, but he decided he liked working on the cars rather than working with the customers, so he asked to go back on the line as a mechanic. Fewer hassles I guess, from "Christine" owners!! lol
I still think the 300M is the best bang for the buck out there -- especially now they have been discontinued and dealers are anxious to move their remaining stock. One of the dealers in my area had 18 300M Specials about 3 weeks ago and offered 3 of them for a total (including rebate) of $10,000 each off MRSP!
I checked his website the other day and he still shows 8 Specials. If the new 300's are now being delivered, I wonder how low he will go to move his Specials?
Anyway, I couldn't talk my wife into upgrading her 2001 M -- she is thinking convertible for her next car.
"Fewer hassles I guess, from "Christine" owners!!"
That's probably why I never got their "5-STAR" service. I never gave them a hassle because I was afraid they'd do LESS than they were already doing if that was possible!
My M just turned a happy 100k! Time for the scheduled tune-up. Owners manual says to change plugs and "ignition cables" but I know this engine coil pack so no spark plug wires. I assume "ignition cables" are something else. Any opinions on whether Bosch Platinum+ 4's are worth the extra $2ea?
Thanks for the lead romanram. The Concorde page says "new thoroughbred styling and obsessive attention to detail" is what these cars are all about. Wonder what they were saying when they were building my 02?
So I saw my first 300C's (ref post above) both driving by the dealer lot and someone test driving it (maybe it was a salesman but it was driving down the road on 4/16). That did not improve my opinion on looks; the 2 on the lot are silver and dark grey perhaps to fit in with the Mercedes silver image and I DO like silver, it was my 2nd choice after red but I tell you red is a head turner for hopefully all but the cops.
And we had our 300M on it's first breakin short road trip to see relatives today, 100 mi roundtrip down the freeway. We are in the middle of 30-45 mph winds due to an approaching storm front (good day for the Jeep to stay in the garage) so despite the streamlined 300M it only got 20mpg into the wind but coming back with the wind we got 32mpg for the 40 miles on I-90. I am amazed it is that much difference but unscientifically I suppose that is about 26mpg at 70-75 mph, not bad. Hopefully our next mileage test will be on a calmer day. Our relatives definitely were impressed by the 300M looks and features. BTW our first 200 miles of in city driving averaged 18mpg which I also consider good vs the Grand Cherokee's smaller I-6 usually lo-mid teens around town.
I will continue to provide occasional updates as there may be others out there like I was referencing this column with the remaining 300Ms going for $9-10K off sticker price - a great deal on a mid size luxury sport sedan w/FWD.
How about this- if you work at DC in Auburn Hills and you don't drive a Chrysler product, you have to park in a lot far away from your office and not in the 'loyal" DC parking lot! ;-)))
FWIW- Saw my FIRST 300 today at 1:38 PM in Branford, CT. I was coming out of the car wash and this 300 was coming out of the diner parking lot across the street. It made NO impression on me whatsoever. It was a greenish/grayish color- weird. Couldn't tell which of the 4 models it was!
JUST saw my first 300 commercial!!! Wow- the 18th! Guess they didn't want to start TOO far ahead of the 22nd for fear that DC dealers would be SWAMPED with takers! Thought I saw Celine in the driver's seat! ;-))
I liked the ad - prices starting at 23+, then underneath it says- model shown 33+! ;-))
WOW! They're rolling now with the commercials. Since 9:39 tonight, I've seen 4 more commercials on the same channel. Of course, I'm not sure how many people are still up at this hour to see them. I wonder if commercials cost more to run at primetime?
At least by the 22nd, some people will have an idea what a 300 is all about.
Congrats on turning 100K! That's a nice milestone and speaks to the mechanical quality of the car. Regarding the Bosch Platinum +4s, I've used them on 2 cars and think they are great for a miniscule investment, in my opinion. If you've ever examined conventional spark plugs after a lot of use, the electode gets pitted. Since the +4s have 4 electrodes, if one get's corroded the spark can fly to another--you've always got an electrode available (4 of them) with the proper clearance.
Well, DMC has announce that the Charger will come out for the '06 year. That should be the 'M replacement we've been waiting for. As for myself, I'll keep my M another 5 years or so and then get a smaller car. I don't need all the size of this class anymore. Too bad that DMCs smaller offerings are nothing more than rebadged Mitsubishi's, which is not a good thing IMO.
Intersting happening in midsize segment; Honda will be coming out with a hybrid accord in '06. WIll have the V6 engine with cylinder deactivation (like the new DMC hemi) and a big electric motor. This hybrid technology is getting interesting, consider that some of the motors make over 200 HP and over 200 ft-lbs; add that to the gas engine and you've got a heavy hot rod with great fuelm ileage.
Swung by my 5* on Saturday to see if they had a 300C yet. No new 300's for them yet. They are starting to sweat the Premier, and the possbility of no guest of honor to show. The big dealer in L-ville had an ad in the paper this Sunday that said they had the new 300 in-stock. Wouldn't trust them, or make a 40 mile trip to find out.
Does anyone have a guess why the 04 300M has a 6 year 70K warranty and an 04 Concorde Ltd. has a 7 year 70K warranty? They're pretty much the same car under the skin.
I saw it on a different site comparing cars. It must have been a mistake. Tsar---how many miles on your 300M? Any problems or is the warranty card gathering moss in your glove compartment?
We just bought a new 300M the end of March with 7/70. I was surprised that the full coverage warranty for that same time period was $1000; it only cost me $700 on my Grand Cherokee a year ago added on to what was a 3/36. So either prices have gone up, there are reliability problems not real visible to me from this site, or they are ripping off guys that buy expensive 300Ms (but Jeeps are not cheap either).
PS-saw our first 300C up close at a college event about an hour ago. Wife's response was "argh, is that ugly". To be honest the rear end and the interior is not all that bad, just that front end superbulbous grill does not do me. Another guy from work likes the mobster look and chopped window appearance so I am sure it will sell to some.
I have approx. 8,800 miles on the Special, picked up on Jan.2, 2002. (If you think that is low - my wife's 1988 LeBaron Convertible has approx. 38,000 <VBG>)
Only problems were the front fascia popped/ripped off a couple of times, within the first month or two. Chrysler replaced the entire front fascia at a cost of approx $1500.00 - to them. Also Chryler replaced (at their cost) the front brake rotors after approx. 1 1/2 years, because they were warped. Finally my local Chrysler Dealer (really true 5 Star) backed into a Jeep, while my Special being serviced. They removed the rear fascia to check for any undercarriage damage, found absolutely none. Then they repainted the entire rear fascia because of one or two very minor surface scratches. PS: Damage to Jeep $4,000+
FYI - Chrysler Maximum Care Extended Warranty (Service Contract) cost $750.00 for 7 year/75,000 Miles/$0 Deductible.
Thanks for the info. I have a 02 Concorde Ltd. which is pretty much a 300M [non-special] in different skin. No action on the Concorde forum.I've got 15k on mine with minimal problems. Transmission shifts smoothly 95% of the time. Some hinky stuff-- could be traction control- limited slip stuff. I got an extended warranty 7years 100K with a $100 deductable. Listed for over $2000- they wanted $1350- I paid $750 but there was a trade in so who knows what I paid. It took a while to get the deal done so I figure I didn't get reamed too bad.
Were you having problems with the brakes or was it found during an inspection?
The rotor problem was there from day one, but not overly noticable - intermitent. Noticable at 50-55MPH, and since I normal do city driving not a real problem or immediate concern.
In fact both my Chrysler Service Advisor of 13 years and I, first thought it was strictly a tire balance problem (Special's 18" tires were never balanced at Assembly Plant in Brampton). Finally I had the tires balanced and rotated after break in period - for me, that was 17-18 months later at approx. 5,000 miles (about due for free annual balance and rotation). When the pulsating did not go away, I had the rotors checked, per various board posting.
My Service Advisor is excellent, and will not do any repairs unless absolutely necessary or requisted.
I paid $34,000 out-the-door for my Special. Ordered from factory, first in Northern California.
DC for some years now has had a problem with warping rotors. The older Concorde had them [a friend who had one warned me that he'd had 3 sets changed over a short time period--DC paid for two under warranty but didn't want to pay for the 3rd set], so I knew it might by a problem with the new 300M when it came out. I had my rotors turned at 40K and replaced shortly thereafter with high performance ones, but I am starting to get that old shuddering feeling when braking at high speed only 27K miles later. I usually re-tighten all lug nuts by hand after a rotation, so they are not above 100 fp, so overtightened lugs are not the answer. I will probably have the rotors turned again in the near future [$90], and I still have my OEM rotors which I saved, so I can change em back to those if I need to. Strangely, I never had this issue with any GM product. Can't understand why DC lets it persist with theirs??
Comments
Congrats on 58,000 happy miles! Glad things turned out ok for you and a few others!
"CTS styling too out there for me..."
Mmm... wasn't the 99 300M "out there too" when it first appeared? Caught my eye right away and yours!
Big parade planned for the UCONN HUSKIES!!!
fastdriver
Lynn Flowers
McKinney, Texas
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. What would you call the 300C? Out there, attractive or repulsive"
fastdriver
c'mon, typical Pontiac is not bland. Up until know Pontiac has been always criticized for being too racy.
laurasdada - I would stay away from Acura.
http://www.nissannews.com/multimedia/concept2005/m45.shtml
I have a infinti now and have had few problems and all fixed while being given a loaner and my car washed after service or repair. Service costs are less than the 300 was. Don't like the hemi C and just scared of chrysler quality (kept me from buying a pacifica). So if you are looking for a replacement check out the M35/45.
Looks nice! How much- $50,000?
fastdriver
PS New directions below this message box for posting. Nice touch. ;-)
Actually, I never thought the M styling was "out there." Just handsome! I gotta admit, I was a fool for a pretty face, one of the major reasons I bought the M. So superficial! Yeah, it's been a winner. Although I'm interested in the cars previously posted as possible replacements, I'm very intriqued by the forthcoming M45, Acura RL and possibly STS? Also, the current MB E320 always catches my eyes. I find it to be a simply elegant and sporty design. Although rumor is it will become the E350 next year. And not wanting to buy a first model year car (again...), do I have to wait for the '06 models of the M45, STS, RL or E350... Such problems.
The CTS, on the other hand, stylistically is too overdone. IMO, a handsome basic shape marred by too many cut/character lines, a truck-like front end and too busy posterior. The Caddy "Art & Science" (I think that's what they call it) design theory works much better on the SRX & XLR. Also, from preliminary pix of the STS, there too.
Ruski: Actually, probably the best screwed together car I've owned was my '88 Acura Integra. My father has an '02 TL-s with no issues to report. If my Chrylser is a faithfull servant, I'd have to believe an Honda/Acura should be too!
When I was a Husky, biggest event was the Men's soccer team winning the national championship. Basketball team was usually a 20 game winner, but not a big ncaa tourney threat. Nice job, my alma matter. Football team not too shabby either...
clpurnell: Do you have the FX? That, too, catches my eye everytime and just on style alone, I want one!
'21 Dark Blue/Black Audi A7 PHEV (mine); '22 White/Beige BMW X3 (hers); '20 Estoril Blue/Oyster BMW M240xi 'Vert (Ours, read: hers in 'vert weather; mine during Nor'easters...)
1 and 3.
2 out of 3 ain't bad!
Lynn Flowers
McKinney, Texas
Anyway the modern Acura TL is not as tightly put together as the older Legends used to be. And the tranny is a POS.
The performance numbers were impressive (under 6 seconds to 60) and the handling appeared to be very good (loved the repeated side by side power slides Tommy Kendall and David Donahue executed - ya can't do that with front wheel drive!).
The only problem I could see is that the car, unfortunately, resembles it's photos too much.
I was hoping it would look better than it does in the magazines.
Oh well, I guess I'll just stick with my M!
Lynn Flowers
McKinney, Texas
I think we are going to have to unload our "OLD WHEELS". I was into the dealer Friday to have my wife's old 2000 300M serviced and made the mistake of taking one of there 300C's out for a spin. What a car! There is no comparison in the old 2000 and this replacement for the old style design. I thought the 300M was a nice car which it is but the 300C is a vast improvement. Remember back when we bought our 300M's? Well wait till you drive this set of wheels. I test drove one of the PT convertibles afterwords, but I like my 2004 PT Cruiser better but that is probably because I never was a convertible kind of guy.
But by then the 300C prices will probably settle down
I guess it was bound to happen, now that the 300M has been discontinued. There is a lot of early excitement over the 300. Time will tell if the excitement will still be there when the car becomes commonplace -- and it will, with 4 different versions of the car.
The 300C still seems like an old fart's car to me --longer on bulk and luxury than sportiness. However, having just observed my 60th birthday last week, maybe the 300C will start to grow on me...in 10 or 20 years!
Seriously, it seems like a great car and a winner for DC. I just wish it wasn't so stodgy looking...
HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY! Mine was a few weeks ago too- same day as my car that was 3 years old! WOW! Where has the time gone? With gas prices heading higher and higher every week, I think the Toyota Prius is going to be my next ride! ;-)) I refuse to play this gas game! They can keep their oil!
You have to admit that the 300C certainly didn't arouse the same "ooh's" as the 300M did when it first came out in 99. My first reaction for the C was- oh my God- a tank! I don't see them as being a big seller at those prices with so many different models. Time will tell I guess. I certainly hope they sent their mechanics for some "updated" training. I wonder if mechanics have to get CEU's- continuing education units-like some other professions so that they can keep up with the latest technology?
The only reason the 300C topic is fairly busy is because the people there can't get any straight answers about their cars from Chrysler, so they are depending on each other for info. Pretty sad for a car that DC thinks is going to be their "savior". I still haven't see any 300 commercials! What are they waiting for- April 21st? I've seen minivan commercials and the new PT Cruiser convertible, but that's it.
Time will tell how this all plays out. Glad that your 300M's are holding up ok.
fastdriver
My wife and I share a Crossfire as a 3rd car. She is seriously eyeing the convertible. The 215 hp will sticker at about the same as the 2004 coupe.
I find the Crossfire is fun to drive and has a lot of zip, especially at highway speeds. Much like the 300M, the acceleration from 50-80 mph is hard to beat. There are plenty of faster (0-60) cars out there, but once I get a car that handles well and has decent acceleration, I'm pretty happy. Horsepower beyond practicality is just for bragging rights IMHO...
As far as the lurkers go, I guess I've been in that category too!
Both M's are going strong. My wife's 2001 just hit 36,000 miles on the 3rd year anniversary. We worked the car-switching well to maximize the warranty for both miles and years. I have only 5,600 miles on my 2003. Between my wife and I, the Crossfire is racking up the most mileage. We need to make sure we get our 39,000 miles out of the lease...
BTW, they have a general Chrysler commercial that shows, but does not identify the 300 as well as the Crossfire convertible and the PT Cruiser convertible. It always amazes me how Chrysler (and now DC) seldom seem to think that any of their cars deserve a 30 second slot of their own...
1. Looks too retro, stodgy, or worse (I am 50 and can't get inspired by the style at all vs the 300M)
2. Has rear wheel drive which wipes out 30-50% of the US in the snow or mountain belt from driving the car 3-5 months of the year. In rural Minnesota it's not a remote consideration for me to look at RWD despite also owning a 01 Grand Cherokee. Must be a Mercedes thing, or a way to add Audi-like AWD for probably a $5K premium.
So getting a 300M was a no-brainer, we love the car and if the reliability holds up I can't imagine we will ever stop as it has everything other than maybe a remote starter that I could ever imagine wanting. The wife will be the primary driver and we intend to keep it under 36K miles the first 3 yrs having an extended warranty on the GJC to rack up miles on first (but gonna be tough to not drive it this summer with sunroof and better gas mileage than GJC). Other than the 300M limited rear visibility other reviews have harped on I see nothing to cut. Thanks again DC.
"Thanks for the birthday greetings and happy birthday to you, too! You neglected to mention which birthday you recently celebrated...
LOL... I'm RIGHT on your heels!!
For a flagship model that they see as their "savior", they sure aren't running those ads!
bigmike5-
ONE mechanic? WOW! Talk about cutbacks. Hope he can train the others that work there too. Then again, I imagine they'll see how sales go before they spend anymore money for training.
fastdriver
I still think the 300M is the best bang for the buck out there -- especially now they have been discontinued and dealers are anxious to move their remaining stock. One of the dealers in my area had 18 300M Specials about 3 weeks ago and offered 3 of them for a total (including rebate) of $10,000 each off MRSP!
I checked his website the other day and he still shows 8 Specials. If the new 300's are now being delivered, I wonder how low he will go to move his Specials?
Anyway, I couldn't talk my wife into upgrading her 2001 M -- she is thinking convertible for her next car.
"Fewer hassles I guess, from "Christine" owners!!"
That's probably why I never got their "5-STAR" service. I never gave them a hassle because I was afraid they'd do LESS than they were already doing if that was possible!
fastdriver
And we had our 300M on it's first breakin short road trip to see relatives today, 100 mi roundtrip down the freeway. We are in the middle of 30-45 mph winds due to an approaching storm front (good day for the Jeep to stay in the garage) so despite the streamlined 300M it only got 20mpg into the wind but coming back with the wind we got 32mpg for the 40 miles on I-90. I am amazed it is that much difference but unscientifically I suppose that is about 26mpg at 70-75 mph, not bad. Hopefully our next mileage test will be on a calmer day. Our relatives definitely were impressed by the 300M looks and features. BTW our first 200 miles of in city driving averaged 18mpg which I also consider good vs the Grand Cherokee's smaller I-6 usually lo-mid teens around town.
I will continue to provide occasional updates as there may be others out there like I was referencing this column with the remaining 300Ms going for $9-10K off sticker price - a great deal on a mid size luxury sport sedan w/FWD.
How about this- if you work at DC in Auburn Hills and you don't drive a Chrysler product, you have to park in a lot far away from your office and not in the 'loyal" DC parking lot! ;-)))
FWIW- Saw my FIRST 300 today at 1:38 PM in Branford, CT. I was coming out of the car wash and this 300 was coming out of the diner parking lot across the street. It made NO impression on me whatsoever. It was a greenish/grayish color- weird. Couldn't tell which of the 4 models it was!
fastdriver
JUST saw my first 300 commercial!!! Wow- the 18th! Guess they didn't want to start TOO far ahead of the 22nd for fear that DC dealers would be SWAMPED with takers! Thought I saw Celine in the driver's seat! ;-))
I liked the ad - prices starting at 23+, then underneath it says- model shown 33+! ;-))
fastdriver
WOW! They're rolling now with the commercials. Since 9:39 tonight, I've seen 4 more commercials on the same channel. Of course, I'm not sure how many people are still up at this hour to see them. I wonder if commercials cost more to run at primetime?
At least by the 22nd, some people will have an idea what a 300 is all about.
fastdriver
Well, DMC has announce that the Charger will come out for the '06 year. That should be the 'M replacement we've been waiting for. As for myself, I'll keep my M another 5 years or so and then get a smaller car. I don't need all the size of this class anymore. Too bad that DMCs smaller offerings are nothing more than rebadged Mitsubishi's, which is not a good thing IMO.
Intersting happening in midsize segment; Honda will be coming out with a hybrid accord in '06. WIll have the V6 engine with cylinder deactivation (like the new DMC hemi) and a big electric motor. This hybrid technology is getting interesting, consider that some of the motors make over 200 HP and over 200 ft-lbs; add that to the gas engine and you've got a heavy hot rod with great fuelm ileage.
Have a pleasant week, all.
You're not going to believe this. JUST as I was reading your message(7:42), another 300 ad came on HGTV. Price $23,595. Model shown 32,995! ;-))
Can't wait to see what happens on the 22nd.
fastdriver
I believe the warranty for the 300M tranny is 7/70. Where did you see 6/70?
fastdriver
For example - The warranty on my 2002 300M Special is 7 Years/100,000 Miles.
PS-saw our first 300C up close at a college event about an hour ago. Wife's response was "argh, is that ugly". To be honest the rear end and the interior is not all that bad, just that front end superbulbous grill does not do me. Another guy from work likes the mobster look and chopped window appearance so I am sure it will sell to some.
Only problems were the front fascia popped/ripped off a couple of times, within the first month or two. Chrysler replaced the entire front fascia at a cost of approx $1500.00 - to them. Also Chryler replaced (at their cost) the front brake rotors after approx. 1 1/2 years, because they were warped. Finally my local Chrysler Dealer (really true 5 Star) backed into a Jeep, while my Special being serviced. They removed the rear fascia to check for any undercarriage damage, found absolutely none. Then they repainted the entire rear fascia because of one or two very minor surface scratches. PS: Damage to Jeep $4,000+
FYI - Chrysler Maximum Care Extended Warranty (Service Contract) cost $750.00 for 7 year/75,000 Miles/$0 Deductible.
Were you having problems with the brakes or was it found during an inspection?
In fact both my Chrysler Service Advisor of 13 years and I, first thought it was strictly a tire balance problem (Special's 18" tires were never balanced at Assembly Plant in Brampton). Finally I had the tires balanced and rotated after break in period - for me, that was 17-18 months later at approx. 5,000 miles (about due for free annual balance and rotation). When the pulsating did not go away, I had the rotors checked, per various board posting.
My Service Advisor is excellent, and will not do any repairs unless absolutely necessary or requisted.
I paid $34,000 out-the-door for my Special. Ordered from factory, first in Northern California.