Just some FYI , the last 6 numbers of a cars VIN are not in sequence as they roll of the line . I have a friend who works in a car plant and have asked him about this .
Also I just want to say I really love the 300C . Its one SWEET car.
We received our April 22 invite in the mail today, and the surprise gift turned out to be what looks like a Walking Liberty quarter in uncirculated condition. Alright, I guess, it's something for showing up, but it would've been much better to had given a $250 gift certificate to apply to the down payment, or an offer for 0% financing. Just my opinion, but I see a lot of floorwalkers being there for the coins, but not too many that will be there as serious buyers. For those that show up as serious buyers, the latter may had been enough to entice them to buy something.
Where is my invitation? I received 3 mail announcements of a March Event.
When I arrived in my office this morning, on my desk was an invitation addressed to another guy in my office (a MB CL 600 owner). Apparently he received at his home in Manhattan Monday. Surely when I come home Tuesday night my invitation to the ball will have arrived. No dice.
I went to see the Audi RS6 (most powerful 4-door sedan in NA -- excluding Maybach), Smart Car, new Mustand and F150, and ask VW when the Passat TDIs would arrive. Sat in some GMs to confirm that they're no longer using the cheapest plastic in the world ... upgraded to 2nd cheapest, and was walking out through the Chrysler section when I saw it. Actually, there were 2: a 300C and a 300 Touring. I had to stand in line to sit in both! The 300C was incredible ... this looked like nothing from North America on the inside. And when I saw the wiggly shift gate (like on my old '71 Benz 300 SEL 4.5V8) I realized that this car had the last generation E-class running gear (which may be the best sedan ever built). I sat in the touring as well, then crawled under to confirm the Benz rear suspension. Another show visitor said he was prepared to plunk down C$35k for a car on the Chrysler dealer's lot that was a year old and marked down from $45k, but the salesman talked him out of it ... said "hold off a few weeks for the new 300 -- its MUCH better". And the Chrysler salesman at the car show (who drives a Durango, but admitted to a preference for Cadillacs) said they won't be able to keep them on the lot. My first Dodge (a '74 dart 4-dr automatic) was a reliable piece of fecal matter, and I have a '67 Power Wagon with 318, 4-spd, Danas and PTO winch needing restoration (like I'll ever have time...) But I've driven mostly German cars for 2 decades now (I also have a Chev 5-ton and a '64 F100 Unibody short-box) with the exception of a LandCruiser Diesel. My wife wants a new Passat TDI wagon, but I want a 300 Touring (the 300C is beyond my budget). To me, its a Benz e-class with a 250 HP Dodge engine for < 1/2 the price of the Benz ... and it looks like a German car inside, and it FEELS like a German car! Base 300 pricing is sub C$30k, and the 300 touring is C$34,500 which is a bargain.
I was thinking of getting a used Benz E-class, but why buy a 6 year old Benz when I can get a new one with a Chrysler name for the same price (with warantee) that looks WAY cooler??
If this is a sign of Chrysler's new direction, then Ford and GM better look out!
I forgot to mention the interior space. I'm 6'5", so I go to the car show to see what I can fit into. Most Japanese cars are too small, as are many domestics (hence the VW collection). But the 300 has tons of space inside, and the seats are nice and high ... a great driving position for road-trips. I sat in a few SUVs (and the Toyota "full-size" truck) where you were disappointingly close to the floor, but the seating position and ergonomics in this car are fantastic.
Thanks tibbune, for the link to the field of dreams. I found a picture of the only jade green exterior I've seen. See below 2nd on the right. http://a.1asphost.com/ddakrt/Picture(15).jpg It must be my car. Unless it was the "Chameleon" Magnesium that soozpk's daughter saw. BTW has anyone seen the 300 in Jade Pearl?
Dieselbreath, Thanks for sharing your reaction to the 300 with us. Many of us writing on this board agree with your assessment of value and features. I suspect that although some people will hate thew look, most will have your reaction. I have been following the car since I first saw pictures of the concept and ordered a 300c without ever seeing a 300 in person. Now you know why I liked what you had to say.
I haven't seen a 300 in person yet, but am awaiting one to show up at my local dealer. I am 6'3" and have issues with the majority of cars re: headroom and legroom. I currently drive a 96 E320 and other than the recent rash of repairs (costly!) it is a superb auto and if the 300 has much of the same feel and handling and ride quality, it will be a no brainer for me as a replacement for my aging E (137,000 miles).. I also cannot afford any E class newer than 2001 but that would buy me a brand new 300 !!
I just hope that the rush of orders won't keep me from getting one until next year !!
For those interested, Chrysler launched the 300's new website today at chrysler.com. They have some nice samples of the interior colors and textures (still feels like glass on my screen however), and a few different takes on what Satin Jade may, or may not look like. They also clear up which wheels come with which model.
Unfortunately the "price and build" section link is not working yet....
Not that a lot of us hadn't already figured that out for ourselves.
My dealer in Alton, IL called today to tell me they had gotten a 300 in and wanted me to come down and drive it. How could I pass that up! Unfortunately it was not the "C" I am interested in, but just the base model - stickered around $23-24K. Looked like wheel covers and it had a cloth interior, nevertheless, I am sure that many features will be the same for all models.
The color was the cool vanilla. When I first saw the car I thought "What's this, yellow isn't an offered color." Upon closer look I realized it was a creme - but definitely has a yellow cast. The 6-cylinder (I'm not sure which it was) was actually pretty peppy. The brake pedal had a nice firm feel to it and braking was easy to modulate. To my relief the side and forward views from the driver's seat are just fine. The windshield is a bit more forward than I thought it would be and you can actually see a hoo sticking out in front. The "chopped" side windows do not hinder the view from the inside. The view when backing up is a different story. The rear window is high and you cannot see the trunk lid.
On the road the car was roomy, comfortable and absorbed bumps and road irregularities well. Although I did drive over about 100 feet of washboard surface that transmitted a little more noise and vibration into the interior than I thought it would have. Overall the car was quiet, but not as quiet as I thought it would be. I'm thinking Lincoln LS or Cadillac CTS quiet and the 300 I drove isn't quite there. I'm not saying its noisy, just a bit more wind and road noise than I was expecting. I wonder if the "C" will have a "luxury sound insulation package?"
The rear seat was roomy and easy to get in and out of. The seat backs fold down to make a pass through to the trunk. The trunk is long but shallow. The opening isn't very big so you won't be putting any big boxes, like a TV set or anything in there. Sure enough, the battery is under the trunk floor (spare tire cover) to the right of the spare tire - mini spare.
Since the interior represented just the base model there was no leather or tourtise-shell accents, but it very presentable and nicely done. Fit and finish was quite good, it felt solid and was tasteful. Maybe the only exceptions being the door panels and electric window switch gear which bordered on the cheap side. The door closed with a nice solid "thunk" and the exterior door handles feel great!
Can't thin kof any more to say right now. Just thought I'd share.
Thanks to both Kvilleboy, and Tibbune for their input. So much of it has to be uncovered on our own, and I don't think Mopar has any idea about how frustrating it is to find that the cars we ordered were built a while back, but just sitting (JS status) with every different excuse as to why. One good thing may be coming from forums such as this, as this morning my dealership asked me if I was the one with the LeBaron. Hell, our VIN's have been plastered up and down these pages. Perhaps the powers that be in Auburn Hills have been reading these messages also, and are realizing that they can get valuable information from people on the othere side of the fence. We all complained about the choice of colors, and the cartoonish images at the website, and maybe, just maybe, it persuaded them to take a second look. Bravo, for us if were true. We can dream, can't we. After all, we want this 300 launch to be a success also.
The cartoon images are still there (why not simply have small and large high-resolution pictures of actual cars, now that they have probably built every version in every color?), but the site is much improved.
I like the jade color, much more so since I see that it can be ordered with the jade and gray two-tone interior.
I don't watch much television, but have seen the excellent new ads on TV and on the internet.
Tibbune, apparently I am having trouble navigating the new 300 site. I can't find any Jade exterior shots except the line up of tiny cars with colors that look nothing like the brochure samples. Look how red and Blue appear on the site compared with nearly black in the brochure. You mentioned pictures of the Jade in post 911. Can you direct me.
Re Leather: on the interior section under seat colors and style for the 300c they say: 300C - Premium leather trim available medium slate gray [E] with dark slate gray upper trim [2] or in light graystone [F] with dark slate gray upper trim [2], or with deep jade upper trim [3] They show the pebble grain not smooth. I wonder what available means. Optional or Standard? It appears that the Torino (pebble) comes with the C.
Dale, I was comparing the brochure to the screen shot of the tiny cars you mentioned, and the difference in satin jade is so substantial, I have to assume that EVERY 300 shown on the website is in fact 'Satin Jade' in color.
It's the melting pot of car color. (cue Bob Ross "just take some brown, a dab of gold, a smudge of green, an itsy bitsy swipe of red, mix it with blue, maybe some white in there....")
BTW, I called Chrysler yesterday for my weekly ritual of disappointment. Once again, all they could find from my VIN was a screen that said "D status". I asked when it was last updated, "Yesterday, March 30th"....hmmm...then I asked "when was the info last 'changed'". He typed a lot, hemmed and hawed, then replied "Strange, it was JS status on February 25th, then went to D status on March 3rd where it sits still. That doesn't make sense."
And then the kicker...
"Sir, I only have access to the VIN, is this a 300 by chance?"
"Yes"
"Yeah, there's something weird going on in the system with those. I had one earlier that was D status and had a shipped date, so they aren't updating us correctly on those cars"
Take it for what it's worth. By April 22nd we'll probably have a good idea of what's going on with our cars.
Kvilleboy, the true "base" model comes with the 2.7 ... can you confirm whether you drove the 2.7 or the 3.5? From press reports, the 2.7 is supposed to be pokey, the 3.5 good, the Hemi...well, it's a hemi. I'd like to know if the 2.7 is passable in a car this heavy, since the 2.7 is going to be the best price....
I think most of the pictures are the magnesium and none are the jade. See the link in post 809 which shows the jade in daylight. Apologies to everyone for going on about the color. I agree with post 914 New Web Site, Ads by fsmmcsi. Why not post pictures of real cars in actual color.
"Why not post pictures of real cars in actual color."
Because it makes better economical sense to hire a graphics art firm* to develop, model and render a virtual car, than it does to...say...take a picture of an actual car.
*Disclaimer: estimates based on modeling firm being located in Bombay, India.
I too called Chrysler yesterday, at the "992" number, and asked for the staus on both our vehicles. They couldn't find mine in the system, although they did know my name, and for yours, "it (and I quote) may be in JS status". I was then told to make any further inquiries to my dealership, which I did go in person, but they're expecting a few in "pretty soon". Will mine be included? Unknown......... I think they must be shipping the vehicles with a daily draw from a hat. Like I said, I'm getting complacent in just waiting until April 22.
Thanks for the update. At this point I too, am waiting for the 22nd. Now just 3 weeks away. It will be pretty sad if our cars are not delivered by then. BTW I still have not received an invite from Chrysler or my dealer to the 4/22 event. I would like to have a little advance notice to obtain insurance, bank check and figure out what to do with the car I am driving now.
I wonder if this or a Dodge version will be used for police cruisers? A base model with Hemi and other modifications would seem suitable. Crown Vic is only alternate.
use of the 300 should be pretty good, especially if they put out a Police special with the Hemi in a base model. I would think that the cops would like a car that handles well and goes like stink at a price at or less than the Crown Vic..
I'd bet the 300 will not be a cop car, however the Dodge version would be. That makes sense since Dodge has the Intrepid & that has seen cop duty. Don't expect too many though. The car is just too big. I have seen more & more Chevy impala's in crowed cities like NY or DC.
This might be old news, but Motorweek had a little short take on the 300's. Showed 'em in motion, and whatnot. I was surprised to see the turn signals being above what is normally considered the high-beam lamp. Very much like the E-class of a few years back. *I* like it. The comment on it was it is it reminds a person of what Detroit iron used to be like (at least in our memories), large, comfy, and *solid*. I can live with that.
What I find interesting is that the Crown Vic (1st place on the track) beat the Intrepid (2nd place on the track) around the track by three one hundredths of a second. Even though the Intrepid is saddled with FWD, it put in a very respectable showing (finishing in either 1st or 2nd in most categories), however, my bet is that the 300C would literally obliterate the competition. That fact cannot be lost on the folks up in Auburn Hills.
So far, I have only heard rumors of a Magnum sedan, while the 300C is a reality (at least in the parking lots around Brampton). As such, my guess is that for the 2005 there will be a 300C added to the mix.
The 300 I drove was the 2.7 liter base car. The only options were smoker's group and power adjustable pedals. I only drove it about 10 minutes and I really didn't "get on it" although the sales guy romped on it twice while he was driving. It certainly never felt like it "couldn't get out of its own way" or anything like that. It was at least as quick as my 2003 Cavalier with the 2.2L Ecotech engine. I did notice that when cruising I would give it some gas to pick up speed and it would downshift very easily (4 to 3 or in some cases 4 to 2). It was smooth and unobtrusive, but this helped keep it in its powerband. If I lived in the mountains this probably wouldn't be the engine, but on the road or around town unless you're into stoplight drags it seemed sufficient to me - by the way, I also have a '99 Corvette so I DO know what performance is. Personally, I would want more performance (I like stoplight drags!) so I'm holding out until I can drive a "C".
chrysler definitely will not be ignoring the police...pretty sure a police LX version is in the works. seriously doubt that it will be a 300 though. intrepid replacement (charger) or magnum should work just fine as cop cars. word has it that police versions of the LX will sport the upcoming 6.1L hemi; and we all know how fast the 5.7l hemi cars are!!
This might be old news, but Motorweek had a little short take on the 300's. Showed 'em in motion, and whatnot. I was surprised to see the turn signals being above what is normally considered the high-beam lamp. Very much like the E-class of a few years back. *I* like it. The comment on it was it is it reminds a person of what Detroit iron used to be like (at least in our memories), large, comfy, and *solid*. I can live with that.
Last weekend I was in Las Vegas and saw a few Pacifica taxi's. I suspect Taxi company's will be buying 300 2.7s for taxi duty, as an alternative to Crown Vic's.
I have to laugh, because I have a 2004 Cav with Ecotech, with a stick, and it goes like the proverbial bat out of hell...of course that is a 2,600 pound car, and the 300 is closer to 4,000 pounds. Still, it sounds like DC has made the 2.7 workable in the 300 with a responsive transmission and the upgrades over the old version of the 2.7.
Thanks for your report, kvilleboy, looks like DC isn't jiving about the 2.7 being "practical" in the 300 and Magnum, and the entry price is very appealing for a "full size" car that would suit a "new baby" family very well (what else is there? Impala, new Ford Freestyle?). Of course, the SXT package on the Magnum would give me ABS and stability control, two items I would sorely like to have... but at about a price increment of $3,500.
Not sure if this link can be posted, but you can delete it if warranted.
For those of you that ordered either the Smoker's Group, or the UConnect Hands Free Phone, for your 300, there were delays with these two packages going into the launch. I ordered neither.
I thought I was a dedicated Mopar freak...Until I came across this guy's website. He ordered his Hemi C in December of 2003, a whole month before me, and dedicated a whole webpage about his experiences in getting his car's status.
I'm not sure if he's been here, as I don't recognise his name (SuperDave), but I invited him to drop by, and have a look-see.
My office building is in Fort Lauderdale, right next to I-95. So I glance out of the window and see a silver 300 cruising down in the Southbound direction. It looked quite nice. Pretty large too. Couldn't tell whether it was a base or 300C.
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There's a good review of the 300C in the May issue of Car and Driver. The biggest shocker: 0 to 60 MPH in 5.3 seconds! That's a whole second faster than Chrysler's estimates. Braking seemed long to me at 184ft. from 70MPH, but C&D praised the pedal feel and lack of dive. The only complaints were the lack of an electronic readout for the climate controls, the "plainness" of the door panels (no leather inserts), and the overzealous electronic stability program that can't be fully turned off.
I was somewhat irritated by the mention of past quality issues at Chrysler. If I remember correctly, C&D praised its long-term 300M for reliability back in 2000. After 40,000 miles, they had no problems, and recorded one of the lowest maintenance totals ever. If that was the case, then why bring up the quality issue that could potentially discourage buyers? It should also be noted that Chrysler quality has increased significantly since C&D's trouble-free 300M was churned out four years ago.
Also in the May issue is a one page preview of the Dodge Magnum. It received similar praise from the C&D staffers. Though it's not an LX car, the PT Convertible is also reviewed. It's a good month for Chrysler fans at Car and Driver!
I think C&D felt the need to mention the Chrysler 'quality' issue because it is a perception that is out there in the mainstream. Correct or not, the perception exists, so addressing it lends them some credibility with a reader who has such notions wedged in their mind.
My last four vehicles have been Chrysler products (Talon, 2 Grand Cherokees, Durango) and only one of those had any quality issues (the first GC, low end model, and wow, talk about lemon scented! Good riddance). In fact, the Durango I drive now has seen more abuse than most military vehicles (desert four wheeling) and still runs amazingly strong...though ever since I dropped a deposit on the new 300, it's falling apart. I think it knows the end is near.
Aside from the 'quality' issue, Chrysler needs to extend their reach in the prestige arena. I think the 300 will help them do that, as long as the bolt on hubcapped version isn't the one dominating the street scene.
That's it, I've gotta have one of these. With any luck, my C&D will come, today. I checked mail, yesterday, hoping for the best, but only bills.
Can't turn off the ESP completely, eh? I'll be digging in the fuse box to 'fix' that problem.
Actually, 184 ft. from 70 isn't bad for a 4K lb. car which isn't a "high performance" machine.
Yeah, like you Mark, I'm annoyed by those who harp on 'quality' issues. We are owner two on the '95 Intrepid ES 3.5L my wife bought in '97 w/34K on the clock, and while it's only at 117K, now, we are *not* gentle to this machine. Still on the original tranny, replaced the axles and the front-end parts, but that's part of the 100K mile blues all cars go through. I'm hoping her new-to-her '02 RX300 holds off until 140K, or more. She doesn't realize that's her last car.
;-)
I like the Intrepid hand-me-down, but I'll shop a 300C in a few years, after they've taken the depreciation hit almost all new vehicles are saddled with.
If the rumored 6.1L engine makes it to production, and it fits in the 300C, I'll be no more than tenth in line...screw the depreciation!
Well, given the way big Lexus', Cadillacs and Mercedes seem to be selling, I truly think the Imperial should be brought back. Ack, I just had a flashback to the square-trunked monster from the early-80's.
*That's* a picture you don't want in your head all day....
Tibbune, was your GC lemon a 93, or later? I ask only 'cause I had a '94 V-8 limted, beautiful truck, would go anywhere, but seemed to really like to have odd failures...transmission, t-case viscous coupling, rear main seal...I gave up, and I'm a gearhead.
I also learned, if you live in the foothills of CO, don't buy a car you care much about. It'll look like a beater in two years. Hence, the GC was replaced by a Suzuki Grand Vitara. "Grand"...pffft. <eye roll>
What do you know that C&D's optical 5th wheel doesn't, rcf8000?
Granted, they launch test cars rather, um, aggressively, but they also have a 5-60 MPH 'street start', which removes launch technique from the number and minimizes wheelspin in most vehicles. i.e., it's the way you'd drive it if you owned it, or had to repair it.
Went down to Koons in Tysons during lunch. They had 3, including one inside.
Sad to say, I was less than impressed, and I am bummed about it.
Visibility is very limited, both front and rear.
As mentioned here before, absolutely cannot see any part of the car out the rear window. The front is also limited, since the top of the windshield is quite a distance in front of the driver. At intersections with poorly placed lights, the driver will be leaning over the wheel to see the light.
Also wasn't impressed with interior materials. They just don't scream $35k to me.
Still plan to test drive the C when they get one, of course, to see how the visibility affects the driving.
on the C? I mean, leather makes it easy to get in/out, but for true comfort, IMO, a nice cloth works well. Not cold in winter, hot in summer, doesn't wear out after five years, etc.
! Indeed, if that number is accurate (and not the subject of an -Oops! at the end of reader's letter) then I cannot wait to try to one out and put it at the top of the list of "things to do at the very minute I can afford it."
Visibility out the rear is limited? Dang, how am I supposed to see the expressions of those I just blew away? I do wish they offered a rear view camera, ala Infinity. Have the aftermarket vendors tackled this one yet?
5.3 seconds!?! Oh my, and wait until the mods are on (insert evil laugh). My new plates "0260IN5".
intrepidation: I had a '95 GC Laredo. Cat converter and tranny dumped right before the warranty did. Phew. Then it developed a chip problem where hot days would cause it to just die at will. Third time it did that, with wife and kids stranded on a hot day, I ran down and replaced it. With an anniversary edition GC of course! The new one has been a true joy to own.
Comments
Also I just want to say I really love the 300C . Its one SWEET car.
I received 3 mail announcements of a March Event.
When I arrived in my office this morning, on my desk was an invitation addressed to another guy in my office (a MB CL 600 owner). Apparently he received at his home in Manhattan Monday.
Surely when I come home Tuesday night my invitation to the ball will have arrived. No dice.
Actually, there were 2: a 300C and a 300 Touring.
I had to stand in line to sit in both! The 300C was incredible ... this looked like nothing from North America on the inside. And when I saw the wiggly shift gate (like on my old '71 Benz 300 SEL 4.5V8) I realized that this car had the last generation E-class running gear (which may be the best sedan ever built).
I sat in the touring as well, then crawled under to confirm the Benz rear suspension. Another show visitor said he was prepared to plunk down C$35k for a car on the Chrysler dealer's lot that was a year old and marked down from $45k, but the salesman talked him out of it ... said "hold off a few weeks for the new 300 -- its MUCH better". And the Chrysler salesman at the car show (who drives a Durango, but admitted to a preference for Cadillacs) said they won't be able to keep them on the lot.
My first Dodge (a '74 dart 4-dr automatic) was a reliable piece of fecal matter, and I have a '67 Power Wagon with 318, 4-spd, Danas and PTO winch needing restoration (like I'll ever have time...)
But I've driven mostly German cars for 2 decades now (I also have a Chev 5-ton and a '64 F100 Unibody short-box) with the exception of a LandCruiser Diesel.
My wife wants a new Passat TDI wagon, but I want a 300 Touring (the 300C is beyond my budget).
To me, its a Benz e-class with a 250 HP Dodge engine for < 1/2 the price of the Benz ... and it looks like a German car inside, and it FEELS like a German car!
Base 300 pricing is sub C$30k, and the 300 touring is C$34,500 which is a bargain.
I was thinking of getting a used Benz E-class, but why buy a 6 year old Benz when I can get a new one with a Chrysler name for the same price (with warantee) that looks WAY cooler??
If this is a sign of Chrysler's new direction, then Ford and GM better look out!
But the 300 has tons of space inside, and the seats are nice and high ... a great driving position for road-trips. I sat in a few SUVs (and the Toyota "full-size" truck) where you were disappointingly close to the floor, but the seating position and ergonomics in this car are fantastic.
I found a picture of the only jade green exterior I've seen. See below 2nd on the right.
http://a.1asphost.com/ddakrt/Picture(15).jpg
It must be my car.
Unless it was the "Chameleon" Magnesium that soozpk's daughter saw.
BTW has anyone seen the 300 in Jade Pearl?
Dieselbreath,
Thanks for sharing your reaction to the 300 with us.
Many of us writing on this board agree with your assessment of value and features. I suspect that although some people will hate thew look, most will have your reaction.
I have been following the car since I first saw pictures of the concept and ordered a 300c without ever seeing a 300 in person. Now you know why I liked what you had to say.
I just hope that the rush of orders won't keep me from getting one until next year !!
Unfortunately the "price and build" section link is not working yet....
Not that a lot of us hadn't already figured that out for ourselves.
The color was the cool vanilla. When I first saw the car I thought "What's this, yellow isn't an offered color." Upon closer look I realized it was a creme - but definitely has a yellow cast. The 6-cylinder (I'm not sure which it was) was actually pretty peppy. The brake pedal had a nice firm feel to it and braking was easy to modulate. To my relief the side and forward views from the driver's seat are just fine. The windshield is a bit more forward than I thought it would be and you can actually see a hoo sticking out in front. The "chopped" side windows do not hinder the view from the inside. The view when backing up is a different story. The rear window is high and you cannot see the trunk lid.
On the road the car was roomy, comfortable and absorbed bumps and road irregularities well. Although I did drive over about 100 feet of washboard surface that transmitted a little more noise and vibration into the interior than I thought it would have. Overall the car was quiet, but not as quiet as I thought it would be. I'm thinking Lincoln LS or Cadillac CTS quiet and the 300 I drove isn't quite there. I'm not saying its noisy, just a bit more wind and road noise than I was expecting. I wonder if the "C" will have a "luxury sound insulation package?"
The rear seat was roomy and easy to get in and out of. The seat backs fold down to make a pass through to the trunk. The trunk is long but shallow. The opening isn't very big so you won't be putting any big boxes, like a TV set or anything in there. Sure enough, the battery is under the trunk floor (spare tire cover) to the right of the spare tire - mini spare.
Since the interior represented just the base model there was no leather or tourtise-shell accents, but it very presentable and nicely done. Fit and finish was quite good, it felt solid and was tasteful. Maybe the only exceptions being the door panels and electric window switch gear which bordered on the cheap side. The door closed with a nice solid "thunk" and the exterior door handles feel great!
Can't thin kof any more to say right now. Just thought I'd share.
I like the jade color, much more so since I see that it can be ordered with the jade and gray two-tone interior.
I don't watch much television, but have seen the excellent new ads on TV and on the internet.
Look how red and Blue appear on the site compared with nearly black in the brochure. You mentioned pictures of the Jade in post 911. Can you direct me.
Re Leather: on the interior section under seat colors and style for the 300c they say:
300C - Premium leather trim available medium slate gray [E] with dark slate gray upper trim [2] or in light graystone [F] with dark slate gray upper trim [2], or with deep jade upper trim [3]
They show the pebble grain not smooth. I wonder what available means. Optional or Standard?
It appears that the Torino (pebble) comes with the C.
It's the melting pot of car color. (cue Bob Ross "just take some brown, a dab of gold, a smudge of green, an itsy bitsy swipe of red, mix it with blue, maybe some white in there....")
BTW, I called Chrysler yesterday for my weekly ritual of disappointment. Once again, all they could find from my VIN was a screen that said "D status". I asked when it was last updated, "Yesterday, March 30th"....hmmm...then I asked "when was the info last 'changed'". He typed a lot, hemmed and hawed, then replied "Strange, it was JS status on February 25th, then went to D status on March 3rd where it sits still. That doesn't make sense."
And then the kicker...
"Sir, I only have access to the VIN, is this a 300 by chance?"
"Yes"
"Yeah, there's something weird going on in the system with those. I had one earlier that was D status and had a shipped date, so they aren't updating us correctly on those cars"
Take it for what it's worth. By April 22nd we'll probably have a good idea of what's going on with our cars.
Apologies to everyone for going on about the color.
I agree with post 914 New Web Site, Ads by fsmmcsi.
Why not post pictures of real cars in actual color.
Because it makes better economical sense to hire a graphics art firm* to develop, model and render a virtual car, than it does to...say...take a picture of an actual car.
*Disclaimer: estimates based on modeling firm being located in Bombay, India.
be included? Unknown......... I think they must be shipping the vehicles with a daily draw from a hat. Like I said, I'm getting complacent in just waiting until April 22.
At this point I too, am waiting for the 22nd. Now just 3 weeks away. It will be pretty sad if our cars are not delivered by then. BTW I still have not received an invite from Chrysler or my dealer to the 4/22 event.
I would like to have a little advance notice to obtain insurance, bank check and figure out what to do with the car I am driving now.
A base model with Hemi and other modifications would seem suitable.
Crown Vic is only alternate.
Best Regards,
Shipo
http://www.nlectc.org/pdffiles/msp2004bulletin.pdf
What I find interesting is that the Crown Vic (1st place on the track) beat the Intrepid (2nd place on the track) around the track by three one hundredths of a second. Even though the Intrepid is saddled with FWD, it put in a very respectable showing (finishing in either 1st or 2nd in most categories), however, my bet is that the 300C would literally obliterate the competition. That fact cannot be lost on the folks up in Auburn Hills.
So far, I have only heard rumors of a Magnum sedan, while the 300C is a reality (at least in the parking lots around Brampton). As such, my guess is that for the 2005 there will be a 300C added to the mix.
Best Regards,
Shipo
Thanks for your report, kvilleboy, looks like DC isn't jiving about the 2.7 being "practical" in the 300 and Magnum, and the entry price is very appealing for a "full size" car that would suit a "new baby" family very well (what else is there? Impala, new Ford Freestyle?). Of course, the SXT package on the Magnum would give me ABS and stability control, two items I would sorely like to have... but at about a price increment of $3,500.
For those of you that ordered either the Smoker's Group, or the UConnect Hands Free Phone,
for your 300, there were delays with these two packages going into the launch. I ordered neither.
http://www.donlen.com/Whats_New/new_production_cars_chrysler.html
I'm not sure if he's been here, as I don't recognise his name (SuperDave), but I invited him to drop by, and have a look-see.
http://superdave369.home.comcast.net/300C/300C.html
For example, you may not post links to other automotive forums and for that reason I just had to remove a post.
But there's no reason not to link to any other sites of interest, and if anyone has any questions about what may be posted that are not answered in the Rules of the Road or the overall authority, our Membership Agreement (linked on the left side of the page), just drop me an email.
If you are concerned that something you post might be out of bounds, it would be best to check it out first instead of just posting it and waiting to see if you get your "hand slapped", so to speak.
Hope this helps, and sorry about the post that had to go, but the MA is quite clear on that point.
If anyone has any questions or comments, feel free to email me (please don't post them here).
Thanks.
Use the Recent Msgs link on the page bar to redisplay a page after making a post - no double posts that way.
I was somewhat irritated by the mention of past quality issues at Chrysler. If I remember correctly, C&D praised its long-term 300M for reliability back in 2000. After 40,000 miles, they had no problems, and recorded one of the lowest maintenance totals ever. If that was the case, then why bring up the quality issue that could potentially discourage buyers? It should also be noted that Chrysler quality has increased significantly since C&D's trouble-free 300M was churned out four years ago.
Also in the May issue is a one page preview of the Dodge Magnum. It received similar praise from the C&D staffers. Though it's not an LX car, the PT Convertible is also reviewed. It's a good month for Chrysler fans at Car and Driver!
-- Mark
My last four vehicles have been Chrysler products (Talon, 2 Grand Cherokees, Durango) and only one of those had any quality issues (the first GC, low end model, and wow, talk about lemon scented! Good riddance). In fact, the Durango I drive now has seen more abuse than most military vehicles (desert four wheeling) and still runs amazingly strong...though ever since I dropped a deposit on the new 300, it's falling apart. I think it knows the end is near.
Aside from the 'quality' issue, Chrysler needs to extend their reach in the prestige arena. I think the 300 will help them do that, as long as the bolt on hubcapped version isn't the one dominating the street scene.
That's it, I've gotta have one of these. With any luck, my C&D will come, today. I checked mail, yesterday, hoping for the best, but only bills.
Can't turn off the ESP completely, eh? I'll be digging in the fuse box to 'fix' that problem.
Actually, 184 ft. from 70 isn't bad for a 4K lb. car which isn't a "high performance" machine.
Yeah, like you Mark, I'm annoyed by those who harp on 'quality' issues. We are owner two on the '95 Intrepid ES 3.5L my wife bought in '97 w/34K on the clock, and while it's only at 117K, now, we are *not* gentle to this machine. Still on the original tranny, replaced the axles and the front-end parts, but that's part of the 100K mile blues all cars go through. I'm hoping her new-to-her '02 RX300 holds off until 140K, or more. She doesn't realize that's her last car.
;-)
I like the Intrepid hand-me-down, but I'll shop a 300C in a few years, after they've taken the depreciation hit almost all new vehicles are saddled with.
If the rumored 6.1L engine makes it to production, and it fits in the 300C, I'll be no more than tenth in line...screw the depreciation!
*That's* a picture you don't want in your head all day....
Tibbune, was your GC lemon a 93, or later? I ask only 'cause I had a '94 V-8 limted, beautiful truck, would go anywhere, but seemed to really like to have odd failures...transmission, t-case viscous coupling, rear main seal...I gave up, and I'm a gearhead.
I also learned, if you live in the foothills of CO, don't buy a car you care much about. It'll look like a beater in two years. Hence, the GC was replaced by a Suzuki Grand Vitara. "Grand"...pffft. <eye roll>
Kelly
Granted, they launch test cars rather, um, aggressively, but they also have a 5-60 MPH 'street start', which removes launch technique from the number and minimizes wheelspin in most vehicles. i.e., it's the way you'd drive it if you owned it, or had to repair it.
Sad to say, I was less than impressed, and I am bummed about it.
Visibility is very limited, both front and rear.
As mentioned here before, absolutely cannot see any part of the car out the rear window. The front is also limited, since the top of the windshield is quite a distance in front of the driver. At intersections with poorly placed lights, the driver will be leaning over the wheel to see the light.
Also wasn't impressed with interior materials. They just don't scream $35k to me.
Still plan to test drive the C when they get one, of course, to see how the visibility affects the driving.
Thanks.
5.3 seconds!?! Oh my, and wait until the mods are on (insert evil laugh). My new plates "0260IN5".
intrepidation: I had a '95 GC Laredo. Cat converter and tranny dumped right before the warranty did. Phew. Then it developed a chip problem where hot days would cause it to just die at will. Third time it did that, with wife and kids stranded on a hot day, I ran down and replaced it. With an anniversary edition GC of course! The new one has been a true joy to own.