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I took delivery Tuesday of a satin jade pearl. I ordered it from the original four page booklet, with the dark jade/light gray interior. It is a silvery grayish color with a little hint of sage green depending on light. By itself it looks silver. next to silver it looks gray next to gray it looks lightish green. As for the interior the dark jade makes the light slate look lighter. It is very nice but it may be hard to keep clean especially the carpet. I am happy with my choice and have received rave reviews on the car and the paint color. I have seen many heads turn. Last night from a S600 MB, this morning by a 740 and several mopar owners. My suggestion is pick the color you like. A black car looks great but shows dirt more than any color. I could have selected any color but picked the jade because it was tasteful but a little different.
You will need parking assist, the rear window on my 300c has a very high back deck and trunk. I cant see much from the drivers seat. P.S can anyone tell me how to adjust the driver seat belt height?
Tom2 wrote: The rural areas here in No. Cal. are charging $4000-$5000 above sticker.
Up here in the upper midwest (ND) our small town dealerships couldn't get away with that as they wouldn't be selling any cars. Our wage structure up here is a about 35-50% less than both coasts. When I mentioned going to your outlying areas, I meant to small town America, (population 2000) where your high urban wages aren't found. There they need the business as well, and would be apt to present you with an honest deal.
PS: SuperDave's car "finally" came in, but the rear quarter panal came in with a big scrape / gouge. He has pics of it, and needless to say, he's quite upset. I don't think I could accept a repair like that. Dave---I urge you to have your dealer look up another comparable 300C on the dealer network, and if one is on a lot someplace, get Chrysler to pay any markup, and honor your original dealer's quote.
Wow, bummer about Dave's car. But the 300C sure looks sweet in black!
I'm going to the event tonight (hoping my car is hiding there) but as of last night my dealership has an onsite inventory of approximately ZERO 300Cs. They have one 'touring' model. Nothing else, unless they hid them under PT Cruiser shaped tarps. This is shaping up to be one of those surprise parties where the guy drops dead of a heart attack when the lights come on. Good premise, bad delivery.
Maybe Chrysler should concentrate less on chips, dip, and cocktail parties, and more on getting their loyal customers the vehicles they ordered....back in January.
"unless they hid them under PT Cruiser shaped tarps"
HA! Saw that commercial (for a Kia?) where the guy hides his shiny new car under a tarp shaped / painted like an early 1980s Chevy Citation derelict, with rust, etc . . .
Funny. - Ray Who would not be swayed to purchase the car but enjoyed the commercial more than most . . .
There are half right. The drive train, soon to come AWD system, & technology are directly from the last gen E class sedan. Only Chrysler parts are the body, frame, interior, & design, & engine.
I always liked GM and Toyotas. My business loaned me a 300M a couple of months ago for business travel. I was very happy woth the power of the 3.5L engine, the room and ride were quite nice also.
Now the new 300C. I want one. I'll probably go with the 3.5L instead of the Hemi since I'm not a hot rodder. Its a great looking car with room for the kids, we will be getting rid of a Chevy van.
fastdriver, this is what I responded to: "Even Cadillac came out with a fancy model but of course GM ruined it by sticking a front wheel drive system in an expensive car."
What caught my eye, was "came out with" which I thought chuckg meant a car Cadillac recently introduced. The Seville and Deville are not new models and my response was driven by the fact that cars Cadillac has "come out with" recently (i.e., anything new within the last 2 years) is RWD or available AWD--CTS, SRX, XLR, and soon, the STS.
Chuck, that's what I was getting at--if you wanted RWD and thought, well, gee Cadillac came out with a new car, but it's FWD, I would wonder either when you were looking or what you were looking at.
Just bear in mind that unless they modify the gearing for more low end torque the 3.5 is not going to have the merging and off-the-light speed that you will get with the C. My 99M has the orignal, 87 octane, 3.5, and you are talking maybe 4,220 pounds in the new car vs. about 3,500 [as I recall] in the M. So you've got a lot more weight for that engine to move, not including the family members. I'm not a hotrodder either, but there are times when you need the power and it has to be there for you. 8 seconds 0 to 60 is just marginally acceptable in my M. It is great from 65-85 though.
We've seen quite a few pictures of this new 300, but nobody has shown any cup holders (for the front). What do they look like? Are they more "stout" than the ones in the 300M?
I seen it, I actually touched it.......Our Cool Vanilla Hemi C is FINALLY here !!!!
It looked good....(what car doesn't look good new) From 30 ft away I was thinking if fender skirts would look good on it? One can add lake pipes, and of course, my idea of a Continental kit. First thing when I get home is to get my tape measure and see what the trunkwell measures vs the conventional spare. I'm not sure what those narrow compact spares measure...
I had planned on getting the medium grey interior, but I just sat in a 300 Limited with the medium grey interior and I didn't like it as much as the light grey interior. It just looked dull.
My concern about the light interior is the up-keep on the white carpets. Maybe I could put plush black floor mats over it. Opinions?
I really wish they had offered black leather. Despite a bit of discomfort in the summer, many of the car manufacturers are offering black because it looks good and wears well.
For those of you purchasing the 300, please offer your feedback on light grey vs. dark grey.
Soozpk - congratualations. Why worry about the spare? I have had a few flats, and some shreaded tires over the years, but the compact spares, and before that, the collapsable spares with the inflator can, always worked fine. There is no space for a full sized spare, unless you simply lay it in the trunk.
I have yet to get my Car&Driver and Road&Track. Others seem to have gotten their May issues a week or two ago. Are there that huge time differences in when they get mailed out to people? I hope I will get that 300C special edition of Road&Track.
Mine was in the mail when I got back to town yesterday, not sure when it arrived. I don't subscribe to R&T, but C&D. I've had the new C&D for a couple weeks and our mail tends to run a day or so behind the metros.
Some nice pics, but too much of an advertisement to be a good read. As for the drawing that was dismissed as "too european", I think the current design is better. Those low-slung cars are alright for a super-car you aren't going drive regularly. Anyone ever try to get in/out of some of those types of cars? I'm not sure I call that design too european, but just too "super carish". Most MB's, Bimmers, and Audis sit up nicely as well.
I don't suppose one of you lucky fellers who already received his 300C could bring yourselves to dial that Chrysler phone number just...on...last...time.
I'm curious as to what your car's 'order status' is at Chrysler customer service. My guess: "It's in D-1, should be built any day now sir!"
well, finally this afternoon i got to drive a 300. it was a satin jade equipped with touring package. overall very nice! ride was nice and smooth...and appropriately quiet. nice change from the intrepids i owned! feels pretty roomy and i had no problems seeing out of the gunslit windows. seeing the hood out the front windshield totally reminds me of driving my dad's old '74 delta 88 when i was in high school...lol!
one thing that did catch my interest...when the driver's seat was situated where i felt comfortable...rear seat leg/knee room was pretty skimpy. i'm 6'1" so not really a tall guy. makes me wonder how chrysler came up with 40 inches of rear leg room?
anway, pressing on...they had three 300s at the local lot. two were C models...both were sold. even the touring i drove was sold but the owner was allowing folks to drive it. wish i coud have nabbed a C for some real fun!! the car is going to be a bonified hit...no doubt in my mind. fwiw, the one guy buying the silver C was trading in his seville...the other guy's midnight blue C was sitting on the showroom floor. the extra trim pieces, etc on the C really do set it off from it's lesser brethren...
hope you guys all enjoy your 300s...but i'm waiting for the charger. btw, the salesman told me the charger would be out late this summer...what an idiot!! salesmen always crack me up!
Don't feel bad, I'm still waiting from a 1/24/04 300 c order and no one can give me a straight answer. However, I am going to my local 5 Star dealer's reception tonight and may just sell my position for what's on the floor! This is ridiculous. I tought these 5 Star guys in Westbury, L.I. would have some pull, that's why I went there.
JUST ORDERD A 300C COOL VANILLIA WHITE, DARK SLATE/MEIDIUM SLATE INTERIOR WITH THE NAV.SOUND GROUP II.,SIRUS RADIO, PROTECTION GROUP II,MOONROOF,POWER PEDALS. I TRADED A 200M FOR IT. STICKER PRICE 37,360 TRADE IN FOR MY CAR 14,360,DISCOUNT 1000.00 TOTAL PRICE 22,000 PLUS TAX
has anyone seen a lava red (i think that's right name) 300 yet? just wondering as i've been hearing about all the other colours except this one...has chrysler built any red ones yet?
Randy - The only pull my dealership has is exhibited while yanking my chain. They are clueless, and strangely unmotivated. I can only assume that "Ten Star" dealerships are the highest echelon, as my five star dealership needs to be knocked down to the rank of corporal.
As in "corporal punishment".
They must have known they wouldn't have any 300s in stock for tonight's party, for when I asked for an invite last week (free coins? yippee!) they told me they hadn't made any to send out. Then they handed me a xeroxed flier describing the event...printed on colored paper...ooooh, aaahh. Mind you, this is Scottsdale, a certain panache is expected. Perhaps they'll splurge for 'actual' Hydrox cookies tonight instead of the fake stuff. One can only dream.
I still haven't gotten to drive any of these 300's yet. Hopefully tonight. The dealer has a 300C that was damaged when being unloaded- dented in badly near the corner of moon roof. I followed the salesman to the body shop parking lot and he got the key and turned it on. We know it wasn't prepped yet. (I didn't think prep included tune ups) However, when he started the 300C up, we noticed a good amount of vibration and noise at idle. I could even feel it in the back seat. Hope this is a fluke because it was vibrating much more than any car I've been in since the ones back when with carburetors. It wasn't particularly quiet or smooth running. Wonder if there is a quality control issue already. Would appreciate any ones experience/feedback with the 300C.
What's been your experience at idle re: noise/vibration with the 300 C or the other 300's.
Are these going to have poor resale value like previous Chryslers? Has anyone gotten a quote for insurance? Chrysler seems to have high insurance rates due to the theft issue.
You need to check with your personal auto insurance agent for prices specific to you and your situation. Insurance rates vary wildly across the nation even for the same car.
Who knows what resale value will be, but there is no reason to expect it to be that great. Try to find out what kind of residual value the leasing company is counting on after 36 months.
I think when we start seeing police and taxi versions of this vehicle it will seem much less exclusive and it will hurt resale values.
In a couple of years 300Cs may be bargains on used car lots. Even though I'm not enamored by the styling, I would consider buying a used one for taking long distance trips. It would be a great vehicle for, say, a cross country trip.
Our local 5 Star dealerships--three that I'm aware of--had 300's on the lot last week. One dealership sold a base 300 last week. One dealership--which I visited yesterday--had 4 Hemi 300 C's. I was able to take a modest 10 miles test drive and it was very nice. Today at another dealership I was able to take a Touring edition (3.5) for a longer drive. Also quite nice but certainly NOT the Hemi. I live in PA and am surprised that some folks report seeing only one on dealer lots.
It isn't usual for cars to trickle in slowly at the introduction. Often only one or two on the lots. Check the dealers in one or two months and there will be rows of them.
emailed the local Chrysler dealer for a price on one of three he had on the lot the other day... said they were priced at MSRP... wife is looking for a new vehicle as her '01 Subn 4x4 goes off lease next week...
looks like we'll pass on the MSRP pricing...look elsewhere... unfortunately she can't wait for the 300C to settle down.. looks like a nice car too..
a few weeks back I test drove a Durango Hem-mee.. all I can say .. it ain't the Hem-mee of old... not even close.. I was disappointed in it.. so I leased another '04 Subn 4x4 LT after turning in my Z71 '01 back then ..got used to 'bigger' and knew I couldn't get used to that slopping front end.. ug-lee.. and yop.. we both had '01 Subn's
that Durango Hem-mee just didn't have that neck-snapping of the Hem-mee 's of yesteryear in the 60's.. had two friends with them back then.. one a street version.. pretty sure it was 365hp.. the other the dual quad race version he ran on the street.. an unbelievable monster compared to my '65 Goat..
looks like Chrysler has a good gimmick going with the Hem-mee thingy for people who never ran the old versions..
No reason, they were just closest. Called today, they got a truckload in this morning...gee, just in time for their party. All are spoken for. Mine isn't there.
In fact, they have "no idea" where it is. Neither does Chrysler. I'm thinking car theives are missing out on a spectacular market by not concentrating their efforts on hijacking the delivery trucks.
It could be months before anyone noticed the cars were missing.
"I'm thinking car theives are missing out on a spectacular market by not concentrating their efforts on hijacking the delivery trucks. It could be months before anyone noticed the cars were missing."
LOL... Doesn't it just boggle the mind that they can be so clueless and so blase about something that is their "flagship" model and the one they're hoping will raise their bottom line!
The "oh well" attitude expressed by my five star dealership caught me off guard at first. But, upon reflection, they've probably just been worn down by Chrysler business practices to the point where losing all trace of a vehicle is simply business as usual. They couldn't even muster a puzzled expression over it.
I've decided not to attend the 'coming out' party tonight. Not that I don't want to be there to share the joy of the other owners who's vehicles came in. Watching them hop in enthusiastically, revving their new engine on start-up, smiling gleefully as they lay half a Continental tread on the awaiting pavement, rushing out into the world with 340 horses raring to let loose, wind in their hair, music dancing with the Hemi's purr...
I stopped by the Dlr. on my way home and saw the soon to be party gearing up. The Mgr. told me they got one silver 300c and a couple of touring models. He also told me they had to rent a few 300's from Dollar rent a car! How so very Chrysler. I was lucky, I picked up my Blk 300c 0n the 19th and have posted a few comments. I never got a invite to the big party. I'm just 5 miles away from San Francisco what an introduction.
I got the Motorola Bluetooth Car Kit installed today.. for those (like me) who didn't get the Uconnect, the Moto kit is very very nice. Works great with my Motorola V600 Cingular phone (and soon to be Verizon V710). The kit is $209 from Motorola.com and my local Verizon Wireless Store installed for $65. I had the speaker mounted under the driver's seat, the super small control pad mounted next to the ignition, and the mic is located on my sun visor. I am surprised at how well it works and I think it might be better than the uconnect because you don't have to reach to press a button on the rearview mirror whenever you want to answer or start a call. I am not sure if the uconnect shows the callerID info in the 300's display or not, but if it does that may be the only advantage it has over the moto kit. anyway, just wanted to recommend it for anyone who was looking or wondering what was available aftermarket.
So, my son and I went to the premier event tonight and took a brief (4 mile) test drive. They had two 300C models available and we waited for about 20 mins or so. Overall, I really think I liked it. Was very fast, although it did not seem like a under 6 sec. 0-60 car to me (what do I know). I would have like to spent more time with the car but too many people were waiting - I will have to go back and drive one again. It did seem like a big car and definatley had plenty of interior room. On another note - I wonder how this premiere event will transfer into sales?? The dealership I went to was VERY crowded. Very impressive display of food and drinks and of course cars. Another observation is that I was one of the youngest people there and I am in my 30's. Did anyone else go?
I test drove the new 300 C Hemi, this thing flys....5 Secs easy for 0 to 60 and stopped on a dime. The layout inside was nice and had plenty of room. Nice features and great lines. This will be a good seller. I was impressed. The best was how it turned. The turning radius will impress you! This engine rocks.
Comments
My suggestion is pick the color you like. A black car looks great but shows dirt more than any color. I could have selected any color but picked the jade because it was tasteful but a little different.
How difficult is it to back up? Is it possible to parallel park the car without the parking assist?
(I thought my current car was hard to see out of, but the 300 is VERY difficult. Maybe I'll get the parking assist after all.)
Dave
And any opinions about the white color as it relates to keeping clean? I have to keep the convertible LeBaron in the one car garage during the winter.
Up here in the upper midwest (ND) our small town dealerships couldn't get away with that as they wouldn't be selling any cars. Our wage structure up here is a about 35-50% less than both coasts. When I mentioned going to your outlying areas, I meant to small town America,
(population 2000) where your high urban wages aren't found. There they need the business as well, and would be apt to present you with an honest deal.
PS: SuperDave's car "finally" came in, but the rear quarter panal came in with a big scrape / gouge. He has pics of it, and needless to say, he's quite upset. I don't think I could accept a repair like that. Dave---I urge you to have your dealer look up another comparable 300C on the dealer network, and if one is on a lot someplace, get Chrysler to pay any markup, and honor your original dealer's quote.
I'm going to the event tonight (hoping my car is hiding there) but as of last night my dealership has an onsite inventory of approximately ZERO 300Cs. They have one 'touring' model. Nothing else, unless they hid them under PT Cruiser shaped tarps. This is shaping up to be one of those surprise parties where the guy drops dead of a heart attack when the lights come on. Good premise, bad delivery.
Maybe Chrysler should concentrate less on chips, dip, and cocktail parties, and more on getting their loyal customers the vehicles they ordered....back in January.
But I'm not bitter.
HA! Saw that commercial (for a Kia?) where the guy hides his shiny new car under a tarp shaped / painted like an early 1980s Chevy Citation derelict, with rust, etc . . .
Funny.
- Ray
Who would not be swayed to purchase the car but enjoyed the commercial more than most . . .
fastdriver
http://www.detnews.com/2004/autosinsider/0404/22/c01-130167.htm
http://www.freep.com/money/autonews/dcx22_20040422.htm
Mmm...wonder why DC hasn't posted their quarterly earnings yet like Ford and GM? Timing must not be right with Premiere Night.
fastdriver
Now the new 300C. I want one. I'll probably go with the 3.5L instead of the Hemi since I'm not a hot rodder. Its a great looking car with room for the kids, we will be getting rid of a Chevy van.
What caught my eye, was "came out with" which I thought chuckg meant a car Cadillac recently introduced. The Seville and Deville are not new models and my response was driven by the fact that cars Cadillac has "come out with" recently (i.e., anything new within the last 2 years) is RWD or available AWD--CTS, SRX, XLR, and soon, the STS.
Chuck, that's what I was getting at--if you wanted RWD and thought, well, gee Cadillac came out with a new car, but it's FWD, I would wonder either when you were looking or what you were looking at.
Anyway, I glad the 300 caught your eye!
3,711 -- 300 (base)
3,742 -- 300 Touring
3,742 -- 300 Limited
4,018 -- 300 C
All in all, that amounts to 161 pounds over a 2003 300M Sedan and only 92 pounds more than a 2003 300M Special.
Best Regards,
Shipo
It looked good....(what car doesn't look good new) From 30 ft away I was thinking if fender skirts would look good on it? One can add lake pipes, and of course, my idea of a Continental kit.
First thing when I get home is to get my tape measure and see what the trunkwell measures vs
the conventional spare. I'm not sure what those narrow compact spares measure...
My concern about the light interior is the up-keep on the white carpets. Maybe I could put plush black floor mats over it. Opinions?
I really wish they had offered black leather. Despite a bit of discomfort in the summer, many of the car manufacturers are offering black because it looks good and wears well.
For those of you purchasing the 300, please offer your feedback on light grey vs. dark grey.
Some nice pics, but too much of an advertisement to be a good read. As for the drawing that was dismissed as "too european", I think the current design is better. Those low-slung cars are alright for a super-car you aren't going drive regularly. Anyone ever try to get in/out of some of those types of cars? I'm not sure I call that design too european, but just too "super carish". Most MB's, Bimmers, and Audis sit up nicely as well.
I'm curious as to what your car's 'order status' is at Chrysler customer service. My guess: "It's in D-1, should be built any day now sir!"
one thing that did catch my interest...when the driver's seat was situated where i felt comfortable...rear seat leg/knee room was pretty skimpy. i'm 6'1" so not really a tall guy. makes me wonder how chrysler came up with 40 inches of rear leg room?
anway, pressing on...they had three 300s at the local lot. two were C models...both were sold. even the touring i drove was sold but the owner was allowing folks to drive it. wish i coud have nabbed a C for some real fun!! the car is going to be a bonified hit...no doubt in my mind. fwiw, the one guy buying the silver C was trading in his seville...the other guy's midnight blue C was sitting on the showroom floor. the extra trim pieces, etc on the C really do set it off from it's lesser brethren...
hope you guys all enjoy your 300s...but i'm waiting for the charger. btw, the salesman told me the charger would be out late this summer...what an idiot!! salesmen always crack me up!
Don't feel bad, I'm still waiting from a 1/24/04 300 c order and no one can give me a straight answer. However, I am going to my local 5 Star dealer's reception tonight and may just sell my position for what's on the floor! This is ridiculous. I tought these 5 Star guys in Westbury, L.I. would have some pull, that's why I went there.
As in "corporal punishment".
They must have known they wouldn't have any 300s in stock for tonight's party, for when I asked for an invite last week (free coins? yippee!) they told me they hadn't made any to send out. Then they handed me a xeroxed flier describing the event...printed on colored paper...ooooh, aaahh. Mind you, this is Scottsdale, a certain panache is expected. Perhaps they'll splurge for 'actual' Hydrox cookies tonight instead of the fake stuff. One can only dream.
What's been your experience at idle re: noise/vibration with the 300 C or the other 300's.
Has anyone gotten a quote for insurance? Chrysler seems to have high insurance rates due to the theft issue.
Who knows what resale value will be, but there is no reason to expect it to be that great. Try to find out what kind of residual value the leasing company is counting on after 36 months.
In a couple of years 300Cs may be bargains on used car lots. Even though I'm not enamored by the styling, I would consider buying a used one for taking long distance trips. It would be a great vehicle for, say, a cross country trip.
Check the dealers in one or two months and there will be rows of them.
looks like we'll pass on the MSRP pricing...look elsewhere... unfortunately she can't wait for the 300C to settle down.. looks like a nice car too..
a few weeks back I test drove a Durango Hem-mee.. all I can say .. it ain't the Hem-mee of old... not even close.. I was disappointed in it.. so I leased another '04 Subn 4x4 LT after turning in my Z71 '01 back then ..got used to 'bigger' and knew I couldn't get used to that slopping front end.. ug-lee.. and yop.. we both had '01 Subn's
that Durango Hem-mee just didn't have that neck-snapping of the Hem-mee 's of yesteryear in the 60's.. had two friends with them back then.. one a street version.. pretty sure it was 365hp.. the other the dual quad race version he ran on the street.. an unbelievable monster compared to my '65 Goat..
looks like Chrysler has a good gimmick going with the Hem-mee thingy for people who never ran the old versions..
No reason, they were just closest. Called today, they got a truckload in this morning...gee, just in time for their party. All are spoken for. Mine isn't there.
In fact, they have "no idea" where it is. Neither does Chrysler. I'm thinking car theives are missing out on a spectacular market by not concentrating their efforts on hijacking the delivery trucks.
It could be months before anyone noticed the cars were missing.
"I'm thinking car theives are missing out on a spectacular market by not concentrating their efforts on hijacking the delivery trucks. It could be months before anyone noticed the cars were missing."
LOL... Doesn't it just boggle the mind that they can be so clueless and so blase about something that is their "flagship" model and the one they're hoping will raise their bottom line!
fastdriver
I've decided not to attend the 'coming out' party tonight. Not that I don't want to be there to share the joy of the other owners who's vehicles came in. Watching them hop in enthusiastically, revving their new engine on start-up, smiling gleefully as they lay half a Continental tread on the awaiting pavement, rushing out into the world with 340 horses raring to let loose, wind in their hair, music dancing with the Hemi's purr...
Yeah, actually I don't want to be there for that.
If you think that's bad, just wait. It gets better.
fastdriver
Overall, I really think I liked it. Was very fast, although it did not seem like a under 6 sec. 0-60 car to me (what do I know). I would have like to spent more time with the car but too many people were waiting - I will have to go back and drive one again. It did seem like a big car and definatley had plenty of interior room.
On another note - I wonder how this premiere event will transfer into sales?? The dealership I went to was VERY crowded. Very impressive display of food and drinks and of course cars. Another observation is that I was one of the youngest people there and I am in my 30's.
Did anyone else go?
Either everyone is still at Premiere Night or no one went or there was nothing to really report.
Maybe we'll get some feedback tomorrow.
fastdriver