Chrysler 300/300C

tibbune

I paid below invoice, as usual. That's overpriced for car theives I suppose.

The $32,000 figure you are referencing is a BONE STOCK Hemi C. You may want to know, before you go running off with a mere $32K in hand, that items like sunroof, side impact air bags, nav system, satellite radio, HID lamps, power pedals, walnut interior, and the stereo upgrade aren't given away as door prizes for just showing up.

Perhaps you are on of the reasons they invented fine print?

fsmmcsi

The first person to drive a 300: please report back to all of the rest of us on the visibility (and your height).

soozpk

As well as a 300C comes equipped, there's a few items that give it a personal touch. If one needs to keep the budget to 32,000, then perhaps they'd be better off getting a nicely loaded 300 Limited.

My wife is only 5'1", the power seats / power pedals combo will make it work for a short person.

setzer

i saw a auto world magazine at K-mart today so i picked it up. as i was looking at it, there is a whole part on the new Chrysler vehicles. They show a picture of the 300C and below it a 300C wagon. It says "300C WAGON- FAMILY SIZE: A station wagon version of the 300C is also on its way." they may be wrong, though. I think if they released a 300C wagon there would be a lot of in brand competition between that and the Pacifica. But on the other hand, Magnum is a wagon and there is supposed to be a sedan version of it too.

soozpk

I don't think so, Setz.... You may be thinking of the Charger RT due out in 2006. That's
also a 4-door, but the rear doors are blended in nicely as so not to be noticed. At least from
the concept pics I've seen.

riker2

There's been a lot of talk on this board about the wisdom of Chrysler spreading the price of the new 300 from the low 20's to the mid 30's.

Posts have used the BMW 3 series as an example, and others have pointed out the BMW is a special case, and that Chrysler can't match them in terms of prestige or pedigree from the bottom to the top of a fully loaded 3 edition.

But I don't know that anyone has alluded to the VW Passat. The VW has a base price of $22,355 with a top base MSRP of $40,35.

When one considers the line-up of the 300 Chrysler, and its variety of trim, engine and technical differences, the price spread seems completely in line with the marketplace.

Perhaps the new Chrysler pricing strategy is merely a harbinger of the confidence that they believe they will have in effectively competing with import pricing methods.

a_l_hubcaps

I actually like the fact that Chrysler offers such a wide range of 300 models. It's cool to be able to buy a big car without buying a luxury car, something that hasn't been widespread since the '70s. I like the size and road feel of a large sedan or wagon, but I have no interest in excessive tech features, no need for 275 horsepower and no desire to get 12 MPG. I figure I have 10 years to make up my mind about whether I want to replace my 1986 Pontiac Parisienne (54,000 miles!) with a 2005 300 base model or a 2005 LeSabre Custom :-)

-Andrew L

bobbrown1

I basically like the new 300. I would like to see a version with a slightly stretched rear end that would yield a trunk with at least 20 cubic feet. The wheelbase is long enough for the interior, but a slightly longer rear overhang wouldn't hurt and might even improve f/r weight distribution. I suppose the current overall length is designed for Euro sales, but longer wouldn't be a problem here. What do you think?

soozpk

Having ordered one a month ago, I never did get an answer as to whether an 18" conventional
spare can fit in the 300's trunkwell. It's not listed as an option.

shipo

I for one would love to see a new Imperial, enormous trunk, Hemi Engine, Gonzo Leg Room, Miles and Miles of Leather, Suicide Doors and all. ;-) I probably wouldn't buy one at this stage of my life, but I'd surely give Chrysler kudos for doing one anyway. ;-)

Best Regards,
Shipo

soozpk

I agree, Shipo. The dropping of the Imperial line (Plymouth also) was a mistake in that it pretty
much left the door open for Cadillac and Lincoln to run away with the high-luxury domestic maket, as limited as it was. The last Imperial was based on the K-car platform, and there's
no way they could have competed in that market in a serious manner. It would be nice if
Mopar does bring out some retro-vehicles that reflect the corporation's history, and actually
bring back the Desoto, Plymouth, or Imperial names, even if only for one retro concept. They
already went back to the 30's with the AirFlow concept, so maybe there's hope.

bobbrown1

What I would like to see wouldn't have to be too elaborate. Maybe simply a different rear end like the difference between the 300M and the Concorde? Anyone know if there are plans to bring out a new Concorde?

fsmmcsi

I completely agree that a longer trunk or four door car-truck version of the car is needed.

The 300 line and the 300C seem like just what I want, but I won't buy one if I can't see well from the driver's seat, and if the trunk isn't large enough to carry my folding ladder (55" tall by 22" wide at the base).

I own a toxic materials consulting company, and I am sure that many other consultants, appraisers, and so forth would really rather drive a car, but have been buying SUVs for the view down the road and the storage space. The problem with a wagon/SUV is the rattling and other noise from the things being carried, and the need to secure the cargo to prevent it from flying about in the event of a quick stop, corner, or wreck. Plus, the SUVs don't handle nor stop well.

If I don't buy a 300, I also think the Ford Five Hundred is an excellent car. The Five Hundred is underpowered compared to the 300 V6 and V8, but it has a better power to weight ratio than many common SUVs. My third choice is the upcoming Honda four door car-truck.

Does anyone else think that a four door car-truck would be an excellent addition to the 300 and Magnum line?

tibbune

They have a four door car truck already in the line-up. They call it a "Dakota", which is a German word meaning "recycle old design with ugly facia".

I wanted out of my Durango, it's seven years old and a Dodge, not a good 'brand to age' ratio. A new Durango was my first choice, until I saw the bloated, underpowered, 4 wheel drive minivan that has recently stolen the name. A Dakota was second choice...the versatility of a truck/SUV just can't be bested by a car no matter the size...but the new 2005 Dakota is the same as the old Dakota, just heavier, uglier, longer (the bumper sleeps six) and...wider? Not the specific improvements on design I was hoping for.

No Hemi offered in that thing either? Sheesh, Forget it.

So I bought a 300c. I will buy a used Jeep Wrangler (about $5000 here in AZ) for any of the ultra-dad tasks that only a truck bed, or open top vehicle, can conquer.

If you have to haul a ladder around, strao it to the side. Works for firetrucks!

fsmmcsi

The Dakota is simply a smaller truck - body on frame, solid rear axle, separate bed and cab.

A car-truck has all of the attributes of a modern car - the unibody construction, independent rear suspension, nice interior, good handling, a full complement of safety features, and a smooth ride, but with an integrated 5' bed in place of a trunk.

tibbune

I hear the Honda Del Camino is already in the works. Looks like a truck, purrs like a car, gets 50 mpg and can tow up to five entire bags of groceries in as little as three trips. Supposedly they are going to pitch them to that small segment of the "metro-dad" market not yet emasculated by the mini-van onslaught.

Seems like a well intentioned idea destined to crash into bits against the jagged shores of marketing perception. But heck, I see people driving Pacificas and Aztecs, so anything is possible.

tibbune

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid82/p5eef7744ae7e71f6aa52- 2ba231169697/fae9efab.jpg

The link is to a camera phone shot from a shopping center in Michigan. Not the crispest shot, but it's nice to see the car outside of the picture studio. Looks niiiiice.

fsmmcsi

Thanks for the photo.

I wonder how long before they make it down to California? Has anyone else seen one on the street?

I'll be sure to report back once I have seen and driven one. If I like it, that report will also tell how much I paid.

The Honda car-truck is based on the excellent Pilot / MDX / Odyssey platform, and will have a wide 5' bed, so will carry more groceries than could be eaten before they go bad. Quite unlike the Subaru's tiny bed.

A Chrysler car-truck would compete very well against the upcoming Lincoln Mark LT.

tornado25

"A new Durango was my first choice, until I saw the bloated, underpowered, 4 wheel drive minivan that has recently stolen the name."

Whha? The Durango has a Hemi dumped in it. It is indeed bigger, but that is what SUVs are becoming now. The suspension/ride are improved and I have to say it is an overall better vehicle than the one it replaced. I can't comment on the design, since that is a truly personal decision. However, there is no way it is underpowered, unless you don't get the Hemi.

fsmmcsi

Yes, I have also seen the 300 and Magnum painted flat gray driving on LA freeways. I ate at a Denny's a few months ago and a 300, Magnum, and something else (probably new Durango) were parked there for some time. I should have at least tried to get a closer look.

ipoddin

I posted this a couple weeks ago. 300c on the 101 freeway in LA:

ipoddin Jan 21, 2004 7:25pm

soozpk

Thank you taking the time to take that 300 pic, Tibbune. Yes, it's looks much better
than that drab colored vehicle they show on Mopar's 300 Virtual Tour.

tibbune

Thanks, but I didn't take the pic, a client sent it to me. Don't know where he got it.

One has to wonder indeed about the marketing arm of Chrysler. No brochures, no print ads, and not a single television commercial. I'd bet their excuse is "zer are no carz on zee lotz yit" but if that's what stalls ad campaigns, why do they keep showing movie previews weeks before the feature debuts?

Are they afraid that news the Germans were launching a campaign would scare France into surrender again?

The 300c web tour is just plain bad (nice color choice, is that 'rotted adobe white' or 'dead dolphin grey'?), in comparison to other manufacturers at least. It's funny, my neighbors will ask what kind of car I ordered, then recoil in confusion when I mention the name.

"300C huh? Never heard of it"

"Yeah, it's uh, well, it's Chrysler's new flagship sedan...ahem...as you can tell"

soozpk

I enjoy your describing Mopar's color variety,"Dead Dolphin Gray" is a good one, indeed.
What color exactly did you order??? The wife selected the Cool Vanilla as it seemed to
be the only "good" color available.

I did manage to get hold of a "fold-out card", about the size of a calendar, that depicts a full-sized side view on one side, and the reverse cover depicting the front and rear views.
Inside is a full spread of the interior on one page, and the other lists a few specificatons,
namely engines availble, mpg, and of course, the seven great colors available. When
looking at the glossy paint swatches, one can swear that three of the colors being offered are black. God help us if this "is" the catalog I've been waiting for!!

dale48

After putting 180,000 miles on my 94 new yorker, I broke down and ordered a car I've never seen or driven. From this board I see many of you are waiting for info. Was I crazy or brilliant? The 300c could be a great car or the next Edsel. Time will tell.

bnet504

soozpk, you said in a fold-out card you got it showed mpg. i'm curious to know what the mpg is for the hemi

dale48

bnet504- I have the 4 panel brochure also.
The hemi mpg is 17/23. the 3.5 ltr V6 is 18/24 and the 2.7 V6 is 18/25.

fsmmcsi

I spoke with a local dealer yesterday and he told that my idea that the roof is normal, but the beltline raised, is correct, since the dealer people have seen the car. He promises that 300s are already shipped and on the way, and that they will arrive later this month (southern California).

I have seen the Jade on the Pacifica and with the Jade exterior, you may order a two tone Jade and Taupe interior - a nice combination. From the high resolution photos I have seen (the best are on the German Car fans site I mentioned a few posts ago), the dark gray-blue looks very nice.

soozpk

Dale, what model of the 300 series did you order, and which color did
you select??

dale48

I ordered the 300c and from the tiny paint chip on the brochure the Satin Jade Pearl Coat with Deep Jade/Light Graystone interior.
I also order the following options: Sunroof, Sound Group II, Sirius Satelitte, Protection Group II, Adjustable memeory pedals and HID Headlamps.
I will also buy the 7 year 100,000 mile warranty.

Do you or does anyone else know when production will actually start?
Dale

tibbune

According to Autonews.com, production of 2005 300s started weeks ago, with 2800 of them built as of last Friday.

http://www.autonews.com/files/prod.pdf

You can call Chrysler with your VIN number, and if lucky, they can get you a build code, possibly even a build date for your vehicle. This link will show you how:

http://news.dakota-truck.net/order_status.html

I called today, and they are finally able to find my car in the system, but it will not be built until the second week of March.

silverbullet4

The 300C shape reminds me of my parents' '50 Plymouth, only with the top chopped. I guess I am not in the targeted demographic, cause I just don't get it. Nice engine, but......retro ugly IMHO. Wonder what the Cd is on this brick?

rcf8000

My grandfather had a '50 Plymouth, or a model year with the same style. I had noticed the resemblance, too. Some of the cars of that era with even smaller windows, like the Mercury and the Hudson, were pretty sharp. It's going to be interesting to see if he public is ready for that again.

xmf314

I'm old enough to remember when there were lots of 1950 Plymouths still on the road. Even though they were conservatively styled they were much more attractive than the misshapen 300.

Here is a gallery of them :http://www.oldplymouths.bigstep.com/generic.jhtml?pid=14

bnet504

On the chrysler build and price site for the 300 the 300c has a different front end then all of the other model trims. will it be like that for the production models?

oedipus1608

yes

bigmike5

They are in production and doing about 250 a day right now.

pster

What's with these "chrome covered aluminum" wheels? Are these plastic coated? More evidence of decontenting/cheapening of parts? I'm starting to see many, many ways Chrysler has lowered its costs....as an owner of a failed 300M, I'm starting to think Chrysler has totally forsaken mechanical integrity for design. They seem to think that it's what the wheel looks like that matters, not what its made of? Fluff....design....faux....facade...I'm starting to equate Chrysler's with these words...

fastdriver

bigmike5-

Here's the rest of the pics from the RI car show with the 300C pics too, blurry as they may be! ;-))

http://www.ofoto.com/ShareLandingSignin.jsp?Uc=6evsh3j.1o049b8v&a- mp;Uy=wwyt0&Upost_signin=BrowsePhotos.jsp%3FshowSlide%3Dtrue&- amp;Ux=0

fastdriver

ipoddin

Ok, so it's just a video game, and maybe it's been posted already...but you can race the 300, Crossfire, Pacifica, and PT online for free:

http://chrysler.games.yahoo.com/detail?game=crally#

soozpk

First, thanks to fastdriver for providing more pics. Maybe you should run the advertizing leg
for Mopar.

They're just probably chrome-plated aluminum wheels. If you're as old as I am, and remember
how much car one can buy in the 1960's for 3,000 bucks, and compare them to now, I would have to agree with you, pster. However, you can't put the blame just on Mopar for cutting
corners, just about every industry is guilty of that. I remember the days when I had a meal
on short flights, now I get a 7-up and a bag of peanuts.

What exactly went wrong with your 300M????

a_l_hubcaps

The "chrome clad" wheels on many new cars are NOT chrome-plated aluminum wheels. They are regular aluminum wheels with a chromed plastic cover glued on. The reason for this is that true chrome-plated wheels tend to corrode and peel after a few years. This introduces a problem when the chrome on the bead seat begins to peel...it creates a small opening and the tires constantly lose air. The chrome clad design has only been in use for a few years, so the jury is still out on how well it will hold up. If chrome plastic wheel covers are a good example (and they should be, as they are made by the same supplier, McKechnie Vehicle Components), they will last ~10 years before the plating starts coming off. But at least this way they won't let the air out of your tires!

-Andrew L

pat

soozpk if you do a search for "Christine" (using the Search This Discussion box on the page bar), you should be able to find fastdriver's entire saga without him having to retell it.

fastdriver

pat HOST-

Thanks for the concern, but I believe that soozpk was asking PSTER and NOT me. No need to worry that you would hear ANY part of the Christine soap opera AGAIN this time!

fastdriver

PS You have to admit that Christine kept the 300M board hopping in its day and not DEAD like now!

fastdriver

soozpk-

"Maybe you should run the advertizing leg for Mopar."

LOL....IF I did, I can tell you that I wouldn't have been showing the "sneak" preview of the 300C in that drab color which did nothing for the car AND I would not have been concentrating on that GRILL!

fastdriver

fsmmcsi

Once the 300s are really out in dealers, people have driven / bought them, and car magazines have published test drives, this should become a very active discussion. For now, we are all wondering when we will see & drive the real thing.

Fastdriver - yes, the ads are amazingly poor.

fastdriver

fsmmcsi-

"Once the 300s are really out in dealers,... this should become a very active discussion."

Possibly. It all depends on a number of things. In times past, the 300M topic was EXTREMELY active. If you missed a few days or a weekend of checking in, you had HUNDREDS of messages to catch up on. Now, you might find 2-3.
  
Time will tell.

fastdriver

soozpk

The grill doesn't look so bad now, and the car itself, although not as attractive as a '69 300,
it's the colors being offered, that stink. The colors on the 300's virtual tour make it out to be
"cartoon-ish", and the the glossy swatches being shown on that fold-out card don't match the
colors on the virtual tour. Hell, three of the colors appear to be black. It would have been nice to show all the vehicles in colors true-to-life, but then you'd have three pages of black 300's !!!

fsmmcsi

Soozpk - I completely agree. The cars on the Chrysler web site look like cheap cartoons. The Chrysler web site does not even have the large high resolution photos available on other web sites! Rather than cartoons, I wonder why they do not have actual photos of real cars? I wonder if they know how many people now shop on the web before visting dealerships?

dale48

My Dealer did not volunteer a delivery date when I ordered my 300c on 2/17. He said normally an order is 8 weeks. I guessed 12 weeks and he did not argue. Anyone have a firm delivery date or driving one now?
My 94 New Yorker with 180,844 went through its third water pump Saturday. I am ready for a new car.
I am curious why any of you like me ordered this vehicle. I like the idea of driving something different and if a few of the systems fail, thats what warranties are for. I drive the LIE every morning and BMW's MB's Jaguar's etc are a dime a boring dozen.
I still enjoy my car after 10 years. I had my share of problems (A/C, fuel rail etc.) but after they were fixed. the car was very reliable.

At $35k with options I think the car is a great value.

If the 18" "chrome covered aluminum wheels don't cut it I told my 22 year old son when the first set of tires wore out, I'd buy the 20 inchers with spinners he's trying to talk me into.

By the way I think its amazing that a car with so many systems, works as dependably as it does.

Well let hear it!