Chrysler 300C SRT-8

coolken

I have had the car for 6 months and in that time I have driven other cars on test drives and such (CLS mercedes, Porsche Cayenne, VW Touareg, X5 and 750li BMW and Range Rover Sport). I must say, you can never get enough of the SRT8's power, but the rest of the package is about what you would expect for the price. It is very comfortable, spacious, quiet and easy to get along with. If anything its a bit too practical. The handling is good for a large american car. The only complaint I have is that the motor, because its so strong, eclipses the rest of the car. I never tell my friends about the SRTs features or its handling. Every comment or remark I make is invariably about its power. Years ago I had a 79' Alpha spider veloce and before that a Jeep CJ7. I loved both of those cars for different reasons, but power was not one them. There is more to a car than just acceleration. That explains why supercharged Mercedes Benz cars with 450 horsepower often loose in magazine comparisons against other premium luxury performance cars. Cars, like people, have souls. The soul of the 300SRT8 is basically that of the 300c. Don't go in with high expectations, you may be dissapointed. If you think your getting a rival to the 7 series that's faster at half the price...you're not. If you like the 300c and are a power junkie, then you will not be dissapointed shelling out the extra clams. And you will be amazed by what a little tuning and a lot of power can do.

Good luck

coolken

I drove a doctor friend's BMW M5 (it was an 01' I believe) about two years ago. It was a stick. I think my 300SRT8 has more force behind it than the older M5, but aside from an 06' corvette, that M5 was the quickest feeling car I think I have ever driven. The SRT is powerful...it will storm from 40 to 80 in a flash without changing a gear it seems. It has tidalwave like acceleration. But the M5, as I remember, was like sitting on a bottle rocket. It felt explosively quick in the first three gears, like you were rearended every time you grabbed a new gear and the engine was burning rocket fuel instead of gas. Maybe the manual had something to do with it. But if the old M5 and the 300SRT8 had to pull a stump out of the ground, the SRT would win for sure. I can't imagine what the new 10 cylinder 500+ horsepower M5 must feel like! Maybe someday...

ford624

I drove my 2006 SRT8 for the first time 2-15-06, 75 miles to Reliable Carriers warehouse and yard in Michigan so they could deliver it to me in California.
The Car was definitely a fine ride. I was worried that the suspension was going to be like a track racer.
The flight, motels, food and taxis, plus the transport added up to about $2100.00.
I am lucky, things worked out so that it will be delivered Monday the 20th of Feb.
I appreciate every-one letting me know what to expect.
I thoroughly enjoyed my 2005 300C. It had everything except the wood package.
My new Silver SRT8 has it every option. I did add the 100,000 mile 7 year Maximum Care Service Contract.
I paid the 6% Michigan sales tax and got an in transit permit to get car to California.
I will pay the difference in sales tax and License fee when I register it in California
The lemon law warranty of Michigan will follow car to California and me.
I am looking forward to many years and miles of fun driving.
"This is going to be good"

wantit

2006 silver steel srt8, all options, including rear video, and kicker. so far all stock.(probably will stay that way) this is my daily driver, had it since mid november, 2900 miles so far, only 1mi.each way to & from work. I love this car!!!!!! last car was 2000 cadillac dts, this rides 200% better! like someone else mentioned, the interior is a little cheaply made, but the ride, and awesome power more than make up for that. 136 mph on the garden state parkway on the last trip to atlantic city! as for grocery shopping, etc. my girls 2003 hyundai(did I spell that right?) elantra is for that.

yak54

Is the SRT road crown sensative? My 300C is very crown sensative, I must constantly work to keep it straight even after the TSB corrections by the dealership. They say that this is normal. I like the car, but not the crown sensativity. I had a Lincon LS prior and it stayed where youi put it.
Does the SRT track any better?

bigmike5

At my dealer last Friday having my 300M serviced; and they had a Silver SRT 8 on the floor. Stickered at $44K. If anyone is interested its the Chryselr/Dodge dealer in Elizabethtown, KY, just 40 miles down the road from the L-ville airport. Looked nice inside, but the exterior still gives me shudders. Maybe a Challenger will grab me. :shades:

nqrider

I picked up a Go Man Go Charger in October, car #318, in fear that I would never get my Silver Steel 300 SRT8. Well the dealer just called me to tell me it's here. They also have a silver SRT8 Charger. I want all 3 cars to be honest...but money is not that unlimited....

I am trading the Charger with only a $1500.00 loss.

I sure hope after a year...all the stuff I have heard and read is true. The 350HP in the Charger was disappointing to me and I was gonna mod it up to 400HP+.

I hope to slightly mod the SRT8 to 450HP +....

Someday I will post up my experiences...

njvike

Will that 300C SRT8 be made in 2007?

twisterchaser

My 2,500 mile 2006 300C-SRT8 (had it since June '05) has developed an irritating rattling noise that seems to be coming from somewhere around the far left (closest to windshield , A pillar) driver side area of the dash. Has anyone else experienced this noise in their 300's ?? It is kind of hard to hunt this rattle down because looking for the rattle and driving at the same time can get a bit harry It would be much easier to find if the rattling noise were coming from the passenger side !! But it isn't, so, any input would be welcomed..

pablo3

Hi, My SRT-8 with 200 miles is dead-on re steering. It does not pull in any direction. I tried putting it all over the road and released my grip - it went nowhere. I have owned over 175 cars - some nice and some common - never did I have a "crown sensative" vehicle. It either pulls to the right or left or it does not. Some radial tires want to hang around the trough in the highway made my millions of vehicles before it, but you just have to get out of the grove.
pablo

yak54

Thinking of purchasing, but what kind of real world gas mileage are you getting city/hwy?

Also considering the M45 sport, what do you think?

ford624

Every new TOY needs to be tested.
For the amount of POWER, I believe the Chrysler 300C SRT8 gets good gas mileage.
I suppose if someone gave it THE "Gas" every time they started off, or wanted to pass someone like it can, every time, the Miles Per Gallon would not be very large of a number at all.

clineboy

I have 1k miles on my 300C SRT8. Averaging about 16.5MPG.
Keep in mind I have been hot-rodding it a bit, and even entered it into a rally race (Cones in parking lot event).
On the highway I get almost 18MPG.
clineboy

pablo3

With 250 miles and just a little hot-rodding, I am getting 18.2 Gonna take a 800 trip this weekend we will see what it does.
Pablo3

steveoh

Crown sensitivity on my 300C increased with tire wear using the OEM Continentals. Got new Goodyear Assurance tires and never thought about it again.

gtojoe

300C SRT8 5000mile update, hopefully I can answer some questions and concerns. My car is just as solid today as the day I drove it home. This car is blistering fast, I discussed ESP in an earlier post and the need to disable it (push the ESP button) if you are looking for a fast launch. My car will smoke its tires longer when shifting manually. It tracks perfectly I have the standard Goodyear RSA tires. Brake squeal is evident but no scoring, these are racing brakes after all, My Jaguar, Benz and Audi all squeeled a bit. There is a TSB to change the brake pads for squeeling but I am reluctant to do it as long as the brakes are performing and wearing well. I have driven in light snow a couple of times, no problem but be cautiuous. The front spoiler is low (not good in snow or parking curbs) Practice parking or you will damage it. I installed the Jet chip and noticed slight gains in full on acceleration and downshifts. The average person may not feel the difference. Easy install no side effects. Mileage has been consistant at 16mpg combined, driving agressivley, I am more than satisfied. If driven with a lighter foot likely 17 or 18. Highway is 20 not showing off. The interior has taken a lot of heat for being cheap. It is not cheap, It is plain. I came out of an Audi the industry leader in interiors. The dash is huge and has a rubber feel to it which doesn't detail well but if you made it any shinier the reflections would likely be brutal. The seats are wearing well and are comfortable. I am considering a gray wood kit to add some style (not on the center stack) but on the doors and center console slate colored pieces. I would not go for the exhaust unless someone can show me tests proving out a performance gain. Check with your dealer to make sure they have the 0-40 oil in stock before you need service. My selling dealer and the local Dodge dealer did not and it was a wait. I went to a 3rd dealer who had it in stock but I shouldn't have had to hunt. The amazing thing about the SRT8 is: drive it sedately and your passengers will praise the comfort and the smooth quiet ride, step on the gas and it turns into a wild animal that will have them bracing themselves. I get constant praise and thumbs up on the styling, this car was built for me. 6 months 5000 miles tickled pink!

jthomp

I have also had my car for quite some time. I have 14000 miles on it. It still runs perfectly. I did have the brakes switched out because the squeeking was driving me nuts. I do have some scoring. Im not sure if this is an issue or just cosmetic, maybe someone could give me advice on that. I am a little concerned with not having a spare tire. I took a trip this weekend and had a little glitch in my system, the tire pressure warning came on and showed no preaaure in one of my tires, of course I panicked because I was in the middle of no where, female, no spare. Luckily all was okay and a few minutes later it read properly and there was no problem with my tire. I will have this looked at, but Im still remembering the feeling I had when I thought all was not well. How well and how long would that pump work, and what if your tire literaly blew. Would a spare fit anywhere? Im a female and love my car but that is a downside. I also got pulled over at 1 am in Georgia, I was doing nothing wrong , had the cruise set, so I wasnt speeding, they said I was swerving. I wasnt, it was just an excuse to pull me over. They searched my entire car and wanted to know if I was trafficing drugs. I laughed and said, if I was I dont think I would tell you, but Im not. Im a 42 year old mother with a 20 year old daughter. I think the looks of the car and tinted windows might have been the real reason for the stop. I am only telling you this because, I almost bought a beer when I stopped for gas that night, but instead , Thank God I bought a water. Be very careful when traveling late, expecially in Georgia, dont have anything in the car , you would want dicovered. If they will suspect me, a young guy would really be in a situation.

jthomp

I drove a 7 hr trip this weekend and with only getting on it when coming up the ramps to get back on the hwy, it got 21 mpg. I thought that was great! I get 18.5 city when I behave.

gtojoe

I have been told you can't use a conventional spare as the rims won't fit over the brakes. When you are ready for tires I would recommend the run flat tires. Even with a blowout they retain their shape and remain safe enough to get you to safety. They are used on the Corvettes. Wow! a woman with car savy and a taste for speed, very cool. My wife literaly grabs for something to hold on to whenever I nail it and then I get "was that necessary?" no but it was fun!

pat

So you can see that it is dangerous to generalize about women and cars!

twisterchaser

Maybe this has been discussed prior to now, but is there going to be a 300C SRT-8 for '07 ? :shades:

gtojoe

Yes, with a new color, inferno red as a choice. They built more than 6000 in 2006, they are building the Charger and Magnum SRT8s on the same line so its anybody's guess how many they will build of each in 07. I believe they are shut down for model changeover and resume building 2007 models in 2 or 3 weeks. You can find 06s at some dealers typically with a price markup.

jthomp

Can anyone tell me how to hook up the Razor phone with the bluetooth in the car. Im so confused. Oh and yes I love my car, and love to take off without the traction control on, I was raised with a bunch of muscle head brothers. I think Im the only woman I know who talks about my car so much. My daughter and my husband both think Im stupid about it. I like a hot car, and I liked buying it myself! The dealer kept waiting for me to say Im gonna go ask my husband, NOT! He would've said NO!. Now whenever I drive in they said they all like to come talk to the hot milf in the SRT 8! So never under estimate, some women can actually make their own money and have their toys, just like the guys, I know its rare, but it happenns

twisterchaser

Why has this forum dried up ??? :confuse:

hup60115

I also have a300C SRT8. The reason there are no spares is that they front and rear tires are not the same size. They are however, run flats which should be good for at least 50 miles or so. I think 50 miles is the maximum rated miles for the company safety, but you can probably drive a lot more.

pablo3

Sorry, I have a SRT8 and the reason there is no spare tire is not because of the different size tires on the front and back (The Goodyear All Season tires that are an option are the same size - 245 - and come with no spare). The Goodyear ZR FI Supercar 245's and 255's are not run flat tires - the only chance you have to continue driving is adding sealant. The reason there is no spare tire is probably because it would not fit in the spare tire cavity in the trunk and by law is has to be securely stored, although 18 inch wheels do fit, i.e. 300c. My solution with the Supercar tires is to purchase one tire and wheel (245) which I can use on the front or back for a several miles and just lay it in the trunk for long trips - maybe not safe but!!! The damn car would be a blast to drive even on rims.

mikeguil

Can anyone tell me the top speed they have obtained in their SRT8 - whether it be highway or racetrack? I live in a rural area having a 3/4 mile straightaway with open fields on both sides of the road, affording some safety. I've reached 130 mph on 3 ocassions before slowing down. Once the SRT8 reaches 120 mph it drops down into overdrive, though still pulling fairly hard. I'm wondering how fast it will actually run - within a one-mile distance....?

travelinman1

are there any lowering springs 1.4front 1.6rear out in the marketplace? if so by whom?

travelinman1

Will a CAI void the Chrysler Warranty

ford624

Chrysler 300C SRT8 Forum Readers,
Have there been any magazine articles written about motor and suspension upgrade successes for our 300C SRT8's?

sharfie2001

I am considering buying this car...but the fact that no one is buying these in Upstate NY is scaring me away. No dealer is asking above sticker and just today, I was offered $500 above invoice on a 06 loaded that has been at the dealership for 6 months. There are about 10 in town and no is moving them despite asking minimal amounts over INVOICE. Is it the price (chrysler at $46,000 is very high for average Chrysler buyer). Is it the brakes issue, the poor gas mileage? The manager at the dealership told me "the car is a monster" and almost uncontrollable in terms of tire spin, etc. I know that isn't true, but what gives...why isn't anyone buying these in Upstate NY?

lanzz

sharfie - I can tell you that I was very interested in an SRT8, but two things stopped me. 1) Dealers were gouging on prices here in the NYC area - some dealers had a $10,000 markup over sticker 2) The lack of a spare tire, and the lack of run-flat tires that fit the 20" wheels on the SRT8. It is a great car, but did not seem easy to get into, and would require some compromises in everyday use.

sharfie2001

So, if you could have gotten one for $600 over invoice would you have bought it? I put 15k per year on a car, and this will be my daily driver. Having seen demand just go to 0 in upstate NY, I am scared that in 3 years, it will be just like every other 300 out there 30% of its value, out of warranty, and breaking down. Has anyone purchased an extended warranty on this car? If so, how much did it cost, and what were the terms. I have read a few posts that say that because of the low front end, it will hit curbs($2000 in damage) and is very bad in the snow (again related to the low front end. Does that make this car a fair weather car? If it is a fair weather car, it snows from Late October to Late March, maybe that is causing literally almost 0 sales.

Again, I want to buy this car, but I need some help on daily living with it in the northeast.

Thanks.

lanzz

$600 over invoice definitely would have caught my attention - I guess things have changed a lot since I have looked. I was reading on another web site that the temporary spare from the AWD versions of the 300c will fit on the rear of the SRT-8, but not the front. So, it is possible to get a temporary spare, jack and lug wrench, and if you get a flat in the front, you have to swap it with a rear tire and put the temporary spare on the rear - a pain, but better than nothing.

It is a hot car, but in the final analysis, would have been too many compromises for me -

gtojoe

I can't speak to geographies. I suspect they got more allocation than expected and can offer a better deal. They are still selling for sticker in Mass. I have owned mine since 9/05 and I can tell you there are very few compromises if any. The mileage has stuck around 16 combined. It is surely not uncontrollable wheelspin as the ESP stops it quickly. This is not a snow car especially if you get the (summer only F1 tires). Yes run flats seem like they should be on the car from the factory. There were questions earlier about the spare tire. The reason there is no spare is they don't have a donut rim that will fit over the brembo brakes that is why the AWD spare won't fit on the front. The front spoiler is low and takes practice and judgement to avoid curbs. I brushed over one once with no damage. The comfort day to day of the car is excellent, if your passenger is not familiar with an SRT8 they will see it as comfortable as a standard 300C no ground pounding ride like a sport audi or the CTS. I did buy the extended warranty $2100 no deductable with wheel hazard. I have damaged a wheel when I had to drive off the edge of the road during a detour. Chrysler covers a portion with the road hazard I will post the cost when I bring it in this week. The brake squeel may be annoying to some. If you have owned a Jag or Benz you will be used to it. There is a tech bullitin for it to replace the pads under warranty. These are still low volume cars with incredible performance. Time will tell for long term quality and value. I can tell you I get lots of approving looks and many requests for rides. I paid sticker for mine and waited 6 months to get it and have never regretted it.

sharfie2001

I think I read your 5k post. What effect does the low front end have on snow. I plan on buying the 18inch snow package from tire rack, so the 20 inch rims will be gone from november through march. Thanks in advance. I think the extended warranty is a must have.

gtojoe

It was a mild winter in my area so I didn't have to deal with deep snow on the roads. As low as it is the shape of the chin spoiler will definately have issues in snow above 5". I haven't seen the snow package but have used tirerack for packages and have been satisfied. I have a pickup I can drive on snowy days.

ford624

In my neck of the woods, I have seen a steady rising number of new Chrysler 300's on the road.
About half of them with an aftermarket grill, great looking wheels, and some lowered too.
People are still buying all the 300 models.
I have only seen a couple of SRT8's at the dealerships.
They have been advertising the SRT8's at MSRP instead of 15K above MSRP.
I still believe that my Chrysler 300 C SRT8 is a very safe and fun driving car to own.
I slow down entering driveways.
I gauge my self when parking my car.
That helps me from bumping or scraping the front end.
I did not buy my car because of how economical it is on gas.

sharfie2001

Well,

I finally test drove the 300SRT-8. It is truly a nice car. As I said previously, I presently drive an Infinity M45, and the 300 is comparable. It is not as refined, but still a sweet ride. Ride was compliant, firm when necessary, but never harsh. The inserts in the seats are a bit uncomfortable as it makes it difficult to adjust your position in the seat, but I am sure I would get used to it. I can see how the bumper would brush against everything. It is low. Having said that, I left the dealership with an offer to purchase the loaded version for $3000 off of sticker. The leases seem to stink, $680 per month with $4000 down. I need to make a decision this week, as my lease is up, but the SRT is in the mix.

Karen_S

A national personal finance magazine is looking to interview consumers who own a car which has cylinder deactivation technology and is happy/unhappy with the fuel mileage it receives. Please send an e-mail to ctalati@edmunds.com no later than Monday, July 3, 2006 by 2:00 PM PST/5:00 EST containing your daytime contact information and what car you own.



Thanks,

Chintan Talati

Corporate Communications

Edmunds.com

y2kgts

Alas, while the deadline has passed I would also note that the SRT-8 does not have cylinder deactivation technology. The 5.7 Hemi does, while the 6.1 liter Hemi does not.

Oh yeah, and I take delivery of my gas guzzler on Friday...

dhearsse

HOW IS THIS CAT ON WET PAVEMENT I DRIVE HARD AND I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW IF IT STICKS LIKE GLUE ON WET PAVEMENT IT IS EITHER THE SRT-8 OR 300C AWD FOR ME

tomtomtom

Anyone knows if there is any major changes for 2007?

mikeguil

Has any SRT8 forum readers added the following Mopar performance parts to their car and if so, did it make a difference? I am thinking of installing the Mopar 'cold air intake' and 'cat back' exhaust system, both supposedly adding another 25 h.p. to the 425 h.p. engine...

ford624

How and where do we check to see if we have 425 Horse Power?

Also, sometimes, I wear levi jeans, my pant leg rubs on the arm rest and leaves a stain.

I can clean it off after.

Do you know of a preventive procedure to stop the staining.

I still get a thrill every time I drive the car.

"Thanks"

300c_kid

I added both to my SRT8. The dealer installed both before taking delivery.

I love the way the catback sounds and how those big pipes look! Unfortunately for those seating in the rear, between the catback and the kicker, there is a constant rumble.

The cold air intake creates a low whine which I could do without, and seems to require the engine to be warm for proper driveability. I am not too impressed with it.

I don't know if it truely added 25 hp... but who cares? Do the catback if you are going to enjoy the sound/looks, not for the performance gain.

coolkenny

I have had my car for almost a year and I love it. Its like a caddilac with corvette power. My son, "Mr. BMW", has gotten a new car and I hate to admit it, but the thing is almost as fast as my SRT8 (but a lot more expensive as well). Its a 550 and he hasn't done any modifications. We had a little fun, and up to 100 I could not put him behind me! His bumper dropped back to about the rear door by 80 but then he held and even started to creep back up before we let off at 105-110. He tells me his car is a 13.5 in the 1/4 mile and the SRT is a 13.3? I thought the M5 would be the equivalent BMW? That thing must really move. Anyway, I know its childish, but I would like to have a clear and decisive advantage over this 550. Another 25hp should do it. Does the dealer sell these air intakes and exhausts, and for how much?

CoolKenny

jjbbss

I have posted some photos of my new Chrysler 300C SRT-8. Check em out in my photo album. I've had mine for 1 month, no problems so far, and I love it. If you are contemplating a purchase, at the least give it a test drive, I think it will convince you.

jjbbss

6pk2go

Hi, can some one explain to me what comes stock for air bags and what the Option 1 Air bags add. I'm under the impression that the Opt 1 is the additional side air bags, but while shopping on line for an SRT, a lot of the adds list side air bags, but don't show having the Opt 1. Is this just a mistake on the anxious sellers part? Thanks in advance.

300c_kid

Standard are front airbags only. Side curtains are part of an option package --I don't recall which one. Looks like most SRTs come with the optionals side curtains, though.