Chrysler 300M

mikeyp · October 2001

Hey there..

I got a killer deal..I have a 01 M..All Options..(I mean everything)When I got it back in november 2000..They had a special that I would get $7500 off MSRP just for leasing..I put down 4K..I have extended mileage of 17500 per year for 3 years..at .12 per mile after..My payments are only 426 per month..plus I get to write it all off..so for me, it was a no brainer..My residual at the end if I want to buy the car is just over 13K..so even still, I saved a ton of $$$..it's well worth it if you can get the right deal..

silverbee · October 2001

If we ordered a hat and shirt at the same time,would you ship them togeather??How much total??sdmike Liked that spoiler so much I bought one also>Your car looks great and hope you don't have to (sniff) sell.Later

silverbullet4 · October 2001

Good luck, Fuzzy. We shall miss your expertise on things under the hood and your frequent posts.
Keep in touch-let us know what your next ride will be.

Silver

intrepidspirit · October 2001

I got an OK deal (good at that time - 7/4/00). Got a base - except premium Inferno Red paint - 2000 300M. Put $3000 down (+ deposit + 1st mo. payment + lic fees, etc.) Payments of $375/month (+ tax) for 36 months (12,000 mi/yr; $.12/mile over 36,000 miles). Option to purchase 7/4/03 -- $16,208 which only makes sense if I don't reach my 36,000 miles (currently at 10,800). I will probably swap with my wife for a while (she has a longer commute) -- that way, we will extend the warranty on her 2001 300M (purchased) closer to 3 years (she does 16,000/yr. and would hit 36,000 miles well before 3 years if we don't swap).

Leasing is relatively economical (best 3 years of a car at lower rate than purchasing), but it is a hassle trying to get a good deal that coincides with the lease expiration, unless you are willing to rent a car until you get the deal you are looking for.

I have not had a problem in "wear and tear" charges for my 2 previous Chrysler lease turn-ins, but I take good care of my vehicles...

I actually leased my 1st 3 Chryslers because of the reliability factor, but have been very happy with my last 2 (98 Intrepid ES and 2000 300M).

The thing to remember about a lease is that you get whatever deal you have cut on the lease period only -- the residual (purchase option) is based on a % of MRSP (typically 54% after 3 years for Chrysler). So you get no deal on the option and Chrysler Financial is unwilling to negotiate price at option time...

bullseye3 · October 2001

I leased a 2001 with all options except for PHP.
Listed at just under $33,000. I put $500 down. Payments are $495 per month for 39 months and 15,000 miles per year.

rogor2k · October 2001

Yup, order a hat and shirt together and the shipping on the hat is free.

If you pay by check, just deduct the cost of the shipping for the hat. If you pay by PayPal, I'll include a postage rebate check with your order.

fastdriver · October 2001

sdmike2, silverbullet and lflowers-

Sorry to read about your jobs. A few days not reading these messages and all hell breaks out. I'm sure that you will all find another job in your field. Good luck. sdmike2, I hope you don't have to sell bigred even though she has a SCRATCH!! ;-)) Where will I get my "fix" of Zaino pics on a great looking car in a great looking color?

drpixel-

Of course you can mention ZAINO here! Where do you think all those great shines come from? Zymol? ;-)) You're not in the car wax/polish - NO Zaino posts topic! LOL......

fuzzywuzzy-

Don't abandon this board. You provide so much to the people here. I don't have Christine anymore, but I'm still here. Mostly reading, but none-the-less still here. I'm nowhere as talented or knowledgeable about cars as you. You've helped a lot of people. Where will I see you- the CL forum? ;-))

fastdriver

easyrider300m · October 2001

decided to kiss a stone wall today. Tore throught the sidewall and put 1/2" scrape on the lip of the rim---I have AAA but didnt want to wait for them to show up so I changed it myself using the quesionable lug wrench that came with the car. It IS pretty flimsy but I did manage to get it to work. The wheel was bound to the mounting surface but a couple of swift kicks took care of that. It probably wouldnt be a bad idea to carry a solid lug wrench in the trunk as that factory one is kind of weak at the joint.

I also managed to put a 2" scratch down to bare metal with the handle of the lug wrench. Be careful when turning that handle. If you go too quick, and bend the flexible handle inward too much, it can definitely lead to a nice scratch. I've got another 20K on the remaining tires and may just ride around without a spare. I have an air compressor in the car and also carry a can of fix-a-flat and a plug-type tire repair kit just in case. I'm eyeing the Dunlop A2 Sport tires for my next set which will now come a little sooner due to my mishap today. Another day, another dollar!

PS: I did notice that the dome shaped cap over the center of the axle hub is getting pretty rusty--anyone else notice this on changing a tire?

easyrider300m · October 2001

I bought a Y2K M in April of 2000 with all the toys. I took the low .9% financing for 5 full years. Put 0 down. I pay $488 a month for 5 years and then I own it. A four year lease at $450 a month sounds high. I put on about 18K a year I would have to pay xtra mileage charge if I leased. And you have to be very careful to keep it in perfect shape if you drive a lease.

avalanche165 · October 2001

no scotian there is a flap that will deflect the water out to the sides. its tested and been a few months now, works real nice.

easyrider300m · October 2001

what kinda wing you gonna put on your baby?--when are you doin the diablo doors?

avalanche165 · October 2001

easy, now wing for me, i love the butt nekkid'ness. lol. imho, a wing messes up the flow of the car. i think its because i have everything shaved. i was looking around yesterday, and besides that front grille and my front door handles, theres nothing i can shave anymore! anyway yea thats why i'm not getting wing. on a stock body 300, i think they look good, but not on mine. diablo doors are gonna be some fun, i got the hinge, i got some pics email me or something, and built the box and valves for it. remote release valves, they're great. now i'm thinking how long they are gonna last, lol. the doors are sooooo heavy! thats good for safety tho.

ruski · October 2001

I got my 1999 300M with PHP, upgraded stereo, and full size spare tire 3 years ago.

$0 down. Payed taxes upfront (+/-$1,900)
$453 per month
36 months

lease was based on selling price of +/- $29,000

12K miles per year

back then 300M was a HOT car.

no1trust · October 2001

I rent them every opportunity for out of town weekend jaunts. I can't make up my mind to buy a $19,000 car or splurge on a 300M. For the first time ever leasing is a consideration (for this car). I am wondering about the Chrysler "service" I've read recently on this topic. The car seems beautiful to me but I would loathe getting stuck w/sorry customer service. What is your verdict on DC's handling of customers' concerns? I also rented a 300M this past weekend w/14,000+ miles on it; I did notice seat travel on the driver's side. The 300M had a blowout, and Dollar exchanged another 300M w/12,000+ miles on it - no seat travel. Is the seat travel widespread? If you had to do it over, would you buy that car again? Help!

no1trust · October 2001

Bear w/the rookie here... do you try to negotiate a purchase price first and THEN "change your mind" and decide to lease, or do you approach the DC dealers and announce your lease intentions, or is there a different tactic to use?

99_300m_ric_va · October 2001

http://www.carbuyingtips.com/lease.htm

russklass · October 2001

Leased a loaded '01 in January, every option but chrome wheels & smokers package.
Went with a 25 month, 60,000 mile Chrysler lease.
NO down payment (why put a downpayment on a lease?) and the lease payment is $729/month.
Only mods are wood dash kit and painted-on pinstripes.
I drive it for business, and get most of the cost back on expenses.
I have a Chrysler $0.00 deductible extended warranty, and a road hazard warranty on the $200 Michelin Pilots.
To date (22,000 mi) my experience with my 5* has been excellent, as it was with my '99 300M.
My combined experience for both 300Ms to date is 92,000 trouble-free miles.
I look forward to getting another one in 2003/04.

easyrider300m · October 2001

Trust me: the M is a great car--some minor problems such as slight moving seats, tranny sensors (easy fix), strut tower squeaks, etc but the most important compenents are fine and the car is a real value especially with the lowered price for 02---only complain I have is some road noise--tire,wind noise--but my next set of tires (Dunlops or Yokohamas) should help----if you need a comfortable car with lots of passenger space and want a real looker at a fair price, the M is the way to go-----

by the way, this is the overall number 1 car forum on edmunds---M owners love to talk about their cars!

no1trust · October 2001

While other cars might be more practical, IMHO this car has always looked good... it's also fun to leave the more popular cars in the dust on the freeway. Hard to choose: get a more practical car for $10,000 cheaper or splurge on the fun car made by DC and drive it into the ground. Decisions, decisions.

easyrider300m · October 2001

if you dont buy an M, you will alway wish you had whenever you see when fly by you on the highway. If you can afford it, go for it! You only live once. You should consider taking the 0% financing and make sure you research the price you should pay by checking out the dealer invoice on the internet and then negotiate, negotiate, negotiate.

And another good reason to own an M---you get to join the "Chrysler 300M Enthusiasts Club" and meet some realy great people! http://www.300mclub.org/

Easyrider300M

300michael · October 2001

she is looooking gooood.

sdmike2 · October 2001

Nice compliment that you bought the same spoiler. I probably paid a little too much at www.california-dream.com, but I can't complain too much. The quality of the spoiler and the paint are superb. It might help you to look at my installation pictures. Here is the link, and let me know if you have any questions.

http://albums.photopoint.com/j/AlbumIndex?u=1620463&a=12998422&f=0

300michael · October 2001

I am moving around the Indash Vidio and Stereo, to give you an idea I pasted this together. http://community.webshots.com/user/my300M_ then go to Interior Work

sdmike2 · October 2001

By all means, negotiate a price for the car before talking about how you'll pay for it. That way you can be sure to separate all of the components of the deal. The dealer will try to make money on the price, a trade-in, add-ons, and the financing. To make sure you don't get screwed on any of these make sure you negotiate them SEPARATELY. Go visit http://www.carbuyingtips.com and read the entire site before going to the dealer. Go armed with information (like true dealer cost for the car...not just MSRP or invoice) and alternatives (third party financing and extended service contracts, etc.) and make them work for it. Remember, it's a sales person's job to separate you from your money. It's your job to keep them from getting too much of it.

sdmike2 · October 2001

The shirts are done. I pick them up tomorrow. You should have them early next week, so don't hose down or blow up any large packages from San Diego.

300michael · October 2001

Just let me know what the shipping cost is too.

mboomgarden1 · November 2001

I've owned about a bejillion cars and motorcycles and I have yet to run into this problem before, though it's now happened at least four or five times with my 300M. Here's the problem:

I pull up to the pump, insert the nozzle and can only fill the gas at the slowest possible rate; otherwise the pump clicks off. At one station, I was unable to get more than one or two cents in at a time and had to move on to another station.

This again occurred yesterday at the Amoco station that I use about three-quarters of the time. I was having problems filling the M--it only worked at a rate of about a half gallon per minute--then gasoline came gushing out of the filler neck. I gave up, but had about a quarter tank to go. I went to another station and was able to fill it all the way.

I have a vague recollection that there may be a venting problem with the 300M tank that can cause this. Does anyone know what's going on? If this is a previously documented problem, is there a TSB on this?

on1wheel · November 2001

hi all,i have this same problem with our viper also.it can get real anoying.is this a venting problem?

melthomason · November 2001

I am making an offer on a '99 300M today. It is Platinum in color and does not have the chrome wheels. The wheels have been a big hangup for me. I've always said I do not want a 300M without them. Well, I like this car so much I'm going to buy it without the chrome wheels and have found a place that will exchange chrome for the alloy (for a price).
I have seen very few 300's that are Platinum. Was there anything wrong with the paint ?
Thanks........

drpixel · November 2001

Hello, Mike! I went to your website to look at what you're doing with video, etc--didn't get there yet; but DID look at pix of 2002's--the sise by side image. Can you tell me WHY the 'wing emblem' is in different postions on both of those two cars--or was this already answered, and did anyone else notice this?

Was good to see some of you in the chatroom last night. Hope you all had a nice Halloween, but we didn't get many kids at all.

sdmike2: AHA!..I finally got to see what you really look like wITHOUT your hat--the Zaino Spray Guy image on your spoiler instal! Nice job documenting the installation. I've been thinking about doing the same thing--different color of course! The implication by california dream is that installing is a snap---maybe for those of us with the dna helix for tools, but me?---scared the fecal matter outa me!

Doc

rogor2k · November 2001

I think the platinum 300M is drop dead gorgeous. If they hadn't discontinued the color in 2000, that's what I'd have sitting in my garage.

I don't think there was a problem with the platinum paint.

bigmike5 · November 2001

melthomason--I've had platinum 300M since July 98 and I live in the Ohio Valley rust and corrosion belt. Not a single problem with the paint and it still looks great. I have only used the touchless drive thru car washes. I believe DC pulled the color so that they could use it on my new 300 Hemi C when it comes out in a year or two. The color of the car was the number 2 factor, behind style, that got me into my first DC product. My 5* has been good to deal with on the few problems I have had with the car. My dream--to replace the Badyear tires with something really wide and quiet [245/45-17s].

intrepidspirit · November 2001

no1trust --

Would I buy the car again? You bet! In fact, I did!

I am leasing my 2000 and I purchased a 2001 for my wife this year. I know there has been a lot of discussion here about the lack of improvements/enhancements to the M since the first ('99) model. For the true enthusiast this may be a valid concern. However, I guess I am not a true enthusiast -- I just love everything about the car and am not into mods. To me, the car combines luxury, a good level of performance and handling at a great price (especially discounted) and is gorgeous!

As sdmike said, negotiate price first. They will always try to get you off price and onto monthly payments. Unless they are offering a special "lease cash" deal, you should use carsdirect.com pricing as your top price.

melthomason --

The 300M looks real classy in Platinum. It would have been hard for me to choose between Inferno Red and Platinum had the color not been discontinued...

silverbullet4 · November 2001

Try another pump at the same station where the problem occured. That should isolate the problem to either a tank vent or pump problem. I have always found this problem to be pump specific.

I had a worse problem one cold morning. I was sitting in my car to stay out of the cold wind while filling up. The guy next to me starts freaking out. I jumped out and found gas gushing out of the filler neck (no auto shutoff). I had to manually turn it off. There must have been a couple of gallons on the ground. I got the cashier out and made him help me push my M out of the puddle of gas before I started it. He was a middle eastern guy with zip English, so I had to get pretty assertive with him.

Silver

denverm · November 2001

Gas pumps I've never has a problem.
Platinum color I think it's a great color. My Garnet M shows hood chips real bad; a used Platinum I looked at appeared not to have any hood chips, until I got real close and looked - they were there, but they hardly showed.
Buy again? You bet! I love this car. If all you want is utilitarian transportation, there are lots of cars that are cheaper to buy and cheaper to operate. On the other hand, this car is a joy to drive, and I feel a lot safer in it than I would in a small car, because of its size, its power, and its handling (I recommend the performance handling group, PHG). I have successfully avoided a couple of accidents that I might not have in a lesser car.

drpixel · November 2001

got a call from the S.O. about 1/2 hour ago. She went to arm the car with the chirpper--no arming ocurred. She called the dealer who told her they 'probably forgot to throw a switch under the dash (?). All's you have to do is get under the dash, etc....'.
She said NO, I'll bring it up there. On the way back to the dealer (1/16th Star...) the following ocurred:
1. Gas guage reading empty, even though she kows there's 1/2 tank full.
2. AirBag light on dash - is ON.
3. Driver side seat--moving back and forth of its own acord.
4. Mileage reading on odometer: should be 10, 635, now reading 98,555.
5. Heater running on and off by itself.

The service manager tells her 'its probably the Body Control Module - again...', and then proceeds to tell her the old/bad one is sent back to manufacturer, where its REPAIRED, and then put back in box and gets sent out when a service department needs one and gets re-programmed for the car its going into at the dealer. Cost of BCM: $1,000 (he told her...), and they're going to try to get a new (?..hmmmm) BCM for tomorrow.

eMily is suposed to go into autobody shop Monday for three days to fix the free scratch the service department gave us. If they don't get the BCM, she'll have to wait till next week when they'll hopefully get the "new" BCM. She'll then have to cancel autobody work and be without a car. What think you all, fellow 300m colleagues?

really pi$$ed off Doc...

laurasdada · November 2001

I've had a Platinum M since 6/99. When the sun (or any bright light) hits the paint, it is brilliant! I origianlly didn't want the chrome's, but I am so glad that I do have them, they look great. The only drawback to the Platinum is when it's not in bright light, the color can be a little beige-looking.

I also have no reservations about recommending this car. I've had a few problems that are not unique (window motors, speed sensor, bcm...), but all have been/will be taken care of under warranty. My DC dealers have been ok, gotten the job done.
Someone mentioned there being more practical cars than the M??? The M does it all, roomy, big trunk, good performance, handling, gas mileage (and good in snow!)and GREAT LOOKING! What's impractical about that?

Hope y'all had a good Halloween and are looking forward to better days ahead...

bigmike5 · November 2001

Hey doc--They screwed it up [probably, since I am not a big believer in coincidences] just have them give you a 2002 300M "loaner" for an extended test drive!!!

mboomgarden · November 2001

I didn't want to bore everyone with all the sordid details, but here goes: The gas splashing out at 3/4 full was on a second pump at the Amoco station. I had started on another pump and gave up after a couple gallons because it was taking forever. I also had this happen at another station: I was having problems filling up, so I moved to another pump where another customer had just (successfully) filled up--couldn't get the pump to give me more than a few cents worth at a squeeze. In both of the incidents I describe here, I pulled into different stations and everything worked fine. There have also been a couple of other instances where I experienced this, but I was able to finally get it filled up--it took what seemed like hours, however.

I suspect that, if it's a venting problem, perhaps pulling out of the station and driving even a couple hundred feet may have cleared the vent. I'm just guessing here, but when it happens it seems like it may not be pump-specific(????). Also, though I've occasionally run into slow or touchy pumps from time to time, it has happened far more with the 300M than any other car I've owned. And, as I mentioned above, I had one instance where I couldn't fill it at all--the pumps clicked off immediately. Help!

drpixel · November 2001

got a call from the S.O. about 1/2 hour ago. She went to arm the car with the chirpper--no arming ocurred. She called the dealer who told her they 'probably forgot to throw a switch under the dash (?). All's you have to do is get under the dash, etc....'.
She said NO, I'll bring it up there. On the way back to the dealer (1/16th Star...) the following ocurred:
1. Gas guage reading empty, even though she kows there's 1/2 tank full.
2. AirBag light on dash - is ON.
3. Driver side seat--moving back and forth of its own acord.
4. Mileage reading on odometer: should be 10, 635, now reading 98,555.
5. Heater running on and off by itself.

The service manager tells her 'its probably the Body Control Module - again...', and then proceeds to tell her the old/bad one is sent back to manufacturer, where its REPAIRED, and then put back in box and gets sent out when a service department needs one and gets re-programmed for the car its going into at the dealer. Cost of BCM: $1,000 (he told her...), and they're going to try to get a new (?..hmmmm) BCM for tomorrow.

eMily is suposed to go into autobody shop Monday for three days to fix the free scratch the service department gave us. If they don't get the BCM, she'll have to wait till next week when they'll hopefully get the "new" BCM. She'll then have to cancel autobody work and be without a car. What think you all, fellow 300m colleagues?

really pi$$ed off Doc...

splatt · November 2001

Easy - get rid of that crap jack/wrench that comes with the car!!!

I got a pneumatic jack, comes in a small case and will lift the car in about 2 seconds. Cost about $20-25 at Kmart or Target. Also, get a real wrench. I got a really nice car kit from Michellin when I bought 4 tires on my concorde some years ago and still have the case. Has a pump, flares, wrenches, etc... The lug wrench with it isn't the best, but it's solid and has enough length to get some torque. The longer the better - you get more torque and therefore it's easier to tighten and remove (physics 101

I got a nick in the sidewall of one. Didn't break, but not really safe at 90mph. So that's now the spare. When I do the same to another, I'll replace the two tires. Don't want to do one at a time. It can be done, not recommended. 4 is better - maybe I won't kill one before they all need replacing...

Venting -

Make: CHRYSLER

Model: 300M

Year: 2001

Service Bulletin Number: 1400301

Bulletin Sequence Number: 200

Summary Description:

A CONDITION MAY EXIST WHERE THE FUEL TANK IS SLOW TO FILL BECAUSE OF LACK OF VENTING. THIS BULLETIN INVOLVES CORRECTING KINKED / PLUGGED FUEL TANK VENT LINES AND / OR REPLACING THE FUEL TANK CONTROL VALVE AND / OR REPLACING THE LEAK DETECTION PUMP (LDP) FILTER AND / OR UNPLUGGING OR REPLACING THE FUEL TANK FILL TUBE ASSEMGLY. *TT

check the following website http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/problems/tsb/Index.cfm

That's for the 2001, but I'm guessing it's probably similar on others as well.

Buy again? In a NY Minute!! I'm pissed that I leased, but I could not have afforded it if I purchased. :sigh: In any case, at the end of the lease (3 years more) I'll either buy it out, depending on price. I think the residual is about 40-45%, or turn it in on a newer one

silverbee · November 2001

I checked out your pictures on installing the wing but no way was I going to drill any holes.I had it installed wasn't cheap but he did a good job.Don't think you paid too much.I went to the factory and all they deducted was the shipping charge.Buy again? I did had a 99 just bought a 01 in aug. yeah I know just before all the good deals came out.But now I hear you won't get much for your trade cause they have too many used cars on the lots.They get you coming and going.Venting no problems with either car.Noisy yes but not as bad as the 99.Later

splatt · November 2001

So did I miss anything interesting in the chat last night? I really wanted to stop by, but didn't get home till 11:30 or so...

melthomason · November 2001

Thanks to everyone that answered my question about the Platinum color. I just bought the car about an hour ago. Now, I will order the Chrome wheels. Can't wait to drive this thing. It's going to look good in the garage next to the '81 Vette that we show.

tictac3 · November 2001

Report: Chrysler to expand warranties to seven years

Move would match Korean automakers

ASSOCIATED PRESS

DETROIT, Nov. 1 — Following the lead of Korean automakers, DaimlerChrysler’s Chrysler Group is going to start offering 7-year, 100,000-mile powertrain warranties on all of its vehicles sold through Dec. 31.

splatt · November 2001

where are you going to get the wheels?

if you don't mind my asking

melthomason · November 2001

I have found two places that have a Chrome exchange program. One is http://www.capitalwheels.com The other is http://www.800wheels.com

Anyone else had any experience with either of these ?

mboomgarden · November 2001

splatt--I think this may be the solution. I really appreciate it--the first time I had it, I was far away from any major city and I was worried that I might be in deep doo-doo. Luckily, there was a second gas station in the town and I was able to fill up. Hopefully this will help my five star get it figured out. Thanks a million!

sdmike2 · November 2001

Just came out of the store and found a thumb sized WHITE dent in my RED driver's side door. If I EVER catch some inconsiderate jackass denting a car door like that...whether it's mine or not...they're going to wish they hadn't gotten out of bed that morning!@!!

guesswho1 · November 2001

i have a 2000 with the same prob, not gas station or pump specific. it doesn't happen every time but when it does it makes me wanna scream!!!!

Chrysler 300M

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