It feels like my 300c is following the crown of the road which is usually to the right. If the road crowns to the left it pulls left. I think the car is just sensitive to uneven road surfaces, not a problem for me. Does yours act the same?
From my perspective, if a car does not transmit what is going on down on the road, as in pulling toward the downside of a crowned road, I will not have it. I cannot stand cars that don't communicate any road feel, it's good to know that the 300C was properly designed, at least from my point of view. ;-)
I do not have any pulling issues. My "C" tracks right down the middle but will pull off to one side or the other IF the road is crowned. Some people here are getting a real hard pull, not the "road" pull that most of us are getting. As far as a lemon ... I don't think so. My $.02 And if indeed DC will make them right, that is OK with me.
I've driven my 300C a thousand miles now, and overall, I would say it is the most exciting new car I've ever bought except the Plymouth Savoy I bought in 1962 for $2700 including the Max Wedge Super Stock 413 package.
I notice two things wrong with my 300C but they aren't terribly serious, and anyway, I'd rather have the Chrysler 300C with ten problems than a Camry or Accord with zero problems. There's more to owner satisfaction than mere reliability.
Anyone aware of any additional incentives that are available on the 300C. I'm aware of the financing and the now expired chrysler loyalty (the lease loyalty might still be available). How about any word on possible new incentives?? I realize it isn't likely but thought I'd ask.
I just checked out a website that indicates Midnight blue paint is on HOLD? Anyone have out there order one and experience a delay? The site I checked was:
I was wondering if any of you experienced this recently? Got the invoice prices from Edmunds and another website which shows the 300C MSRP is $32,370 and the invoice is $29,973. 2 dealers I called said the invoice is actually $30,273 which is $300 more than the websites say. Also this other website shows there is a $300 surcharge in CT and some other states. So maybe that's the discrepancy. However, the so called "dealer's invoice"price sheet that I got from the dealer adds in some New England advertising cost+$11 for 7 add'l gallons of gas for an add'l added "invoice" charge of $201. Edmunds need to update (maybe they did within the last couple of days)the Sirius Radio price because on newly ordered cars it dropped down to $195 MSRP.
I see the total MSRP which matches both websites at $38,195.
Wondering if anyone knows what these column headings stand for and their description. Obviously, I know what MSRP is, but what is FWP, FFP, EP and I guess HB stands for "hold back".
By the way, I ordered mine today in Magnesium w/ Dark Slate Gray/Light Graystone so it will have the lighter colored seats and the dark carpet. I asked the salesman what happens if Chrysler decides to increase their prices. He told me because we ordered the car, it's locked in-I will not have to pay more. After I leave the dealership and flip over the purchase order I see it says " I agree to pay any increase in price made by the manufacturer at any time before or on the date of delivery". I'm going back to the dealer and ask him to put in writing I will not have to pay for any manufacturers increases.
Any feedback on the above will be appreciated.
PS- seems like a lot has been said about the prices of the car. Keep in mind the additional $ you'll pay for title and reg. Also the price varies from dealer to dealer and what they charge for conveyance fee which they say is for doing the paper work needed with the DMV.(how much will it cost me if I do the paper work myself?) One dealer charges $245 the other $125. Every dollar in my pocket helps. Ordered all options except the Wood and smokers group.
I just checked out a website that indicates Midnight blue paint is on HOLD? Anyone have out there order one and experience a delay? The site I checked was:
Sorry, it just pulls to the right. Chrysler is aware of teh problem and I here a TSB is forthcoming, but until and if that happens, it is not a pleasant car to drive
Transmitting what is going on down the road and pulling to the right without a road crown are different issues. The 300C was not properly designed as you state because Chrysler is aware of the problem. A part number has been released for new cam bolts. I found that from a dealer in Concord NH, and I live 800 miles away from them.
So you would be okay with a car that has ten problems rather than one car with zero problems? I assume you mean that because you believe this car is made in the USA. My 300 was built by ourt "friends" in Canada, and shipped here. The bottom line profits go to Germany at Daimler Chrysler. Many components are made in the Phillipenes, and other off shore countries. Remember, the toyota was rated the number 1 car in the recent customer satisfaction index. Where was Chrylser? Look way down the list. Owner satisfaction is job 1. That is exactly why standards and measure are in place. Ever here of QS9000, and other such SAE standards. If I undertand your thought process you are waving the flag without understanding where almost all your clothes, appliances, and more are produced. Don't misundertand me, I am as American as you can be, but saying reliability of any product is not the whole issue clearly means you do not mind unreliable or defective products and services as long as they are American. Demanding better quality products woke Detroit from there sleep years ago and they are finally attempting to build a quality car / truck. But, only after us Americans bought Honda's(built in Ohio) or Toyota's, or Nissan(built in the USA) and so on.
The alignment on my dash is fine. But the pull is a funny one. Some Chrysler reps claim to no nothing about it, while others know and say a TSB will be out soon. Appears the issue is sizing of the cam bolts. I have a part number for the new bolts, but of course they are already on back order. So, for all the naysayers who claim there is no such issue, why is there a fix our there? hmmm?
<<< I ordered mine today in Magnesium w/ Dark Slate Gray/Light Graystone so it will have the lighter colored seats and the dark carpet.>>>
I think you'll discover when you receive your car, that the carpet will be light gray, same as the seats. Very nice looking when it's clean. I don't recall ever seeing a production car with carpets this close to white.
Quality equating with reliability has become too much of an issue among some car manufacturers. Well-made doesn't equate with great in every instance.
Extra delight is what real quality is all about. Charm, romance and fun makes a car more exciting and desirable than zero defects.
Some people think of a car as little more than an appliance, and they will consult Consumers Reports in making a decision on which one to select. Ugh!!
Are you sure about the light carpet? I specifically told the salesman I wanted the dark carpet and unless the label was wrong on a Midnight Blue I saw at another dealer- the sticker showed Dark Gray/Graystone - and it had the light colored leather with the dark, almost black looking carpet- and that's what I told him I want. I know if you order the Jade upper trim you'll get the light carpet. Tell me if I'm correct-Dark Gray/Graystone - the first description is the upper trim-Dark Gray, and the second-Graystone- is the leather color. Also the lower trim will match the color of the leather seats. That's the way I've seen the car sticker description compared to my visual observation.
the problem with the pulling is not design related...has something to do with the net punches that put holes in the frame brackets (where the upper crontrol arms mount) were slightly off and the new camber bolts (due in june) are supposed to correct that...so it would seem to be a "tooling" error.
My "C" is probably one of the "early" ones. Ordered on 1/2/04 - delivered on 04/26/04 I have no space on the dash, no pulling, and so far (HUGE knock-on-wood) no complaints. Car is more than I expected.
Carpet - I'm fairly sure what you ordered has a dark grey DASH, med grey trim and will have the light seats and carpet. It seems there is no way to get the dark carpets with light seats .... unless you get a Pacifica.
Carcom, you mentioned in post #2409 that you ordered your car in with Dark Slate Gray/Light Graystone.
If that is correct, you will get the light color seats and light color carpet. However, if your order specifies Dark Slate Gray/Medium Slate, then you will get the darker seats and carpet.
Anyone with a Magnesium 300 C have the Light Graystone interior with the DARK carpet? Can this combination only be gotten on all the other 300's except the 300C? I've seen where the 300's that weren't the C's in different exterior colors have Dark Slate Gray w/ Light Graystone seats AND DARK CARPET. When I looked at all the stickers showing Dark Slate Gray/Light Graystone and then opened the door to look inside, they had DARK CARPET. Could it be that just the 300C will not have Dark Carpet with the Light colored leather?. Since I've ordered the car can I specify Dark Carpet somehow? I like the light carpet, just will not like having to clean it often, but it has been mentioned heavy clear rubber mats can be found.
The other question for those that have Magnesium - I know if you get the Deep Jade upper trim you will have to get the light carpet. With a Magnesium 300 C, which would look better with the light carpet? Dark Slate Gray upper trim or Deep Jade upper trim? As you can tell I really want the light leather seats. It would be great to hear form you. Any of you regret having the light colored carpet?
Hey, with RWD, doesn't it "push" to the right? Any way, mine was made this month and there's no pull or push.
I was at an event at the Kimmel Center in Philadelphia last night, and when I brought the car around to the front at the end of the evening there was a lot of rubber necking and pointing from people hopping into limos. I know this phenomenon will fade, which is fine, but at the moment it's a lot of fun.
Oh, and a question. I went to the Chrysler website and looked at the accessories section. Apparently you can get upgraded carpets in the dark grey with Chrysler wings and a heavier grade carpeting, but it's not available in the light grey.
Any idea why they have it for one and not the other?
I have the C with the dark gray/greystone combo. The carpet is the same light color as the seats. I tried the see through mats. They reminded me of going into someones home 30 years ago and seeing plastic slipcovers in the living room. too cheesy. I changed them for black. The black looks good as it matches the dark gray(almost black), dash and trim.
Hey, with RWD, doesn't it "push" to the right? Any way, mine was made this month and there's no pull or push.
I was at an event at the Kimmel Center in Philadelphia last night, and when I brought the car around to the front at the end of the evening there was a lot of rubber necking and pointing from people hopping into limos. I know this phenomenon will fade, which is fine, but at the moment it's a lot of fun.
Oh, and a question. I went to the Chrysler website and looked at the accessories section. Apparently you can get upgraded carpets in the dark grey with Chrysler wings and a heavier grade carpeting, but it's not available in the light grey.
Any idea why they have it for one and not the other?
As I posted previously mine was built on 5/04 and no problem. You can see the date that your car was built by reading the label on the drivers door. Near the bottom of the label it says the month, day, and hour that it rolled off the assembly line.
<<< I went to the Chrysler website and looked at the accessories section. Apparently you can get upgraded carpets in the dark grey with Chrysler wings and a heavier grade carpeting >>>
Technically, those are floor mats though, not the entire carpet. That is an option worth considering for those that are worried about keeping the near-white floor mats clean.
Hey, with RWD, doesn't it "push" to the right? Any way, mine was made this month and there's no pull or push.
I was at an event at the Kimmel Center in Philadelphia last night, and when I brought the car around to the front at the end of the evening there was a lot of rubber necking and pointing from people hopping into limos. I know this phenomenon will fade, which is fine, but at the moment it's a lot of fun.
Oh, and a question. I went to the Chrysler website and looked at the accessories section. Apparently you can get upgraded carpets in the dark grey with Chrysler wings and a heavier grade carpeting, but it's not available in the light grey.
Any idea why they have it for one and not the other?
Hey there riker2 ... hitting refresh after making a post makes your message repost. Best thing to do is use the "Recent Msgs" link on the page bar to redisplay the page.
Fortunately, you have a delete button for your own messages so you can delete the duplicates. Email me if I can help you figure out the logistics here, which can indeed be a bit tricky.
My car was built April 4th, and it does have the pull issue, and there is a loud squeal that comes from the center of the instrument panel that can occur during the first five minutes of driving, but only at speeds greater than 55 mph and only after the car has been sitting where the sun hits the dash for 20 minutes or more. I can eliminate the squeal by driving slower than 55 for the first five minutes.
I have seen the same things with other dealers. Dealers are out to make money. They add dealer things like gas, & advertising costs to their invoice to inflate it so they make sure they get a profit even if they sell the car at their invoice cost.
I don't think that the blue is on hold because my order was painted on May 20th and that arifleet note has been around for weeks. Car left the factory on Saturday. Looks like I'll get it next week. If it comes in another color, I'll let you know.
Had a question for new 300 owners with regards to break in of the car. First what is the recommended break in method (how many miles, etc)and second have you been following it?
This is not just certain dealers. All dealers are charged these fees by the manufacturer. Who do you think pays for all the glaring car commercials that you see 200 times a night on tv? It is passed on to us as consumers when we purchase their product. These numbers are actually part of the invoice. If you go to Edmunds or any of the other sites, they will list the additional charges that are added to the invoice prices that they provide. They just cannot show precise numbers as they are different per vehicle depending where the vehicle is purchased. For argument sake, you will pay more for the advertising if you buy in lets say NYC as opposed to Oshkosh.
I do not understand why a car manufacturer would choose to separate out such charges as advertising – on a per car basis – or even why such a charge exists.
I have worked in distribution for a number of years (not automobiles) and I have never heard of such fees / charges from any manufacturer I have dealt with. I have seen rising costs (particularly items with high steel content, recently) and we make decisions on our retail prices based partly on cost. But I think that these fees are just silly. Most manufacturers I have dealt with also have some form(s) of both regional and national advertising. (Print, TV, etc.)
The dealer (as a franchise owner) will buy the cars from 1 or 2 (or 3 or 6 in some ‘megadealers’) manufacturers, based on many factors. And the cost is the cost. It is not like the dealers have any choice in this fee. (I do not believe that any dealer can purchase a vehicle without paying the fees.) The Manufacturer decides what it costs to do the advertising – who knows what they really spend??? – and (apparently) divide this cost up among dealers on a regional and / or national basis. Sounds pretty weird to me. I doubt any individual dealer has any significant say in the size of these national fees. Why break them out separately?
Perhaps they do have some say in the size of regional advertising expenses. It seems reasonable to have the manufacturer, presumably with more experience than any one dealer - and doing more ‘volume’ with ad agencies - negotiate cost of regional advertising on behalf of the various dealers groups.
But it seems very odd indeed to me that such expenditure would show up on every vehicle invoice. To me, that it is almost like adding a line item for the dealer’s cost to put up a new / larger sign. In the sense that I don’t see how this effort is any different than any other overhead expenses, such as rent / mortgage on the building, insurance, electricity, etc. It is simply a cost of doing business – and being competitive.
Specific 300C related comment: Saw one in deep blue late last week. Pretty - regardless of cost or price.
- Ray Just a voice crying “that seems odd to me” in the wilderness . . .
Just got off the phone with DC and find my 300C is in paint Code (F), and as it was suppose to be shipped to-morrow I presume they use air drying. LOL. At least the car appears to be moving. I ordered on the 27th of April with full options other than Nav and Sirrus., in Pearl Jade.
..to live vicariously through this board until I get my own 300c in a year or so. So if you don't mind I'd like to hear your "Cannonball Run", "Dukes of Hazard" and "Ronin" stories, and how you incorporated your 300 into them. Please, the more details the better.
And if for some reason, nobody has any stories where they experienced some absurd level of automotive mayhem, then I would be more than willing to sacrifice your car for the enjoyment of others. In the event that this occurs, I will report the event with as much literary exaggeration as possible. This is of course, as long as I'm still able to write....
My car came in Light Greystone and the salesman grabbed the dark blue carpets out of the back. They look great and it's the only way to go. The dark blue matches the dash. It's a beautiful combo!
I converted a bunch of my CD's to MP-3's. On 3 Cd's I have; 225 songs; 134 songs and 178 songs. My DVD Nav system has not arrived yet, but, I'm hoping it displays the albums. Right now it's a little unweilding in size.
Has anyone else noticed the difference in leather from the 300C and the 300 Limited or Touring? The C has smooth leather while the other have a pebbly leather. I think the long term appearance will be better on the pebbly. Any comments?
I PLAN TO BUY A CHRYSLER 300C. I DRIVE IN SNOW COVERED HILL COUNTRY AND AM CONCERNED THAT A 345BHP RWD CAR WILL NOT MAKE IT SOME OF THOSE HILLS. SHOULD I BE CONCERNED, AND WAIT FOR THE AWD VERSION?
First off, please don't yell, we aren't all hard of reading. ;-) On the internet, all caps are analogous to yelling.
Secondly, if you don't want to wait for the AWD version, you might want to consider a second set of tires exclusively for the winter. I too drive a high performance RWD car on snow covered hilly and winding roads, and can tell you the difference in drivability is only believed once experienced.
Comments
Best Regards,
Shipo
I notice two things wrong with my 300C but they aren't terribly serious, and anyway, I'd rather have the Chrysler 300C with ten problems than a Camry or Accord with zero problems. There's more to owner satisfaction than mere reliability.
stephen
Also, check the alignment of the dash directly in your line of sight out the window. Mine has a large space. The same in my sons car.
Luck to us all!
http://www.arifleet.com/production.html
The red is on hold- (PMQ) Deep Lava Red paint.
http://www.arifleet.com/production.html
fastdriver
I see the total MSRP which matches both websites at $38,195.
Wondering if anyone knows what these column headings stand for and their description. Obviously, I know what MSRP is, but what is FWP, FFP, EP and I guess HB stands for "hold back".
By the way, I ordered mine today in Magnesium w/ Dark Slate Gray/Light Graystone so it will have the lighter colored seats and the dark carpet. I asked the salesman what happens if Chrysler decides to increase their prices. He told me because we ordered the car, it's locked in-I will not have to pay more. After I leave the dealership and flip over the purchase order I see it says " I agree to pay any increase in price made by the manufacturer at any time before or on the date of delivery". I'm going back to the dealer and ask him to put in writing I will not have to pay for any manufacturers increases.
Any feedback on the above will be appreciated.
PS- seems like a lot has been said about the prices of the car. Keep in mind the additional $ you'll pay for title and reg. Also the price varies from dealer to dealer and what they charge for conveyance fee which they say is for doing the paper work needed with the DMV.(how much will it cost me if I do the paper work myself?) One dealer charges $245 the other $125. Every dollar in my pocket helps. Ordered all options except the Wood and smokers group.
http://www.arifleet.com/production.html
In any case, let's just stick to the cars and not turn this into a personal values debate.
Thanks.
http://msnbc.msn.com/id/5040043/
I think you'll discover when you receive your car, that the carpet will be light gray, same as the seats. Very nice looking when it's clean. I don't recall ever seeing a production car with carpets this close to white.
stephen
Extra delight is what real quality is all about. Charm, romance and fun makes a car more exciting and desirable than zero defects.
Some people think of a car as little more than an appliance, and they will consult Consumers Reports in making a decision on which one to select. Ugh!!
stephen
while i don't know for sure...i suspect that only early production cars have the pulling problem...
Carpet - I'm fairly sure what you ordered has a dark grey DASH, med grey trim and will have the light seats and carpet. It seems there is no way to get the dark carpets with light seats .... unless you get a Pacifica.
But this is such a fine car.
If that is correct, you will get the light color seats and light color carpet. However, if your order specifies Dark Slate Gray/Medium Slate, then you will get the darker seats and carpet.
stephen
The other question for those that have Magnesium - I know if you get the Deep Jade upper trim you will have to get the light carpet. With a Magnesium 300 C, which would look better with the light carpet? Dark Slate Gray upper trim or Deep Jade upper trim? As you can tell I really want the light leather seats. It would be great to hear form you. Any of you regret having the light colored carpet?
I was at an event at the Kimmel Center in Philadelphia last night, and when I brought the car around to the front at the end of the evening there was a lot of rubber necking and pointing from people hopping into limos. I know this phenomenon will fade, which is fine, but at the moment it's a lot of fun.
Oh, and a question. I went to the Chrysler website and looked at the accessories section. Apparently you can get upgraded carpets in the dark grey with Chrysler wings and a heavier grade carpeting, but it's not available in the light grey.
Any idea why they have it for one and not the other?
I was at an event at the Kimmel Center in Philadelphia last night, and when I brought the car around to the front at the end of the evening there was a lot of rubber necking and pointing from people hopping into limos. I know this phenomenon will fade, which is fine, but at the moment it's a lot of fun.
Oh, and a question. I went to the Chrysler website and looked at the accessories section. Apparently you can get upgraded carpets in the dark grey with Chrysler wings and a heavier grade carpeting, but it's not available in the light grey.
Any idea why they have it for one and not the other?
Technically, those are floor mats though, not the entire carpet. That is an option worth considering for those that are worried about keeping the near-white floor mats clean.
stephen
I was at an event at the Kimmel Center in Philadelphia last night, and when I brought the car around to the front at the end of the evening there was a lot of rubber necking and pointing from people hopping into limos. I know this phenomenon will fade, which is fine, but at the moment it's a lot of fun.
Oh, and a question. I went to the Chrysler website and looked at the accessories section. Apparently you can get upgraded carpets in the dark grey with Chrysler wings and a heavier grade carpeting, but it's not available in the light grey.
Any idea why they have it for one and not the other?
Fortunately, you have a delete button for your own messages so you can delete the duplicates. Email me if I can help you figure out the logistics here, which can indeed be a bit tricky.
stephen
JT
I do not understand why a car manufacturer would choose to separate out such charges as advertising – on a per car basis – or even why such a charge exists.
I have worked in distribution for a number of years (not automobiles) and I have never heard of such fees / charges from any manufacturer I have dealt with. I have seen rising costs (particularly items with high steel content, recently) and we make decisions on our retail prices based partly on cost. But I think that these fees are just silly. Most manufacturers I have dealt with also have some form(s) of both regional and national advertising. (Print, TV, etc.)
The dealer (as a franchise owner) will buy the cars from 1 or 2 (or 3 or 6 in some ‘megadealers’) manufacturers, based on many factors. And the cost is the cost. It is not like the dealers have any choice in this fee. (I do not believe that any dealer can purchase a vehicle without paying the fees.) The Manufacturer decides what it costs to do the advertising – who knows what they really spend??? – and (apparently) divide this cost up among dealers on a regional and / or national basis. Sounds pretty weird to me. I doubt any individual dealer has any significant say in the size of these national fees. Why break them out separately?
Perhaps they do have some say in the size of regional advertising expenses. It seems reasonable to have the manufacturer, presumably with more experience than any one dealer - and doing more ‘volume’ with ad agencies - negotiate cost of regional advertising on behalf of the various dealers groups.
But it seems very odd indeed to me that such expenditure would show up on every vehicle invoice. To me, that it is almost like adding a line item for the dealer’s cost to put up a new / larger sign. In the sense that I don’t see how this effort is any different than any other overhead expenses, such as rent / mortgage on the building, insurance, electricity, etc. It is simply a cost of doing business – and being competitive.
Specific 300C related comment: Saw one in deep blue late last week. Pretty - regardless of cost or price.
- Ray
Just a voice crying “that seems odd to me” in the wilderness . . .
And if for some reason, nobody has any stories where they experienced some absurd level of automotive mayhem, then I would be more than willing to sacrifice your car for the enjoyment of others. In the event that this occurs, I will report the event with as much literary exaggeration as possible. This is of course, as long as I'm still able to write....
Secondly, if you don't want to wait for the AWD version, you might want to consider a second set of tires exclusively for the winter. I too drive a high performance RWD car on snow covered hilly and winding roads, and can tell you the difference in drivability is only believed once experienced.
Best Regards,
Shipo