I ditto your thoughts. I have posted before but some who read and reply believe that rear wheel drive cars should, or will pull to the right. WRONG! I have had my 300 now coming up on 4,500 miles and its a pain to drive. I am working with the local dealer and I even spoke to the local Chrysler rep. Of course his first words were, "road crown". After I reminded him of the TSB, my ASE certifications, my last five cars in five years, and the fact that some 300's do it and others do not , he caved in. If it were a rear wheel drive situation then all would do it. Also, remember the Crown Victoria, Grand Marquis, and 50% of the new Caddy's are rear wheel drive, and they don't do it. A car cannot fix itself as some imply on the board. An old trick we did years ago was to go to a deserted area and drive on the wrong side of the road. The road crown was the opposite of course so if you had an issue with an alignment it was glaring. I do not suggest anyone do this today, but it was the way we isolated issues.Chrysler has an issue and thinks the new cam bolts are the answer along with rocking the cradle a bit, while retorquing the cam bolts. Clearly they are unsure if that is the fix, because of the numerous folks who have complained about the problem, not one yet has said the pull went away. Me, I am waiting on the kit which is on national backorder somehow the day it was released. (hint, it was a ploy to buy time) Like you I expect a car to track down the road without needing to fight the wheel. You see, I drive about 150 -200 miles per day and nearly everyone I come across in a parking lot or wherever asks me how I like my mobster car. I tell them the truth. Lots of head room, legroom, power okay, cheap looking interior, and then I tell them it's the same old worn out Chrysler. They denied the problem, finally admitted the problem, but yet to my knowledge fixed any one of them 100%. I long for my; Grand Prix, Taurus, my Lumina, my Lexus, and more. They were at least a pleasure to drive. And yes, I began driving when the only vehicles sold were rear wheel drive. One last tidbit. When front wheel drive first came out alot of people complained of a pull to the right as well. That was an early torque pull because you were being pulled down the road. They eventually fixed that, but these cars are being pushed. Remember, go to any forum / board that is for a current rear wheel car & not one has a complaint about a pull. Keep the faith and continue the fight. I am and if it does not get resolved soon, I am unloading this whale. I have not owned a Chrylser / Dodge/ Plymouth in over 20 years. Shame on me
My car was built before April 25th. It was built in March.
I created a website (with the same information as I posted here) and am emailing it to all my contacts at Chrysler. I am trying to get some higher up management's email addresses to email it to them too. Anyone got some email addresses for me to send it to? Here is the website: http://jrcase0.tripod.com/my2005chrysler300cnightmare/
It is a simple 30 minute creation(I know it is bad) but it will do for now.
Although I still am pretty sure I will buy a 300C in 2 or 3 years, I am going to cancel my order for now. I have been single again for a while now and living out here in California just made me get a T-Bird today. I got a great deal on the Pacific Coast edition. I hate how impractical 2 seaters are. But I thought why not enjoy this for a little while and then get a 300C when they have been on the road for a while and they also will be easier on the pricing. Good luck everyone. You for sure are all getting an exciting car.
Yesterday I purchased a nice Dodge Magnum R/T with sunroof, seats, in magnesium pearl that will be arriving at the dealership next week, its sitting in New York waiting for a truck. I got a decent trade on my 1999 300M which I always loved(($6000) and I will pick up the new car next week. I always wanted a Hemi and the Magnum should be more practical for my wife. Most all of the Chrysler dealers in my area were a pain in the neck when trying to buy or even order a 300C, rarely being straight forward about explaining delays or offering me trades that were highway robbery for 300C's in their lots. Good luck to everyone with their orders and being able to purchase the vehicle they want. I feel Dodge will have a hit on its hands when more magnums hit the streets but I hope they will not have the same delays and delivery problems the 300C has had.
Has Chrysler eliminated the possibility of dealing with defective tires? I had a similar problem with my G35 (4dr/6spd); when Infiniti told me I had defective tires (the car had about 6K miles then) I was pretty suspicious that they didn’t know what they were talking about. They told Good Year that when they put a set of wheels from another car the problem went away. GoodYear agreed to get me a set of 4 tires because the directional tires that the car comes with made almost impossible to diagnose which was the defective tire. The new tires corrected the problem.
Let me begin by asking: do you know how long it takes to read 2728 posts? However, i finished them all. And a wealth of information is contained in them; so to all you who posted: THANKS!
I test drove a Vanilla C at time when I was waiting for the magnum to get to my local dealer. Boy did I end up falling in love with this vehicle. A five minute test drive with fiance in the passenger seat and the salesman in the back had me hooked. Two weeks later I am at the dealer placing my order. Here's my story.
I ordered a Silver C with moonroof, nav, sound II, and protection group. Order placed April 23rd. Told 6-8 wks. Two weeks pass and my dealer calls: "blah blah, there's a hold on sunroofs".
He says my options are: 1) remove it from the order. 2) leave the order unchanged. 3) cancel the order for the time being and reorder after the restriction is lifted.
I say just "leave it unchanged, I'll wait the extra time but don't want to lose my place in the queue."
June 10th I decide to call the DCX number to get a status: BG.
Great, should be scheduled any day right?! Wrong.
I called back the next day and guess what? order is ZA (cancelled). "perhaps you should call your dealer" the customer-i-can't-do-a-thing-about-anything-much-less-do-I-know-an- ything-represenative. GEE YA THINK!? (sarcasm here)
I come to find out that my stupid dealer cancelled the order after all to make more room in the their "dealer allotment". But they never reactivated it after the sunroof hold was lifted (which I find out was lifted mid may). So my order is effectively now submitted on June 11th a full seven weeks after my initial order. And to top it off, I am still BG. UGH. I just want the car I ordered in the time frame I was given. Is tat too much to ask?
In case you are wondering here's the specifics... VON: 12903599 placed April 23, '04, replaced June 11 (same VON) dealer code: 68793 MSRP: $36,860 FWP: $34,695 not so sorry to tell you I pay employee price (EP): $33,103 10.2% under MSRP/4.6% under invoice
Again, thanks for all the information you have provided. Tolenash
I don't think your order was actually cancelled. If it were a new order you'd have a different VON. At just about that time, Chrysler was making a change in their software to correct a problem they were having with orders submitted for the 300. Their computers were seeing them as orders for 2004 vehicles. Chrysler rolled all of the 2004 300 orders over to 2005 in their system and apparently didn't tell the dealers. The dealers had no idea what happened when all of a sudden they found all of their 300 orders cancelled. Of course they weren't really cancelled, just moved. The order still appeared in the system as a 2004 order but was cancelled (ZA). If the Chrysler no-help line person knew what was going on (I hope they do by now) and keyed the order in specifically as a 2005 order they would have found it as a current order with the same VON.
I don't remember reading anything about that "changeover".
Does that mean I still have my original place in line ('cause that would just about make my day)?
Incidentally, I drove by my dealer yesterday, and they have their first 300 in the last two weeks - a silver touring edition. It was bittersweet as seeing it made we want mine more...
Yes... You should still have your original place in line. Imagine MY surprise (and shock) when I found my order of 4/12 was cancelled - only to have Chrysler find it later as a 6/8 order under the same VON as a 2005 order. Our places in the queue are still intact - of course that doesn't really mean a thing if your dealer doesn't have an allocation, but I'm not going to go there... 11 weeks and still waiting for a VIN.
How many miles are on this car? Try driving it. It may lesson it with more wear on the tires. How sure are you it's the suspension? Could be a bad wheel or tire. What's the tire pressure like? There are website's that have some basic steps in trouble shooting pulling problems that will determin if it's the wheel/tire or suspension. Try a google search on it.
Your site: "Never buy a first year model car"
That is common sense to me. I follow that rule. Word of advise though. Be carefull what you say on that site. Don't bash DC. That might result in a lawsuit.
Ordered a 300C on May 17th, STATUS is BX.... I don't anticipate getting it until mid/late Aug based on info I'm getting from this site, the dealer, and Chrysler's hotline. I decided to see if I could find a car by looking thru every dealers inventory using the chrysler site. I found one about 2 hours away. It is exactly what I ordered and they anticipate it will be on the dealer lot tomorrow! Thats right no test drive miles! Put the deposit down over the phone. Hope to take delivery by Wed.
I test drove the 300 2 months ago, I feel in love with it. I have been in love with early Cadillac Sevilles 77'-79'. I wanted another until I drove down and took a second test drive. I have been driving a 1997 SL 320 Mercedes roadster. I love this new 300 Pearl metallic black with cloth. This is a return to a great American. If you don't like to spend gas money try the 2.7. My big bear friends enjoy this ride. I did not by it for attention. But everyone from young to old love the style. I even caught a driver of a new Bentley take a second look as we cruised through town!WOW
I have a 2005 c with 17k miles. Dealer recommends an engine power flush. Heated envirolution ( spelled correctly ) detergent solution. The solution is introduced into the engine through the oil filler port and removed through the crankcase. If memory serves running cleaning fluid through the main bearings in a bad practice . Has anyone ever heard of this process.
Cracked on 5/17. Was told the car i wanted was in the dealers inventory. that they where waiting for delivery.Had vin number,was built etc.waiting for inspection.told 3days 3weeks. 6/17 still no car.dealer still said in inspection etc. Some cars are coming out of order cant figureout why etc.Called dc gave vin number was told it was built 4/17 in inspections etc.could not tell me when ship date is.Asked about pull to right if this could be the delay.said he did not know about pulling issue.I had to tell him about sb.he said he would ask got no ans. siad he would talk to manager and to call back after the weekend.dealer called next day car released wainting for railcar for shipment 1-2weeks.any body know if they would fix before shipping? heck cant wait dont want to start over.has sunroof. why keep car in inspections 5weeks? any body really getting these cars in 6-8 weeks?
i have a neighbor who is a brooker also works at a dodge dealer. 6weeks ago said he could get no dis. for me now said he could beat price 1000 said 8 weeks to order CANT WAIT A/C DEAD TRANNY ABOUT TO FALL OUT
"On another note, we have a quirk on ours that has happened four times now. The wife and I never use our emergency brake, but about every two weeks the brake light comes on, where all we have to do is pull the emergency brake release, and the light goes off. I'll bring the problem up at 3000 miles when it's due for it's oil change. Just wondering if anyone else had this problem. "
It has happened to me as well. It happened twice right after I took possession of the vehicle and I haven't noticed it happen since...and I don't think it has. However, yesterday it happened twice again. I have 3000+ miles. I am scheduled for service on Thursday and will mention it and report back any problems/solutions.
I too have let it roll, down the highway, then noticed the brake light indicator is 'indicating'. This has happened about a dozen times, and I finally discovered how to 'give me a brake'.
Simply park on a slope.
My driveway has a slight slope, and every time I park the car outside, the parking brake light comes on when I go to leave. I don't think the actual brake is being automatically set, but perhaps the indicator is suggesting it should have been? My car only does the brake light trick after the car has been parked on an incline.
My brake light goes on about the same as the guy in post 2717, all I need to do is pull on it and it releases. I think my car was made on April 23, but the date says 042315 I'm not sure if that's right or not. Then in another place it says 0404. I think I have a slight pull to the right, but I've read so much about it, it could just be my mind playing tricks on me. Seems like when it's flat it's ok, any crown and it pulls slightly.
Ordered 300C in Cool Vanilla March 4; arrived May 4. Had sunroof, and a few other options at MSRP of 37,035. Did not take delivery, as my wife talked me into Magnesium Pearl Coat and had already re-ordered on April 16. Agreed price was approx. $500 under MSRP. Then the flap about the sunroof a few days after my Cool Vanilla arrived. I searched elsewhere, and was told I could get the car for Approx $1800 under MSRP, but 8 weeks out. Needless to say, lots of confusion. I checked today and found out that I have two Magnesium Pearl Coats from two different dealers. One ordered/re-ordered 4-19-04 VON 128xxxxx and one ordered 5-11-04 VON 130xxxxx both with the same BX status - 3 to 4 weeks to a build date. Was I lucky that I did not take the early 300C in Cool Vanilla because of the quality control problems? What do you all think - should I complete the purchase of a 300 delivered in July?
I have what I'd bet is an early build. I have yet to find the door sticker that has the exact date. And way too lazy to fret over it right now!! Ordered 01/20/04, delivered 04/26. No pull, no brake light, and it has all of the power it should have. Maybe I'm lucky, or there are a lot of cars out there that are just fine. Sure hope your dealer doesn't feel like you are jerking him around.
Is anyone "anticipating" the new AWD 300C or, gulp, the 425HP SRT-8 version?
My time frame, budget and experience have me including these two cars on my list which also includes the 2005 A6 3.2L and the Acura 3.5RL also a 2005 model. The price of the 300C w/AWD one could imagine will be just over $40K fully equipped, no?
Then perhaps, assuming the SRT-8 also offers the AWD option, perhaps another $5K over that perhaps to $45K+?
After watching the Speed channel test report of the "lowly" RWD 300C, I thought the AWD and SRT-8 would have all our tongues waggin' -- must be me.
Anyone else thinking that, despite the problems some have noted herein, that Chrysler's Back in the saddle again?
The Speed test drive said "if you didn't know any better you'd think you were in a $45K car."
That puts it within range of consideration even with the new Cadillac STS V8, don't you think?
And, if there is either an SRT or a sport suspension option with the AWD which includes grippier tires and lowered ride height/stiffer springs, etc, well this thing should show everyone its tail lights.
What about the new 2005 Infiniti M? It's supposed to have 330hp and AWD. Could this be a true counterpart for the 300c? Oh wait...then again there is a considerable price difference.
I've heard that the new model will NOT be equipped with MDS. With the added displacement, we're looking a car that gets real bad mileage.
Low 40's gets into another class of cars.. now were comparing it to Jaguar's, the Audi A6 4.2, BMW's 5 series. How will it fair in the heavyweight class?
I am at a tremendous disadvantage: I've not driven the new 300C RWD, the new Acura RL isn't on sale yet, ditto the new Audi A6. The Infinity, according to Automobile, will ONLY offer AWD in the 6 cylinder version.
The 300C was "likened" by the host of Speed (on Cable and Sat TV) to the "feel" of an Audi A8 or BMW 7 series. And, in the next breath, the host proclaimed that the 300C "felt" like about $10,000 more car than the sticker shows.
My reasons for looking at the Chrylser are first performance and second performance "bang" for the buck. I had hoped the new STS from Cadillac would offer some competition to the new $43K Audi A6 and the new $49K Acura RL -- but with AWD the Caddy is over 62 large. The $42K AWD 300C (and that is beyond what I imagine it will really come in at) seems like it ought to compete in content and performance with all these afforementioned cars (including the Cadillac). The fact that the 300C may be a little bit light on electronic gizmos notwithstanding, I am not certain that some of the subtleties offered by the other brands is worth between $10 and $20K -- especially if the 300C's engine is as sweet as it, by all accounts, seems. Another year of refinements to the 300C will only sharpen its competitive edge.
Of course the vinyl roof add ons that are being tacked (as in tacky) on to some 300C's may keep it off the radar of anyone at the "C" level in most companies -- but that may merely serve to hold its price down.
Hard to imagine someone buying an A6 and putting a vinyl roof on it kind of thing, if you get my drift.
Point being the 300C SRT-8 may be a contender in the performance luxury sweepstakes in the $45K MSRP class.
On the other hand, the fact that there will be sub-30K "strippies" may make those who woulda and coulda purchased one of these higher zoot versions stay away.
Cadillac will, by price alone, keep the car solidly in the Premium class -- but I would not pay $62+K for a first year STS, no way, no how. I'd look to the three Germans for that kindof money, first.
The 300C seems a wonderful first step toward the Premium Market Class car -- the 300C srt-8 (assuming it does not get slathered with "boy racer" ground effects and decals, etc) could be the performance-lux car of 2006 MY! And a bargain to boot.
I've been a happy 300M owner for the last 4 years and 90K+ miles. I was looking forward to the rumored rear drive Hemi powered replacement I kept hearing about, and hoping the pre release photos I saw were not final. Well, I drove one last weekend and was VERY MUCH turned off! The car runs great and handles extremely well but it's just way too ugly for me. I've loved the styling of my 300M ever since I saw one for the first time, but I'm just totally disappointed in the new 300. I guess I'll just drive my 300M until I wear it out and (hopefully) something else will come out that catches my fancy (perhaps the Charger??). Lynn Flowers McKinney, Texas
I just picked up my new Silver 300C this past monday and so far everything is great with the car. Mine is loaded with every option except for the sunroof. I was not willing to wait the months in order to get one . Anyway I was wondering if anyone has gotten the NAV system to play DVD movies? Is it even possible? I'm not sure if an MPEG2 decoder is even built into the system. Thanks -John
Not to worry about the dealer being "jerked around". Both dealers know about the other order and understand a desire not to have to wait an inordinate amount of time. The one who doesn't deliver first with best price, gets to floor the car and sell it for MSRP; or more!
If there's a dvd player (to run the nav disks) shouldn't it have an mpeg2 decoder? Have you tried to insert a disk? While parked? Without the car running? With the parking brake on? If it comes with the screen but you didn't get the nav...there should be an input in the back of the radio, for the nav (video and left/right audio inputs) If this is the case you should be able to add an aftermarket dvd player into the car and view it through the monitor. Although you would probably need to mount the unit in such a way that your remote could operate it. In the glove compartment maybe?
The navi data disk uses the DVD format for containing the data, this does not exactly translate to dvd movie capability. A CD ROM that contains, for example, a data file or a program or something that does not contain "music" likewise will not play when inserted into a music only CD player.
The DVD movie of Spiderman is not seen as a Navi disk and, even though the hardware may be there that could read the "movie" the firmware and software won't permit it and probably nothing you can do, short of costing a large stack of $100 bills will change that attribute.
Also, there is probably plenty of motivation to make sure you can't get around it, for obvious reasons.
Is anyone "anticipating" the new AWD 300C or, gulp, the 425HP SRT-8 version?
The 425 hp SRT needs to be left alone in RWD form only.....why opt for the increased hp when the AWD will only negate that? Better yet, wait for the new Charger R/T in 425 hp for more bang for the buck.
Has anyone out there seen or heard of a rear spoiler/wing for the 2005? If yes can you post where and how to obtain? Just wondering what car might look like with one. Would it make the rear appear to high??? So far I've had no issues with my 300C. Took delivery on 5/20/04, car was built 5/3/04. No pulling or parking brake issues. Not very happy with gas mpg. only have about 1300 miles on it. Still braking in I guess. Car is a pleasure to drive and turns a lot of heads with my side window vents, sunroof wind deflecter and pin-stripe. Still waiting on Chrysler 5 Spoke Polished Alum. wheels ordered at same time car was ordered on 5/7/04.(I placed order on car I knew my dealer had coming in for their stock.) Someone please lmk on spoiler and Good Luck to all new owners, I think we have a winner!
anyone out there every gone thru a chrysler buyback, just rec'ed the call stating they are buying my 2005 300 back due to the pulling to the right issue. i was told to wait for a call from a 3rd party called "Impartial Services." it appears Chrysler contracts out this company to handle this. any people dealt with this?
My new 300C arrived at the dealer at 4.00 PM yesterday and I was driving out of the lot by 6.00 PM. It is a beautiful Light Jade with the light interior. I have all options except u-connect, sirrus which is not available in Canada and I did not go with the Nav which is a little pricy here. This car sure gets the looks and several sales staff are wondering why this car has not been ordered in the Jade before.
So far I am very happy and have put a total of 12 Kms on it so far. Now if I could only understand the manual!!!!!!!
How will AWD negate the extra HP & Torque, my understanding is the increased weight for the AWD is 150 pounds, 2% fuel economy hit and better handling in "sticky or slicky" conditions. The dealer claims the AWD will be 32% FWD 68% RWD with the MB 4Matic "brain."
I've seen several posts here from folks that loved the looks of the past Intrepids/300M's and were turned off by the 300/Magnum. I never looked twice at an Intrepid but thought the 300M was a nice looking car.
That being said, as of last week there were over 68,000 orders for the 300, and 30,000 orders for the Magnum. The 300M sold 24,910 units during the entire 2003 MY.
The main reason for the extreme popularity of new 300C is, IMHO, the radical change from FWD to RWD. A lot of people have been waiting a long time for this to happen! Throw in the Hemi engine and wow! -- an instant hit.
I will admit, I am very interested in both the RWD and the Hemi. Now, if it were offered in a car that looks like the 300M, or better still, the original "too European" design considered for the 300C earlier on, I would have one on order right now!
However, there are many who like the boxy 300 look because it is retro and has a gangster look to it. It seems to have a broader appeal to all ages. If I can get used to the new 300 look, I may even buy one in a year or two. In the meantime,though, with 2 300M's and a Crossfire in the family, I am convinced that we have the best looking cars Chrysler has to offer. And I don't mind that I don't see thousands of other 300 M's out there -- it kind of keeps the car exclusive.
As I stated in a previous post, I like everything about the 300C except the body styling. It makes no difference to me that lots of others seem to like it and orders are way up compared to 300M sales in earlier years, I still don't like the looks of the 300 and won't consider buying one. I still love my 300M and will just drive it until it quits running, I guess. To each his own!
Comments
http://www.dodgemagnum.net/phpBB2/tsb_recall.php
Thanks!
I created a website (with the same information as I posted here) and am emailing it to all my contacts at Chrysler. I am trying to get some higher up management's email addresses to email it to them too. Anyone got some email addresses for me to send it to? Here is the website: http://jrcase0.tripod.com/my2005chrysler300cnightmare/
It is a simple 30 minute creation(I know it is bad) but it will do for now.
magnesium pearl that will be arriving at the dealership next week, its sitting in New York waiting for a truck. I got a decent trade on my 1999 300M which I always loved(($6000) and I will pick up the new car next week. I always wanted a Hemi and the Magnum should be more practical for my wife.
Most all of the Chrysler dealers in my area were a pain in the neck when trying to buy or even order a 300C, rarely being straight forward about explaining delays or offering me trades that were highway robbery for 300C's in their lots. Good luck to everyone with their orders and being able to purchase the vehicle they want.
I feel Dodge will have a hit on its hands when more magnums hit the streets but I hope they will not have the same delays and delivery problems the 300C has had.
I test drove a Vanilla C at time when I was waiting for the magnum to get to my local dealer. Boy did I end up falling in love with this vehicle. A five minute test drive with fiance in the passenger seat and the salesman in the back had me hooked. Two weeks later I am at the dealer placing my order. Here's my story.
I ordered a Silver C with moonroof, nav, sound II, and protection group. Order placed April 23rd. Told 6-8 wks. Two weeks pass and my dealer calls: "blah blah, there's a hold on sunroofs".
He says my options are:
1) remove it from the order.
2) leave the order unchanged.
3) cancel the order for the time being and reorder after the restriction is lifted.
I say just "leave it unchanged, I'll wait the extra time but don't want to lose my place in the queue."
June 10th I decide to call the DCX number to get a status: BG.
Great, should be scheduled any day right?! Wrong.
I called back the next day and guess what? order is ZA (cancelled). "perhaps you should call your dealer" the customer-i-can't-do-a-thing-about-anything-much-less-do-I-know-an- ything-represenative. GEE YA THINK!? (sarcasm here)
I come to find out that my stupid dealer cancelled the order after all to make more room in the their "dealer allotment". But they never reactivated it after the sunroof hold was lifted (which I find out was lifted mid may). So my order is effectively now submitted on June 11th a full seven weeks after my initial order. And to top it off, I am still BG. UGH. I just want the car I ordered in the time frame I was given. Is tat too much to ask?
In case you are wondering here's the specifics...
VON: 12903599 placed April 23, '04, replaced June 11 (same VON)
dealer code: 68793
MSRP: $36,860 FWP: $34,695
not so sorry to tell you I pay employee price (EP): $33,103 10.2% under MSRP/4.6% under invoice
Again, thanks for all the information you have provided.
Tolenash
Does that mean I still have my original place in line ('cause that would just about make my day)?
Incidentally, I drove by my dealer yesterday, and they have their first 300 in the last two weeks - a silver touring edition. It was bittersweet as seeing it made we want mine more...
Tolenash
What were they thinking?
Talk about triggering a gag reflex.
It would save the 300's for those who actually WANT them...
Tolenash
Your site:
"Never buy a first year model car"
That is common sense to me. I follow that rule.
Word of advise though. Be carefull what you say on that site. Don't bash DC. That might result in a lawsuit.
I decided to see if I could find a car by looking thru every dealers inventory using the chrysler site. I found one about 2 hours away. It is exactly what I ordered and they anticipate it will be on the dealer lot tomorrow! Thats right no test drive miles! Put the deposit down over the phone. Hope to take delivery by Wed.
Dealer recommends an engine power flush. Heated envirolution ( spelled correctly ) detergent solution. The solution is introduced into the engine through the oil filler port and removed through the crankcase.
If memory serves running cleaning fluid through the main bearings in a bad practice .
Has anyone ever heard of this process.
It has happened to me as well. It happened twice right after I took possession of the vehicle and I haven't noticed it happen since...and I don't think it has. However, yesterday it happened twice again. I have 3000+ miles. I am scheduled for service on Thursday and will mention it and report back any problems/solutions.
Simply park on a slope.
My driveway has a slight slope, and every time I park the car outside, the parking brake light comes on when I go to leave. I don't think the actual brake is being automatically set, but perhaps the indicator is suggesting it should have been? My car only does the brake light trick after the car has been parked on an incline.
Now if I could just teach it to fetch...
Was I lucky that I did not take the early 300C in Cool Vanilla because of the quality control problems?
What do you all think - should I complete the purchase of a 300 delivered in July?
My time frame, budget and experience have me including these two cars on my list which also includes the 2005 A6 3.2L and the Acura 3.5RL also a 2005 model. The price of the 300C w/AWD one could imagine will be just over $40K fully equipped, no?
Then perhaps, assuming the SRT-8 also offers the AWD option, perhaps another $5K over that perhaps to $45K+?
After watching the Speed channel test report of the "lowly" RWD 300C, I thought the AWD and SRT-8 would have all our tongues waggin' -- must be me.
Anyone else thinking that, despite the problems some have noted herein, that Chrysler's Back in the saddle again?
The Speed test drive said "if you didn't know any better you'd think you were in a $45K car."
That puts it within range of consideration even with the new Cadillac STS V8, don't you think?
And, if there is either an SRT or a sport suspension option with the AWD which includes grippier tires and lowered ride height/stiffer springs, etc, well this thing should show everyone its tail lights.
I've heard that the new model will NOT be equipped with MDS. With the added displacement, we're looking a car that gets real bad mileage.
Low 40's gets into another class of cars.. now were comparing it to Jaguar's, the Audi A6 4.2, BMW's 5 series. How will it fair in the heavyweight class?
The 300C was "likened" by the host of Speed (on Cable and Sat TV) to the "feel" of an Audi A8 or BMW 7 series. And, in the next breath, the host proclaimed that the 300C "felt" like about $10,000 more car than the sticker shows.
My reasons for looking at the Chrylser are first performance and second performance "bang" for the buck. I had hoped the new STS from Cadillac would offer some competition to the new $43K Audi A6 and the new $49K Acura RL -- but with AWD the Caddy is over 62 large. The $42K AWD 300C (and that is beyond what I imagine it will really come in at) seems like it ought to compete in content and performance with all these afforementioned cars (including the Cadillac). The fact that the 300C may be a little bit light on electronic gizmos notwithstanding, I am not certain that some of the subtleties offered by the other brands is worth between $10 and $20K -- especially if the 300C's engine is as sweet as it, by all accounts, seems. Another year of refinements to the 300C will only sharpen its competitive edge.
Of course the vinyl roof add ons that are being tacked (as in tacky) on to some 300C's may keep it off the radar of anyone at the "C" level in most companies -- but that may merely serve to hold its price down.
Hard to imagine someone buying an A6 and putting a vinyl roof on it kind of thing, if you get my drift.
Point being the 300C SRT-8 may be a contender in the performance luxury sweepstakes in the $45K MSRP class.
On the other hand, the fact that there will be sub-30K "strippies" may make those who woulda and coulda purchased one of these higher zoot versions stay away.
Cadillac will, by price alone, keep the car solidly in the Premium class -- but I would not pay $62+K for a first year STS, no way, no how. I'd look to the three Germans for that kindof money, first.
The 300C seems a wonderful first step toward the Premium Market Class car -- the 300C srt-8 (assuming it does not get slathered with "boy racer" ground effects and decals, etc) could be the performance-lux car of 2006 MY! And a bargain to boot.
Well, I drove one last weekend and was VERY MUCH turned off! The car runs great and handles extremely well but it's just way too ugly for me.
I've loved the styling of my 300M ever since I saw one for the first time, but I'm just totally disappointed in the new 300.
I guess I'll just drive my 300M until I wear it out and (hopefully) something else will come out that catches my fancy (perhaps the Charger??).
Lynn Flowers
McKinney, Texas
I just picked up my new Silver 300C this past monday and so far everything is great with the car. Mine is loaded with every option except for the sunroof. I was not willing to wait the months in order to get one
The DVD movie of Spiderman is not seen as a Navi disk and, even though the hardware may be there that could read the "movie" the firmware and software won't permit it and probably nothing you can do, short of costing a large stack of $100 bills will change that attribute.
Also, there is probably plenty of motivation to make sure you can't get around it, for obvious reasons.
The 425 hp SRT needs to be left alone in RWD form only.....why opt for the increased hp when the AWD will only negate that? Better yet, wait for the new Charger R/T in 425 hp for more bang for the buck.
i was told to wait for a call from a 3rd party called "Impartial Services." it appears Chrysler contracts out this company to handle this. any people dealt with this?
So far I am very happy and have put a total of 12 Kms on it so far. Now if I could only understand the manual!!!!!!!
-mike
That being said, as of last week there were over 68,000 orders for the 300, and 30,000 orders for the Magnum. The 300M sold 24,910 units during the entire 2003 MY.
I will admit, I am very interested in both the RWD and the Hemi. Now, if it were offered in a car that looks like the 300M, or better still, the original "too European" design considered for the 300C earlier on, I would have one on order right now!
However, there are many who like the boxy 300 look because it is retro and has a gangster look to it. It seems to have a broader appeal to all ages. If I can get used to the new 300 look, I may even buy one in a year or two. In the meantime,though, with 2 300M's and a Crossfire in the family, I am convinced that we have the best looking cars Chrysler has to offer. And I don't mind that I don't see thousands of other 300 M's out there -- it kind of keeps the car exclusive.
I still love my 300M and will just drive it until it quits running, I guess.
To each his own!
Lynn Flowers
McKinney, Texas
I think I may know what you mean, but its been a while since I've seen them.