They were not "attacking" the 300. The article clearly mentions the V8 is optional. A lower-priced Avalon XLS does have the features most people want either standard or optional for well under $37,000. Most likely they chose a 300 Limited rather than a 300C because they wanted the softer and cushier version that is more comparable to Buicks and Avalons. Maybe Chrysler will eventually make the Hemi engine optional in the Limited model.
Eaxactly, that is why I don't see a point in getting a Limited. It would be like testing another group of cars and noting the absence of leather in one when it can be had and not only that but for less.
I read that page before posting. So I guess let me clarify my question. Why test a 37K Avalon against a lesser priced version of the 300 and not step up to the C when it can be had for under the price that you tested the Avalon for?
Now if the point was to only test V-6's I can see the conclusion making complete sense. In fact I saw one in MotorTrend. The 300 had won but even if it didn't it wouldn't have made any difference because the point was made that they were only testing V-6 engine models of Full Size sedans.
In this comparison that wasn't stated and while they do say it's optional they don't state as to why it was not chosen. Under the final page for the Toyota it even states that they tested a lower model at 31K for the features that were required for the test (it had seven of the ten required). At even that price point the C is still only 2K shy of that. That's why I'm scratching my head. In addition to that they say that "A bigger problem is the fact that you can't get reverse sensors." Not true. You can ... on the C. So for comparison purposes I just want to know why it wasn't chosen?
Value is one of the key things about the 300 so if you cut off the options list without stating why it makes the comparison article seem odd. Especially considering the C is no longer the highest trim available.
my 300c should be here by june and im going to install a chrome mesh grill, how can i move the bracket down to just be on the bumper and not cover the grill? any instructions or help would be appreciated as i definitely need to do this, thanks!
Their full-size sedans ranged from low $20,000's to high $30,000's. There was no reason to leave out the C as it would actually come in under the Avalon. This would have eliminated their main gripe -- power under stress!
The 300C second to the Toyota Avalon? Are you kidding me?
I know new wheels were part of the changes to some models for 2006, but this 2005 Touring that just arrived on a dealer's lot in Virginia seems to have gotten an "early" set of them:
Clearly the '06s have started to roll, with some of their parts showing up a little beforehand. I was never a fan of silver-painted wheels, so these are an improvement I guess.
I read the same article and came away wondering what happened to the 300C.
I personally drove a 300C and Avalon back to back 1 week ago, and bought the 300C the next day. And my monthly payments wound up being cheaper then the Avalon. So in my book, they were equivalent cars. P.S.-I didn't even consider the V6 300.
I get a sense of favoritism in that article. Is it possible that Toyota asked Edmunds to review the car against other V6s? Is it possible that Edmunds thought no one would read the article if it was just another "the 300C is the best" article?
If Edmunds picked the Avalon over the 300, based on say quality, fun to drive factor, or looks, then you wouldn't be able to say much. But the article penalizes the 300 for lacking features that the 300C has. They essentially handicapped the 300 in that article. Why?
I am perplexed. Could Edmunds please explain why the 300C was not used?
Im glad you relize the quality of the Avalon eventhough you didnt buy one. I drove both cars also, but the Avalon is superb in looks, and especially the ride is much quieter and fun to drive. While the Chrysler 300 is nice looking, the performance of a Toyota will always win -over Chrysler profducts unless they make some major changes. The resale on Chrysler is also very bad in comparison to Toyotas. That is why I bought the Avalon.
Don't know for sure if all brackets are the same, but if yours will be lke mine was, there is a lip at the top of the bracket. All you have to do is cut the lip off and lower the braket, re-drill the holes and you're all set. The old holes are now covered by the bracket and it sits perfectly on the bumper. It will be about 3/8" to a 1/2" below the new grille. I have the euro-style mesh grille and it's a perfect fit. Good luck on your new "C" and the installation.
tolenash....I did not drive the 300c. I would like to say that the main reason I didn't buy the 300 were the reviews I kept reading about. One lady said she had waited several months on a part, and she couldn't even drive her new car. I also read that parts were hard to come by, and that there were some other problems with pulling to one side. I was very leery of buying it due to hearing so much negative. I hope they have cleared up those problems. To me, I just liked the Avalon better. I have had several Toyota's , and they are so reliable. I have seen some nice looking 300's though, and I wish all of you that bought them the best. I really did consider one.
Anyone noticing sales overall, especially Hemi's, are dropping off at all?
I know they're still considered one of the hottest vehicles on the market a year after intro, but a recent trip to a few dealers left me wondering. We live in southern DE near the beach and there's quite a few 300's on the roads, mainly V6 models. However, when I went to the two local dealers last weekend, one had 4 300C Hemi's (2 black, 1 blue, and 1 satin jade) plus a base 2.7 model, all strangely with red tag sales stickers hanging from the rearview mirrors. They also had 3 Magnums, 1 RT Hemi and 2 SXT's, that I knew had been sitting there for a while. The next dealer had 3 300's, two Hemi's and one Touring--all of which I knew had been there a couple weeks.
They seem willing to deal, but I wonder if this is the situation others of you have found lately. This mainly struck me as odd because they're both very small dealers, and were clearly willing to discount. Think gas prices have anyone reconsidering the Hemi?
I'm a big fan of the 300C. I may very well consider one for my next auto. Most 300's I have seen have been very well put together with lustrous, smooth paint. The vanilla 300C I drove last summer certainly fit that description.
Last autumn I saw a couple on the dealer's lot that had BAD orange peel. The difference between the paint on those cars, and the earlier ones I had seen was night and day. Last week I parked next to a dark red (Lava?) 300 Touring. The paint was awful. Looked like someone went over it with a spray can, but since various degrees of orange peel from bad to unbelievable, and even some ridges, covered the entire surface, that can't be it.
What's going on? I wouldn't accept delivery of a car of any make that looked like that. Has the factory been cutting corners in the paint room to meet demand? A bad batch? Anyone have any info?
Hope Chrysler doesn't Golden Goose the 300. It has a real chance to move the whole division up-market.
When the 300 first came out, shortly thereafter there was a hold on Lava Red and the dark blue color orders. Initially, they were put on hold for a while because the paint was prone to chipping [too hard??]. Since then my dealer reports that the problem was resolved. I had not heard of the orange peel issue although I have seen it on other cars from time to time.
Hey All, I am reading most of the posts trying to get all the info I can, but can someone cut to the chase for me and tell me if there is a fix for the Pull To The Right problem? I just got a used (Only 857 miles) 300 base V6 on 3/21/05 and I am having the Leads to the Right issus.
My car was built in August 2004, yet I thought they had the problem fixed after May 2004? This is deffinatly a real issue, and not the road.
The first trip to the dealer was a bust. They followed the TSB and said it was fine. I could feel the pull less than 30 seconds after I hit the road.
So after trip number one to the "5 Star Dealer" in Boston's North Shore, I still have my 300 leading to the right. This is total BS. Why isn't Chrysler doing something about this. My car is in for fix #2, and if it goes to #3. Lemon Law. No questions asked. Has ANYONE had this problem fixed?
Check over on the Magnum discussion. There was a person over there that had a Magnum that was un-fixable and was about to be bought back. She tried a different mechanic over at a Chrysler dealership who nailed it first try.
I do not have, nor have I ever had, the right pull issue. Very early build ....2/04 ..... but I will tell you that these cars are very crown AND tire pressure sensitive. If you would please very carefully get all 4 tires at the SAME pressure and then check on the right lane of a 4 lane for the pull to the right. Then move over to the left and see if it then tries to pull to the left. You may have a pull issue, but by doing the above you will know and your dealer will have one less chance to try to BS you. Check this way and be sure for your own peace of mind. Good luck!
Got a 2005 Chrysler 300 / 300c That pulls (leads) to the right? I already did it. I am fighting Chrysler on this one!!!!!! Also getting ready to start a Lemon Law suit. Anyone do this yet?
Probably obvious and already checked but tire pressure is absolutely critical. My Limited was pulling to the right. One back tire was low by only 2 psi. Equal pressure seems to have corrected the problem.
I'm still looking for Chrysler 300 2006 standard features and options, MSRP's and colors. Dealers give me a run-around. Does anyone know where I can find these?
My new 2005 300C AWD (340 hemi) which was 3 weeks old and only driven about 1100 miles when it ground to a halt on the interstate last month. A metal on metal grinding sound and severe shake forced me to pull off the road. It needed to hauled on a flat bed to a Chrysler dealer. A burned out front differential was found and it took 3-4 days to get the part and fix it. . It has been driving well before and since. I wonder if I am in store for any other problems? Thanks
Not that I'm an expert on these cars, but I've done quite a bit of research and have heard of this EXACT SAME issue many times now.
On another board specifically for these cars, most owners of the AWD models have not had any problems, but those who have tend to share a common trait--the Hemi. Particularly, out of everything, the front differential does seem to be having issues, just like you found out. According to one person who already had this same repair, his dealer's service department told him that it was because the front differential just isn't strong enough for the Hemi's grunt--something they back up by noting how the AWD models with the 3.5L engine have not had the problem, or at least not as much as the Hemi models have.
Seemed strange that they would start production of something that "isn't strong enough", but that's what I've read and been told. Hope your car is fixed for good, however, and you continue to enjoy it!
Beach - I am a member of 2 other club/forums, for the LX cars only, and I have never even once seen a front diff issue mentioned. There may be an area for AWD that I don't know about, but .................... So you think the HEMI is overpowering the diff? That is the reason you see problems? The common denominator is AWD and the HEMI. Hmmmm Wonder why when you throw all of the power to the rear diff on a RWD there is no problem? Curious, EH? I need to do some more careful reading although I'm happy with my RWD "C" and don't intend to change. :-)
Thanks for taking the time to share your knowledge. I hope it is not the start of recurrent problems. I hope that Chrysler did the proper engineering research before going into production.
I'm probably talking about one of the same "other" forums you are, and while it hasn't been a very common problem, it has happened to more than one person on there before and I've read about it. And the comment about the Hemi vs. the AWD, also true, but just a repeat of what I read directly off of the other place.
My post was just a re-post of info from another place. It doesn't sound like something that's going to become a massive problem, but when the same thing happens to the same cars in the same time period and one dealer tech department says it's because the diff. is too weak for the Hemi, it makes you wonder.
PULLING PROBLEM COMES FROM REAR TIRES OUT OF ALIGNMENT ! You´ll fix the problem by fixing the camber of the tires. Most dealers are ONLY taking care of FRONT WHEELS, and FORGETTING ABOUT THE REAR ONES.! :mad:
I bought a 300 Touring Edition in November and almost immediately noticed my main dashboard lights flickering intermittently. Sometimes it's a fast flicker and sometimes it's stays dim for a few seconds before going bright again. This includes the speedometer lights and the radio lights. There doesn't seem to be any reasoning to it. It will happen sometimes when I'm sitting at stop lights and sometimes when I'm on the highway. The first time I took it in, they reset the system, which didn't work. The second time they upgraded the software apparently and the problem continues to persist. This is a tough on because it's hard to fix if they can't recreate it. I've noticed that if turn my headlights on and off again, it seems to stop the flicker but I haven't conducted any scientific studies to see if this is the case all the time. Seems to be a wiring short or something. Has anyone else experienced this problem and had success correcting it? It's driving me crazy and aside from this issue, I love the car but it's starting to spoil the experience. Any advice would be appreciated.
Wheels7, A TSB exists for this. Your dealer should have this information to resolve your problem. The TSB information is below. The TSB number is 18-003-05. Hopefully you can take this information to the dealer and get your problem resolved.
I have a 300 C. Chrysler has put 2 sets of tires on my car. I have 25,000. After the second alignment it did not pull but the tires are still wearing. It has been aligned 4 times. I am getting close to needing tires again. It is a same the car is great except for the front end. Will let you know what happens
I have a black metallic, fully loaded (minus U-connect) 300C sitting in my driveway right now, testdriving it for the weekend. I picked it up from the local Dodge dealer. It is a used model with 11,000 miles on it, and 2 months old (how can I verify this?). They say it was a Detroit excecutive's car that had to drive around to different dealerships, which explains the miles. Initially, they wanted $38,000 and some change for it, plus the $300 document fee, etc. I don't have to pay tax anyway, since I am military. I talked them into (provided a satisfactory test drive this weekend) $37,000 out the door with new floormats and an installed remote start system. They claim they paid $35,000 for it (after we had agreed on a price) I am reading the forums on here and seeing that the depreciation may not be so good. Is this a good deal? It is in excellent shape. Other than the floor mats, it looks brand new and drives great. What is the maximum I should be paying for this car? Thanks :confuse:
37000 out the door is WAY too much for an 05 with 11,000. You can order an 06 with most of the options for around that price. I don't know what part of the country you are in, but you should be able to do a search of local dealers and find a brand new 05 for that price. With the 06's already hitting dealer lots, I would say the dealer is trying to take you. I think that you should be able to get the car for around 33000, if not I would look elsewhere. Just my .02. Whatever you choose to do, good luck with it. If you don't need the car right away, I would go with ordering an 06, you should be able to get it for MSRP, probably less.
Thanks for your reply. After doing more research, does the 2005 have a 7/70 warranty or a 3/36? They are telling me 3/36 and that i have to pay $1530 extra to get a 7/75. Thanks :confuse:
Chrysler has put 2 sets of tires on my 300C. At 7,000 and 19,000 and the tires are still cupping. They have aligned it 4 times. They now say they will not do anything else. On rotation I told them that the tires should not have to be rotated. The new Srt8 has larger tires in the rear so you CAN'T rotate the tires. This is a bunch or crap they are telling us. dennisfe2004@yahoo.com
Comments
A lower-priced Avalon XLS does have the features most people want either standard or optional for well under $37,000.
Most likely they chose a 300 Limited rather than a 300C because they wanted the softer and cushier version that is more comparable to Buicks and Avalons.
Maybe Chrysler will eventually make the Hemi engine optional in the Limited model.
Don't hold your breath! With the same engine (and transmission) as the C, there would be little or no differentiation between the Limited and the C.
This option would make the Limited a C...
I read that page before posting. So I guess let me clarify my question. Why test a 37K Avalon against a lesser priced version of the 300 and not step up to the C when it can be had for under the price that you tested the Avalon for?
Now if the point was to only test V-6's I can see the conclusion making complete sense. In fact I saw one in MotorTrend. The 300 had won but even if it didn't it wouldn't have made any difference because the point was made that they were only testing V-6 engine models of Full Size sedans.
In this comparison that wasn't stated and while they do say it's optional they don't state as to why it was not chosen. Under the final page for the Toyota it even states that they tested a lower model at 31K for the features that were required for the test (it had seven of the ten required). At even that price point the C is still only 2K shy of that. That's why I'm scratching my head. In addition to that they say that "A bigger problem is the fact that you can't get reverse sensors." Not true. You can ... on the C. So for comparison purposes I just want to know why it wasn't chosen?
Value is one of the key things about the 300 so if you cut off the options list without stating why it makes the comparison article seem odd. Especially considering the C is no longer the highest trim available.
Their full-size sedans ranged from low $20,000's to high $30,000's. There was no reason to leave out the C as it would actually come in under the Avalon. This would have eliminated their main gripe -- power under stress!
The 300C second to the Toyota Avalon? Are you kidding me?
Clearly the '06s have started to roll, with some of their parts showing up a little beforehand. I was never a fan of silver-painted wheels, so these are an improvement I guess.
I read the same article and came away wondering what happened to the 300C.
I personally drove a 300C and Avalon back to back 1 week ago, and bought the 300C the next day. And my monthly payments wound up being cheaper then the Avalon. So in my book, they were equivalent cars. P.S.-I didn't even consider the V6 300.
I get a sense of favoritism in that article. Is it possible that Toyota asked Edmunds to review the car against other V6s? Is it possible that Edmunds thought no one would read the article if it was just another "the 300C is the best" article?
If Edmunds picked the Avalon over the 300, based on say quality, fun to drive factor, or looks, then you wouldn't be able to say much. But the article penalizes the 300 for lacking features that the 300C has. They essentially handicapped the 300 in that article. Why?
I am perplexed. Could Edmunds please explain why the 300C was not used?
I hope they have cleared up those problems. To me, I just liked the Avalon better. I have had several Toyota's , and they are so reliable. I have seen some nice looking 300's though, and I wish all of you that bought them the best.
I really did consider one.
Does Chrysler have a shortage of V8 hemis which is inhibiting building all the v8's the market seems to want?
And is it correct that rising gas prices are __not__ affecting the sale of these V8 versions by any significant amount?
I know they're still considered one of the hottest vehicles on the market a year after intro, but a recent trip to a few dealers left me wondering. We live in southern DE near the beach and there's quite a few 300's on the roads, mainly V6 models. However, when I went to the two local dealers last weekend, one had 4 300C Hemi's (2 black, 1 blue, and 1 satin jade) plus a base 2.7 model, all strangely with red tag sales stickers hanging from the rearview mirrors. They also had 3 Magnums, 1 RT Hemi and 2 SXT's, that I knew had been sitting there for a while. The next dealer had 3 300's, two Hemi's and one Touring--all of which I knew had been there a couple weeks.
They seem willing to deal, but I wonder if this is the situation others of you have found lately. This mainly struck me as odd because they're both very small dealers, and were clearly willing to discount. Think gas prices have anyone reconsidering the Hemi?
Last autumn I saw a couple on the dealer's lot that had BAD orange peel. The difference between the paint on those cars, and the earlier ones I had seen was night and day. Last week I parked next to a dark red (Lava?) 300 Touring. The paint was awful. Looked like someone went over it with a spray can, but since various degrees of orange peel from bad to unbelievable, and even some ridges, covered the entire surface, that can't be it.
What's going on? I wouldn't accept delivery of a car of any make that looked like that. Has the factory been cutting corners in the paint room to meet demand? A bad batch? Anyone have any info?
Hope Chrysler doesn't Golden Goose the 300. It has a real chance to move the whole division up-market.
Here is the 1998 Chrysler Chronos concept car
http://www.allpar.com/cars/concepts/chronos.html
Now the 57 300C
http://www.allpar.com/cars/chrysler-300c.html
Then notice the new 300's front end. Also, the taillights of the new 300 are like that of the 57 300.
Best Regards,
Shipo
the football field of a hood, the high fengers, the big ol' intake, and slunk down look of the cab area... see for yourself...
My car was built in August 2004, yet I thought they had the problem fixed after May 2004? This is deffinatly a real issue, and not the road.
The first trip to the dealer was a bust. They followed the TSB and said it was fine. I could feel the pull less than 30 seconds after I hit the road.
So after trip number one to the "5 Star Dealer" in Boston's North Shore, I still have my 300 leading to the right. This is total BS. Why isn't Chrysler doing something about this. My car is in for fix #2, and if it goes to #3. Lemon Law. No questions asked. Has ANYONE had this problem fixed?
Best Regards,
Shipo
I already did it. I am fighting Chrysler on this one!!!!!!
Also getting ready to start a Lemon Law suit. Anyone do this yet?
Report your problem to NHTSA:
https://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/ivoq/
Chrysler 300
On another board specifically for these cars, most owners of the AWD models have not had any problems, but those who have tend to share a common trait--the Hemi. Particularly, out of everything, the front differential does seem to be having issues, just like you found out. According to one person who already had this same repair, his dealer's service department told him that it was because the front differential just isn't strong enough for the Hemi's grunt--something they back up by noting how the AWD models with the 3.5L engine have not had the problem, or at least not as much as the Hemi models have.
Seemed strange that they would start production of something that "isn't strong enough", but that's what I've read and been told. Hope your car is fixed for good, however, and you continue to enjoy it!
My post was just a re-post of info from another place. It doesn't sound like something that's going to become a massive problem, but when the same thing happens to the same cars in the same time period and one dealer tech department says it's because the diff. is too weak for the Hemi, it makes you wonder.
You´ll fix the problem by fixing the camber of the tires. Most dealers are ONLY taking care of FRONT WHEELS, and FORGETTING ABOUT THE REAR ONES.! :mad:
I bought a 300 Touring Edition in November and almost immediately noticed my main dashboard lights flickering intermittently. Sometimes it's a fast flicker and sometimes it's stays dim for a few seconds before going bright again. This includes the speedometer lights and the radio lights. There doesn't seem to be any reasoning to it. It will happen sometimes when I'm sitting at stop lights and sometimes when I'm on the highway. The first time I took it in, they reset the system, which didn't work. The second time they upgraded the software apparently and the problem continues to persist. This is a tough on because it's hard to fix if they can't recreate it. I've noticed that if turn my headlights on and off again, it seems to stop the flicker but I haven't conducted any scientific studies to see if this is the case all the time. Seems to be a wiring short or something. Has anyone else experienced this problem and had success correcting it? It's driving me crazy and aside from this issue, I love the car but it's starting to spoil the experience. Any advice would be appreciated.
This was a classic 300M/LHS problem which apparently still needs addressing.
01/12/05 2005 .. #18-003-05 . Flash: Headlights Fluctuation and/or Int. Lamps Fluctuation
John
Will let you know what happens
Thanks :confuse:
This is a bunch or crap they are telling us.
dennisfe2004@yahoo.com
dennisfe@yahoo.com