Chrysler 300 impressions + photos

[Iso Octane]

This is also on the C&D forums, am I spamming?

Had a chance to drive a 300 rental for 2 days. I was quite happy to have this over say... an Infiniti loaner, because the 300 is culturally a much more significant car. The car I drove was well equipped, with power seats and auto-climate.

You've all probably read enough reviews of the 300, so I'll keep it brief and try not to point out the obvious too much.

Interior Impressions:
- It's a big car. Huge. Sitting in the drivers seat, it feels as if you've walked into a bank vault.
- Being around Japanese cars all my life, I was very unaccustomed to where stuff was.
- Was it real leather? If it was... you call this leather? The seats were grainy and rough to the touch.
- I've always though the console design was quite handsome. But in person, it does come off as rather cheap. Cheap compared to what? Well, cars like the Accord and Camry of course. The Avalon (which I have also driven) is leagues ahead in interior design.
- I'm sitting almost as high as people in mid-size SUVs.

Driving Impressions:
- The steering wheel is so damn light. I could spin the wheel lock to lock with my pinky finger while stationary, without any effort. I wasn't expecting this grandma characteristic considering the masculinity of the styling, and some European influence.
- I know it's not a fast car, and the acceleration numbers speak for themselves. However, out on the streets it feels quick and light on its feet. The car has quite a bit of punch even from as low as 2500rpm. Full throttle to 60+ feels unimpressive, but there's a very adequate amount of power when mashing the gas to pass people around town.
- The 300 does quite well on the highway, although there is a trace amount of floatiness. Not a lot of wind noise, and doesn't feel draggy despite the blunt nose.
- The steering effort is too light, but it is direct and accurate.
- Brakes felt like crap. The initial effort is too high, and it's hard to modulate coming to a hard stop.

Overall
- It's a good car. Not my cup of tea though.
- A little disappointed by the cheap interior.

Compared to the G
- Stepping back into the G, there was a bit of claustrophobia.
- The G is an Infinititly (haha I made a pun) smoother, better drive.
- The G is still being broken in, so I have no idea how much faster it feels.

------ Picture time ----------

Probably a frequent occurance for owners. Truck lane seemed appropriate.


This car revs to 7000rpm? Wow! Or is there a redline missing somewhere?


What's with the wimpy looking cruise control stalk?


What's with the parking brake? You have to engage it with your foot, but pull this cheap handle (which feels like it's for the hood) to release?


What's with the headlight switch being there, and the left stalk being combined signals and wipers?


It looks great in pics, but a bit cheap in person.

[Calgary_G]

The biggest problem I see with the 300 is the number of them. I live in Canada & did a search in the Auto Trader for 2005 300C (did not include 300) it came back with 74 of them, the searched 2005 G35 & there were 4 in Western Canada. Try & sell your 300 with those numbers already around.

I have a 03 G & want an AWD & there is a 300C here with AWD & only 500 km (350 miles) for $39,000 (about $35,000 US $) he has the bill & he paid just over $50,000. He can't sell it. & when I looked online at the number available I changed my mind & will continue to hunt for a 05 x.

The other problem I see with the 300c is that the 300 looks identical & they are about $15,000 less, & you can pull up beside a 300 with your C & to the layman they would not know the difference even thou you put down the extra $15,000. Like someone on one of the forums described its looks "a brick with wheels" My $.02

[Z06ified]

Originally Posted by Calgary_G

The biggest problem I see with the 300 is the number of them. I live in Canada & did a search in the Auto Trader for 2005 300C (did not include 300) it came back with 74 of them, the searched 2005 G35 & there were 4 in Western Canada. Try & sell your 300 with those numbers already around.

Don't forget, the 300 competes with the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord, among other mid size family sedans. Compared to how many Camry's and Accords there are out there, the 300 is practically an exotic!

I have a 03 G & want an AWD & there is a 300C here with AWD & only 500 km (350 miles) for $39,000 (about $35,000 US $) he has the bill & he paid just over $50,000.

Paying over sticker for a car is foolish, IMO, but a 300 Hemi C AWD is a rare find these days since they just recently started production of the AWD model.

He can't sell it. & when I looked online at the number available I changed my mind & will continue to hunt for a 05 x.

He can sell it - just not for the price he wants. You never get a premium back over sticker when you sell a car used, unless it is a rare Ferrari.

The other problem I see with the 300c is that the 300 looks identical & they are about $15,000 less, & you can pull up beside a 300 with your C & to the layman they would not know the difference even thou you put down the extra $15,000.

Do you buy a car for you, or for other people to envy? I can spot a 300C pretty easily from a regular 300, and an SRT-8 even easier. Those who don't know cars will know if its a 300C or not when they race one.

The same thing can be said for a lot of other cars: a BMW M3 doesn't look that much different than a 330Ci, especially if you're not a car buff. An Audi S4 doesn't look much different than an A4, etc.

[Minarets]

Originally Posted by Z06ified

Don't forget, the 300 competes with the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord, among other mid size family sedans. Compared to how many Camry's and Accords there are out there, the 300 is practically an exotic!



Paying over sticker for a car is foolish, IMO, but a 300 Hemi C AWD is a rare find these days since they just recently started production of the AWD model.



He can sell it - just not for the price he wants. You never get a premium back over sticker when you sell a car used, unless it is a rare Ferrari.



Do you buy a car for you, or for other people to envy? I can spot a 300C pretty easily from a regular 300, and an SRT-8 even easier. Those who don't know cars will know if its a 300C or not when they race one.

The same thing can be said for a lot of other cars: a BMW M3 doesn't look that much different than a 330Ci, especially if you're not a car buff. An Audi S4 doesn't look much different than an A4, etc.

all good points

[giddyup69]

Iso ... isn't that the gas station at dixie and matheson? u work around there? i'm at tomken and brittania. that's pretty funny. almost forgot... please don't tell me u service your car at dixie/401, they're horrible!

[InTgr8r]

Originally Posted by Calgary_G

....... Try & sell your 300 with those numbers already around.

I have a 03 G & want an AWD & there is a 300C here with AWD & only 500 km (350 miles) for $39,000 (about $35,000 US $) he has the bill & he paid just over $50,000. He can't sell it. & when I looked online at the number available I changed my mind & will continue to hunt for a 05 x.

.....

It's not just the numbers...
Your dealing with history as well.....
Chryslers depreciate very quickly.

& just wait untill they start coming off leases

I agree it's best to to look for an '05X.
You'll be able to run it for a few years & still get great resale.

[Ivan]

whats the difference in styling between the 300 and 300C....just the little badge with a C on it?

[InTgr8r]

Originally Posted by Ivan

whats the difference in styling between the 300 and 300C....just the little badge with a C on it?

From the outside, that's pretty much it...
Maybe the chrome wheels as well

[Z06ified]

Originally Posted by Ivan

whats the difference in styling between the 300 and 300C....just the little badge with a C on it?

Dual chrome exhaust tips, larger wheels with wider tires, different lower front fascia with integrated fog lamps, and yeah, the little C on the badge.

I guess you guys never heard of the term "sleeper." Sometimes you don't always want to look fast even though you are. There can be a lot of fun in that. More fun than hanging a big spoiler on the back with stickers all over the car.

[InTgr8r]

Originally Posted by Z06ified

Dual chrome exhaust tips, larger wheels with wider tires, different lower front fascia with integrated fog lamps, and yeah, the little C on the badge.

I guess you guys never heard of the term "sleeper." Sometimes you don't always want to look fast even though you are. There can be a lot of fun in that. More fun than hanging a big spoiler on the back with stickers all over the car.

ahhhh the sleeper; gotta luv em

One of my all time fav rides was my old Porsche 914 c/w 2.4 911 engine;
other than wheels & wider rubber completely stock looking.

Used to love to cosy up behind a 911 & stick like glue when he tried to pull on me

[Minarets]

the most noticiable for me is the side mirrors are "chromed" on the C....all other models are body colored, including the SRT-8

the headlights are different too. the C has round headlights with optional HID's while the others have blocked or rectangular lights

[RBull]

Originally Posted by inTgr8r

It's not just the numbers...
Your dealing with history as well.....
Chryslers depreciate very quickly.

& just wait untill they start coming off leases

I agree it's best to to look for an '05X.
You'll be able to run it for a few years & still get great resale.

very true. I work with these guys every day and their lots are flooded with these cars at giveaway prices.

[Iso Octane]

Originally Posted by giddyup69

Iso ... isn't that the gas station at dixie and matheson? u work around there? i'm at tomken and brittania. that's pretty funny. almost forgot... please don't tell me u service your car at dixie/401, they're horrible!

THEY ARE!?

PM me with some details on that if you have the time, thanks.

[Gdup35sedan]

Originally Posted by Ivan

whats the difference in styling between the 300 and 300C....just the little badge with a C on it?

Dual exhaust tips, wheels, foglights, head lights are different because the "C" has HID's and the 300 doesnt. Different front lower valance. and the 300C badge.