Newbie presale questions about 300 & C

[Kupo?]

Been scanning the forums for the last couple days getting some info and I've decided that I will be getting a 300 (narrowed down from 4 choices) but I need some help deciding which model to get. I've driven a POS since forever and after landing a job out of school I finally have enough to get something I'll love.

Has anyone gone with the 3 and wish they would have coughed up a little more for the C? Or has anyone gone with the C and realized later that it might not have been worth it? I've driven my piece for so long that pretty much anythings better but I kinda figure if I'm going to be spending the money, might as well get the HEMI.

I'm planning to eventually get some rims (20-22) and I've read some things on the forum about this, but would it be better to put them on a C due to the larger stock wheels or does it really make a difference?

What are some of the differences between the 3 and the C that would make you pick the C (or not)?

Any other input would be greatly appreciated. I'm pretty much ready to go get this car right now but I need a little help!

Also what's the deal with these vents (I think?) by the mirror? I've been looking at these cars for awhile and I never noticed this on any others.

[GoofyTimL]

If you're cost conscious over power hungry, then go with a Touring or Limited. The 3.5L V6 has plenty of power and you will like the fuel economy. We rented one last summer and it was getting 27-28 mpg on the highway. Then you can decided on what extras you want in terms of options, unless your going for one of the '05s (used or new) or an '06 just before the '07s hit the dealerships.

However, as you can see from my signature we have two 300Cs. We bought the '05 Blue as a Certified Pre-Owned with 14.5k miles and a good deal. Though it has limited options we were glad we got the C over the rental he tested. The difference in fuel economy is not that much (24-25 highway, 15-16 city for us), but the noticeable increase in power and response (and comfort) was well worth it.

So much so, that when we decided to order the '06 Heritage Edition, and were going to trade the '05 for it plus cash, my wife decided she did not want to give up the Blue. So now we have two.

That being said, IF you can find a Heritage Edition at Employee Pricing, that would be my highest recommendation. These are just fantastic cars, and for the package features and new technology vs. our '05 well worth the cost (and the delta isn't much with EP right now.

So there you have it. My preference order would be...

300C H.E.
300C
300 Touring/Limited

[Kupo?]

Thanks for the post. That HE is pretty slick, I've yet to even see one for sale (used) in my area though. I'm pretty sure I'm going to get a used '05 if I go C, I feel like I'm getting a lot more for my money.

[rickgonz]

Hi Kupo,
My advice is do a lot of online and phone shopping, don't be afraid to ask the internet salesman what their lowest price is on:
300C
300Touring

Use the Chrysler web site to price with EPP - to begin with and bargain down from there. Don't go wild on the options though.

Around where I live in NoVA, with EPP a brand new 300C with hardly any options is going for $30,000 plus tax, tags, processing fee.
300Touring is going for about $25,600 plus...
When you start looking for options though, the price goes up real quick with sunroof, Sirius radio, 6 disc CD player, etc.
But still those prices are lower than the used car prices I looked at on Cars.com and other sites.

If you can manage the payments, definitely go for the C, if not I agree with GoofyTimL, a 300Touring gives you the feeling and is more suited for commuting. Just don't get fooled into thinking you can race with it.
I have a Touring, and it suits my personality. the 0-60 times are in the 8+ sec. range, some magazines put them at 9 seconds+. I would never go racing, though I always think what if...

Alternatively, if you still want the Hemi you should take a look at the Charger.
It's got a much more aggressive look about it, and is more suited for a younger attitude. Lots of folks on this board owning 300Cs would dispute that, with many of them in their 20s. Anyways, a Charger R/T will start from about $27,000.

And again, another alternative if you have the time and patience. A couple of folks on this board and another board looked for 2005 Magnum R/Ts that had been sitting brand new in dealer's lots and got them for a little more than $25,000. They had loan from their banks in hand (or maybe even checks I don't know), and had all the advantages on their side - those cars were causing the dealers to pay interest month after month and they just wanted to get rid of them.

The difference: 300C have more content, which in Charger R/T for example would be options like the EVIC Electronic Vehicle Information Center.

And as far as 20 in wheels, the 300C SRT8 has them. You got $41,000 and you might get one. you get upgraded suspension as well as a lot more horsepower.
While a lot of folks get 20s on to their base or Touring 300s (replacing 17s), the added weight actually slows down what little performance they have.

Happy hunting!
Rick

[rickgonz]

Originally Posted by Kupo?

Also what's the deal with these vents (I think?) by the mirror? I've been looking at these cars for awhile and I never noticed this on any others.

They're cosmetic add-ons. There's lots of accessories for the 300. Just google 300C accessories, and you'll all sorts of chrome stuff: grilles, window dressing, bumper dressing, etc.
Take a look at some of the sponsors of this board like autotrucktoys.com, they've got tons of the stuff.

[300MAG]

After owning my touring for 10 months, I relized I made a mistake IMO and traded the touring in for a "C". I regretted not spending the extra money for the "C" in the first place. The difference in price between the two is not that great of a difference when your spending 26K+ for a touring. With the "C" IMO you get a nicer exterior, upgraded interior, a lot of toys and a smoking engine. I don't notice that big of difference in city MPG, 2-3 range between the touring and "C" unless you have a very heavy foot then you will see a bigger difference. Of course you have to get what fits within your budget but I just wish I purchased the "C" in the first place...and I sure there is plenty of SRT8 owners that wished they went for the "8" instead of gooing for the "C" first. I think the "C" is a happy median between the touring and "8" IMHO.

[bowser]

Congratulations on your decision. I know what it's like to upgrade from a POS. I just got my SRT8 three weeks ago. I upgraded from a 2000 S-10. You will love every minute of it.

[srt8danno]

Kupo from one Indiana dude to another…..just go for it and get the 5.7! You’ve put in your dues by driving a POS for years, you’ve got a nice job, it’s time to step up and get some decent hp! You work hard and you probably play hard……so get the car that will keep you hard every time you drive it!

[joey]

This might help. This lists all the extras you get with the C.
This list is from the 2005 model year, so the list might not be 100% accurate for the 2006/2007 year.


Here is the full list.

[Kupo?]

Wow! Thanks for all the responses. After hearing what you guys have to say and hanging out at the dealership all evening, I'm definitely going with the C. If I go new it's going to require a little more of a down payment than I really want to make and I think buying used is smarter in the long run anyways. I went to the dealership sold on the metallic silver but after seeing that blue I'm not so sure. Looks like it's going to be an '05 Midnight Blue C for me!