Build quality of 300c vs. Audi/benz/bmw

[WaldenNYC]

hi all. i am a NEW 300c lover and current german car nut (who may very soon be converted)
i currently drive a Audi A6 4.2 sport. i love the interior build and overall build quality. i am also a former bmw and benz driver. i understand the ever smaller gap there is between these expensive german cars and cars like 300c.

How is the build quality of the 300c? will i be happy with the build quality and interior? is it top notch?

i fully understand that this car loaded is roughly $39K

thanks all!!

[rogue]

Compared to an Audi? Crap.

I visited the dealer less than 10 times during the 5 years I owned my Audi A4. Mostly for service intervals. I never once found a single factory defect, nor did I have any quirks. Keep in mind the A4 had been out for over 3 years by the time I purchased one.

Within the first 3 months of owning my 300c, I knew every Service advisor by name. I have visited the dealer atleast 10 times and only have 13k miles on my 300c. I don't consider myself to have a lemon, nor do I consider my vehicle a problem car. Its just a first generation vehicle. You'll find the same experiences across the entire forum whether or not we admit this or not...

Chrysler's factory build quality is questionable, and their service is pathetic. The car is amazing, the company that makes it, is not.

I don't think I'm alone when I say the following: "I know my 300c much better than my service department."

As far as the interior quality goes? There is no comparison. The carpet, the door panels, the leather.

The car makes up in other areas. If you wanted a car that rivaled the 300c in performance, you would have to step "up" to the S4. $55k out the door, same horsepower, a little bit lighter than the 300c, but with half the interior room.

[First300COwner]

Originally Posted by rogue

Compared to an Audi? Crap.

I visited the dealer less than 10 times during the 5 years I owned my Audi A4. Mostly for service intervals. I never once found a single factory defect, nor did I have any quirks. Keep in mind the A4 had been out for over 3 years by the time I purchased one.

Within the first 3 months of owning my 300c, I knew every Service advisor by name. I have visited the dealer atleast 10 times and only have 13k miles on my 300c. I don't consider myself to have a lemon, nor do I consider my vehicle a problem car. Its just a first generation vehicle. You'll find the same experiences across the entire forum whether or not we admit this or not...

Chrysler's factory build quality is questionable, and their service is pathetic. The car is amazing, the company that makes it, is not.

I don't think I'm alone when I say the following: "I know my 300c much better than my service department."

NAILED IT!

[Northern Rider]

I have had 2 quality issues after 7 months and 13,000 miles.

1. The latch holding the left rear seatback in place was defective, allowing the seatback to fall forward, under heavy deceleration. The latch was replaced.

2. The aluminum wheels have been pitting from contact with salt. DC have agreed to replace the wheels.

That's it, so far for me.

Overall, the fit and finish has been very good. All body panels align properly. No rattles yet.

[joey]

Kind of early to tell how this car is going to hold up over the long haul, but the first indications seems like almost everyone on this forum has had some warranty issues. I have 4300 miles after 6 months and I had the right pull/lead problem, and my sunroof is squeaking when the car flexes or drives over rough roads. Minor yes, but still not "perfect" after 4300 miles.
My 1995 Pontiac Bonneville SSEI didn't start having problems until after 4 or 5 years.
My biggest worry is the leather, fake interior chrome, and console plastics.
The leather looks like it might not hold up after a couple of years.
The fake chrome is already showing scratches.
The dash/center-console plastics scratches too easily.

But I love my car! I just hope it holds up over time.

[tekhen]

We get what we pay for......
We have all compared our Cs to more expensive/lux cars because of size and power
I think you will find that our interiors are not up to par with the A6.

For the price/styling/HEMI, the C is a nice car.
But if the 'incidentals' matter........

[MOBMOM]

Well I Have Had My 300c Almost A Year Now And I Haven't Had Any Problems Until Now, Very Minor (defrost/heat) No Warm Air After Awhile And I Have Turned It In To The Dealer And They Have Given Me Of Equal Value Loaner , As Well My Dealer Has Always Given Me Top Notch Service, Even Going To Other States To Bring A Vehicle Back For Me Via Flatbed That I Have Wanted To Purchase.....i Love The 300c It Looks Good Beside The Rest Of Our Toys

[300CAWD]

Originally Posted by rogue

Compared to an Audi? Crap.

I visited the dealer less than 10 times during the 5 years I owned my Audi A4. Mostly for service intervals. I never once found a single factory defect, nor did I have any quirks. Keep in mind the A4 had been out for over 3 years by the time I purchased one.

Within the first 3 months of owning my 300c, I knew every Service advisor by name. I have visited the dealer atleast 10 times and only have 13k miles on my 300c. I don't consider myself to have a lemon, nor do I consider my vehicle a problem car. Its just a first generation vehicle. You'll find the same experiences across the entire forum whether or not we admit this or not...

Chrysler's factory build quality is questionable, and their service is pathetic. The car is amazing, the company that makes it, is not.

I don't think I'm alone when I say the following: "I know my 300c much better than my service department."

As far as the interior quality goes? There is no comparison. The carpet, the door panels, the leather.

The car makes up in other areas. If you wanted a car that rivaled the 300c in performance, you would have to step "up" to the S4. $55k out the door, same horsepower, a little bit lighter than the 300c, but with half the interior room.

COUGH, COUGH. I will act like i did not read that.

[GaryCampbell]

Quality is relative, and a moving target: I’ve heard that Benz quality has recently started to tank, and while I haven’t heard much about Audi, I’ve also heard that VW quality is on the skids. I’ve owned a couple of BMW’s over the years, and they were pretty good, but far from trouble free. So far, so good with my C, but it’s only a couple of months old

[rogue]

Originally Posted by 300CAWD

COUGH, COUGH. I will act like i did not read that.

Maybe when you actually provide proof you run a 300c down the road instead of running your mouth, I'll care what you say. Until then, I'm going to continue to believe that you're a 15 year old that dreams of owning a 300c AWD. You've provided plenty of facts that don't add up kid and I'm calling you out on it.