Greetings all from the latest FNG!

[StarJack]

Hello everyone, this is quite a collection of folks with great taste in automobiles! I've been lusting after a 300C for a while and I'm finally in a position to do the deed. In stalking dealers the last few days I've come across some that may have earned their stars, and a few I think that stole them!
One of the seemingly better dealers has a loaded RWD that he doesn't want to budge off the sticker on, but is willing to offer real close to what kelly blue book says my trade should garner. So I'm at home thinking about it and the sales manager calls and says he has just taken delivery of a fully loaded AWD and is willing to come off the sticker by 8-9%! ...
Highly unusal behavior based on what my past results at negotiating these popular cars has been. So I'm thinking he really wants me to buy THIS car, not just any 300C, and being the suspicious type I'm wondering what the catch is. I'm going to see the car in the morning, so I wanted to see if any you folks with vastly superior 300C (and cars in general, I can change oil and that's about it) knowledge and experience could enlighten me. AWD's are a little rare in this area (Ga.) and I don't fully understand the tradeoffs. What I think I know;
1) better traction in inclement weather?
2) heavier car weight meaning reduced mileage and (slightly) reduced performance?
3) more things to go wrong?
4) I dunno?
I know didly squat mechanically speaking so I'm hoping I can get some thoughts and comments on AWD in general and what might motivate a dealer to offer up what is for this model of car a decent discount. All I know for sure is after nourishment, women, and sleep (and I've been up for 26 hours after working last night and car shopping all day so order is debatable!) I want a 300C!
TIA and sorry for the rambling first post. :o

[HEMEEE]

Welcome StarJack, not a rambling first post at all, as a matter of fact it was well thought out for no sleep!

I am not in an area where AWD would be an advantage so my opinion would be based solely on appearance... the wheel gap in the RWD is a bit much for me and the AWD gap is greater. For those that are in need of AWD, the 300C AWD is the best of both worlds.

Good luck with your decision, we have several owners in the ranks!

[Lik2race]

FNG huh....I haven't heard that term since Vietnam..
Welcome to "The Family".
I am not familiar w/AWD, living just across the line in
South Carolina, don't have much need for AWD.
But..it does sound strange that the dealer is changing his mind
about selling you a car", not just any car" but the one HE wants YOU
to buy. I think I would look closer into this,something is not right.JMO !!

[Jimmy]

FNG, me 2,
I have a 2 week old 2006 300C in Brilliant pearl black, and got a good discount, found a little country dealer ready to deal. I would run from the awd as it is known to be a gas guzzler i'm told. I'm enjoying my new ride with only 1300 miles in 2 weeks, had the windows tinted recently.
Jimmy

[joeSRT8]

[quote=StarJack]
1) better traction in inclement weather?
Yes, but do you have inclement weather in georgia?

2) heavier car weight meaning reduced mileage and (slightly) reduced performance?
Performance is actually better in terms of handling, but MPG is worse.

There's a reason he's willing to come down on the AWD - its because many people are passing on it due to the huge gap in the wheel-well and the ugly wheels that come standard. Also, the car can't be lowered (yet) with aftermarket springs and finding aftermarket wheels to replace the ugly stock ones is a challenge (the amount of aftermarket wheels available can be counted on one hand). On paper the AWD and RWD are supposed to only be about 5mpg difference in MPG whether you're talking city or highway. However I found my AWD to get 12mpg city/17mpg highway!! I'm now driving an SRT-8 and actually getting BETTER MPG for chrissake!

I frequently make a particular 60-mile trip from orange county down to San Diego. I consistently got about 18-19mpg in the AWD. In the SRT-8 I actually get about 22-24mpg average over the course of three trips to the same destination, driving the same speed!

I don't know the climate in atlanta, but unless you are going to drive it in snow for at least 25% of the year, PASS ON THE AWD - head directly to RWD - you will thank me later. I learned the hard way after buying an AWD -- the raised "off road" look will start to eat away at you within a few days after buying.

Hold out for a 300C RWD in brilliant black. The stock chrome wheels are beautiful. Your gas mileage will be slightly higher. Weight is a non-issue (we're talking less than 150 pounds difference between AWD and RWD).

Oh. One more thing I forgot to mention, friend to friend here -- STAY AWAY FROM THE #$(*@#$ AWD!!

[Mr.DJ]

What Joe said, and he should know after personally experiencing both sides of the AWD/RWD debate.

[Model 57]

I wouldn't get an AWD unless you really need it. I doubt that you do, where you live, unless you drive to places to ski. I too seem to remember that term FNG, from the '70s.

[StarJack]

Good information to know. I appreciate your time and will let you know how it goes today.

[StarJack]

Sorry, I just had to!

Here's what followed me home:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v3..._0205-Crop.jpg

2005 300C RWD 2/25/2005 15:57 PM
Protection Group II
Power Moonroof
HI Headlamps/washer
Nav/6CD/GPS
Sirius
UConnect
Adjustable pedals
5.7L HEMI(R) MDS V8 Engine

For now I just enjoy, and wait to see what issues bite me, and deal with those as they come.

So, zoom, zoom, zoom. Wait! Wrong commercial!!

Thanks for the advice on ducking the AWD.

I'm off to RTDM.

[Mr.DJ]

Great choice...enjoy!