Starting My Research Early

[DrDoug]

As a long-time MOPAR nut, it's time to start researching the next new car. When my '04 Sebring is paid for ( February 08 ) it is time to go with my real choice, and go for the 300C. When I bought the Sebring, it replaced an '87 Voyager that had no air, transmission slipped, and started in a cloud of bluie smoke. Since I usually park in the Long Island Rail Road lot ( rather than drive into Brooklyn) I couldn't justify my real choice - a 300M. This time, I won't deny myself. We rented a base 300 in Florida last year, and my wife remarked how big it was and how well I fit ( I'm 6'4"). We had her sister in the car coming home from the Jersey Shore this afternoon, and the topic came up, and again she complained about having to climb out of the Sebring, and that she liked the 300.

As a child of the 60s and 70s, the HEMI is magical. When I was in high school the 3 football coaches had: Chevelle SS 454 convertible, GTO Convertible, and GTO coupe. When a fellow student showed up in a '70 Road Runner, we were all jealous.

So.... I'll be researching the 300C based upon your experiences, and hoping the 2008 refresh isn't a disaster. The current lease on the Town & Country is up in March 2008, so I see a dual purchase/lease from my friendly Chrysler salesman -- it will make his month, and, hopefully, get me a good price on both cars, and the Sebring will go to my then 18 year old daughter as her first car.

[Rambit]

Welcome to the forums "Doc"! You find plenty of information for your research. This is a great place to learn about your future car. Any questions, just ask.

Rambit

[DUBSTER]

GOOD LUCK!!!!!!!!! you won't be dissappointed!!!! WELCOME TO THIS GREAT FORUM!!!

[GoofyTimL]

Welcome DrDoug to the forums from our 300Cs in WV. We like the first one so much, that we got a second! The tough part for you is going to be waiting until the sprind og '08. Whew!

Also... I'd suggest doing what we did... if you have a trip coming up... rent one (a 300 Touring or Limited, unless you can find a "C") just to get a feel for how comfortable and powerful, even the 3.5L V6 is. We did that last summer and that convinced us a 300 was the car for us. Then when the Heritage Editions were announced... we were gonna trade up, but then the wife wouldn't let go of the blue!

[Rambit]

Also, for reference purposes of course, I got a PM from grunt several months ago. He works at the Brampton Assembly plant for those who don't know. He was telling me at that time the 5.7L 300C production was down at that time in favour of the 3.5L. He couldn't understand why because the fuel economy was not all that significant between the two engines because of MDS. Take that into consideration when deciding what model you want or need.

Rambit

[DrDoug]

Thanks for the welcome. I pretty much thought that the 3.5 and 5.7 Hemi ( at highway speed ) would work about to be about the same mpg. I think I had a 3.5 in a Charger rental in Florida in January, and it certainly had adequate power. I think that it's time for my mid-life crisis, and a Hemi 300C is cheaper ( and easier emotionally ) than a trophy girl friend!

I do have a trip coming up in October to Nevada -- I'll need a car to get to the meeting and back, so it won't be a lot of driving, but will serve as a comparison point to the base 300. I'll have to remember to do that.

Now, to sit back and learn as much as possible about my next new car

Doug