Initial Results from my research for a 300C purchase in SoCal (best price)

[Ahemi4me]

First Kudo's to this forum it is simply great!

I am trying to help other SoCal 300C "wanabes" (like me) find a 300C with some of my research results. The pricing in this post gets better from top to bottom, I still haven't bought my 300C and definitely would appreciate any other helpful posts to this thread. Note this is merely my initial contact pricing, I don't know what I could do making a "take it or leave it it" offer, or if that would even do any good.

300C at MSRP+1K and 300 at MSRP (asking price maybe they will deal?)

In victorville http://www.victorvillechryslerdodgejeep.com ask for chuck

300C at MSRP (asking price maybe they will deal?)

I would recommend Ralph Lawler of Barwick Auto Group, please note I am still considering an out of state purchase as I think even MSRP is too high and I am willing to wait - thus I didn’t buy from him but he seemed up front and honest in communications. In addition it was refreshing to see a local SoCal dealer not hop on the MSRP+ bandwagon (I have seen a used base, no options, 300C with 5K miles with a sticker of $43K at the HB dealership).

Ralphs E-Mail to me:

The good news is we are not marking them up above MSRP like most other Dealerships in our area.

Example (pretty sure it sold quick as most MSRP sales in SoCal go fast):

A Magnesium 05' 300C just became available today. It has the Protection Group II, Power Moonroof, High Intensity Discharge Headlamps, and Power Adjustable Pedals. It can be yours for MSRP or $38,510 + tax & license.

His contact info

Ralph Lawler
Barwick Auto Group
San Juan Capistrano
(949) 493-0910 - Direct Fleet Line
info@barwickauto.com

Buying a 300C at $496 below MSRP

Seems like http://www.carmax.com (carmax runs a Chysler dealership near LAX) gives a no-nonsense $996 below MSRP on 300's and $496 on 300C's. Not surprising 300C's do not seem to be in stock - but here is the deal (only a 2-3 week wait) - if you know what you want you can move stock from Atlanta (you pay non-refundable shipping of $850 to transfer the car) test drive it and if you like it buy it (local dealer in SoCal if you are worried about service or lemon law coverage). This is the best upfront price I have found in the area.

Buying a 300C at $700 over invoice - you must custom order it and wait a few months

Basically I am leaning towards (have not committed on the dotted line yet) a buy from Smith Motors in Idaho. My exact options at $709 over invoice. I got a contract I am looking at from Brian Naccarato. He seems like a good guy and this is the best price I could dig up in my research (granted I would have to wait months)

His contact info

Brian Naccarato
Dave Smith Motors
briann@usautosales.com
http://www.usautosales.com
1-800-635-8000 ext. 1391

Just to make Dave Smith Motor's pricing clear, the exact model I am about to get is as follows 300C (Magnesium Perl), with four options - my total price $34,634.85 (no tax and no license in this, but includes dest charge).

Protection Group II
Sound Group II
PWR Sunroof
Walnut Trim

Hope this info helps someone and if anyone else knows of a better way to keep costs down (besides not buying a 300C) I would love to here about it.

Jon Strabala
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
jon@quantumsi.com

P.S. I have no affiliation with any dealer or person listed in this posting.

[Mr.DJ]

hemi4me,

Be careful with your recommendations, as one of the ones you had listed tried to 'pull a fast one' with me; however, I won't mention which one to avoid possible legal ramifications.

Update: Since the dealer 'in question' was removed from hemi4me's original post on 02/28/05, it should be noted that any of my aforementioned comments are not directed toward any of the other listed dealers. Thank you hemi4me for clearing-up this matter.

[joeSRT8]

Barwick and their MSRP policy has already been posted about ad-nauseum.. Beyond that thanks for the info on the others.. .

[Ahemi4me]

UPDATE I can personally vouch that Carmax pricing is for real, someone didn't like the color of her special order so walked and she ate her $500 deposit. I found her factory order on the Carmax website www.carmax.com Saturday night, hours after it posted, drove up to LAX Sunday afternoon when they opened and bought it. There were two others people trying to test drive it while I did the paper work routine. Actually finding this car was kind of weird as I used my own posting in these forums, I was looking to see if there were any further comments to this thread and I clicked on my previously posted Carmax link for fun and found the car.

Carmax was an amazing place it was very interesting to watch all the associates who were actually "running" doing real work selling cars at their "no haggle pricing" below MSRP. This was pretty refreshing when I compare it most of my local dealers selling 300's with stickers saying MSRP +8K market adjustment (both C's and Limiteds) .

I did waffle a little – “don't get bummed out over this” - but after talking to my wife on the cell, I really considered buying a fully loaded Limited with the Luxury group (1K under MSRP). However after driving both cars the C was just smoother (I am not talking raw power here but normal driving), I felt the Limited had a slightly annoying constant low rumble/vibration in the drive train. My sales associate said I wasn't the first that had commented about this difference. This smoothness issue was the kicker, I choose the 300C – then about 40 minutes into the paperwork my wife calls on my cell phone and tells me to get the V8 – her reason:

“Jon there are lots of used V6’s for sale, but no one is letting go of the V8’s there has to be a reason, something special about 300C - get the V8”

No suprise here but her call did vindicate my choice a bit.

IMHO, I think the visual trim differences on the 300C (mirrors, misc. trim and wheels) on the C simply make the car much more appealing than the 300 Limiteds I guess I like the look even more than the Hemi – maybe I am just getting a bit old. But I have to admit the Hemi packs a hell of a punch, my old BMW 740il feels a bit anemic in comparison.

Black 300c only option: Moon roof - I love this car

[Northern Rider]

That's great news. You won't regret your decision.

And there's more good news - you won't have to change your forum name.

[JonW]

From one Jon to another...nice job! Doing your homework always pays off.

Don't forget to watch the SW forum area for our next cruise or get together. We'd love to have you there.

Also, since you're in Costa Mesa, Orange Coast Chrysler has been good to me so far. You might want to check them out for your service needs.