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14 Posts
Just took delivery of black 300 Touring on Tuesday. My initial impressions after about 120km:
Overall: Victoria is not a car culture kind of place. Even the wealthy toodle around in 10 year old Volvos. Any 300 stands out like a top predator.
Drivetrain: If you want a hot rod, look elsewhere. That said, the 3.5 six has plenty of juice for any normal driving situation. Highway cruising is effortless and there is more than ample torque for stop and go traffic. The 4 speed tranny is quite good, though not quite as inobtrusive as the 5.
Interior: I had originally been thinking of a wood dash kit, but the more I look at the standard interior the better I like it. Elegant, understated, and visually well balanced. The light leather and dark carpeting are a perfect match for the exterior colour.
Paint: The Black Crystal Pearl looks sensational in bright sunlight. In low light conditions it looks merely good. No complaints here.
Wheels: I opted for the standard alloy and am glad I did. They seem to complement the paint and the spokes make the car seem a little less massive. With some of the other colours though, like Magnesium, the chrome might be a better choice.
Delivery time: Four weeks from order to delivery.
Dealer experience: We had agreed on what seemed like a reasonable price to me (based on DC web site.) Upon delivery, however, I was advised that the dealer invoice was somewhat lower than expected so they cut the price an additional $600! A novel and unanticipated turn of events. They offered the extended warranty and paint sealant, but I declined and there was no hard sell. The salesman spent about an hour with me in the car explaining all the features.
Quibbles: Pretty minor so far. The passenger seat only has a powered lower cushion. The seatback recliner is manual. I had expected the latter to be powered as it is on the driver's seat. No tire pressure monitoring. "Late availability" must mean next year. Dealer advises that this cannot be installed after the car is built.
Altogether I'm delighted with the car. If you don't really need a hemi the T is definitely worh a look.
Overall: Victoria is not a car culture kind of place. Even the wealthy toodle around in 10 year old Volvos. Any 300 stands out like a top predator.
Drivetrain: If you want a hot rod, look elsewhere. That said, the 3.5 six has plenty of juice for any normal driving situation. Highway cruising is effortless and there is more than ample torque for stop and go traffic. The 4 speed tranny is quite good, though not quite as inobtrusive as the 5.
Interior: I had originally been thinking of a wood dash kit, but the more I look at the standard interior the better I like it. Elegant, understated, and visually well balanced. The light leather and dark carpeting are a perfect match for the exterior colour.
Paint: The Black Crystal Pearl looks sensational in bright sunlight. In low light conditions it looks merely good. No complaints here.
Wheels: I opted for the standard alloy and am glad I did. They seem to complement the paint and the spokes make the car seem a little less massive. With some of the other colours though, like Magnesium, the chrome might be a better choice.
Delivery time: Four weeks from order to delivery.
Dealer experience: We had agreed on what seemed like a reasonable price to me (based on DC web site.) Upon delivery, however, I was advised that the dealer invoice was somewhat lower than expected so they cut the price an additional $600! A novel and unanticipated turn of events. They offered the extended warranty and paint sealant, but I declined and there was no hard sell. The salesman spent about an hour with me in the car explaining all the features.
Quibbles: Pretty minor so far. The passenger seat only has a powered lower cushion. The seatback recliner is manual. I had expected the latter to be powered as it is on the driver's seat. No tire pressure monitoring. "Late availability" must mean next year. Dealer advises that this cannot be installed after the car is built.
Altogether I'm delighted with the car. If you don't really need a hemi the T is definitely worh a look.
