Chrysler 300C diesel: is it rubbish?
Discussion
As per the title really...
These are now between 5-6K with decent miles/ history. ~6K is pretty much my upper limit for a big cruiser.
The 'good taste' part of my brain tells me that the usual suspects like E60 5 series/ Jag XJ (2003>) etc are better buys in pretty much every way, but the 300C has always had a rather commanding presence on the road for me.
No Bentley grilles/ badging/ wheels will be involved, promise.
I drive rentals most of the week, which my employer kindly provides. The car would do maybe 5K miles per year. I want something big and comfy that will waft around, and should also look spiffing.
Fuel economy is not a huge concern, and Im therefore starting to entertain rather silly barges like early CLS350s. Help me.
These are now between 5-6K with decent miles/ history. ~6K is pretty much my upper limit for a big cruiser.
The 'good taste' part of my brain tells me that the usual suspects like E60 5 series/ Jag XJ (2003>) etc are better buys in pretty much every way, but the 300C has always had a rather commanding presence on the road for me.
No Bentley grilles/ badging/ wheels will be involved, promise.
I drive rentals most of the week, which my employer kindly provides. The car would do maybe 5K miles per year. I want something big and comfy that will waft around, and should also look spiffing.
Fuel economy is not a huge concern, and Im therefore starting to entertain rather silly barges like early CLS350s. Help me.
Message clearly received. Im aware 5K miles per year doesnt necessarily justify a tractor.
I really should have addressed the petrol/ diesel question in my first post... I would happily consider large petrol engines in 5 series/ XJs/ Mercs, for example.
Suggestions for other left-field barges around 5-6K more than welcome.
I really should have addressed the petrol/ diesel question in my first post... I would happily consider large petrol engines in 5 series/ XJs/ Mercs, for example.
Suggestions for other left-field barges around 5-6K more than welcome.
Lexus LS
Surely the ultimate barge?
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2014...
Surely the ultimate barge?
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2014...
Edited by dave_s13 on Friday 23 May 06:50
daveofedinburgh said:
I really should have addressed the petrol/ diesel question in my first post... I would happily consider large petrol engines in 5 series/ XJs/ Mercs, for example.
Sounds like you're in line for a 545i or indeed a CLS500! In my experience, the 300C diesel is a bit slow, but a reasonable place to be and absolutely massive. The CLS is extremely comfortable, not bad in a straight line, but really not a great steer. I do think that a 545i might be the pick of the bunch.The 300C diesel can suffer from swirl motor failure due to contamination from oil. There are plenty of fixes around for this.
The engine itself is pretty good, it's reasonably quick given the size of the car, a typical plug in tuning box makes a difference and they will return mid 30's to late 30's in economy.
Personally, I think I'd consider the 5.7 Hemi and the treat myself to a DiabloSport plug in tune of some description.
The ultimate 300C is of course the SRT8 but they are not yet in the budget area you have.
By the way, OEM alloys corrode like nobody's business on the 300C, just bear that in mind.
Stef
The engine itself is pretty good, it's reasonably quick given the size of the car, a typical plug in tuning box makes a difference and they will return mid 30's to late 30's in economy.
Personally, I think I'd consider the 5.7 Hemi and the treat myself to a DiabloSport plug in tune of some description.
The ultimate 300C is of course the SRT8 but they are not yet in the budget area you have.
By the way, OEM alloys corrode like nobody's business on the 300C, just bear that in mind.
Stef
Another shout here for the 300C Hemi V8, you should be able to find a decent example for sale privately for 5k and typically lower mileage than the diesels at the same price. They do eat front suspension components and not cheap to replace so listen out for clunks and knocks. The interior is a bit low rent but seem quite robust, the standard grey leather (vinyl) is a bit naff but at the price point you can't really complain. The standard pipes are a bit muted and yes the 18" alloys corrode badly - if you're on a budget I'd recommend one over a 5k E-Class or E60 5 Series as they are less complex. An XJ is a good shout aswell or how about an S-Type R?
hidetheelephants said:
BritishRacinGrin said:
TREMAiNE said:
MX-5? 
Are there any archaeologists in the house who can estimate how long it has been since this joke died? fathomfive said:
daveofedinburgh said:
Suggestions for other left-field barges around 5-6K more than welcome.
Citroen C6.I have travelled in a few as exec taxis and they seemed fine to me. The drivers seemed to like them enough.
Two points do stick in my mind though. Firstly I saw one on the Chrysler stand at the LA motor show years ago and it had the indicator stalk hanging off with wires exposed. None of the staff seemed concerned by it. Secondly one went on fire at my work spontaneously a few weeks ago. Perhaps the owner just didn't like it too much?
For 5k I'd be looking for a nice comfy 745 if I wanted a modern barge (or a proper old merc!).
Two points do stick in my mind though. Firstly I saw one on the Chrysler stand at the LA motor show years ago and it had the indicator stalk hanging off with wires exposed. None of the staff seemed concerned by it. Secondly one went on fire at my work spontaneously a few weeks ago. Perhaps the owner just didn't like it too much?
For 5k I'd be looking for a nice comfy 745 if I wanted a modern barge (or a proper old merc!).
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