Saturday 11th November 2017

Chrysler 300C SRT-8 Touring: You Know You Want To

A typically American approach to the fast wagon formula

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With its boxy, rugged appearance, 20-inch rims and vast chrome grille, the Chrysler 300C SRT-8 Touring seems to exude macho American attitude from every angle. Ironically enough though, it was never actually sold there, buyers across the pond instead getting the very similar Dodge Magnum SRT-8. For some reason, the Chrysler was sold here though - and in right-hand drive no less - giving one lucky PHer the chance to buy a Yank tank of their very own. Should they though?

Silver should mean less hearse jibes. Hopefully

One very good reason to take the plunge is, of course, the engine. Under the 'hood' you'll find a 6.1-litre V8 Hemi with 425hp and 420lb ft of torque, getting the 300C SRT-8 to 62mph in just five seconds. That's an awful lot of muscle for the school run.

Underneath, meanwhile, it's got Brembo brakes and uprated suspension to stop things getting out of hand. And being American, it naturally comes fully loaded as well: black leather and suede SRT interior, those 20-inch SRT alloys, a sunroof, parking sensors, navigation system, climate control, cruise control, electric heated seats, an upgraded sound system, Bluetooth connectivity... the list goes on.

Despite all that, it still can't really be called refined, especially compared to some of the cars it took on by daring to set foot in the world of performance saloons. It doesn't really want to be though. It's American, after all. Refinement to the SRT-8 is wiping your hands on a napkin instead of your trousers once you're finished with your hot wings. It does things its own way, it's definitely not pretentious, and it's certainly not about to apologise for it.

Well you're not buying it for the interior, are you?

What it does offer, then, is a lot of space and a lot of power in something you can be sure most people won't have been passed by before. It's simultaneously a fast estate, a muscle car, a curio import and a practical daily - fuel costs aside. That's enough to warrant consideration at least.

So what could you have instead? Well, if you like the idea of the 300C but don't want an estate, there's always the saloon. There are similarly priced alternatives from BMW, although at this price the M5 Touring is still £10,000 out of reach. A Mercedes C63 AMG might be right up your street, or of course an Audi RS4.

What separates this from those then? Well, just look at the odometer. Having seen only 6,800 miles from new, this 300C is as close to factory fresh as you're going to get. Compare that to the many dozens of thousands of miles you'll be looking at on similarly priced European alternatives, and you may just have a very compelling reason to go with the Chrysler. That and the Hemi, of course.

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CHRYSLER 300C SRT-8 TOURING
Price: £18,995
Why you should: It's a barely used 300C SRT-8 for less than half price!
Why you shouldn't: How much do you really want a barely used 300C SRT-8?

See the original ad here.

[Johnspex]

I'd have that in a heartbeat if I could afford it. However, I think I'd spend all my time wishing it was black.

[rehab71]

Whilst that's a hell of a lot of car for the money at that engine is very rare. I just couldn't drive a 300C without feeling really council!

[Yipper]

Would consider it for a laugh or punt at £9k. But at £19k, it is into decent M3 or Cayman money and the badge just can't compete.

[anonymous-user]

Yipper said:

the badge just can't compete.

Pathetic.

[Barchettaman]

These are absolutely gigantic up front and, if you can stomach the Poundland interior, are wonderful places to be.

I'd have one in a heartbeat if I could afford to run it.

[Mike1990]

That Interior!

But i’d have it in a Heartbeat if i could. Love them.

[gigglebug]

Yipper said:

Would consider it for a laugh or punt at £9k. But at £19k, it is into decent M3 or Cayman money and the badge just can't compete.

Ha ha ha, classic Yipper folks! Reads an article on a large estate car and decides that a smaller saloon/coupe or a mid engined two seat sports car are the natural comparisons at the price point. Absolutely brilliant again! Keep that post count rising Yipper!

[Tim bo]

6.1 litres,

Just 425 bhp from all that displacement. Plus a chassis that only delivers a 5 second sprint from that 425bhp.

The market is used to better numbers.

Still, for what is pocket change to purchase, I guess it's something of a bargain nevertheless.

[aaron_2000]

Yipper said:

Would consider it for a laugh or punt at £9k. But at £19k, it is into decent M3 or Cayman money and the badge just can't compete.

Or as someone with sense would say, an M5 Wagon? E63 Estate?

[Neill-l9qpf]

I very, very nearly bought one of these 2 years ago, black inside and out, seemed a bargain for a V8 wagon at £15k.... in the end my head overruled my heart and I bought a Jag XF Sportbrake 3.0 diesel which I love but looking back maybe it would have been more if a laugh?

[Mr E]

You could buy my E500 for that. Pretty much as large and rapid, and rather more discrete and refined as well.

[hardworker]

Neill-l9qpf said:

I very, very nearly bought one of these 2 years ago, black inside and out, seemed a bargain for a V8 wagon at £15k.... in the end my head overruled my heart and I bought a Jag XF Sportbrake 3.0 diesel which I love but looking back maybe it would have been more if a laugh?

I would definitely consider one over the usual European equivalents, looking back on a Chrysler 300C will be more memorable, you only live once. I quite like the American styling, say what you want about the Americans they know how to make a big comfortable cruiser.

[The Leaper]

I'd have it in black for the days I wanna be a gangsta.

R.

[Jag_NE]

Barchettaman said:

These are absolutely gigantic up front and, if you can stomach the Poundland interior, are wonderful places to be.

I'd have one in a heartbeat if I could afford to run it.

how can it be a wonderful place to be when its awful inside?

[Jag_NE]

to be fair to the car in question, its price is high because it will be absolutely mint and has a tiny mileage. if it had 50k on the clock it would be far cheaper. a big engined german car with 6k on the clock would rarely go for 19k.

[dunnoreally]

I get it but, and PH might crucify me for this, I'd probably have some sort of big V8 4x4 over one of these. A Jeep GC SRT, say, is just as American except with better visibility and even more space. Perhaps it might not handle as well but really, if you cared about that, would you be considering a 'murica barge like this in the first place?

[g3org3y]

The Leaper said:

I'd have it in black for the days I wanna be a gangsta an undertaker.

R.

EFA

[Bencolem]

Yipper said:

Would consider it for a laugh or punt at £9k. But at £19k, it is into decent M3 or Cayman money and the badge just can't compete.

6,800 miles. Just saying.

Friend had a saloon version when they first came out. After 30,000 of mostly motorway driving in 12 months he averaged just under 17mpg!

[maxdb]

They don't really do it for me when you consider how much they go for. You can pick up an RS4 for that kind of money.

[marksmith59]

Defines the term BARGE , well its a bit steep, and breaks too many principles .
This kind of car needs 50/60k on the odometer and be under £9k .
Like the idea but then ....no