Used Chrysler 300C review: 2005-2012
Mainstream sedans traditionally have staid styling and are designed for savvy people who don't want to stand out from the crowd. Unlike the Chrysler 300C, this big American car is designed to grab attention from every angle, and it's no wonder it's called a "thug car."
Now approaching its tenth year in Oz, the big Chrysler 300C has matured with the introduction of an all-new model in July 2012, less gangster, more mainstream - though you still wouldn't talk sedately about it. This second generation 300C received a major facelift in July 2015, adding a few interesting details up front. Obviously this will not be covered in this used car feature.
As befits a car with outstanding shape, many 300C buyers add a personal touch, many fitted with huge wheels with ultra-low profile tires.
Chrysler only sent us sedans when the first boats arrived here in November 2005. Butch-looking station wagons began arriving in June 2006 and were immediately hailed as something out of the ordinary, perhaps even more so than sedans.
The original Chrysler 300C can be awkward to drive until you get used to it. You sit far from the front of the car, look through the large dashboard, then through the small windshield at the long hood. The tail of the 300C is also far away, and the sedan's trunk lid is not visible from the driver's seat. Luckily, rear parking sensors provide handy assistance. The 2012C 300 is better thought out and easier to drive.
There are more traces of traditional American softness than some of their kind.
The 300C has enough leg, head and shoulder room for four adults, but interior volume isn't as good as our homegrown Commodores and Falcons. There is enough width in the center of the rear seat for adults, but the transmission tunnel takes up a lot of space.
At the rear of the sedan, there is a huge trunk that is shaped just right to accommodate bulky items. However, there is a long section under the rear window to get to the far end of the trunk. The backrest of the rear seat can be folded down, which allows you to carry long loads. The luggage compartment of the Chrysler 300C wagon is quite large, but again, not as good as in the Ford and Holden.
Australian 300Cs have what Chrysler calls "international" specification suspension. However, there are more traces of traditional American softness here than some people like. Try it for yourself on a private road test. The positive side of the soft setting is that it rides comfortably even on rough and prepared Australian back roads. The suspension exception is the 300C SRT8 with its muscle car setup.
The Model 300C V8 petrol engine is an old-fashioned two-valve pushrod, but good cylinder head design and a modern electronic engine management system keep it running well. V8 can cut off four cylinders during light work. It produces a lot of punch and sound and does not require excessive thirst.
If 5.7 liters of the original 300C V8 engine isn't enough, opt for the 6.1-liter SRT (Sports & Racing Technology) version. Not only do you get more power, but also a sporty chassis that further enhances driving pleasure. In the new 8 SRT6.4 the displacement of the 2012 V engine has been increased to 8 litres.
A cheaper SRT called the SRT Core was introduced in mid-2013. It retains the sporty features but has cloth trim instead of leather; base audio system with six speakers instead of nineteen; standard, not adaptive, cruise control is; and standard, non-adaptive suspension damping. The new Core price has been reduced by $10,000 from the full SRT, making it a bargain.
Big numbers on the clock could be a sign that a used 300C has lived the life of a limousine.
For those who want less performance, like limousine owners, V6 turbodiesel and V6 petrol engines are on offer. Large numbers on the clock can be a sign that a used 300C has lived the life of a limousine, on the other hand, they are usually driven sensibly and maintained strictly according to the instructions.
Chrysler is fairly well represented in Australia, although most dealerships are in urban areas. Chrysler was associated with Mercedes-Benz for a while, but is now controlled by Fiat. You can find the crossover in the technical knowledge of European brands at some dealerships.
Parts for Chrysler 300Cs are more expensive than for Commodores and Falcons, although not prohibitively so.
These large vehicles have plenty of space under the hood, so they are easy to work with. Amateur mechanics can get quite a lot of work done thanks to the simple layout and components.
Moderately priced insurance. Some companies charge a little more for the SRT8, but there is a significant difference from company to company in these sporty options. Shop around, but be sure to read the fine print before choosing a lower premium.
What to look for
Look for a car with a lot of wear on the back seat and trunk, which could be a sign of a rental car.
Uneven tire wear is likely a sign of hard driving, possibly even burnout or doughnuts. Check the rear wheel arches for traces of rubber.
Beware the Chrysler 300C, which has been tuned to the max, as it may have been heavily used, although many of them are used only as beautiful cruisers.
The lowered suspension and/or oversized wheels could have caused the Chrysler 300 to crunch on curbs or land on speed bumps. If you are not sure, ask a professional to put the car on a lift.
Look for emergency repairs: paint that doesn't quite match the color and a rough surface are the easiest to spot. If there is the slightest doubt, call an expert or step back and find another. There are quite a few of them on the market these days.
Make sure the engine starts easily. The V8 will have a slightly uneven idle - nice! – but if a V6 petrol or diesel engine runs unevenly, problems may arise.
