looking at buying a 300C or 300M
 

Hey guys i'm normally on the Dodge forum but anyways. Our Subaru has finally died (our last import) and well we are looking at used 300 series Chryslers. is there anything i should look out for? like problem areas and such... also with the 300M do they share the same problems with the 2.7L has the Intrepid does? or does the 300M not even have the 2.7?

RE: looking at buying a 300C or 300M
 

I'm not too familiar with the 300m model but from what i've seen the 300m also has the 3.5ho engine which is in the 300 Touring and Limited models. Also the 2.7 engine is also in the sebrings. As far as problems. I'm not sure of any so far with the 2.7.
Nick

RE: looking at buying a 300C or 300M
 

Nicktheiscar is correct, the 300m's all had the 3.5HO engine 6 cylinder.

The 2.7 intrepid and concorde engines had/have the issue of sludge ruining the engines if not properly maintained. The 'best' years to get a used M is 2001 and up, there were no 'major' problems with earlier years but some issues here and there like window motor problems and issues with the glass support/track in 99-00's, decontenting started with the introduction of the special in 2002 so the 'best' year is either a 2002 with more options or an earlier model before they started pulling out features/etc. I can't tell you the specific decontenting issues bc I just didn't keep track of them I just know it started in 2002 when they put the special edition out and wanted to make it stand out from the base model as well as save money on the extras.

RE: looking at buying a 300C or 300M
 

Neon,
I can help you by a car for a great price as well since you are a member here. Email me so I can work a package out for you.

RE: looking at buying a 300C or 300M
 

Both cars(300M and 300(05-06) are nice cars. To me they are totally different, so are hard to compare. The 3.5 liter is the minimum I would go with on a new 300, the 2.7 is just a little small for the cars and the 3.5 is good for gas mileage and power. Sure the Hemi 5.7 and 6.1 are great, but for a daily driver the 3.5 is my pick for fuel economy and the 3.5 is a very low maintenace motor. You do get the benefit of a Mercedes 5 speed tranny on the 300C models and optional on some 3.5's. The 300M is a cab forward car, so the feeling when driving it, is a totally different feeling over the 05-06 300. To me the new 300 touring I have has a little too much movement when hitting bumps and reminds me a little of the Lincoln town cars. The 300M has some tq steer since it is fwd where the 300 is rwd. The suspension on the 300 is really nice, when a car can handle 22 inch wheels and still feel as good as a lot of cars with 16 inch wheels, you know it's not your standard suspension. I don't know a alot about these cars, but was told the suspension is derived party from the Mercedes E class(430) with some differences. The audio system(not sure if you care) on the 300M doesn't even compare to the Boston Acou system on the 300 and 300C's. I would opt for it if you can, it really sounds great for a stock system. I owned a LHS before(2000) with the Infinity system and the Boston system in the new 300 is so much better. Both cars have nice interiors and are comfortable.. The 300M I feel handles better than the new 300, but that was comparing the touring model. You may want to pick up a 300M and drive it for a few years, then get the new 300 when prices drop some. Right now there is a premium on the new 300 and they are going for top $. I really think build quality is much better on the new 300 also and it just feels so much more solid over the 300M. The 300 has some add ons that really are a good deal for cheap(like rear airbags and ajustable peddle), The navigation works really good, but it is a high priced option. I just bought a 300 Touring...Was $27,000 used. I recieved every option available on the 300 Touring model and then some,,, Navagation, 6 cd changer in dash/mp3, dimming mirror, adj peddles, Sat radio, Boston premium sound system, sunroof, power seats d/p, heated f/r seats, climate control, cruise control, a/c, optional Burl wood interior accents, leather, front and rear airbags..Bently Grill, 300 classic emblems and some added chrome.plus more, but can't remember it all, plus came with new $3,500 Panther wheels and Pirelli scorpion tires(265/35/22).. Which now I will need to drop down to 20's since the front wheel has some slight rub on the wheel well and for a every day driver and for gas mileage I think 20's would be much better. Dealer already said they would trade for 20's.. hate to get rid of the wheels(they look fantastic) but not sure if I want to roll the fenders and then maybe have problems later, plus I am getting about 20 mpg average with the 22's... Could get around 22mpg average with the 20's I would think. With my previous LHS it had alot of options and averaged 23 mpg, so is about the same. If you have the money and like the 300's classic body style that is what I would go with, if not I would wait and get a 300M for now.