Pre-loved: Chrysler 300C 2005-2020

by Ewan Kennedy  2005 Chrysler 300C   Big, bold and uncompromisingly different, the Chrysler 300C arrived in Australia from the US of A i...

by Ewan Kennedy 

2005 Chrysler 300C

 

Big, bold and uncompromisingly different, the Chrysler 300C arrived in Australia from the US of A in November, 2005.

From its huge egg-crate grille flanked by twin round headlights, over an almost chop-top look roof, to the very square boot, this Chrysler stands out from all other family cars.

That’s right, ‘family cars’ because that’s what the 300C is – a spacious, practical four-door sedan and station wagon with good cabin space and a huge boot. 

It was aimed at being a competitor in the Commodore versus Falcon battle, but didn't sell in huge numbers as it seems buyers were locked into either Holdens  or Fords.

Nothing much has changed in the meantime as Holdens and Fords continue to fight it out on racetracks Australia wide these days.

Originally all were sedans, butch-looking station wagons were introduced in June, 2006.

These became pretty popular as they were right out of the ordinary.

The was called the 300C Touring and shared wheel designs and sheet metal from the C-pillar back with the Dodge Magnum.

The big Chrysler’s 300C matured with the introduction of an all-new model in July, 2012 -- less Gangsta, more mainstream – though you certainly wouldn't use the word ‘sedate’ to describe it.

Chrysler prefers it to be called the Chrysler 300 rather than 300C, but the ‘C’ continues to be used by Chrysler lovers.

This gen-two Chrysler 300 got a major facelift in July, 2015, with a new honeycomb infill with the Chrysler wing badge in the centre, rather than top of the grille.

There are also new LED foglights and daytime running lights.

Changes to the rear saw a new fascia design and LED tail lights.

There were four new wheel designs in either 18- or 20-inch.

The 2015 model came only as a sedan with petrol engines.

The four variants are 300, 300 Luxury, 300 SRT Core and 300 SRT.

It comes as no surprise that 300C owners do major customisation to their machines, with huge wheels and ultra low-profile tyres being featured on many. 

The 300C has good legroom, headroom and shoulder space for four adults, but interior volume isn’t as good as that of Commodore and Falcon.

While there’s sufficient width in the centre of the rear seat for adults, the transmission tunnel steals a lot of space. 

There's a huge boot in the sedan that’s well shaped so that it can manage bulky items.

The rear-seat backrest can be folded down to permit long loads to be carried.

The wagon’s luggage area is reasonably large, but still not as good as in the Ford and Holden.

These are big cars and the view out isn't all that good.

Which isn't too bad for driving, but they can be a hassle in tight carparks.

Rear parking sensors are very welcome.

Ride comfort is good but handling may prove rather soft for keen drivers.

The ultra-hot 300C SRT8 is much better if you prefer fanging to comfortable cruising.

There are V6 petrol and V6 turbo-diesel engines which are often chosen by hire car and limo operators.

The 300C's big V8 petrol engines may be slightly old fashioned in that they are pushrod, two-valve units but their sheer size gives them plenty of grunt.

And they do like a drink . . . However, if you drive them sensibly, they aren’t too bad.

If the 5.7 litres of the first 300C V8s isn’t enough, then go for a 6.1-litre SRT (Sports & Racing Technology) version.

Not only do you get more grunt, but also a sports chassis to further increase driving pleasure.

The V8 engine was lifted to 6.4 litres in the new 2012 SRT8. 

A lower cost SRT called the SRT Core was introduced midway through 2013.

It retains the sporty features, but has cloth trim instead of leather and comes with a basic audio system with six speakers instead of 19.

It also misses out on adaptive suspension damping.

Chrysler is reasonably well represented in Australia, most dealerships are in metro areas.

Chrysler was connected with Mercedes-Benz for a while, these days it’s controlled by Fiat.

You may find a crossover in technical knowledge of the European marques at some dealerships.

Spare parts availability is generally okay, prices are higher than average for the family car class, but not outrageously so.

Under bonnet space is very good and amateur mechanics can do quite a bit of work due to the simple layout and components.

Insurance is moderately priced. Some companies charge more for the SRT8, but there’s a fair bit of difference from company to company with these sporting variants.

2005 Chrysler 300C

 

WHAT TO LOOK FOR

Make sure the engine starts easily.

The V8s will have a slightly lumpy idle, but if a V6 petrol or diesel doesn’t idle properly there could be problems.

Automatic transmissions should be silky smooth in operation in all but very hard driving. 

A Chrysler 300C that has been customised to the max may have been driven hard, though many are used only as look-at-me cruisers.

Lowered suspension and/or huge wheels may have led to a Chrysler 300 crunching on kerbs or bottoming on speed bumps. If unsure, get the car up on a hoist.

Big numbers on the clock may mean a used 300C has lived the limo life. However, they are usually driven sensibly and serviced strictly by the book. 

A lot of wear in the rear seat and the boot may also be signs of hire-car use.

Uneven tyre wear is probably a sign of hard driving, perhaps even burnouts or doughnuts. Check inside the rear wheel wells for evidence of rubber.

Look for crash repairs: paint that doesn’t quite match and a ripply finish are the easiest to spot.

If there’s the slightest doubt call in an expert, or back off and find another one.

2005 Chrysler 300C Touring

 

HOW MUCH?

Budget on paying from $7000 to $11,000 for a 2005 Chrysler 300C Touring; $8000 to $13,000 for a 2007 CRD; $10,000 to $15,000 for a 2009 CRD Touring; $12,000 to $18,000 for 2014 CRD; $18,000 to $25,000 for a SRT8 Core; $24,000 to $32,000 for a 2017 SRT Core; $27,000 to $37,000 for a 2019 Luxury; $35,000 to $47,000 for a 2019 SRT Core; and $45,000 to $60,000 for a 2020 SRT.

2012 Chrysler 300 SRT8

 

CAR BUYING TIPS

Used car prices have generally increased during the period of new car stock shortages so hunt around for the best deal.

Start looking at adverts for used vehicles several months before you intend buying.

That way you can see the prices being asked and whether they are rising and falling as dealers need to clear stock due to overcrowding.

Keep an eye on adverts for new cars that say there are specials on particular models.

These can mean a lot of traded-in cars are taking up too much space in the yards and will be discounted to get rid of them.

If checking a used car at a dealership look at other cars on the lot. 

This can give you an insight to the quality of vehicles in which the dealer specialises.

If buying privately ask for proof of ownership of the vehicle and make sure it is covered for you taking a test drive.

Take a slow walk around any car you're considering, looking for obvious defects.

It amuses us how many people dive into tiny details, only to later discover a major ding somewhere on the other side of the car.

Ideally any road test of a car you're getting serious about should be done with the engine stone cold. Early morning is best.

If you're serious about buying a vehicle, tell the seller you would like to take it for a good long test drive.

If they insist on coming that's understandable, but try to avoid them ‘selling” the car to you.

Put bluntly, ask them to shut up,

In their later years, cars with a reputation for being long lived and trouble free sometimes attract buyers who have no intention of ever servicing them.

The next owner may suffer as a result.

2015 Chrysler 300

 

RECALLS

To browse recalls on all vehicles go to the ACCC at: www.productsafety.gov.au/products/transport/cars/

 

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