First Non-GM car in 12 years

[phileaglesfan]

I have bought GM cars for the last 12 years. Pontiac, Cadillac, 3 GMCs, 5 Chevys. We went looking for a vehicle to replace our 09 Yukon Denali AWD. Denali was very nice but we admit to big for our family. We start looking around at vehicles and decided we wanted AWD. Drove the Enclave and wasn't too impressed with the power or the projected gas mileage of 19mpg. We decided to look at AWD sedans at that point. XTS was about $15k more than what we wanted to spend. Lacrosse was too slow to be honest (Denali was actually quicker).

So we stopped by a Chrysler dealership. We remembered that we liked the way the 300C looked when we were at a car show in January. We drove three 2012 300 vehicles. One was a 300S so it had the V6. Impressive car to be honest. We then looked at two 2012 300C AWDs. One was a luxury series and one was not. We originally bought the one that was not. As it turns out it didn't have the parksense system although it had the $2420 safety tech package. We definitely wanted the parking sensors so the dealer allowed us to switch cars for $1500 difference in price (actual difference in price of vehicles).

The 2012 300C AWD Luxury Series is an amazing automobile. One of the best values out there. It has a 369 HP Hemi V8 that gets around 25-27mpg on the highway cruising at 75-80mph. The car has all the luxury features, even heated/cooled cupholders in the front. Interior material quality is fantastic. We paid around $42k for it. We have been very impressed with it so far. AWD system is amazing. It runs in RWD mode unless it is below 37 degrees, the wipers are on or you use the transmission's paddles to shift the gears. It will engage the front axle if needed otherwise though.

Is it quick? Around 5.5 sec 0-60 so I say that is pretty quick. It is so quiet inside also. Power is very smooth. GM should really look at the 300C as it is tough competition. Especially with the rumored $40k 2014 Impala LTZ coming out. I still have 3 Chevys at my house (2011 Corvette GS Convertible, 2012 Sonic and 2007 Impala SS). I just don't know if my next car will be a GM.

[kvolo12]

Chrysler has done a very good job of converting former GM customers that are unhappy with the current line of GM products. They are positioned quite well, as a fair amount of their products exist in market segments GM as vacated altogether. Enjoy your 300C, the 5.7L V-8 sure is fun!

[Neanderthal]

Nice write-up of a two-ton AWD Hemi that gets similar highway MPG to my 1.6L GDI 2800 LB. four!

Chrysler has done a very good job of converting former GM customers that are unhappy with the current line of GM products. They are positioned quite well, as a fair amount of their products exist in market segments GM as vacated altogether. Enjoy your 300C, the 5.7L V-8 sure is fun!

Me like Chrysler.


GO LIONS!

Uhh, I mean, GO TIGERS!!

[swagled]

Chrysler is the first place to look for a domestic RWD coupe (that you can easily see out of, and seat 4 people), or RWD V8 sedan, or an afforibly priced convertible, or a redesigned truck that's not quite F150 size, or a minivan. Then there's Jeep which is a class unto itself, where Chysler owns the whole market.

[bowtie8_3]

My buddy has a Lacrosse and he reciently took out a deer with it and had a 300 v6 rental while it was in the shop. I was lucky enough to have to drive the 300 and i dont see why people buy these. The leather seats were the most uncomfortable ive ever sat in, hard as a brick with no support. The controls for the ac and radio, the rental had touchscreen nav, were confusing and in the sun you couldnt see the screen. The steering and gas were very touchy to me. The worst was the gear selector, it wasnt a mechanical linkage and im still confused on how to get it in gear. The interior was bland, all black and well the exterior shares a lot of looks with my grandmothers 1986 dodge diplomat. Even the exhaust tips were fake as they were molded into the bumper cover and the real pipes sat just a few inches behind them. I drove the first generation 300 before and i liked that car better. i just dont see why so many people like the 300s other than the rwd/awd option and v8 option at a reasonable price....after all rebates.

[Lowboy]

My brother has a 300C and really likes it. While not the AWD model it is his daily driver even in Michigan winters. It will return 26 MPG on the highway as well. GM offers nothing like it, well they could(Caprice) but chose not too.

[Pisswilly]

I looked at a 300 before purchasing a LaCrosse, I thought the interior was cheap looking and the price was outrageous.

[nferr]

I looked at a 300 before purchasing a LaCrosse, I thought the interior was cheap looking and the price was outrageous.

I really like the 300. But I got a much better deal on a LaCrosse than I could get on the AWD 300. The LaCrosse has been a fine daily car.

[JBsZ06]

I love the 300c! Best of luck with it.

Post a few photos if possible

[Canuck]

Chrysler is the first place to look for a domestic RWD coupe (that you can easily see out of, and seat 4 people), or RWD V8 sedan, or an afforibly priced convertible, or a redesigned truck that's not quite F150 size, or a minivan. Then there's Jeep which is a class unto itself, where Chysler owns the whole market.

I rented a Challenger R/T for a week. A fun big coupe but seating for 4 adults is not easy nor good. For the size of the car the rear seat is too small.

Congrats to the OP on their purchase. GM is still ignoring the large RWD car market. The SS will be a start but a niche product is not enough.

[Envoy4Life]

I looked at a 300 before purchasing a LaCrosse, I thought the interior was cheap looking and the price was outrageous.

You're talking about the LaCrosse's interior and price in comparison to the 300, right?

[ILikeNiceCars]

My sister in law's mother is a die-hard Honda fan, and has driven them for the past 20+ years. She absolutely loathes GM after getting a couple of their "lemons" (as she calls them) circa late 70s/early 80s. I recently gave her a ride in my Verano, and she really liked it a lot, and said as much. For somebody of her mindset to say that is akin to the pope admitting he's an atheist. GM has come a long way, yet still has quite a way to go.

[Lowboy]

I really like the 300. But I got a much better deal on a LaCrosse than I could get on the AWD 300. The LaCrosse has been a fine daily car.

One would hope you got a better deal on a smaller FWD car Vs a larger AWD model.

[ponchoman49]

It's funny but Chrysler does indeed have three segments of vehicles that I still like that GM has abandoned. The 2 door largish sized personal coupe (Challenger), the RWD sedan (Charger/300) and the minivan (Caravan/T&C). And each of these vehicles is less expensive and serves my needs better than what the General has to offer. The 2014 Impala had better be really good or it's Charger/300 for my next sedan purchase.

[6 Shooter]