First off this review is on a 300M, the M is significant as an earlier 2004 review is listed here but even in the review says it's for a 300 (or 300C Rear Wheel Hemi 2005 version). It seems epinons does not have a place to post 300 reviews so I am sure it's an innocent mistake, but these are vastly different cars.
We bought our "M" as many call it during closeout last April. A requirement for us living in the rural MN snow country was front wheel FWD or all wheel AWD drive. Most AWDs like Audis & Passats were way out of our price range (with one more kid to go through college ours is still in mid $20s) and we seriously considered FWD Accords, Galants, Passats and most seriously a Bonneville as I'd owned two Grand Prixs (but the new GPs really chopped interior headroom). In the end many of the 300M's features won over the Bonneville and I have not been disappointed during the almost 6 months owning this car. Oh yes, my wife was most attracted to the sleek sexy sporty styling, interior features/comfort, and she finally got her sunroof. As a tall guy much of that appealed to me too plus it has plenty of power, 60hp more than anything I have ever owned included some racy Grand Prixs. Yes the new macho mobster 300/300Cs might appeal to guys and with the V8 hemi it would beat a 300M HO V6 in a race, but in April as they were just coming out my wife hated the looks of them and despite arguments their RWD stability control etc handled fine in winter I just did not trust that living on a curvy hilly country MN road. I understand AWD is coming for the new 300s which would vastly improve marketing in northern states.
Back to the 300M ... in almost 6 months 5K miles, NO warranty issues. I read a lot before buying on a dozen internet sites (still check edmunds and consumerreview frequently) and reliability is pretty high on this after the 99 model first year shakeout. Maintenance cost of ownership is projected to be very low also with honest 100K mi plugs, 50K coolant and other than transaxle fluid changes every 36K miles, and of course oil very little else projected. Our dealer now charges $50 for lifetime wheel balancing vs free on prior Chrylser/Jeep products due to messing with the magnet sensors on the remote tire pressure equipment - I hope with 5 wheel rotation we get close to 60K miles on the tires as 17" Michelins will be a pricey replace when that time comes.
I won't attempt to repeat all the comments on this forum so far and generally agree with 90% of the three 2003 positive reviews posted so far - read them and the cars from these two model years are essentially the same. Ours was a loaded 300M (not the special) with everything but navigation radio and sirius satellite radio.
Gas mileage is good for what you have as a fairly large high output engine that does run fine on 87 octane: averages 20mph city/hwy and we can get the 27 posted in hwy with ideal conditions (little wind, no AC, no stop 75mph freeway driving).
Oh yes we got ~$8K knocked off retail by April with almost $4K under sticker and another $4K rebate so comparing that and the 7/70 warranty and other advanteges mentioned above made this too attractive compared to the Bonneville. I can't imagine there are any new left on the lots yet but those reading this could check around, or maybe get an almost new sales demo with warranty.
A few nit dislikes beyond the rear visibility mentioned below:
- Others have mentioned for all the features the radio / CD has it could use better speakers for a 300+watt system. Our Jeep Grand Cherokee has a similar radio (with the steering wheel controls, I love em) but only 180W Infinity system that has better bass response.
- Why skip on a few cheap courtesy lights? No under hood light (maybe due to no room with a crammed engine compartment?). No side turn or door open lights. Seems cheap on a luxury vehicle and while nits the kinda stuff we did not notice until after we brought it home.
- The plastic debate: the dealer insisted and recently re-insisted on an oil change visit the dash inserts are real wood under a plastic coating. However I have seen other site postings the what the dealer said are real chrome wheels are plasticized chrome coverings and feeling around it does feel like an overlay. So be careful parking to not crunch these wheels on a high curb, you won't buff them out.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 24,400
Condition: New Model Year: 2004 Model and Options: 300M
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