Your thoughts...Chrysler 300M

J

Joshua312

New member
Hi guys,



I was wondering if anyone had any input on 1999-2001 Chrysler 300M's? Basically in terms of reliability and maintainence costs. Looking to downgrade in terms of price from my current car to save up some money so I need something that isn't going to leave me stranded or lots of issues...



Thanks in advance
 
Joshua312 said:
Hi guys,



I was wondering if anyone had any input on 1999-2001 Chrysler 300M's? Basically in terms of reliability and maintainence costs. Looking to downgrade in terms of price from my current car to save up some money so I need something that isn't going to leave me stranded or lots of issues...



Thanks in advance
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Chrysler is one of my customers and I would not buy a Chrysler product.. I see too many issues come back on Chrysler product.



If you do decide to go with a Chrysler shoot me the VIN number and I can run it through Chryslers warranty system to see if it's had repeat warranty issues.



Care to discuss further? If so shoot me a PM and we can talk.
 
After the 300C coming out, I don't really think I would consider the 300M. There is such a vast improvement between the two. Just out of curiosity, if you don't mind my asking, what price range are you looking at?
 
I don't mind at all, I'm looking to keep it under $10,000 I really want to get rid of my high car payment/insurance.



Today I went car searching and these cars also peaked my interest.



2002 Ford Explorer XLT

2002 Dodge Durango Sport R/T

Chevy Blazer ZR2/Trail Blazer

Jeep Liberty
 
Josh,



Did a Consumer Reports search for you on all the models you mentioned.



Chrysler 300M- average reliabiity except 1999 below average.

Ford Explorer- much below average reliability for the 2002 model.

Chevrolet Blazer- below average reliability

Dodge Durango- below average until you get into the 2003 model year than average.

Jeep Liberty- average to above average reliability



Consumer Reports is not the bible on automobiles, but this gives you an idea.

Hope it helps.
 
Thank you for the help Sludge, I appreciate it. I am kinda surprised by the results too. I was searching around earlier and what I read the Explorer seemed to be a good pick..so I will have to look at that more.



Put my car up for sale today on a few websites so I guess before I get to excited about anything I should wait to see if anyone is interested in mine...will definitely take a closer look at Jeeps and check out Consumer Reports for reccomendations.



Edit: I'm liking the looks of 2000-2002 Toyota Avalon XLS and Camry XLE...Not a fan of the cloth versions but I am really liking the look of the leather interiors.
 
Joshua312 said:
Thank you for the help Sludge, I appreciate it. I am kinda surprised by the results too. I was searching around earlier and what I read the Explorer seemed to be a good pick..so I will have to look at that more.



Put my car up for sale today on a few websites so I guess before I get to excited about anything I should wait to see if anyone is interested in mine...will definitely take a closer look at Jeeps and check out Consumer Reports for reccomendations.



Edit: I'm liking the looks of 2000-2002 Toyota Avalon XLS and Camry XLE...Not a fan of the cloth versions but I am really liking the look of the leather interiors.
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The Avalon os head and shoulders above the rest as far as long term reliability is concerned. I would go for that of all the cars you've mentioned.
 
I'm sure it will be no surprise to you that both the Camry and Avalon are rated much above average for reliability. You just about can't go wrong with a Toyota or Honda.



The Ford Explorers had average reliability until 2002, then they tanked. You may have heard good things about the earlier models.
 
I have my opinions about all the cars you listed but as far as FACTS go...I know a couple people with Jeep Liberty's and both of them complain how horrible they are on gas. Along the same lines my father has a Ford Escape that is very bad on gas too. Car manufacturers just dont get it that a small V6 doesnt have enough power to move an SUV without working hard and burning more fuel that it should. Just my $.02
 
As far as gas goes..it's no big deal to me. I've been paying for premium fuel (supercharged cars) for the past 2 1/2 years so I don't really mind. My main concern is reliability and something that looks decent.
 
Josh,



I emailed you all of the vehicle history/warranty repairs for the VIN you sent on the 300m..



Like I said only 3 repairs on this vehicle:



Headlight adjusted

seat bolt replaced (recall)

speaker wire harness was replaced...



I would still go for the avalon if I were you
 
Joshua312 said:
As far as gas goes..it's no big deal to me. I've been paying for premium fuel (supercharged cars) for the past 2 1/2 years so I don't really mind. My main concern is reliability and something that looks decent.
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Ok, that is understandable. I have one more story about the Liberty's. My sister-in-law's college roommate is the daughter of a Jeep dealer. He got her a Liberty because it shakes at 80 mph as a "safety feature" (as he told her) to stop her from going too fast. Draw your own conclusion there.



I agree, Camry, Avalon, Accord...any of those would top my list.
 
Josh, you know my thoughts on the 300M so I won't harp on that too much here. As for the 300 being an improvement over the 300M, I have a different opinion on that as well. I've driven the 300C and 300C SRT-8 and while they do have more power, I prefer the 300M. The 300M handles noticeably better, and while it's subjective I prefer the overall driving experience of the 300M a bit more.



One thing to consider when you're looking at the reliability ratings. Toyota and some of the other brands here make fine cars, but it's still often true that parts cost less for American cars. For me, the 300M strikes a very good balance of performance and luxury, with a lot of bang for the buck on the used market.



Just for fun, here's a link to a video one guy recently made of a fun day with his 300M on the track.

http://www.85merk.com/SRT300S/dunnville/11aug07/
 
Well I went car searching again today...Really can't find anything that perks my interest. I actually went with a friend and when I went to pick him up we started talking and his dad is selling his 96 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo. It has 115,000 miles on it and is asking $3,500. I took it for a drive and it drives great and has no rust on the paint, new brakes, rotors, etc.. I'm considering buying it off him just because of the great price and the condition it is in.



One thing I am finding is it is very hard for me to go car searching and then go back to my car and think of giving it up for something different :(
 
Thanks for the input...I have my car listed for sale in a few places, so right now is the waiting game.



I am leaning towards a Jeep Liberty. There are quiet a few in the area with 70-80k miles for under $10,000. So hopefully I am able to sell my car soon! Again, I appreciate everyone's help so far.
 
Joshua312 said:
Thanks for the input...I have my car listed for sale in a few places, so right now is the waiting game.



I am leaning towards a Jeep Liberty. There are quiet a few in the area with 70-80k miles for under $10,000. So hopefully I am able to sell my car soon! Again, I appreciate everyone's help so far.
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That's alot of miles for a Chrysler Josh...



Even engineers that I deal with that work for Chrysler would agree with me...



Even so, you can shoot me the VIN andf I will give you the true history again (And before I get slammed NO this is not some sort of CarFax report I am talking about)
 
Josh,



are you limited to sedans/suvs? I picked up my 04 Ford Focus in January 06 with 26K on the ticker for $9400. It's been great so far. For an economy car I actually like it. I got the 2.3 liter duratec motor and it supposedly doesnt really need anything until 100K, and I doubt I will even have the car that long.





I'm getting 25 mpg around town and 30+ on the highway.



I think they go through brakes a little quick, because the brakes are puny, but other than that, I've put gas and wiper blades on it and done oil changes in the time I've owned it.
 
Jason; thank you for the offer! I may take you up on that I am currently talking with the bank as well as keeping my eye out for Toyota's in my area; if I can eventually find a Camry/Avalon I am going to jump all over it but right now it is slim pickings.



Way2SSlow; No I am not limited to sedans/SUV's I actually like the Ford Focus, but I think it is the SVT version I like the best..I can't remember if this is the right model I am thinking about. I will take a look for pricing/miles in my area and let you know what I see...Do you have any pictures of yours? Thanks for the suggestion!



On a side note, I was reading Young Money today and they suggested Toyota Camry, Avalon, and Nissan Pathfinder if I go the SUV route.
 
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