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2008 Chrysler 300 Touring | ||
I was in Northern California in February 08 and was lucky to get a chance to pilot the 2008 Chrysler 300 for a few days. This was the Limited with a 3.5 V6, which is similar to the motor in the old 300M front wheel drive model. I used to own a 300M and really liked the big, heavy and nicely made American car. This new 300 was also big, but it is a rear wheel drive (AWD is an option) based on the Mercedes previous generation E Class. The Daimler/Chrysler affair is now over, but we do get to keep enjoying the 300. Other joint cars like the Crossfire and the Pacifica are gone. The engines were all Chrysler, but the transmission, suspension and other bits were M-B. I like driving rental cars because they give me a real sense of what the car will be like under heavy and indifferent use. Let us be honest, no one loves these cars, they are used and left alone in dark parking lots without even a pat on the hood. Sad. Cars should be loved! My 300 had just over 8,000 miles on the odometer and seemed to be holding up very well indeed. First impression was - hey, this car is very substantial and good looking! The wet asphalt paint and dark leather interior with luminescent gauges was a nice combination. The 17 wheels look good and come with premium tires. The 300 clearly benefits from the M-B parts bin and it feels very similar to the E-320 on the road. Solid and well planted. The 3.7 is linked to a 5-speed auto which shifts smoothly and the electronic stability program will keep you on the road even when conditions deteriorate or your skill is found to be less than stellar. With AWD I am sure it is even better, but do not shy away from the RWD versions - they will be cheaper to obtain and maintain! The interior is definitely not Mercedes, but it is not bad. I did find the plastics to be second rate hard and shiny in some places. However the interior as a whole is a comfy place to spend a bit of time. Seats are big and plush, without being too soft. This is a more European feeling auto - not a Crown Victoria! The car is roomy and the rear seat is cavernous. The trunk is 15.6 cubic feet and will fit three bodies, errr suitcases. There is an extended version for 2008 if you want to have an even bigger rear seat. The engine is thirsty. Expect to get 17-19 MPG in mixed driving. My average was 18 in four days driving along Route 1 and to San Francisco. Guru Recommdation: Three and a Half Gurus. Good buy if you want a European flavored big car with a distinctive appearance. Mileage is not great. The 300 has very good resale value, far superior to large Fords and GM products. Shop around big discounts are present due to the lackluster US economy. | ||
