Went for a test drive....

**PhiDelt389** · 03-15-2009, 11:48 AM

I went to test drive a 2005 300C the other day. It was owned by some little old lady that just drove to the supermarket and back, she was the original owner and it had 12000 miles on it. I started the car and it was idling kind of rough, so when I got out to a main road I opened her up from 0 to about 80 and at the top of first gear I looked back and there was a ton of smoke pouring out from the exhaust. I did a couple more WOT runs and then I made a stop and the idle was fixed and the car felt a whole lot better. Just from carbon deposits and oil in the motor from never getting worked hard? She wanted 17,500 for it.

**SnowgodCCR** · 03-15-2009, 02:00 PM

That would be normal if the car hadn't been driven for awhile. We have a 2004 Cadillac Deville that sat off to the side of our driveway for the better part of two years and when we finally got around to driving it again it spewed smoke for about 5 miles. Carbon deposits are a likely suspect, oil in the motor as you said is another. It's not a big deal, just drive it and the smoke will go away. $17,500 is fairly reasonable for private sale with only 12k on it. I paid $22k for my '05 back in october '07 with 44k on it (it was before the values tanked, ok!!!), so two years later and private sale I'd say go for it, but obviously pay as little as you can for it. Offer her like $14,000 and see where it goes? Good luck!

**GROUNDED** · 03-15-2009, 03:09 PM

Yea and take into consideration that some of the 05 had factory defects. Also take into account that it is out of warranty.

You may want to look into a brand spanking new one because its only going to run you a few g's more and have a factory lifetime warranty.

**sergeo'shemi** · 03-15-2009, 03:59 PM

warranty is a joke and it has been proven that 05 run just as strong as any other car built in 06-09
i got 80k supercharged on mine something to consider there bud....and no i do not have a warranty
do an oil change, check all the fluids and enjoy for a real good price
cheers

**formerice** · 03-15-2009, 05:48 PM

I've got 157,000 hard miles on my 05 hemi Magnum, lots of nitrous. No carbon in my motor! That car needs someone like you to drive it like it was meant to be driven!

**SnowgodCCR** · 03-15-2009, 07:43 PM

Originally Posted by GROUNDED

Yea and take into consideration that some of the 05 had factory defects. Also take into account that it is out of warranty.

Sorry bud, but I'm going to have to go against you on this one...my '05 is running strong and the only issue I have is the damn airbag light that keeps coming on.
I do have to agree that you can get a brand new 300C for just a bit more.

Obviously check Carfax and the like to verify her story of being the original owner and whatnot. I think there's also a way to check if TSBs have been performed - a legitimate concern with an old lady owner.

**ray_m** · 03-16-2009, 07:40 PM

You can transfer the Chrysler 7/70 powertrain warranty. It would definitely be worth it for $150.

**Nuclearjack** · 03-16-2009, 09:14 PM

With regular driving my car rarely gets above 3,000 rpm. Once in a while it will hit 4,000 rpm so I make a point of flooring it after exiting a toll on to the highway once in a while so that it hits redline. If its been a while since I did that then it will leave some black smoking. My car is a daily driver and regular driving typically has me in front of all traffic at an intersection. Never had a problem with my idle though.

**PhiDelt389** · 03-16-2009, 10:00 PM

It still has the warranty and she an extended one too. I think its bumper to bumper till 2011. She is the original owner so it will transfer right over. There is no difference between the 05 and 06 except from the plug wires right?

**ray_m** · 03-16-2009, 10:15 PM

'05s sometimes have the sagging rear bumper fascia, for which there is a pretty easy DIY fix. You also won't have the tire pressure monitor. I would call Chrysler with the VIN and make sure you are entitled to the full warranty coverage.

**cm2005300** · 03-19-2009, 03:40 PM

GET IT!!!!!! What color??

**formerice** · 03-19-2009, 05:01 PM

Originally Posted by PhiDelt389

It still has the warranty and she an extended one too. I think its bumper to bumper till 2011. She is the original owner so it will transfer right over. There is no difference between the 05 and 06 except from the plug wires right?

05's have the real hood struts, later they went to cheap arse prop rods. One negative, if its got the Continental tires, well they really suck, except good for smokey burnouts! Some nice tires and you'll have a ride to be proud of. BTW what's grannie getting for a replacement? Probably a Viper!