Luxury vehicles traded in for the Chrysler 300

[E8502]

From one of our news sources:

"The 2005 Chrysler 300, a brashly styled rear-drive sedan, is attracting some owners of competing domestic and import luxury vehicles, according to Automotive News. Mercedes-Benz, BMW and Lexus models are being traded for the Chrysler 300, albeit in small numbers, according to early buyer DATA analyzed by the Power Information Network for Automotive News. The car is performing well out of the gate, with customers clamoring for upscale 300C models, dealers say. "The 300 is attracting a much more diverse, widespread owner body than the other Chrysler (brand) models," said Tom Libby, director of industry analysis for the Power Information Network. "The 300 is attracting over five times the number of Cadillac owners as do other Chrysler brand models. It is also attracting many more Lincoln owners than the other Chrysler models do." Kathy Burress, the national sales manager for a software company, traded a 2003 Lexus ES 300 for a Chrysler 300C. "This is the least expensive car we have owned in 10 years, and it is our favorite," said Burress, who lives in Cookeville, Tenn. "The Lexus was very disappointing to us in its power and size. We were never really comfortable with it."

[IS300M]

I like good press!

[pd171]

I am trading in my 99 BMW 528i as soon as the one I ordered comes in. Waiting is painful.

[liquid]

http://www.dodgemagnum.net/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=1180

[hemi dawg]

Not a trade-in sitch but I did choose the 300C over the 2005 Acura RL which comes out in Oct. I used to drive a 2004 TL, which is now my wife's.

My fully-loaded 300C is bigger, more powerful, cooler-looking, more luxurious, and $10K cheaper than the RL. It also came out 8 months sooner. I just hope it proves as reliable--at least the warranty is good. btw--our TL just got recalled for a transmission lubrication issue.

I am really impressed by how good the 300C feels to drive--a great balance between big-car comfort and sports-car road-feel. Naturally, I haven't had the opportunity to drive the RL (24 valve, all aluminum, 3.5liter, VTEC V6, 300HP).

The new RL looks like my old Accord. Over the 300C, it does provide a sophisticated AWD, directional headlamps, a nav system that gives traffic and construction info, OnStar (the button that calls for help--which you can do with your cell phone), shift paddles on the steering wheel (whoopee), keyless entry and start, and your usual Honda features--super-ergonomic interior, reliablility, "Easy to buy, easy to drive, easy to own."
They typically sell only one model with only one option--fully loaded; so there is not the 15 week nightmare of trying to get the exact car you want. You might have to wait a week to get your favorite color.

Surprising to me, the 300C gives Acura great competition in the technical gadgetry department. The Bluetooth phone system in the 300C is superior to that in the TL.
The 300C seats, sound-system, climate system, use of the nav screen and driver info panel, selectable features (headlamp shut-off time, etc..), reverse radar, homelink, etc... are all as good as or better than those on our TL (and I imagine, the RL).

Our TL (about $35K) doesn't even have the memory electronic tilt/telescope steering column, the telescope pedals, the headlamp washers or the windshield wiper water sensor of the 300C. Don't know if the RL will have them.

The 300C nav system is not as good as that in the TL (smaller screen, no touch-screen or voice commands)--and the RL nav system takes it to another level. Funny thing about Nav systems, once I started to use one, I now feel I'm driving blind without one.
Just the other day, I was driving without nav in a dangerous neighborhood (looking for an obscure Chrysler dealer!) and I took a road which I really, really wish I hadn't--and wouldn't have--had I a nav system.

Likewise with bluetooth--no longer do I hand my new car over to some teenager with a power drill so he can install a dorky cell phone hands-free kit that only works with one kind of phone.

I have the feeling that Acura loaded up an Accord with all kinds of gadgets to make it so expensive that they could call it a luxury car. The 300C achieves luxury organically--it just has class.

[OBT]

Well we didn't trade in because they didn't want to give us a respectible amout for it, but as soon as I get it cleaned up the wife's '96 Seville STS is going on the block.