RE: [MLUG - DISCUSSION] Chrysler 300C

[Jonathan King <EMAIL:PROTECTED>]

On Mon, 7 Jun 2004, Brent Deterding wrote:

> > > 6. Economy: Better than an SUV - but I'm willing to take a 
> > > 20mpg car.
> > 
> > Well, I kinda doubt you're going to get that in a 300C with a
> > big V8.  The EPA quotes 17/25 on that one, but what I'd gotten a
> > chance to read pointed to a figure lower than that.  More like
> > 16 mpg.  But that depends on how much highway driving you do as
> > well.
> 
> Well - the cool thing about this car is the V8 turns into a
> 4-banger to conserve fuel - and can re-engage is 40ms (supposedly
> not noticeable). 17/25 isn't that bad.

Yes, but I'm wondering whether you'll really get 17/25.  Many cars 
don't actually get their EPA numbers in real-life.
 
> > > 7. Price: I'm willing to spend $40,000 on a good vehicle that will 
> > > last.
> > 
> > Eep!  If you've got *that* kind of money, how could you be 
> > lacking candidates?
> 
> Well - it's not like a I have 40K sitting in the bank for a car :)

Ah.  Well then, yes, summer is a great time for wishcasting.

> > > So there has not been a car that meets all my requirements 
> > recently. 
> > 
> > I'm puzzled then.  I guess a Volkswagen Passat W8 is like too slow?

[snip others]

> Admitedly, I may been simply unaware. I read some links posted
> here recently on the VW TDI and that looks pretty cool.

That ain't a 0-60 in 7 kind of car though.

[snip]

> Again for no good reason I don't care for Infiniti - probably
> because my mom bought a ridiculously expensive QX4 that I can't
> like (An SUV on a car chassis? Buy a car.) I have heard excellent
> things about the G35 though. Never looked at the Volvo.

That car (or the coupe version) was my brother's mid-life crisis 
thingie.  The sedan version is more than just a boy toy.
 
> I recall looking a few years ago in some depth and couldn't find
> squat - the Chrysler 300M was about the best I could find.

Oh, hey: you can get those for real cheap. :-)
 
> > I'm missing what you're seeing here; what kind of options could
> > add $10K+ to the low-$30s Marauder?
>
> As I recall - there's an aftermarket shop that works on Marauders
> to stiffer the suspension and give the enginer some substantial
> gains - I think it was $13K.

OK.  Now that seems pretty...weird.

[about your weight problem, heh]

> I like heavy because I like my car to "feel" substantial and safe
> (and no, a tall SUV doesn't feel safe to me - no matter how much
> it weighs). I like to feel as if I could hit *two* *oncoming*
> *semis* on the interstate and walk away again (should have seen my
> poor Cavalier).

Ouch.  There are cars out there that feel safer than a Cavalier.  
That Go-Kart you were talking about might be one of them. :-)  More 
seriously, I did notice that lots of cars have been creeping up in 
weight recently.  A Mazda6 wagon is about 3500 pounds.  The magnum 
is "only" 3800.  

> > > Now in a few years when I can buy a car again we'll see what the 
> > > picture looks like :)
> > 
> > Another idea there would be to cut to the chase and buy the
> > hot-rod station wagon now. :-)  More seriously, if you're doing
> > the new home thing as well, and like the idea of the 300C, you
> > might well consider the Magnum RT.

[snip]

> My wife saw the commercial for the Magnum the other day and
> proclaimed it to be ugly. Of course, I think we're established
> that when the time comes I'm going to do my thing for my car and
> she can do the same for hers. I want a vehicle with specific
> requirements - she wants a $13K Lancer (cheap, in theory reliable,
> not unsafe, put gas in and it goes). I would consider the Magnum -
> but there's always a neighbor with a pickup :)

The $13K Lancer I don't know of.  The ~$17K Lancer Ralliart wagon
was pretty cute except for the "sporty" tail-pipe.  As far as car
prettiness goes, you're looking at the inside not the outside...
 
> I should mention that I drive quite a bit - and I try to at least
> be a little eco-friendly now and again. I would consider some of
> the newer hybrids as well - this assuming I'd be willing to forgoe
> liking my vehicle (hey - I hate my current car and deal with it).

If a VW turbodiesel is as relatively fun to drive as a gas-powered 
Passat, you might like it if not love it, then.

jking

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