Item: Used Chrysler 300C 2005 - 2011
Author: What Car? Team

What is it like?

Ownership cost

Advice for buyers

Our recommendations

Alternatives

Saloon

Chrysler has built an eclectic range of cars over the years – everything from radically styled hatchbacks and brash, all-American saloons, to small family cars and boxy yet hugely practical people carriers.

It decided to pull out of the UK in 2015, after struggling with declining sales. However, there are still some Chrysler models that are worth considering if you’re buying used.

The Grand Voyager, for example, is one of the few MPVs that has room for luggage even when all seven of its seats are occupied, while the 300C – based on the Mercedes-Benz E-Class – is a refreshing alternative to the traditional executive saloon choices.

CHRYSLER

300C

The 300C is a breath of fresh air in a rather staid executive market

Used Chrysler 300C 2005 - 2011

Again, the diesel is the model to choose if you want to hold on to more of your hard-earned cash. It's the most fuel-efficient, for instance, returning an official average of 34.9mpg, and falls into group 16 for insurance. The 3.5 V6 is in the same insurance group, while the 5.7 V8 attracts a group 18 rating.

Pick the V6 and you'll be visiting the petrol station much more frequently, due to its official economy 25.7mpg. Go for the 5.7 V8, though, and you'll soon be on first-name terms with the forecourt staff - it returns a terrifying 11.1mpg average. However, when cruising, the V8 engine automatically shuts down four cylinders, improving economy to about 21mpg.

Whichever you choose, repair costs are likely to be high should anything go wrong - labour rates at Chrysler dealerships are well above average.

The 300C is a breath of fresh air in a rather staid executive market


The 218bhp 3.0 turbodiesel is our favourite, thanks to its effortless pulling power and in-gear flexibility. It's pretty quiet, too, unless pushed hard.

The 249bhp 3.5-litre V6 is punchy and propels the big exec to 60mph in a reasonable 9.2sec, but for outright power and pace choose the 340bhp 5.7 V8. It never needs to be worked hard to make rapid progress and will help the car glide seamlessly to 60mph in under seven seconds.

There are no separate specification levels, and each model has a bespoke equipment list that can put many rivals to shame: the diesel and 3.5 V6 petrol have air-con, alloy wheels, stability control and traction control, parking sensors, electric windows all-round, a CD player and leather upholstery. The range-topping 5.7 V8 adds an electric sunroof, CD multichanger and sat-nav.

<h2>What we're looking for:</h2><ul><li>Effortless long-distance capability</li> <li>Strong standard specification</li> <li>Low running costs</li> <li>Comfortable driving position</li> <li>Comprehensive yet easy-to-use infotainment system</li></ul>

Executive cars are often the choice of company car drivers, so factors such as CO2 emissions (which govern your monthly tax bill) are just as important as cruising refinement for those long motorway journeys, a plush cabin and (whisper it) the image of the badge on the bonnet.

The good news is that there are options for all budgets and tastes. If rear space is crucial and you’re willing to put up with a less-than-premium badge, the Skoda Superb is tough to beat, while if you want a premium badge on the bonnet then the BMW 3 Series is consistently one of our favourites in this class.

And don't think you're limited to just petrol or diesel-powered choices in this class,&nbsp;because at the top end the Tesla Model 3 is well worth considering for its long range and engaging driving style.

Executive

While the 300C's cabin is a pleasant enough place, the plastics don't feel as high-quality as those used in European rivals. That said, the interior feels well assembled and we have yet to hear of any actual problems with the trim.

The Chrysler is too new for any significant reliability data to have been generated, but it's hard to not be a little wary: the marque failed to put in an impressive showing in What Car?'s reliability surveys, and it has received some below-average scores in customer satisfaction surveys.

However, because the 300C is based on the old Mercedes E-Class and is built in Europe, the signs are that this model should be more reliable than previous Chryslers, and we haven't heard of any engine or mechanical problems with it.

As with any executive, keep to the standard rules: pick a car that appears to have been well looked after, and which comes with a full service history.

Big, bold and menacing-looking, the Chrysler 300C is related to the previous-shape Mercedes E-Class, but doesn't hide its American heritage. It certainly has plenty of presence on the road and tempts buyers by offering lots of kit for their cash.

Performance is never in short supply, whichever engine you choose, and the 300C is pretty refined, although it can't match the silky smoothness of a Jag.

On the road, the Chrysler always feels like a big car, which isn't surprising given its weight and length. That said, it feels assured through a series of fast, sweeping bends, although the body control could be better over poor surfaces.

Drivers will have no problem getting comfortable in the roomy cabin, although the comparatively small windscreen and big screen pillars restrict visibility. The huge boot easily copes with a family's holiday luggage, and every model is generously equipped.

Used Chrysler 300C 2005 - 2011 review

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Alternatives

What alternatives should I consider to a used Chrysler 300C saloon?