Used car of the week: Chrysler 300C

Chrysler says it's pulling out of the UK in 2017.

UK Chryslers date from the mid-2000s with various models sold during that time, such as the Grand Voyager, Voyager and PT Cruiser, but one of the best liked models brought in during that time was the 300C. Launched in 2006, it shared components with the Mercedes-Benz E-Class. There was even an estate version.

A heavily revised model launched in 2012 - as a saloon - with a generally more contemporary, less conspicuous look adopted for the range.

Since launch, the 300C has always suffered from heavy depreciation and that has traditionally made it worth consideration as a used buy. However, news of Chrysler's departure from the UK means you need to take care if you're to avoid your car's value dropping off the edge of a cliff. That said, providing you buy with care and with the understanding that the longer you keep it, the more value you will get from it, a 300C could be an imposing, good value purchase.

Why should I buy a used Chrysler 300C?

At the time of the UK launch, the 300C was an imposing saloon with more than a hint of Bentley about the front-end styling. The high-shouldered look won it some fans, however, and the use of the 3.0-litre V6 diesel engine from Mercedes helped ensure it made some sense to European buyers, although the brawny 5.7-litre 425bhp V8 Hemi model stole the headlines.

Which 300C should I choose?

Unless you have deep pockets, avoid the V8 petrol versions of the 300C; they are very expensive to run. The V6 CRD diesels are not especially economical by modern standards, but they are good value and all models are well equipped.

How much should I pay for a 300C?

Care needs to be taken when looking at a potential purchase, because prices are likely to be a little volatile until the market gets used to the idea of Chrysler pulling out of the UK.

What 300C problems should I look out for?

Mechanically, the diesels are pretty tough, but there are electrical issues: alternators and electrical connections under the bonnet can give problems which generally manifest as non-starting issues or dashboard warning lights (a potential MOT failure).

Noisy front suspension is also a known issue and another potential MOT failure point if the anti-rollbar bushes have failed, something which shows up as a knocking noise when going over speed humps or potholes.

A less important issue, but one of the most commonly observed, is peeling lacquer on the alloy wheels. This can be sorted with a wheel refurbishment but the cost might mean you are better off living with the scruffy appearance. Having the wheels refurbished typically costs from £125 per wheel.

Find Chrysler 300Cs for sale in the What Car? Approved used scheme.