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Chrysler 300M
26385 messages, Last post on Nov 19, 2012 at 5:58 PM
You are in the Chrysler 300M Forum.What is this discussion about? Chrysler 300M, Sedan
#12317 of 26385 300M Repair by beach15
Dec 20, 2001 (5:30 pm)
We've now had the car back for over a day and still can't tell that it was ever wrecked. The damage was absolutely horrible, I mean really bad to the point that you would think it was totalled. But to all of our suprise, the shop used the 2 months carefully and really knew what they were doing. I guess their sign out front, "Collision Speicalists" really is true. Well, only more time cant tell.Both inside and out on the right rear corner, nothing is apparent to have ever been touched. Well, except if you look underneath and see all the spotless new sheetmetal and components. No rattles, no squeaks, no creaks, or at least nothing new. I wish I knew how to get rid of that stupid, annoying, and constant rattle behind the gauge cluster. It's been there for a year and no one (the 5*'s) can seem to get rid of it.
This car is still noisy, no more than it was before. You do notice one difference though. The car has 15,700 miles on it and the Goodyear's have always been crappy. Before, I thought that there was some mushiness to the suspension, but not so. I don't know how much air they put in the crapyears but it seems a lot sharper around the curves and more controlled. There is however, a little more "thwack" over things in the road and the ride feels stiffer, but only slightly.
As for what work was done, it goes like this. The van pushed into the back parcel shelf on the driver's side, causing some floor/frame damage under the trunk, blowing out the window, crinkling in about 2" on the back edge of the door, and crunching part of the c-pillar. Basically, everything from the seat back was replaced, all the sheetmetal from the roof down o the left side, the trunklid, the lights, the bumper, and the entire rear floor "pan". The exhaust was also replaced and ends with the 2001-02 chromed muffler tips.
In addition, they were working through last week and found out about more damage done to the front. When we got creamed, we bumped the back bumper of a little S-10 in front of us, causing only a visible scratch across the bumper. However, when the looked inside and behind there under the hood, they found out that the grill was cracked and the backs of both headlights had been broken when they pushed back. Those were both replaced in addition to a new front bumper.
I can tell you one thing, all those parts are expensive. For instance, the man at the shop told us that from Chrysler, the back window was over $1100. The insurance didn't like this and told them that the had to go with who they said, Safelite. Not much of a difference, it was then over $950. Each headlight was $340, the trunklid $557, the exhaust system $1190, the grill $217, and the back left door panel $542! It was expensive!!
Okay, will we be keeping it? I'm not going to comment. One minute she says that she WILL NOT drive a wrecked car, that she wants something bigger, and then that she wants a LeSabre. I really do not know. And until there is something new in the driveway, I'm not going to bring it up again!
Happy M'ing!!
P.S., Arby- Congratulations on the Special! I wish I could get a look and ride of one of those in person. They sure seem nice!
#12318 of 26385 Re: Brakes by hmk123
Dec 20, 2001 (7:02 pm)
I think the thing with the brakes is also a matter of personal taste. I personally like it when the brakes don't react too strong on the slightest touch. My girl friend used to have an old Volvo and when you stepped onto the breaks the thing almost stood still immediately (looks like a tank, drives like one
). So I am happy about the fact that I have to press the M's breaks a bit before they catapult me through the windshield
#12319 of 26385 test drive by 300michael
Dec 20, 2001 (8:05 pm)
I recieved my $50 coupon to go test drive a Chrysler. I am waiting for them to get a Special so I can compare it to my modded out 99. Welcome to dream land, I just love getting paid to test drive these cars.#12320 of 26385 Russ is right by 300michael
Dec 20, 2001 (8:07 pm)
The 300HemiC convertable was designed and in the process of being built before Damler took them over.#12321 of 26385 Sound system by 300michael
Dec 20, 2001 (8:18 pm)
My Alpine Stereo sounds really great. I like the idea of searching by titles and songs better then CD's and tracts. The only problem is finding room for all the wiring. Having two 7" screens, DVD changer, Digital Audio Processor, and the Navigation system, and all the other items I have wired up over the years the areas are quickly being filled. My dad jokes saying that if I ever get "T" boned, the wiring alone will stop the other vehicle from penetrating the Passenger Compartment. Plus the wireless remote can be installed on the steering wheel and is small enough not to interfere with the airbag.#12322 of 26385 Kosh by arby500
Dec 20, 2001 (8:35 pm)
You are going to love your Special. I don't know what kind of car you are used to driving. It's like a cross between a Camaro and a Lexus. Weird. It feels low to the ground and wide with the standard wrap around like windshield. The off the line power is impressive.Someone asked what the window sticker mileage was. It's 18 City and 26 Highway.
#12325 of 26385 catching up by sdmike2
Dec 21, 2001 (12:22 am)
Fuzzy - isn't that little basslink amazing? For an inexpensive self-contained unit you really can't beat it IMO. It costs less than most amps by themselves.Brakes - At low speeds the Buick will throw you through the windshield if you give the brakes any push beyond "resting your foot" pressure. I hated it. The Maxima was the same way. I personally believe that what makes a good set of brakes is the ability to bring the car to the shortest most controlled stop possible. I think the hyperbraking cars are dangerous. After driving the Buick, especially for any period of time, the M brakes will feel very long. In fact, the car not only brakes well, but behaves under braking very well. Out of all the cars I've driven (dozens of models through renting) the M has the most civilized brakes I've used. A nice combination of grab and give.
Being paid to test drive - I know EXACTLY how you feel! I got $100 to not only SEE but EVALUATE what we think are the '04 300N and special (with the Hemi 8). I think I would have PAID $50 to have been there.
) Misc - We spent tonight assembling nearly 50 gingerbread trains that will be decorated by my son's pre-school class mates (his class and two others) tomorrow. Each train is made of over 40 pieces of gingerbread made from scratch by my wife, held together with icing. Each train takes us about 10-15 minutes to assemble, the kids an hour to decorate, and another hour to eat! lol. I don't know how it happened, but this has turned into a tradition for my wife. I, of course, end up helping (usually by keeping the kids out of her hair), and shelling out about $500 for all of the ingredients for this fiasco.
What makes it all worthwhile is when we see the looks on the kid's faces when they decorate their trains, and when little kids remember the "train decorating" event from years past. What's my point?? Do something special this holiday season. You'll get back more than you ever put into it. Have a wonderful holiday season everyone.
Mike
#12326 of 26385 Arby, current wheels by kosh_2258
Dec 21, 2001 (5:36 am)
Arby,I've been driving an Intrepid ES for the last several years so the M won't be a major change for me. I'll be curious to see how "firm" the suspension actually is by comparison.
Be warned Arby, my wife got spoiled on the heated seats and memory on our JGC and is looking forward to having that on the new car. So from now on those will be required options on all new vehicles, LOL!
One poster here made comment about the struts on his Concorde and how they have loosened up. I'd have to say the same has happened on the Intrepid as well. The struts still pass the bounce test but the low speed damping isn't what it used to be. I notice small stuff on the road more than I used to. I've seen comments other places where people have replaced their struts with Monroe Sensitracs or similar struts and gotten a marked improvement in the ride.
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