MCoupe

family. Wife has a ML500 and I have the C2S and Mini Cooper S. Need to trade the Mini for a larger car to haul the family around. Putting way too many miles on my wife's car. Here is the kicker! I really like the Chrysler 300C...Love the look, the space inside and all. What do you think? I had driven bimmers for the past 15 years but gave up on them when Bangle disfigured them. Or maybe a used M5...Any opinions?

P-Nuts

The Dodge Magnum looks cooler. IMO. Not sure how it drives though...probably no worse than the ML500.

JohnnyBahamas

I think the 300C is the deal of the year. I like it. But, you know the milage sucks.

Still, I'd drive the heck out of a 300C. Good choice I say.

dstrimbu

We had a Magnum rental car on Maui back in March - it was cool, but it had the "high output" 3.5L and was a slug... you'll need a Hemi to really enjoy it.

Ya know, an E39 ('97-'03) 540i six-speed wouldn't be a bad choice at all - affordable, non-Bangle-ized. You won't feel like you're shortchanging yourself when you decide to leave the Porsche in the garage, either... <g>

Good luck!

gravedgr

IMO, the 540i is the best looking non-M that BMW has ever produced.

ohsixx

My son's best friend received the 300C as a college graduation gift. It is a black one with very dark tinted windows. We call him gangster now.

brownie

Brother has a Magnum wagon for a while it has been a great car so my bet is the 300 is as well. I think I would consider the Audi A4 or A6 both are great cars.

larrytrk

My other car is a Lexus 400H, room, plus hybrid tehchnology, offers more power and a green statement.

rome

CPO Cayenne S would be a great choice

djantlive

My guess is that the ML will still be used to haul stuff and family. If this replacement for Mini is to be daily driven, you'll probly want something with good mileage that is reliable but mid size. How about a new Camry or Rav 4? Both offer good mileage and are comfortable to drive. Probly not the answer you were looking for. Maybe a Lexus ES350 or RX330?

If you want something pretty sporty w/ styling, older 740i and 540i are great. However, they will probly cost more in maintenance and repairs.

THPorsche

We're considering to trade in our 5 year old Minivan for something new. I like the look of the Magnum and the trunk space for things needed for two kids (5 and 1 1/2 yrs). But after renting one in Vegas a few months ago, I think the rear bench is just too tight plus the trunk isn't that useful due to the low roof. I recently test drove the Audi Q7 and love the agressive look and the interior is beautiful. The drive/ handle is decent for a SUV of its size.

MCoupe

I am getting a used car for sure. Daily car and to take the kids and everyone around. 5 series are great cars...had 2 of them 528 and later the 540. Loved them. There are many options....I think I am just going to start test driving a whole lot of cars!

SilverSteel

The 300 is built on the Mercedes E class chasis, a proven great piece of geometry. the car exhibits similar handling characteristics. Please remember, you will get Chrysler service which absolutely sucks. If you indulge, get the larger engine otherwise it just makes some zooming noise and barely moves. Personally, I'd pull down a used E class rather than a Chrysler product. I know, Chrysler and MB are sharing technology and both cars are very similar now that MB is sliding on quality. BMW is now a better car. I hate to say it beacuse I hate BMW and have a 745Li I love. MB has always been my favorite car, but when quality suffers, so do sales. Another good ride, BMW 5 series. You really need to to drive them and feel the car's interaction.

Alan Smithee

The 300C/Magnum/Charger does NOT share a platform/chassis with any Mercedes. The Chrysler products have a similar suspension design to the W124 E-class (not the current generation), and they probably share some electonics, maybe a transmission and other little bits...but that's it.

MCoupe

Thanks for the advice. I had 8 bimmers and just cannot look at them right now! What a shame. Was not aware the 300 sahred the same platform as the E series. On the service, it is a toss up I think. I had terrible service with the bimmers as well. I am leaning more towards the E39 5 series, or maybe an older E55 AMG. Going to be be doing some driving!