General Comments:
This is the best car I have ever had!! I got lucky with mine; before I got it, it was a corporate lease for the first 100k miles, so it already had the timing belt, water pump, A/C compressor and evaporator, window regulators replaced.
I bought it when it had 113k miles on it, it now has 188k miles, and since I have had it, I have only had to replace the fans twice and the tie rod bushings. If you hear clunking from your front end, check these and the end links. The bushings are cheap, about $20. Besides normal maintenance and tires, I have spent about $300 the past 3 years.
I still get 27mpg on the hwy at 70mph when I have the cruise control on. This is a very comfortable car and handles good. It leaks no oil (I change it myself because the oil pan bolt can strip the pan if tightened too much; shops are known for tightening them too tight). Every now and then, the dash lights flicker, but this is a known problem with these cars.
It's never left me stranded and starts every time.
I purchased a lifetime wheel alignment from Firestone, which I highly recommend. Having a lifetime warranty on the brake pads is great too. Keeping this car as long as I have, has saved me a lot of money from not having a car note.
My dad bought a 2000 300m brand new, he got 201k out of it until someone ran into his car and totaled it. It had the original tranny, and was still running strong before the accident. He didn't replace the timing belt until 185K, and the belt didn't look worn at all. He did have to replace the compressor and evaporator.
My wife's car, a 2000 Dodge Intrepid R/T, has 150k on it. She bought when it had 44K. Still runs great, the transmission had to be replaced, thank goodness it was still under warranty.
The 3.5L motor in these LH cars has got to be one of Chrysler's best. I wonder does the new 300 have this motor? It has good power and is very reliable.
If you are in the market for a used one, make sure you get the maintenance records as with any used car. You can find a good 300m at a good price, I would love to have the Special.
