Hi everyone.
The unfortunate fact is that the 300M is approaching its end of life
Lately it's been running great but the reliability and maintainability isn't really there anymore. Finding the next car has been proven to be a tough task for me. Maybe you guys can help me.
If I would get something similar the obvious choice would be the 300C or the Dodge Charger? I like the aggressive looks on the 2011 charger but the 300C would probably offer a more luxurious ride? I think they don't quite match the trunk space on the M which I have really appreciated. These two cars are about the only ones I can feel somewhat excited about, but can't decide which one would be more suitable.
The FCA cars don't seem to have a great reputation. Quite the opposite. Many people really dislike them. Why is this? Are there some quality concerns?
These cars as many modern cars are packed with features that are intriguing but also frightening at the same time because of the complexity. For example the 8-speed transmission from ZF. That's an impressive engineering outcome, but it doesn't even have a stick for checking the oil. You need a lift for that. I don't know if any shop here knows how to service a transmission like that. I can do a lot of things myself, but currently I don't have a place nearby to work on a car. Also I feel that many times the information and tools needed to work on today's cars are not available. And I'm not looking for a hobby car, I've got one already (-68 Mercury Cougar).
On the other hand I have lot's of doubts as well. Do I really need 300HP? I feel the large engines are a bit frowned upon nowadays. Though I really like the thought of an V6. Maybe I would be better off with some european car. Parts for the M have been quite affordable, but as the shipping from US doubles the cost it's not cheap anymore.
Also there's the environmental things. I've looked into electric, CNG and ethanol cars. I’d really like a car that would run on something else than plain gasoline. Maybe electric is the future but it's not quite yet here. It's impossible for me to have charging at home. CNG cars here are pretty dull (Volvo, Skoda, VW, Audi). The 300C and the Charger could be driven with ethanol though.
A third car I've been kind of looking for is the newer Ford Mondeo. Pretty much the same as Ford Fusion in the US. It ticks the space requirements and it's kind of an poor mans Aston Martin on the front
Also it's available with an "real" automatic transmission. Not all that DSG rubbish 
But with a small turbocharged engine. Will it last? And won't be recognizable from all the others in the mall parking lot.
Any thoughts are welcome
The unfortunate fact is that the 300M is approaching its end of life
Lately it's been running great but the reliability and maintainability isn't really there anymore. Finding the next car has been proven to be a tough task for me. Maybe you guys can help me.If I would get something similar the obvious choice would be the 300C or the Dodge Charger? I like the aggressive looks on the 2011 charger but the 300C would probably offer a more luxurious ride? I think they don't quite match the trunk space on the M which I have really appreciated. These two cars are about the only ones I can feel somewhat excited about, but can't decide which one would be more suitable.
The FCA cars don't seem to have a great reputation. Quite the opposite. Many people really dislike them. Why is this? Are there some quality concerns?
These cars as many modern cars are packed with features that are intriguing but also frightening at the same time because of the complexity. For example the 8-speed transmission from ZF. That's an impressive engineering outcome, but it doesn't even have a stick for checking the oil. You need a lift for that. I don't know if any shop here knows how to service a transmission like that. I can do a lot of things myself, but currently I don't have a place nearby to work on a car. Also I feel that many times the information and tools needed to work on today's cars are not available. And I'm not looking for a hobby car, I've got one already (-68 Mercury Cougar).
On the other hand I have lot's of doubts as well. Do I really need 300HP? I feel the large engines are a bit frowned upon nowadays. Though I really like the thought of an V6. Maybe I would be better off with some european car. Parts for the M have been quite affordable, but as the shipping from US doubles the cost it's not cheap anymore.
Also there's the environmental things. I've looked into electric, CNG and ethanol cars. I’d really like a car that would run on something else than plain gasoline. Maybe electric is the future but it's not quite yet here. It's impossible for me to have charging at home. CNG cars here are pretty dull (Volvo, Skoda, VW, Audi). The 300C and the Charger could be driven with ethanol though.
A third car I've been kind of looking for is the newer Ford Mondeo. Pretty much the same as Ford Fusion in the US. It ticks the space requirements and it's kind of an poor mans Aston Martin on the front
Also it's available with an "real" automatic transmission. Not all that DSG rubbish But with a small turbocharged engine. Will it last? And won't be recognizable from all the others in the mall parking lot.Any thoughts are welcome
