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2011 Chrysler 300C New & Improved-Alot!

04/14/2011 by

Las Vegas, NV- The 2011 Chrysler 300C is a welcome breath of fresh air for the aging luxury sedan, and a justifiable re-charge the legions of loyal 300 owners have been waiting for. From Schnizzle to SIZZLE, this car hypes safety and technology as the new style beat.

The exterior styling is a home-run, with new lines that give the 300 a face-lift without changing the character of the car. The beaded-high-density headlamps and subtle reshaping of the front grill are the perfect nip and tuck to the former tough-guy squareness of the past. The paint is rich and luxurious with a decent palette of his and her colors.

From the back-end, the trunk lid houses a back-up camera with a Cross-path detection system camera which captures vehicles approaching you from the rear sides before you back into them. Front and Rear Park assist provides mapping lines in the camera and audible beeps when your bumper is too close for comfort.

90 degree door openings

The rims on the 300C are 18″ chrome with an option for 20″ which really flush-out the look of the car in it’s true style.

Upon entering the cabin you immediately notice the doors open to a 90 degree angle. However the deep, deep door-sills in the rear may take getting used to for those with knee and lower back issues. *

While seated in the back you will enjoy spacious head and legroom, along with heated seats, rear vents and a power port for your laptop. The 60/40 split fold-down seat still allows for hauling big, long and over-sized items securely inside the cabin.

The 300 interior is completely redone with great attention to detail, fit and finish. The instrument cluster is clean and ergonomically designed to keep your eyes on the road and hands on the wheel. Your fingers can control almost everything from the steering wheel, a heated, leather-wrapped steering wheel I might add. The dash and trim are a combination of leather, faux-animal skin and plastic which fools the eye but still feels a bit cheap to the touch on the lower dash, side seat cover and kick-panel door housings. While on the subject of the floor, I want to mention a bit about house-keeping… The beige carpeting on the floor is one of only 2 items I really took great exception to, as almost every other car manufacturer has given us black carpet to keep the rug clean. Chrysler missed here, so buy some black mats.

The stereo delivers an upgraded sound system from Alpine, either a 6 or 9 speaker system delivering 276 or 509 watts of sound with an upgraded sub-woofer in the Sound Group.

Some of the best features of the new 300C are in the huge touch-screen navigation and multi-media center, giving you up to 7 phone selections, and a host of features to customize your music selections. The heated and cooled cup holders, double-decker glove-box and over-sized moon-roof give credence to the face you are in a luxury ride, but one costing less that fifty grand.

The 363hp 5.7l 8 cyl. HEMI still kicks butt when pressed into service, now utilizing the VVT technology which delivers far better fuel economy on the open road 25mpg than the paltry 16 around town. If you are buying (or leasing) the 300C you need to enjoy the open road, rear-wheel drive smooth ride. Tight turning radius is easily handled without a struggle at low speeds, and tightens at higher speeds. The new front and rear suspension diminished most of the body roll on hard cornering, leaving my butt in the chair.

The cabin is very quiet, even on a day of 40 mile winds I heard and felt nothing as I watched the trees bend and waited for the wind wake from passing tractor trailers. Nothing bothered the 300C, even at speeds pushing 90mph. This attention to detail gives the 300C a more solid feel similar to the Lexus GS and LS models. Extra insulation, triple door seals and acoustic windshield enhance the sound-proof cabin.

The warranty is 3 years or 36k basic and 5 years or 100k miles for the power-train. Not as alluring as the former 7/70k, 7/100k or Lifetime of it’s predecessors or 10years of the competition, but certainly in line with GM and Ford.

All in all, I encourage everyone to take a test-drive in the new 300. Disregarding the carpeting being too light and the abysmal city fuel economy (16mpg), I give it a 4 out of 5 STARS in the MYCARLADY ratings.

*(Hint: Lift and swing your bent legs out first, using the back of the front seats for leverage. The doors open so wide, you’ll hurt yourself reaching out to use the door for balance.)

***CLICK HERE TO SEE THE YOUTUBE VIDEO OF MY 2011 CHRYSLER 300C TEST DRIVE WITH CO-PILOT BOB D.

—————————————————————————————
If you need any car buying, selling, trading or financing advice on any new or used vehicle, please do not hesitate to email me at sarahlee@mycarlady.com or give me a call; 702-521-7546.
I’m here to help you understand the car business, address fleet management and the latest in automotive technology and advice is ALWAYS free.
Sarah Lee is an automotive executive with 22+ years of experience. She writes about Cars, and is a staunch consumer advocate on car related subjects.
MyCarlady offers private, auto-related services to help you maintain your personal or commercial vehicles. Call Sarah Lee for more information: 702-521-7546

The BEST RV Checklist for buying a used motorhome.

04/12/2011 by

40 things you should check before writing the check for that pre-owned, slightly used RV or motor-home.

Recently I met Sam while he considered purchasing my friend Bobbie’s Winnebago. Sam consulted his iPhone throughout the transaction, thanks to this list of things to check and HOW-TO check them, courtesy of his friend and seasoned RV’r James.

After Sam purchased the Winnebago, having found everything in working order, I asked if I could share this information with the web and James (the author) graciously agreed, so here it is…

If you enjoy and find this information helpful, please leave a comment or “like” the page with a Facebook wave or share.

Thanks, Sarah Lee

——————–

RV Pre-purchase Checklist

Make sure the RV is fairly level and plugged in if AC is available.
Start the refrigerator in LP mode and set temp to high. AC will work, it’s just slower. Put a cup of water in the freezer. It should start to freeze within an hour.
While you’re waiting on the fridge you can check out other stuff.
Check the stove and oven for operation and to ensure LP is available.
If there is LP, turn on the hot water heater in LP mode. You’ll hear the igniter click a few times before lighting (poof). If things go wrong the indicator light usually stays ON. Turn it OFF wait a second and try again
Turn on the water pump and a faucet. After making sure the water flows, turn off the faucet but leave the pump on. The pump may grunt once every five minutes or so. If it does so more often, there may be an internal leak.
Turn on the furnace and max out the thermostat. There will be a delay before the thermostat clicks. The fan will start followed by ignition (click, click, poof). Let it run for a minute, then turn the thermostat to the lowest setting. After a slight delay you should hear a click indicating the heater is off. The fan should run for another 30 seconds or so.
If AC power is not available you’ll need to use the generator from here.
Check the generator oil level. Start the generator with the coach not running to check the house batteries. After a minute turn on everything electrical.
Check the microware and the TV(s). Remember that older TVs won’t work! Carefully raise and lower the antenna. If antenna handle doesn’t turn don’t force it. It just needs lube in most cases. You’ll need to lube it on the roof when you go up there.
The Winnebago has basement air. The air conditioner has two compressors. Turn the thermostat to lowest setting. After a short delay the fan should start. Shortly after that you should hear the compressor start. Cold air should come out of the vents after a minute or so. These AC are no longer manufactured but parts are readily available. They are very quite. They are also equipped with a heat pump but I don’t know much about them.
Check all the lights and ceiling fan(s)
Look inside the cabinets/closets near the edges for evidence of leaks. As you walk through the coach look for soft spots in the floor. Tap/push on the walls beneath the windows too.
Open and close the sofa bed, chairs, and recliner.
Check the shower and bathroom faucet.
Flush the toilets but BEWARE: If the coach has been sitting you maybe subjected to an unbearable smell! Check that the bowl retains water after flushing.
This is a great time to go outside!
In addition to standard under-hood checks, check reservoir level for hydraulic slides and jacks. This may be at rear in some cases and is N/A for electric jacks and slides.
Check the tires for damage/ cracks on sidewall. Check the date the tires were made. The tire’s date of manufacture is the last four numbers of the tire serial number which is usually 7 digits. They should be replaced if more than 7 years old. This will cost about $1000.
Look for bulges in RV body sidewalls indicating possible delamination. If you see any, WALK AWAY since it is NOT repairable!
Check for leaks. (Water, oil, antifreeze, etc)
Look at sewer dump area for anything nasty. YUCK!
Chips in windshields. Remember to get 100% glass coverage when you insure!
Get on the roof.
Be careful on fiberglass roofs since they’re slippery when wet
Look at the seams on the front and rear caps and along the sides. The roof should be solid under foot as you walk on it
Look at skylights over shower/kitchen for cracks/leaks. Also if they are not white, shiny and smooth they will need to be replaced. Check the roof vents/seal and the refrigerator roof vent. AZ sun dries these things out and they often explode when you touch them (ouch).
Check clearance lights/seals. Check the ladder mount sealing on roof.
Open and close the awnings. Check for rips and tears
Check the engine oil level and start the coach.
Open and close the slides.
Now check our ice making project. By now, that cup of water in the fridge should be partially frozen or at least be very cold. If not, I would be worried.
Check the toilet to see if it holds water.
Test Drive
If vehicle has been sitting the tires will probably have flat spots but the bumping should go away after a while. Check the air pressure. They should be at or near the max rating
Check transmission for shifting in and out of overdrive. It should get pretty quite when it goes into over drive.
Hopefully it is a fairly warm day on your test drive because you want to hear the LOUD ROAR when the clutch fan kicks in. It’s a great conversation stopper. If you don’t hear it and the temp goes beyond the halfway point (on Chevy chassis) the fan clutch is NOT working.
Check the dash air. It would be nice if it works but they often die because they are rarely used. When you are driving into the sun on a summer afternoon you won’t care about MPG.
The rear view camera should come on in reverse.
If you have verified all these things, are happy with the results, and decide to make a purchase REMEMBER: to get the keys to the gas cap, door locks, and any locks which are on the RV, and all the service books and records.

Have fun!

re-printed with permission James Bailey (c) 2011
Courtesy of Sam N.

——- ————–
If you need any car buying, selling, trading or financing advice on any new or used vehicle, please do not hesitate to email me at sarahlee@mycarlady.com or give me a call; 702-521-7546. I’m here to help you understand the car business, address fleet management and the latest in automotive technology and advice is ALWAYS free. Sarah Lee is an automotive executive with 22+ years of experience. She writes about Cars, and is a staunch consumer advocate on car related subjects. MyCarlady offers private, auto-related services to help you maintain your personal or commercial vehicles. Call Sarah Lee for more information: 702-521-7546

702.521.7546

2011 Chrysler 300C New & Improved-Alot!

The BEST RV Checklist for buying a used motorhome.

40 things you should check before writing the check for that pre-owned, slightly used RV or motor-home.

Recently I met Sam while he considered purchasing my friend Bobbie’s Winnebago. Sam consulted his iPhone throughout the transaction, thanks to this list of things to check and HOW-TO check them, courtesy of his friend and seasoned RV’r James.

RV Pre-purchase Checklist

Make sure the RV is fairly level and plugged in if AC is available.

Start the refrigerator in LP mode and set temp to high. AC will work, it’s just slower. Put a cup of water in the freezer. It should start to freeze within an hour.

While you’re waiting on the fridge you can check out other stuff.

Check the stove and oven for operation and to ensure LP is available.

If there is LP, turn on the hot water heater in LP mode. You’ll hear the igniter click a few times before lighting (poof). If things go wrong the indicator light usually stays ON. Turn it OFF wait a second and try again

Turn on the water pump and a faucet. After making sure the water flows, turn off the faucet but leave the pump on. The pump may grunt once every five minutes or so. If it does so more often, there may be an internal leak.

If AC power is not available you’ll need to use the generator from here.

Check the generator oil level. Start the generator with the coach not running to check the house batteries. After a minute turn on everything electrical.

Check the microware and the TV(s). Remember that older TVs won’t work! Carefully raise and lower the antenna. If antenna handle doesn’t turn don’t force it. It just needs lube in most cases. You’ll need to lube it on the roof when you go up there.

Check all the lights and ceiling fan(s)

Look inside the cabinets/closets near the edges for evidence of leaks. As you walk through the coach look for soft spots in the floor. Tap/push on the walls beneath the windows too.

Open and close the sofa bed, chairs, and recliner.

Check the shower and bathroom faucet.

Flush the toilets but BEWARE: If the coach has been sitting you maybe subjected to an unbearable smell! Check that the bowl retains water after flushing.

This is a great time to go outside!

In addition to standard under-hood checks, check reservoir level for hydraulic slides and jacks. This may be at rear in some cases and is N/A for electric jacks and slides.

Check the tires for damage/ cracks on sidewall. Check the date the tires were made. The tire’s date of manufacture is the last four numbers of the tire serial number which is usually 7 digits. They should be replaced if more than 7 years old. This will cost about $1000.

Look for bulges in RV body sidewalls indicating possible delamination. If you see any, WALK AWAY since it is NOT repairable!

Check for leaks. (Water, oil, antifreeze, etc)

Look at sewer dump area for anything nasty. YUCK!

Chips in windshields. Remember to get 100% glass coverage when you insure!

Get on the roof.

Be careful on fiberglass roofs since they’re slippery when wet

Look at the seams on the front and rear caps and along the sides. The roof should be solid under foot as you walk on it

Look at skylights over shower/kitchen for cracks/leaks. Also if they are not white, shiny and smooth they will need to be replaced. Check the roof vents/seal and the refrigerator roof vent. AZ sun dries these things out and they often explode when you touch them (ouch).

Check clearance lights/seals. Check the ladder mount sealing on roof.

Open and close the awnings. Check for rips and tears

Check the engine oil level and start the coach.

Open and close the slides.

Now check our ice making project. By now, that cup of water in the fridge should be partially frozen or at least be very cold. If not, I would be worried.

Check the toilet to see if it holds water.

Test Drive

If vehicle has been sitting the tires will probably have flat spots but the bumping should go away after a while. Check the air pressure. They should be at or near the max rating

Check transmission for shifting in and out of overdrive. It should get pretty quite when it goes into over drive.

Hopefully it is a fairly warm day on your test drive because you want to hear the LOUD ROAR when the clutch fan kicks in. It’s a great conversation stopper. If you don’t hear it and the temp goes beyond the halfway point (on Chevy chassis) the fan clutch is NOT working.

Check the dash air. It would be nice if it works but they often die because they are rarely used. When you are driving into the sun on a summer afternoon you won’t care about MPG.

The rear view camera should come on in reverse.

If you have verified all these things, are happy with the results, and decide to make a purchase REMEMBER: to get the keys to the gas cap, door locks, and any locks which are on the RV, and all the service books and records.

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