Should I buy a 2005-2006 Chrysler 300 5.7L V8?

Reliability is NOT a strong suit for either Chrysler or Dodge....Consumer Reports shows WORST problems for the 2005 and 2006 in the areas of: Transmission Minor [Gear selector or linkage, leaks, transmission computer, transmission sensor or solenoid, clutch adjustment, rough shifting, slipping transmission] ; Fuel System [Check engine light, sensors (includes O2 or oxygen sensor), emission control devices (includes EGR), engine computer, fuel cap, fuel gauge/sender, fuel injection system, fuel pump, fuel leaks, stalling or hesitation]; Suspension [Shocks or struts, ball joints, tie rods, wheel bearings, alignment, steering linkage (includes rack and pinion), power steering (pumps and hoses, leaks), wheel balance, springs or torsion bars, bushings, electronic or air suspension]. There are additional other areas that are problematic as well. My advice is that if you do not want to help line your mechanic's pockets and help him put his kids through college that you avoid this car.

Don't buy one, pretty simple. They can be a repair nightmare.

I have had a 2005 Chrysler 300C with the 5.7 HEMI for two years with 127,000 miles on it and it rides like a dream! Never once had to put money into anything but regular maintenance. The 5.7 HEMI engines are one of the good ones that if maintained properly, will run as long as Diesel engines. Every car is different, and they all seem to have their own flaws. However, most of the stuff I've heard about and read about, are mainly minor problems that don't cost a lot of money to fix. Just make sure to look at the car fax and the history of the car. If it seemed to have a lot of problems, stay away. If it was just regular oil, brake, and tire changes, it's probably a well maintained vehicle. If you do the same with it, it will be just as good to you.

Thank you so much for your answers! I really appreciate it! I am a student so I will not be using this car so much as my school is very near to my house. And the regular maintenance, I just want to ride it during week-ends or holidays. I am not a race or high-rev rider. So if I drive it gently and put in regular maintenance, will that be alright? I really love these cars.

You never know with a used car. A Toyota, Honda, Acura or Lexus will be much more reliable.

Thanks Bob!

Best of luck to you what ever you decide.

Alfrednyo...To be honest, it really doesn't matter that his car will not be a long distance daily driver for you (since you are at college near your house). Do you REALLY want your limited budget (I'm assuming that you're not a silver spoon kid with a massive trust fund) to go toward ridiculous and regular repairs that Chryslers are known for? Do you want to NOT be able to take that girl on a date or hang out with your friends because your car is at the shop AGAIN? Take our advice and avoid this car. If you give us an idea of your budget, we may be able to help steer you toward a much better car choice.

I just bought a 2006 300c with the Hemi 5.7. with 117K miles. Runs like a top! I bought it knowing that it has Shock/Strut issue in the front, but I can get that fixed relatively cheap. I paid 6K for the car an it looks brand new inside and out. Single owner took great care of it! I will update as time goes on to see how it works out. RW.

I WILL NOT BUY ANOTHER CHRYSLER AND I WOULDN'T RECOMMEND ANYONE ELSE TO EITHER. I HAVE A 06 300C AND I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THE ENGINE, TRANSMISSON AND SEVERAL OTHER THINGS. NOW I'M HAVING AN ISSUE WITH MY CAR DYING AND STALLING IN TRAFFIC . AT 1ST I THOUGHT I HAD BAD GAS BUT AFTER 3 TREATMENTS , 4 DIAGNOSTICS DONE (2 AT CHRYSLER SERVICE DEPT) PAID COUNTLESS AMOUNTS OF TIME AND MONEY , AND GUESS WHAT IT'S STILL NOT FIXED . I'VE TALKED TO OWNERS OF THESE VEHICLES AND AT LEAST 4 OF THEM HAVE VERY VERY SIMILAR ISSUES.I ALSO CALLED THE HQ AND THEY CLAIM THEY KNOW NOTHING ABOUT THIS PARTICULAR PROBLEM......"BULL" !!!!!!!!

Impala 2006 and up. Reliable, cheap,

Love my 300s awd! Test drove all models. The 5.7 was a dream to drive. Lots.of.power and smooth transmission to top speed. I settled for a 3.6 instead because I commute over 50 miles a day so the gas mileage is much better. But, I think often about the fun test drive of that 5.7!

Hey am looking foward to buy a 2005 hemi 300c honestly ive been on alot of reviews some owners say yes their fine to have one no issues. others say they do so if atleast a car owner of a 2005 300c could tell me hows it going with the car?? Not taking the car for a daily or long runs its just to get to one point to the other i really love the look of the car but am interested on the engine issues and goodies.

I bought a 300c 5.7l Hemi 2005 two years ago, when it had done 85.000 kilometers. Now, at 115.000 kilometers, I could summarize the two years. No engine problems with exception to a slight oil over consumption. But a lot of irritation over clunking suspension and worn steering, which also has caused repair costs of about 2.000 usd. So, multiple times higher repair costs, than for our second car, a Toyota Corolla - which had repairs for about 400 usd, for about 3 times more kilometers than the Chrysler. After having said that, I must admit that I am still in love with the 300c. What a car. What an engine. What an attitude. Even though it is a twelve year old car, people look appreciating and give great comments about it. OK, I pay a lot for gas. But the feeling driving the 300c is worth it all. I drive it at all times.

I absolutely loved my 2006 chrysler 300C . I have had it for 5 years. Have done all the scheduled maintenance. The car drove like a dream. The hemi is so powerful sexy looking car. But the other day I stopped to go into a store came out car wouldn't start. Had it towed to dealer they said my motor was gone. $7600 for a new motor. This was surprising because there was no warning. No engine light no smoke nothing. Was driving perfectly fine before I went in store.

My sister loved her 07 300c with the 5.7 hemi until yesterday. Always maintained. Last full engine service was in May but it just "dropped a valve seat" into cylinder 5 which destroyed the cylinder. Needs a new engine. Mechanic said it was a problem with this engine until 2010. Avoid those years.

I had same problem as Guru92LN, dropped a valve seat, destroyed the cylinder. This was my only way back to and from college and my job. Not sure which way to go. Think I may need to quit school to fix car. My dad told me not to buy a Chrysler should have listened. Now it's costing me my career.

i have a 2006 chrysler 300C 5.7, with 100,000 miles. Never had one problem with it. Mines not stock i have some bolt on upgrades, still no issues. I run the sh*t out of my car, racing at the track also. Its how you take care of the car. If you lack oil changes and maintenance, yes your asking for problems. If you don't know how to drive it correctly, yes your asking for problems. That's with any car. I change my oil with Royal Purple every 3k miles.

Ihave an 2006 300 drove it from 2007till 2016no major problem timing belt change x2 i have now 279000 no transmission problems machanic says motor is good after a machanic previously changed timing belt the belt was 3 teeth off i drove like this with engine light on just had timing belt corrected engine light off had to drive it 100.miles engine light still off im the original owner and only driver love my car lot of highway miles no offense " some people think these cars are hot rods and drive them like.that hello they are luxury cars maybe thats why they have so many problemthey are luxury automobiles im a lady i love my car his name is baby bently"smiles God bless!!!

2006 Chrysler 300 C hemi bought it new from the dealer. I work 2.5 miles away from home, took care of this care as if it was my 1st child regardless of all that today the car unexpectedly stop working. my trustworthy mechanic told me this is the 2nd Chrysler 300 C Hemi that he had with the engine breaking down without a reason. services were done and fluids were always top off. I wouldn't recommend this piece of crap car to my enemy. Junk yard here we come.

Buying 2006 300 hemi with 25k miles for local use Car is lovely, hope it's a keeper

I have a 2007 Chrysler 300c 5.7 hemi, the only trouble over all these years is the horrible Mercedes transmission, rebuilt at a high cost about 7 years ago and now it's getting ready to go again and I can't afford to have it rebuilt again.

Avoid it if you can, had mines for over 1 years and the engines failing but no check engine light. Better off getting a honda

Evey car is going to have issue no matter if you take care of them or not...nothing is built to last, i seen mercedes,Lexus even BMW on the side of the road. I have have had all kind of cars in my lifetime and some was good and some was bad but i still had my regular maintenance done to them...i have a 06 chrysler 300 c and it rides like a champ. Its just how you maintain your vehicle, my dad have one with over 200k miles and it drives like it just came off the showroom floor.

Chrysler = Junk

That was probably your ignition or starter. Seriously doubt the motor just “gone”. You got jipped for mechanic repairs forsure

Id recommend changing the oil on these cars every 2,500. Just a tip

This is my 2005 Chrysler 300C, 14 years old 127k miles on it and I have done routine maintenance. Oil, brakes, fluid flush as required by owners manual, spark plugs, new shocks, and struts... This car is a trooper, the only repair outside of normal maintenance was the windshield washer pump went bad just before inspection. Otherwise, the money I spend on this car is car washes and gasoline. I work as a consultant so my travel to and from a job site can be 5 miles to 1200 miles an I take my 300 with me every time. This car has been so great to me I even bought a 300S with the Hemi in the 2018 Model year. You have to look at the condition of the car you buy, open the engine oil cap, do you see sludge on the motor lifters and rockers? if yes, avoid. Pull the air intake hose off and inspect the throttle body, is it grimy or clean, grimy doesn't mean bad but if it has a lot of sludge then you should probably avoid. Look under the car or ask the dealer to put it on the lift... best of all you should have a mechanic look at it. but you're checking for leaks and rust. Otherwise, these are great cars that last don't listen to the other retards like Racer X who don't know shit and probably drive a Rice a Roni special.

Yeah the 05 chrysler 300c has a different automatic transmission that is tried and true(5 speed) The 4 speed auto transmission in base 300 , ext has problems with torque converters. If you change transmission fluid with appropriate maintenance like sparkplugs,ignition wires, pcv valve and egr valve, ext, you wont have problems with transmission or engine slug. My 05 chyr 300c is at 291k miles and shifts through gears with ease. Its Fate is determined how the previous owner kept up with maintenance. 300 and 300c have different engines, trannys and even different suspension. Its like comparing a 05 dodge charger with 05 chrysler 300. Hope this helped

I have a 06 chrysler 300c 5.7 hemi, it has 124k miles. This car has never failed me it runs good, only thing i replaced was a new alternator that was really it. Ive heard these cars have a bad reputation yess ik, but if mainting it, it will last you a long time. I really enjoy this car is really good.

I bought a beautiful 2005 300c in 2018 from Sunnyvale Toyota in CA. I fell in love with her beauty, luxury and power (Hemi motor) right now I am researching what my options are. She needs a motor. I plan on buying a remanufactured one and have her towed to a Cupertino mechanic which quoted me under $6K includes motor, labor and tow for now. I got two other quotes from different mechanics for $9000K, $9100K. I paid $7K and some change at the Used Car dealer (S'Vale Toyota) I have enjoyed her for 2 years and now I have to repair her and fork out almost as much money as I paid for her. Don't get me wrong I really enjoy my car and I will pay for it but it just disappoints me that she needed an engine replacement at 109K miles. Now I read all the horror stories about the first generation models. I wonder why I didn't see all those reviews two years ago? I hope after all the work is done with the motor replacement she will last a long time. I am an older man. I'm past the age of peel outs and racing. I took care of my 300c and so did the prior owner. I did a CarFax on her prior to buying her and his car maintenance was up to date. My advice to whoever buys a first Gen. 300c is to do their research and have money put aside. To all the mechanics doing their own work and saving money good for you. I am a fan of the 2005 Chrysler 300c first Gen, because when she rides, she rides smooth and strong. Angel from The Bay

Mines running perfect to this day. I had some problems that seemed to be the engine but i knew from past experiences that these have computer problems. I swapped the computer with a preprogrammed plug n play ecm and its been running like a dream since. Ive only had drivability issues once when my Crankshaft Position sensor went out but ive replaced it and haven’t had another problem. You just have to keep up with it, check the oil, ect. If you buy it, make sure you check the fuel trims and parameters with the computer then do a compression test to verify wether the engines worn or not. If the previous owner ran it low on oil, theres a good chance this will be a issue

Our advice to you!! Learn how to work on your own car. There’s hundreds of how-to’s on youtube. Its easy. I dislike doing Suspension To me, its a pain in the ass but its simple as hell. Engine and electrical is more cause and effect type thinking

Well all I know is I have a 2006 / 7 Chrysler 300C SRT8 6.1 Hemi have had it tuned by one of the race shops it's a beast had $2,000 borla race only exhaust put on it and did preventive maintenance oil changes plug wire or coil pack plugs the whole 9 and all of a sudden it cut off one day no knocking the Tappan and is locked up had oil I don't know what or how it happened what I do know is this a unicorn if I can find the motor is 7 grand for a long block from the dealership if I can find a Turn-Key the normal around 11500 or more so I don't know what to do I can't get what I'm driving trying to get a loan for over a month and I just I hate to get a loan and get that $12,000 motor put it in and everything be fine for a week or two if that and then to do the same thing my motor done to me now cuz I don't know what could have caused my motor just to cut off and lock up when I had oil and drive and has been driving fine no warnings on the dash no nothing

245,000 miles on my 2005 Chrysler 300C,bought it used in 2009 and zero problems.. Issues are regular maintenance items ie:Water pump and battery besides brakes and tires! Very reliable! Only item that wore out early was the front end bushings in the suspension $400 repair and no issues and 110,000 miles since done..My wifes previous 2004 Honda Accord needed water pumps replaced every 60,000 miles with the timing belt,$1500 a pop! We also own a Toyota Camry that the wife drives and it burns oil and needed the engine replaced by Toyota at 56,000 miles we bought that car brand new in 2015! I purchased a new Challenger RT with the 5.7 Hemi and 30,000 problem free miles! The 300C is still running perfect Camry has a new Toyota engine and 60,000 miles and wondering if it should be traded fro a new Chrysler 300,we are looking at them,probably the V6 model but nonetheless.

I just bought a 06 Chrysler 300c 5.7 awd with 168,000 miles. Gave $4,000 for it. Always wanted one of these cars, needed awd as I live in Maine and it's the middle on winter right now. But I love the car, I've had to put sway bar bushings and endlinks in. They sounded like a bad strut, both lower control arms have been changed recently. I've changed the plugs, valve cover gaskets, 180 t start, it already had cold air intake, and black widow exhuast. I added a diablo sport i3 tuner, mostly to shut mds off but I am running the 93 octane tune. Ive owned plenty of fast cars, mustang's and camaros, all v8 cars and this thing will walk off and leave them. Ive put around 4,000 miles on, with no issues. But I would like to add I'm always tinkering on my cars, I like to do alot of preventive maintenance, oil changes with synthetic on 3k. Planning on doing a tranny service with filter and fluid. Just ordered a dipstick. I've always been a gm person for my trucks and SUVs, and a foxbody mustang guy, but this 300c is by far my favorite, hit helps it's a 4 door sedan and my kids fit alot better then in a mustang. I wouldn't shy sway from one of these, especially if you can turn a wrench on your own, and a little knowledge about cars

A must for me was a oil catch can too, I forgot to put it in my write up above. But its claimed to help them run cleaner and longer, not putting oil back through intake. Another thing I'd like to add is the mds is a ticking time bomb from what I've researched. Get a diablo sport i3 tuner for little over 400 and shut that shit off, it deactivates 4 of the cylinders when it thinks you dont need them, but that makes them run at different temps and either fucks a lifter up or a valve seat. For what it's worth that's my 2 cents. I'll update if I have any major issues

im a 17 year old about to buy a '05 300c, has bout 128k miles on it, just wondering if its a good purchase for me or not