Side trip to Ohio in a 300

Just a quick note to let everyone know that I am still alive and kickin’. I had to go TDY last week to the lovely state of Ohio. We saw the coldest temperatures in the area since 1994, -13 degrees Fahrenheit. Throw in a little wind and it is cold.

The rental car was a Chrysler 300 with a V6. I am guessing it was a V6 even though I didn’t raise the hood. It just acted like there wasn’t an overload of power. Although the ride was o.k., it is a car that I would rather ride in than drive if that tells you anything. In fact I was just fine with the other person driving on this trip except for the side trip I took to the Dayton Art Institute.

By the way, the Dayton Art Institute is a wonderful place to visit. They have quite a varied selection of items from all parts of the world. I had been there once before and discovered new things with this visit. I didn’t have a lot of time to explore but it was still worth the effort to go. Admission is free (which is always a plus) and supported by donations. The museum is open late on Thursday’s which is the only way I would be able to see it as the working day usually last until 5:00. Unfortunately all too many things such as museums close at 5:00 pm meaning that a working trip leaves very little chance to experience the local culture. In an effort to accommodate the working stiffs, many of the museums have one night a week with extended hours and I am glad. It is just a matter of finding out which night and working your schedule around that night.

Back to the Chrysler, I was disappointed. The 300 name has brought about some classic cars and when Chrysler decided to resurrect the name I had high expectations for another classic in the making. The styling does draw on the spirit of the originals but doesn’t fully capture the classic nature that belies its history. There are too many references drawn from other model lines that weakens the uniqueness that the 300 should be. A prime example of this is the aftermarket addition of a flying “B” emblem for the front end to give the car the mistaken appearance of a Bentley to those that would not know.

As I said before this was a rental and therefore a base car. Quick calculations of the mileage suggested less than 20 mpg for the tank used, which for a slightly underpowered V6 and several easy highway miles was rather disappointing. Again this may be due to my high expectations for the current state of cars but it seems that Chryslers are still not known for being high mileage vehicles, (in more ways than one).

The on-center feel is a large dead zone, but thankfully it did track fairly straight. I hate it when you get a car that likes to wonder, constantly requiring input. This trait was not present here. But when you did turn the steering wheel and you expected it to return to center, too often you needed to assist it in returning by spinning the wheel back yourself, especially if you were trying to hustle your way along. This is not a slalom machine and will never be mistaken for one. It feels bulky.

Slick roads provide a safe and easy slow speed way to check the handling response for many cars. A quick trip to an empty parking lot after a fresh batch of snow revealed that yes this car is rear wheel drive. It also should that this car did not come with anti lock brakes or traction control. This did not turn out to be a problem for this car as it had a good set of tires that allowed it to perform as requested.

The car will understeer when pushed hard in the right conditions but will also hang the rear out with application of power. Doughnuts are quite possible in slick conditions. Feedback was sufficient to counter any adverse reactions as well as control the drifts at these slower speeds. At higher speeds on dry pavement however I would use much more caution with this car. As mentioned earlier, the steering does not react on its own very quickly while the power from the V6 would not be enough to generate its own oversteer corrections. With a proper set of tires and driven well below the limits I think the car would display fairly neutral handling.

But then handling is not what this car is all about. This car is about the appearance of luxury at an affordable entry point. As I referred to the aftermarket add-ons before it seems that many buyers agree. Beyond the rebadging, I have seen paint jobs, darkened windows, over bassed stereos, and the totally ridiculous oversized wheel and tire packages applied in a large portion of the 300 cars out there. Personally, this has not increased my desire for the 300. If anything it has made me lump it into a category with the Buick Regal from the 80s or the Pontiac Grand Prix from the 70s. The 300 will be prime lowrider candidates in a decade or so when the used market will be flowing with them.

When I alluded to mileage before, I need to expand on that here. Chrysler to me has made what I like to call a good 80,000 mile car. That is they seem to be worn out by about 80,000 miles. In this day of Hondas and Toyotas that easily see 150 to 200,000 miles with many going well beyond that, an 80,000 miler doesn’t make enough economic sense to me. Now I know that there are examples of Chryslers that have way more miles than 80K and my association is based more from the 3 decades previous to the last one but I still believe that a good judge of a cars lifespan can be based on its past. If you are looking at any new car and want to see what you can expect in 5, 10 or 15 years go shopping in the used car lot and see what an average used car like the one you are looking at is like. Between that and consumer reports, you might want to reconsider a purchase. Cars are too expensive to allow yourself to buy on impulse.

That said, I must admit that I still like Chrysler/Dodge/Plymouth and I wish them well. The auto industry needs all the competition it can handle and especially from the innovators. Chrysler has been a leader in the automotive world and brought about change by introducing new ways of thinking such as the Dodge Viper, the redesigned Ram truck and the minivan.

Chrysler along with all auto makers is walking a fine line now. I hope that they do not choose the path of mediocrity. I hope that they do not choose the path of politically correct compliance. I hope that they do not choose to trade quality for cost control. I hope that they do not give up our passions.

This is Ed Nef with a view from the Farr West.

Winter Driving Tips, Tip #1

The very first thing to do when driving on a winter day is to clear off all your car, and I mean all of it. It seems that after every snow storm for several days I will see many cars driving around that think all they need to clear is a tiny spot in front of their face. How more stupid could you get? If you have no more visibility than a two foot square on your front windshield, not only should you not be on the road but you should sell your car immediately buy a bus pass and never drive again, it is that wrong.

And when I say clear off your entire car, I mean that literally. All the windshields should be clear of obstruction because the best thing you can do for your safety and that of those around you is to know what is around you. While you are clearing off the windshields, keep going and clear off the hood, roof, and trunk. I know there are a lot of lazy butts out there that figure it will just blow off while you drive down the road. Well guess what, it does and that is the problem. It blows off the hood and back onto your windshield blocking your view, or off the roof and covers the back windshield blocking your view, or if it doesn’t block your view it is blowing off you and onto someone else blocking their view. This is rude, obnoxious and stupid. This rule also applies to all semi trucks, pickup trucks, trucks with shells, Suburbans, mini vans, and anything else that appears too big for the person driving it. If you can’t reach the top, get a step ladder (or better yet trade it in on a bus pass). Again this is not just for you but for those you share the road with as well. Driving behind one of these yoyos you can find yourself in a mini white out condition even on the clearest day. And when the ice chucks start to come off they can cause damage.

Lastly, clear off the headlights, tail lights, turn signals, and mirrors. Not only is it important to see it is important to be seen. Most winter driving occurs in the winter, (duh). That is also when our days are shortest and that means darker times during many of our driving hours. Having properly working lights that can be seen is one advantage you want to have, (especially if that other driver hasn’t cleared off his vehicle). Turn signals were put on cars for a reason, use them. They signal your intentions to other drivers and let them prepare for the action you are about to take. The greater the reaction time you provide to other drivers the better when conditions get slick. And use your mirrors. This goes along with being aware of your surroundings to be better prepared for the actions taken by your fellow drivers.

Winter driving is challenging enough. By doing a few simple things, we can make it less difficult for ourselves and for others. Look for more tips to follow.

This is Ed Nef with a view from the Farr West.