While my Regal is in the body shop to have its rocker panel repaired, I'm renting (on Geico's nickel) a '14 Chrysler 300C. On the phone Enterprise had said I qualified for VIP treatment. I'd hoped that would mean a slim redhead would visit me at home, and . . . Well, anyway, the big Chrysler appears to be the VIP treatment.
It's black on black, a '14 without sport mode -- there are no shifter paddles on the wheel -- or sunroof. No idea what engine it has, but even with the A/C on, it accelerates and shoots up ramps with ease. It rides very smoothly, reducing the bumps and fault blocks of what some call "roads" here in Da Swamp to minor annoyances. Good A/C. It even has the power rear sunshade and rear camera, and the mirrors tilt down when you select R, then return to your setting when you leave that gear.
My only problem: That shift knob! The thing is too small and shaped too oddly to be called a real shifter. And the button you use to go into D or R is in the wrong place -- it should be where you can use a forefinger or second finger on it, not a thumb. Beyond that, the shifter is very sensitive. I shift, thinking I'm going from D to R, and wind up in N. ("Why aren't we moving? Oh --!") Or in going from D to P, I continually end up first in R and have to shift again.
Otherwise it's a fine car to drive. Normally I rent the cheapest smallest car I can, so I'll be more than pleased to get back into my regular car. But this one is . . . seductive. I'm afraid it will make me disappointed with the Regal when I get back to it.
What's your experience with the big sedan? Gas mileage? Reliability? Like it, love it, or hate it?
It's black on black, a '14 without sport mode -- there are no shifter paddles on the wheel -- or sunroof. No idea what engine it has, but even with the A/C on, it accelerates and shoots up ramps with ease. It rides very smoothly, reducing the bumps and fault blocks of what some call "roads" here in Da Swamp to minor annoyances. Good A/C. It even has the power rear sunshade and rear camera, and the mirrors tilt down when you select R, then return to your setting when you leave that gear.
My only problem: That shift knob! The thing is too small and shaped too oddly to be called a real shifter. And the button you use to go into D or R is in the wrong place -- it should be where you can use a forefinger or second finger on it, not a thumb. Beyond that, the shifter is very sensitive. I shift, thinking I'm going from D to R, and wind up in N. ("Why aren't we moving? Oh --!") Or in going from D to P, I continually end up first in R and have to shift again.
Otherwise it's a fine car to drive. Normally I rent the cheapest smallest car I can, so I'll be more than pleased to get back into my regular car. But this one is . . . seductive. I'm afraid it will make me disappointed with the Regal when I get back to it.
What's your experience with the big sedan? Gas mileage? Reliability? Like it, love it, or hate it?
