Buying a used car on today’s used market is starting to look like it will favor buyers, so there could be a time soon that is the best time we have seen for a couple of years to buy one. The choice is literally endless and to get a good deal on a used car, you want to start searching with an idea in mind of what you want. It is possible to buy a used sports car for under $5,000, and though it would be very fun, it won’t necessarily offer ease of use compared to something like a used sedan, SUV, or pickup truck.

If you are looking for a used utilitarian beast, something like a used Toyota Hilux could be worth looking at, and if you are looking for a good deal on an SUV that will last years, a used Kia Sorento is worth checking out, but what if you are looking for something that features a powerful V-8, is reliable, and costs less than the average new car?

To get the best deal for a used car, it isn’t just the asking price that you should consider, but also how much it is going to cost you per year for maintenance, how reliable it is, how luxurious you want it, how much it will cost you to fill up with gas, and what kind of engine you want. A magic combination of low maintenance costs, a cheap used price, luxury features, and a powerful engine sounds like a pie-in-the-sky idea, but there is a used V-8 boasting luxury sedan for sale at the moment that ticks all the boxes.

We are taking a look at the best used V-8 car deal this year and have found information about this model’s performance specifications, its average used price, its reliability information, how much it will cost you per year in maintenance and gas, the luxurious additions you get included, and how it compares to other used cars on the market.

In order to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from Chrysler and other authoritative sources, including J.D. Power, Stellantis, RepairPal, Car Survey.org, Bay Area Racing, CarBuzz, Fuel Economy.gov, CarEdge, and Classic.com.

The 2005-2023 Chrysler 300C Is The Best Used V-8 Car Deal

Produced by Chrysler between 2005 and 2023, the Chrysler 300C is the best used V-8 car deal today. Boasting luxurious looks, a relatively low asking price for the plush sedan you could get, a monstrous range of powerful V-8 options, respectable running costs, and reasonable rates of maintenance costs, if you are in the market for something powerful, stylish, and head-turning, this mammoth of a Chrysler could be what you are looking for.

Average Used Price: $19,477

The Chrysler 300 name has been in use by Chrysler since 1955 for the Chrysler 300 Letter Series (1955-1965) and the Chrysler 300 Non-Letter Series (1962-1971), but the 300 we are looking at is the newer generation of this luxury sedan, which was re-introduced in 2005. Built over two generations, the 2005-2010 Chrysler 300C makes up the 1st generation, while the 2011-2023 Chrysler 300C makes up the second.

Though both generations are luxurious and boast raucous V-8s, as you can expect, the generational transition into the 2010s and towards 2023 marks a shift towards more technology and different engines, so dependent on what year you look at will depend on how modern it will feel and how powerful it will be.

But, what makes this lineup of luxurious sedans stick out, apart from the insane V-8 options you can get, is the relatively low used price. According to Classic.com, the average used price for a Chrysler 300C is just under $20,000, over $5,000 less than the current average used car price of $25,571. This takes into consideration all model years from 2005 to 2023, but it is worth noting that there have only been 55 sold online in the last 5 years and not every model year has a recorded sale.

Depending on the year, trim, and configuration will depend on how much you pay for a used Chrysler 300C and prices vary from the very cheap to the very expensive. The missing model years in the list below indicate that there is no information surrounding that model year.

• 2005 Chrysler 300C. Average Used Price: $18,355
• 2006 Chrysler 300C. Average Used Price: $19,551
• 2007 Chrysler 300C. Average Used Price: $12,657
• 2008 Chrysler 300C. Average Used Price: $16,167
• 2011 Chrysler 300C. Average Used Price: $16,600
• 2012 Chrysler 300C. Average Used Price: $27,000
• 2013 Chrysler 300C. Average Used Price: $23,250
• 2023 Chrysler 300C. Average Used Price: $49,500

High Reliability And Low Maintenance Costs

Though Chrysler may not share the same high-reliability praise as other luxury automakers like Lexus, BMW, and Genesis, the Chrysler 300C has received good reliability ratings across the 2005-2023 model years. Repair Pal has rated the Chevrolet 300C as 3.5 out of 5 for reliability and said that the average yearly maintenance bill is $631, or average compared to other full-size luxury cars.

Chrysler 300C Maintenance Estimates

• Oil Change. $142-$157
• Battery Replacement. $438-$449
• Spark Plug Replacement. $320-$426
• Tire Rotation. $35-$44
• Brake Pad Replacement. $255-$271
• Coolant Change. $312-$340

J.D. Power has also rated the 2014 Chrysler 300C as 79 out of 100 for reliability, while according to owners who left a review on Car Survey.org, out of the 49 reviewers, 63 percent of owners would buy another Chrysler based on the Chrysler 300C, and rated the model highly for everything except for running costs.

Best value for money, no other can compare

– Owner review of their 2007 Chrysler 300C on Car Survey.org

What You Get From A Chrysler 300C

Considering the Chrysler 300C boasts a range of powerful V-8s and has a curb weight of between 4,066 LBS and 4,467 LBS, it may come as little surprise that some of the biggest costs are due to fuel consumption. There are four V-8 options for the 2005-2023 Chrysler 300C and all of them are HEMI V-8s.

Ranging from 5.7-liter to 6.4-liter displacements, there is no small or weak V-8 option for the Chrysler 300C, and if you are looking for a used car that is über-economical, then the Chrysler 300C is probably not the best choice, but if you are looking for something luxurious, powerful and cheap, then it is.

Chrysler 300C Specifications

According to Fuel Economy.gov, a 2010 Chrysler 300C boasting a 5.7-liter V-8 can achieve a combined MPG rating of 18 MPG, costing you $2,650 a year on gas, $4.42 to drive 25 miles, and costing you $4,750 more on gas compared to the average modern car. If you were to buy a used 2021 300C with the same engine displacement, then the average combined MPG rating would only improve by 1 MPG.

The 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 engine options are the standard V-8 engine option for the Chrysler 300C and are very capable, while the 6.1-liter and 6.4-liter HEMI V-8 options are reserved for the performance-orientated 300C SRT-8 and Chrysler 300C SRT, both which make for stunning undetectable muscle cars.

One of the biggest attractions of the 2005-2023 Chrysler 300C lineup is the V-8s that are available for it and how powerful they are straight from the factory. The 5.7-liter V-8 utilized in the 1st Generation 300C boasts a cast-iron block for durability, an aluminum cylinder head for weight reduction, and hemispherical combustion chambers that increase power and efficiency. This rowdy HEMI also features:

• VCT.
• Multi-Displacement System (MDS).
• Hydraulic Roller Lifters.

Apart from the increase in horsepower and torque output, the 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 saw an improvement in the form of a refined MDS for slightly better fuel economy and smoother transitions between cylinder deactivation, along with updated tuning and improved throttle responses.

The 6.1-liter HEMI V-8 that sits beneath the hood of the 2005-2010 Chrysler 300C SRT-8 not only boasts a higher horsepower and torque output, but also features large intake valves, high-flow exhaust manifolds, and forged crankshaft and pistons. In 2012, the 6.4-liter HEMI V-8 replaced the 6.1-liter variant for the newly named Chrysler 300C SRT and produced the most power of all the engine options. Some of its main features include an active exhaust valve and fuel-saver technology, which improves fuel consumption slightly by deactivating 4 of the 8 cylinders during low-demand driving.

Key Driving And Performance Specifications

Every trim of the 300C is a bit of a barge, boasting a length of between 196.8 inches and 198.6 inches, a width of between 74.1 inches and 75 inches, and a height of between 58.4 inches and 58.7 inches, you wouldn’t expect it to be able to handle truly engaging driving. But, the 300C, especially the 300C SRT-8 and 300C SRT variants, are very capable thanks to some of the included features.

Blending luxury and performance, the 2005-2010 300C offers the best of both worlds and features rear-wheel drive, Chrysler’s Electronic Stability Programme (ESP), performance-tuned suspension, and a 5-speed automatic transmission with AutoStick, for when you want a more engaging driving experience.

Likewise, the 2011-2023 model years build on this and include a smoother-shifting 8-speed transmission, available all-wheel drive, active damping suspension, adaptive cruise control, and an improved electronic power steering module, for smoother and more responsive handling.

The most performance-derived features are reserved for both the SRT-8 and SRT, and apart from the huge HEMI V-8 under the hood, the SRT-8 and SRT are available with Bilstein adaptive dampers, a selectable Sport Mode, a high-flow dual-mode exhaust, which not only enhances the monstrous sound of the HEMI, but also boosts power output, Brembo performance brakes, and launch control. If you are looking for top performance, the SRT-8 and SRT trims are what you want to look for, but they do command the highest prices when they rarely appear for sale.

A Lavishly Designed Full-Size Sedan

If there is one thing that Chrysler is good for, it is making opulent, in-your-face luxury cars, and though they may not be as popular as some European high-end brands or brands like Tesla, Genesis, or Lexus, there is no denying that you are going to notice a Chrysler 300C rolling down the road at you. Chances are that you’ll probably hear it first, but that just adds to its old-school charm.

A Plush And Grand Exterior

The first thing you will notice is the ‘winged’ or ‘Bentley-style’ grille adorned by the elegant Chrysler badge. A wide, mesh-style pattern that resembles luxury grilles found on very expensive cars, the use of this grille alone gives the 300C a premium and upscale appearance, complementing its bold, muscular look, making it stand out a long way as a cheap used car. There is a reason why the 300C is nick-named the ‘mini-Bentley’ after all.

The 2005–2010 models feature a boxy silhouette with sharp edges and large, commanding proportions, while its squared-off design, high beltline, and short overhangs give it a distinctively aggressive and sophisticated look. The prominent high-mounted headlights and bold chrome accents further emphasize its luxury appeal. From 2011 onward, the design takes on a sleeker and refined look while retaining a strong road presence.

The headlights are narrower and utilize LED daytime running lights that not only improve your safety but enhance the 300C’s contemporary edge. The body features subtle curves and aerodynamic improvements, which only improves its sophisticated aesthetic. By the 2023 model, Chrysler had also introduced sportier elements which include:

• Black Chrome Accents.
• Available 20-inch alloys.
• LED lighting.
• Higher angled lines along the body.

Interior And Tech Features Of The 300C

Inside, whether you buy a 1st or 2nd gen 300C, the Chrysler 300C offers you a roomy and luxurious place to be, featuring an internal volume of 122.2 cubic feet, front headroom of 38.7-inches, front legroom of 41.8-inches, and a spacious 40.1-inches of rear legroom. All model years feature leather upholstery, soft-touch surfaces, a driver-centric layout, and a wide center console for easy access to controls.

The last year of the 1st Generation 300C boasts luxury interior features such as:

• Leather bucket seats
• Boston Acoustics premium sound system
• USB connectivity
• Satellite Radio
• Keyless ignition
• Rear parking sensors
• Leather steering wheel
• 18-inch alloys

If you are looking to buy a 2nd Generation 300C, an 8.4-inch infotainment touchscreen was originally available as an optional extra, so you will have to keep an eye out for one that was originally ordered with one fitted, but you will benefit from a Harman Kardon sound system, a first-row power moonroof, a leather and wood steering wheel, and dual-zone climate control. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are only available on models from 2020-2023, but these models are far more expensive to buy used, when compared to the older model years.

How The Chrysler 300C Compares To Other Used Luxury Sedans

For a low price, high power output, and high reliability, the Chrysler 300C is a great deal, and compared to other used luxury sedans, it goes a long way in standing out in terms of luxury, performance, and huge potential tuning potential, but there are a couple that will outperform it, but cost a lot more money to buy.

In terms of luxury and sheer brute force, the 300C’s main competition comes from the 2015 Jaguar XFR-S, which boasts premium leather upholstery, adaptive cruise control, dual-zone climate control, an available panoramic sunroof, a premium Meridian sound system, and an extremely powerful turbocharged V-8. But, the average used price is a lot higher and has a higher yearly maintenance cost of $1,096 a year.

The Charger and the CTS-V cannot be called ‘un-luxurious’, but compared to the 300C they lack a little in refinement and superior opulence. The Dodge Charger boasts a supercharged V-8 that outstrips everyone in this category, while the V-6 utilized in the CTS-V is noticeably underpowered. The Charger SRT Hellcat is also a little more expensive to buy used and has a higher yearly maintenance cost of $666 a year, which we think is very fitting, and a higher average yearly gas cost of $3,850, while the CTS-V also boasts a higher yearly maintenance bill of $663.

A renowned luxury sleeper car, the Mercedes-Benz AMG E55 also comes close, but for straight-line acceleration and power, the sporty 300C SRT-8 can trump it.

Real-World Usability Of The Chrysler 300C

If you are just looking for a used V-8 powered car and are not worried about the huge performance potential of the 300C, then it is worth noting that, despite its large size, it is still a relatively convenient car to own. With seating for up to 5 people, a luggage cargo capacity of 16.3 cubic feet, and a maximum towing capacity (if you have a hitch fitted) of up to 1,000 LBS, the 300C offers practicality and luxury in one fine package.

The 2015 Chrysler 300C has a large turning circle of 39 feet though. The 2015 Jag XFR-S and Charger just pip it to the post with a turning circle of 38.5 feet, while the CTS-V boasts a 36-feet turning circle and a thinner width of 72.5 inches, so it could be arguably better for city driving. Though, if you need to lug things around, the CTS-V only has a cargo capacity of 13.6 cubic feet.

Other Great Used V-8 Car Deals

If Chrysler isn’t your go-to automaker, or you don’t need something as luxurious, large, or in-your-face as the Chrysler 300C, there are still plenty of used V-8 car deals to be had this year from leading automakers such as Chevrolet, Ford, Pontiac, Audi, and BMW.