TOY BOX: The 300C will go far with most car buffs

The folks at Chrysler are really trying to spoil me.

First, they lent me a Dodge Magnum to test. Now it's a 2005 Chrysler 300C. Both are powered by Hemi eight-cylinder engines that make it easy to understand why people used to enjoy driving cars. The 300C is a sedan, and I love its snub-nose design and spacious interior. I drove some friends to the airport in it one day; they said they felt like they were in a limo. The one major drawback is mileage. The model I have is rated at 17 miles in the city, 25 on the highway. However, the car tells you what mileage you're getting as you drive - I was only at about 14 mpg, lower when I did my usual driving around suburban back streets instead of hopping on the highway. My immediate thought was this car screams for hybrid gas/ electric technology to give it a mileage boost. My 16-year-old daughter called it an "old man's car," but what can I say? - I'm an old man and proud of it. I really liked the look and the feel of the 300C. Any suggestions for gadgets we should try? Send them to toybox@prweek.com

John N. Frank writes Toy Box. He is the Chicago-based Midwest bureau chief for PRWeek. Price model tested, $34,425; base model price: $32,370 Available at Chrysler dealers Specs 5.7L Hemi V8 engine, five-speed automatic transmission, leather seats