THE Chrysler 300C could finally have broken the cycle of underperforming American cars on the used market.

In a recent Chrysler Group closed online auction held by Manheim Auctions, three ex-management 06-registered 300C 3.0 V6 CRD models with sat-nav and CD changers sold for an average of £26,315 – only £1,250 less than their on-the-road price when new.

In addition, two 6,000 mile 300C 3.5 V6s, registered in 2005 on 55-plates with sat nav, Boston acoustic speakers, CD changer and sunroof, made nearly £24,000, representing 84% of their new car price.

Traditionally American cars have suffered from poor residuals but the willingness of dealers to pay high prices for used 300Cs suggest healthy demand for the beefy saloon from secondhand buyers.

Mike Wise, Manheim’s group sales director, said: ‘We don’t see too many examples of used cars achieving close to new prices. This is a very healthy vote of confidence from the dealer network and a great price platform for this car in its first year on the market.’