Date: Sun, 18 Jan 2004 20:13:19 GMT From: "Bob H" <iamafigmentnopsamurimagination.net> Subject: Re: My test drives of 9-3 Linears
"Johannes H Andersen" <johsnopsamfitter.com> wrote in message news:400ABA38.240CC1C0nopsamfitter.com... > > > Bob H wrote: > > > > Drove two new 9-3 Linears yesterday, both automatics. > > > > -2003 with 17"s, too much tendency to follow road irregularities; squirrelly > > at high highway speeds (90 mph) > > > > -2004 with 16's: eliminated 95% of the tendency, and about 90% of the > > squirrelliness > > > > Both car interiors seemed somewhat loose fitting, like trim parts were > > rubbing and jiggling over the worse roads (that shuffling sound over the > > bumps and poor patches), and weren't tightly assembled, or poorly designed, > > or both. The dash area seemed tight, it was aft that seemed loose. The > > interior just felt somewhat like a flivver to me. But maybe that's just me. > > > > Struts on the 03 sounded noisy, and also sounded like something was loose > > underneath whacking the floor pan- probably easily adjusted. The strut > > noisiness was worrisome, though. > > > > Decent acceleration. Gas hungry when pushed, though. Smallish fuel tank if > > you plan on driving somewhat aggressively, or like to stomp it, or cruise > > over the limit. > > > > Steering boost was a bit too high, but not objectionably. Handling is right > > on for FWD. > > > > Loved the size both inside and out. > > > > Was all set to do a deal on the loaded 2003 with 200 miles. Sweet pricing. > > > > What killed it for me was the tremendous road noise infiltrating the cabin > > (both cars) at both low and high speeds, no way could I live with that. > > Sounded louder than the 03 Malibu rental I drove last summer. And the > > Malibu's interior seemed better screwed in place. I was really surprised at > > this on both vehicles (the '04 had 11 miles on it). > > Quite surprised to hear that, is it only the Linear? Possibly a car with > brand new tires is more noisy? Did you try a model with more mileage on it? Not anywhere near enough sound-deadening. Perhaps the pre-GM units are quieter, but I prefer the styling of the GM's. It's too bad they are running the show, because in my thinking they've largely ruined what could be a much more successful and pleasing automobile. > > Road noise isn't really acceptable in a premium class car. One thing I enjoy > in my 1993 9000 CSE is the lack of (intrusive) road noise. Actually, I never > think of it as it's not an issue. This is my problem; you never know that you > have a good car before you try another one. That being said I must agree with you, as my present vehicle , which stickered for U$4,000 less two years ago, is much quieter. I have a newfound respect for it.
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