Date: Sun, 18 Jan 2004 16:54:16 +0000 From: Johannes H Andersen <johsnopsamfitter.com> Subject: Re: My test drives of 9-3 Linears
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? 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.
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