Date: Sun, 18 Jan 2004 11:31:08 -0500 From: ma_twain <ma_twainnopsamo.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. I am sorry to hear this about the quality of the 2003/2004 9-3s. For that price, you would think these issues would have been eliminated. Did you test drive any other Saab 9-3s, just in case you might have found two lemons? I prefer the Classic Saabs, primarily because the design. I have not noticed the squirrelly handling and suspension noise with my Classics that you found with the new 9-3s - and my Classic have well over 100,000 miles each. > > 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. > What do you mean by "gas hungry"? I get 26 mpg (US) with a 900 SPG in combined city/highway driving. > 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). > > GM's cost cutters have shown their faces, and the sight is not pretty. > > After spending about 4 hours researching this car on the 'net, I really > wanted to fall in love with it. But the cost-cutters stole that joy from me > and stole a sale from their employer. > > Next stop: the Acura store. > > >
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