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Date: Tue, 24 Dec 2002 06:32:34 GMT
From: "TL Mitchell" <tlmitchell99nopsamhlink.net>
Subject: '97 SE Conv - I brought it home!


Greetings all, Some of you may recall my posted quizzicals of a week or so ago regarding a '97 SE Turbo Convertible I picked up on eBay. Again, many thanks to those that posted tips and pre-buying inspection pointers..... virtual drinks are on me for those that are inclined. As stated earlier, this car has 78k on the clock. I didn't expect it to be new or even close to it although the eBay listing indicated it was pretty sweet. At the price I got it for I can afford to do a few things to it if needed. After driving and turning the car inside-out as best I could I was satisfied there was nothing mechanically wrong that I'd be able to detect. Driving it was a bit shaky...... it appears to need an alignment, the steering wheel is cocked to the right 10 - 20 degrees.... and I'm thinking there's a wheel-weight missing from one of the fronts. Pretty rare for a tire and wheel to balance without weight, although not unheard of. The car's going to my local Swedish-Auto independent in a week for the alignment and a thorough goin over. The rest of the vehicle is primo, the interior's as close to new as one could expect on a 6 year old car and every single electric doo-dad and accessory works!. The drivetrain is smooth, the power as it should be. The exterior is almost *too* good..... ya gotta suspect some aftermarket paint when there's not so much as a single stone chip around the wheel wells..... however, any possible paint work appears to be a very professional job... none of the tell tales of overspray, poor masking, orange peel or inconsistent finish. About the only thing that I'm less than satisfied with on this car is the ride..... at speed, in twisties and on smooth roads the vehicle is a joy despite the front end needing tweaked. On rough roads however it rides like a tank. Since the car has been on lease it's entire life I suspect the shocks/struts are stock and just plain shot. The left strut exhibits a very occasional clunk when hitting bumps. Also, the 50-series tires of no-name manufacture probably aren't helping things although they seem to handle fairly well. My initial thoughts are to replace the shocks/struts but I'm undecided on what to replace 'em with. I'm no longer particularly aggressive behind the wheel anymore and I'd like a combination of improved ride and *reasonable* handling. Also wondering if going to 55-series tires might be an option to smooth out the ride a bit. Appreciate any comments or thoughts....... TIA. TL

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