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Re: Considering a 2003 Linear 2.3t Auto... Posted by B Millar [Email] (#1109) [Profile/Gallery] (more from B Millar) on Sun, 5 Jul 2009 19:02:50 In Reply to: Considering a 2003 Linear 2.3t Auto..., Larry West [Profile/Gallery] , Sun, 5 Jul 2009 18:12:56 Members do not see ads below this line. - Help Keep This Site Online - Signup |
I know people will yell at me for this, but personally, I'd get a V6 over the 2.3lpt. Going from the V6 to the 2.3t is definitely a big change, and I don't think I would be able to deal with it without the extra 50hp the Aero comes with (let alone a decrease in power). I know, I know... power to weight, but really, they're not THAT much different. I know from experience that the 3.0t isn't considered the most beautifully refined V6 in the world, but I find the 2.3t to be buzzy, coarse, and very shaky. I'm not saying the 2.3t is unlivable, tons of people get along with it just fine. But I think going from a 200hp smooth(ish) V6 to a 4-cyl of LESSER horsepower might be surprising. The Land Rover dealership down the road from me had an '01 9-5 LPT for sale last summer. I test drove it, but I seriously doubt it was stock. It had to be tuned because it went like a bat out of hell, comparable to my 250hp Aero. It also had upgraded BBS 17" wheels and a sport suspension (no Aero side skirts of bumper spoilers though), so I think the previous owner had some other tricks under the hood...
Also, your Arc was probably loaded with goodies like Xenon lights, vented seats, Harman/Kardon... etc. You're not going to find a Linear with all this stuff, and I promise you will miss them. Once you go *<insert option here>* there's no going back... You also have to keep in mind that until 2004 the 2.3t's had that fun little sludge issue. You would need to have it checked out pretty thoroughly (drop the sump ideally) if you want to sleep well at night. Have you thought about an Aero at all? I bet you could find one in your price range. I also saw a couple later-model Arcs on Autotrader in your area (I borrowed your location from your member profile). Do you mind sharing a vague price range? I'd be happy to keep en eye out for you!
Oh and to your original question, between the 2000 V6 and the 2003 LPT, I'd choose the LPT. Three years newer, 30k less miles, and the facelift make me say that, but personally, I think you could find better than either of those. Have you test-driven a 9-5 4-banger ever? I would recommend doing so... even if you have and it's been a while. Remind yourself what it's like. Good luck! ...and sorry for your loss.
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