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A monument to the stupidity of GM. Bear with me...
They existed because GM **REFUSED** to launch the 9-3SC until 2006, while USA marketing insisted they needed a sub-$30,000 Saab hatchback or wagon. Voila, a de-contented 9-5 Wagon (cloth seats, no sunroof, no fog lights, limited color choice, a package long available in Europe). All well and good, but every one ordered by dealers had the "premium package" added - leather, sunroof, and fog lights! So what did you have - a wagon virtually identical in price and equipment to the 4 cylinder "Arc", but with less power and fewer color choices.
But all that has nothing to do with the choice in front of you - a well maintained, 10 year old version. So anyway
Three big differences between the Aero and Linear
1) Power. The Aero has more, the Linear has enough. If not, you can always to a Turbo and ECU transplant.
2) Suspension. The Aero has stiffer springs and better handling, but the Linear has better ride, the rear springs seem less susceptible to sagging, and the stock suspension geometry starts closer to ideal. For the Aero GM shortened the springs without resetting the geometry, so the starting point is right on the verge of rear tire camber wear. Any degradation, from bushing set to spring set, and you're over the edge with the Aero. The Linear (and Arc) have some margin.
3) Upholstery. From '02 through '05 the Aero came with a premium, full leather interior. From '06 on that interior was available as a $1500 option that few took advantage of. Note that even to get leather on many BMWs or Mercedes you need to opt for a $1500 optional interior.
In the middle, the Arc model for '04 and '05 had a de-tuned version of the Aero engine - 220 HP but with the better turbocharger - and essentially the same equipment as a Linear with Premium Package. All of the above comments hold for the Arc except power, for which add the words "a little"
As for the car itself, you will find it is quieter, handles better, and is more reliable than your 9000s, based on my experience. It will be a little more difficult to work on, and the platform is definitely more economically designed.
The transmission is not quite "bulletproof", as previously noted, but is still very reliable. You should attend to the fluid, as it may not have ever been changed, and if it has, it's due again.
posted by 104.139.90...
, Fri, 29 Aug 2014 08:35:06
, Wed, 27 Aug 2014 18:38:42, Sun, 31 Aug 2014 07:16:51, Wed, 27 Aug 2014 11:33:40
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