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Purchased a red manual 9-3 5dr w heated seats and roof two weeks ago and have put 1300 miles on it. Thanks to all on the board who patiently answered my questions.
It was easy to get a good deal in the midwest, although that was during the official incentives period which seem to have been continued on a dealership by dealership basis. A red manual w gray cloth and a roof was hard to find - had to goto Jersey, but it worked out with a business trip and was fun.
My wife and I absolutely love it. It is a classy, fun car that exhibits well-controlled power and really rewards driving as opposed to just providing transportation. The more time I spend with it on different types of roads, the more I appreciate and am able to push/ take advantage of its power and handling. TCS seems to kick in a little late on turns though, but I feel like the car would be fine without it, especially with some practice.
I'm not much of a racer, although I have tried my hand with success against two mustangs and a VW VR6. Was smoked by a friendly vette though.
Things that bug me are the lack of control in the heated seats, the lack of cornering lights, the healights as DRL and the one real annoyance is the lack of AUTO-UP ? it is really useful in manual VWs when pulling away from a toll booth or drive-up window and you have to shift and try to close the windows in the rain. Same for the lack of one touch control of the sunroof. Having VWs outside key-operated-window-closing feature would also be wonderful, but they gave up actual switches and put in ?actuators? to do that, adding one more (expensive) array that can break. The VW remote is also better, with better range and the switchblade key. On the other hand we have many touches they lack.
The interior is generally well laid out and the seats are very comfortable ? my first drive was 8 hours and I have had several long/short drives since then. The AS radio feature is great for long drives. The only thing I would really change is giving the passenger a less harsh map-light (this would be the aviation thing to do) since the current light is blinding and sort of makes the night panel useless. The stereo controls are generally good although the speed related volume control does not seem to me to make much difference. And yes it is set ?on.?
The Onstar seems pretty useless ? it takes them forever, and they cannot be reached in rural areas where we need help (or would if we had an accident). Most places there is cell coverage there is also traffic and cell phones to call 911. We have tried it three times and got decent (but not the quickest route) directions and twice were on hold so long that we gave up. I wish had an option we could have saved a few $$ on.
I am thinking of trying to fiddle with the resistor/ thermometer in the seats to turn it into a 9-5 style adjustable butt warmer. I may also replace the drivers side mirror w the aspherical (but $125, ouch for a piece of glass).
Mine ?idles? at a few miles an hour in first w/o gas which is great if you get caught in city traffic and saves wear on the clutch.
Despite any gripes it is a great car, and I am very happy I choose it over the V40, Audi A4 1.8t and the Passat, all of which I looked at extensively and have driven.
, Mon, 16 Apr 2001 22:38:22
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