Date: Sat, 22 Mar 2003 19:30:18 -0500 From: "Roger Fortier" <roger_fortiernopsamatico.ca> Subject: Re: Changing suspension on new 2003 9-3?
The 9-3 I took for test drive did not have the "sports" suspension. The dealer loaned me the car for 24 hours so I had a chance to test drive under different conditions. During purchase, I took the sports package (17" 5-spoke alloy wheels with sport suspension, in-dash 6-disc CD changer, Premium Audio System, sunroof and power driver seat ). I did not test drive it however. I did not focus on the "sport" suspension, did not ask any questions about it and the dealer did not explain this to me. I don't blame him for this. It was my responsibility to ask. I thought the "Sports Package" had more to do with the "look" of the car and the interior accessories rather than a "stiff" suspension. Next time I will know. Hopefully this will serve as a warning to potential buyers. I had an Oldsmobile before which had a very soft suspension so the switch to Saab with "sports" suspension is quite difficult but I think I will get used to it over time (or move to an area with impecable roads). Being a neophyte I was wondering what my options were. I took off my winter tires and wheels (15") yesterday and put back the original summer tires (17" 5-spoke alloy wheels). Suprisingly, I find that its a little smoother with the 17" (Pinelli) than with the 15" tires (Yokohama Guardex). Note that I only drove the car one day with the 17" wheels (i.e. the day I bought the car). I put winter tires and wheels the following day (that was last January). Overall I am pleased with the car. It's wonderful to drive and the brakes are soo smooth! On the bright side, with the "sports" suspension the car stays on the road on bumpy roads at high speed which is I guess what it was designed to do. P.S. I did have one initial problem with the 6-disc CD changer. It gave me a "Disc error" whenever I put a CD in. The dealer changed it within a week. "Mark Gerritsma" <nl.autonopsamtmfweb.nld> wrote in message news:v7pb85bbdundcbnopsam.supernews.com... > Roger Fortier <roger_fortiernopsamatico.ca> wrote: > > > I just bought a new 2003 9-3 and it came with the "sports" > suspension > > which I find too stiff. Just wondering if it's possible to do > > anything to soften it up. The roads where I live are poor so the > ride > > is very rocky. On flat surface its a joy to drive. I am not a car > > expert. Any advice appreciated. > > Just wondering, but why exactly did you buy the car with sports > suspension knowing the roads are so poor? Why didn't you notice during > the test drive? > > Of course it is possible to switch the springs and shocks to the > normal setup. But because this is a very new model that is very likely > going to be an expensive job, because you will have to use brand-new > OEM parts. > > Mark > >
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