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Bought my black/tan Arc on 12/31/01, and just completed the first 1000 miles. Thought I'd share some thoughts, particularly for those considering this vehicle. It's a keeper and a great road car.
- I'm following the basic break-in guidelines in the manual, plus advice from the dealer -- not exceeding 5k RPM's, no full-throttles, and when on the freeway, switching speeds, and alternating between 4th and 5th every 20 minutes or so.
Highights
- This is a quiet sedan at freeway speeds. Not much tire or wind noise, to my ear, and little engine noise. Quiet interior, no rattles or squeaks. It is noisier at idle than the very quiet Honda Accord, however.
- Freeway mileage is roughly 23-25 mpg. Might improve when I keep it in 5th gear for the entire trip. But that's satisfactory for me, alternating between regular and high octane.
- The ride, the suspension, the handling, are all first rate. I am quite impressed (and I've owned A4 and MB SLK320).
- The Harmon Kardon is outstanding. I boosted the Start Volume to 25. From Rush to Rachmaninoff, it really rocks.
- The 5 speed transmission, especially in Sport mode, is quite responsive. And at 70, very quiet engine speeds.
- This car loves to go from 60 to 100. Effortless acceleration and easily holds high speeds. You really have to watch it, you'd never know you're going 90 unless you looked at the speedo.
- I love the ventilated seats! Glad I got this model.
- The car is so roomy and versatile, makes me look for excuses to bring others along. Quite comfortable with more adults.
- Haven't had occasion to use OnStar, but I did validate initial setup and they seem pretty competent.
- All aspects of the car work and function as expected in terms of quality, fit & finish, etc, except where noted below. The lighting, both internal and external, is very good. Xenon owners will have it even better, but I am quite satisfied.
A few small issues:
- The new headlight spray-washers -- best to use them when stationary. If you're on the highway and you use them, they spray the lenses, then the runoff streaks the hood of the car. It can be removed when washed, but looks pretty unsightly as the windblown washer fluid streaks across the hood. Did the 01 wipers do this? Maybe not a good idea to switch to this method with such a sloped nose. Also true for the windshield -- 6 sprayers hit it!! There's a lot of washer fluid that runs over the top and down the back and sides. A little overkill, but I suppose in extreme winter conditions, this is a good thing.
- Not sure whether my driver heated seat works as expected. Passenger seat OK. I'll have to check it out at the dealer, not much difference between 1 and 3. Also, no heat on the back, maybe that's normal.
- I like the steering wheel controls, but would like a "mute" function for the radio.
Very happy with this sedan. Looking for more reasons to drive!
posted by 168.73.2...
, Mon, 14 Jan 2002 02:18:48, Mon, 26 Mar 2007 21:35:15
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