Date: Thu, 30 Dec 2004 10:09:12 -0500 From: ma_twain <ma_twainnospamo.com> Subject: Re: 9-3 Aero woes
news.cable.ntlworld.com wrote: > I've had my 2004 9-3 Aero with the 7 speed auto box for three months now, > Its done 5,000 miles. AND I HATE IT It's the worst car I have ever driven!! > Its road holding with the reAxe is superb, its ride although harsh picks up > all the imperfections on the road and it tramlines on the motorways, you are > constantly fighting to keep it in a straight line on the granny lane. You > could live with all this because its a sporty car, but not with that auto > box. > > This box ruins an otherwise good car. There is a 2 second delay between > gearchanges. Even in semi-auto mode there is a delay and sometimes it will > not change up if the revs are too high. Other times it will not kick down. > This is definately not sporty driving. For a 210bhp car, its regularly left > standing by the average kids in hot hatches. > > Its been to the dealer 3 times, all they did was change the accelerator > sensor and told me that the car was working fine. (Furneux of Houghton > Regis). I only got the auto because the brochure convinced me that it was > as good as a manual. As its a company car I have another 6 months to go > with this car and I shall not get another Saab. I can't see why it got > voted Top Gear car of the year. > > > It is possible that the car was voted Top Gear car of the year when it was tested with a manual transmission - not an automatic. I prefer a manual transmission in a car with a turbo - you can take full advantage of the turbo by keeping your rpms up because you choose when to shift.