 |
|
|
1999-2009 [Subscribe to Daily Digest] |
Six months ago, I cross shopped the 9-5 Arc against the Acura TL, Passat GLX 4motion, and the fully loaded AWD Mercury Mariner. At the time I was driving a loaded Passat 1.8T with manual transmission. I had owned a 2001 9-5 with the 2.3LPT and manual transmission, and had really liked it. (It was one of the things my ex took away when we divorced) I wanted an automatic transmission this time around because of a chronic knee problem.
I quickly crossed the Mercury off my list. It was an impressive car in many ways, but it really isn't the same type of car as the 9-5, TL or Passat... it is a good, modern interpretation of a "sporty" large American sedan more comparable to a Bonneville or a Chrysler 300. It is a bigger car that, while riding and handling very well, is fundamentally designed to insulate the driver and passengers from the road.
I was looking at leftover 2004 9-5 Arc sedans that were in the same price range as the TL and the Passat. I have owned over a dozen VWs, and the Passat is a great value for those wanting a car that drives like a European car. Comparably equipped, I think a Passat comes very close to being as good as a 9-5 that lists for many thousands more. But, it has been a long time since anyone paid close to list price for a 9-5. I decided I wanted a change, the B5.5 Passat platform was, in many ways, even longer in the tooth than the 9-5, and the new Passat was already going into production... so I ruled out the Passat.
Looking at the specs and standard equipment lists, the TL was a better value than the 9-5. I particularly liked that it came with a Bose 5.1 surround sound system with XM wired in (not FM modulated), a 6 disk mp3 compatible in dash cd changer. The Tl's V6 and automatic transmission are really nice... it handled very well... NVH were excellent.
But I still bought a 9-5... because, IMHO, the fake oversized exhaust outlets and body cladding detract from the the TL's appearance and make an otherwise beautiful design look a bit "Pontiac tacky."
In addition, while the 9-5 may not be a class leader on paper (just like the 9000 before it)... there is a sense of balance and, yes, "personality" that the TL just didn't have. At about the same time, my wife and I also bought a 2005 Acura MDX. It is a excellent vehicle too but, like the TL, there is something a bit sterile about it. It's just transportation.
posted by 24.45.23...
, Mon, 24 Oct 2005 13:29:11
, Fri, 21 Oct 2005 19:00:31
No Site Registration is Required to Post - Site Membership is optional (Member Features List), but helps to keep the site online
for all Saabers. If the site helps you, please consider helping the site by becoming a member.
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
