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2002 Test Drive Posted by Joe [Email] (#444) [Profile/Gallery] (more from Joe) on Fri, 23 Nov 2001 20:32:51 Members do not see ads below this line. - Help Keep This Site Online - Signup |
I'm 9-5 shopping and test drove a 2002 9-5 today. Just some thoughts to share:
- Drove a silver with tan interior Linear with premium package and metallic paint. MSRP was $36K and change.
- 5-speed manual was very smooth mated to the 2.3 engine. They've shortened up the throws and the clutch travel over the years. I personally think the stick is a better choice than the auto (it IS a Saab), though resale may be tough.
- The linear is well-equipped. I think they finally got the 9-5 right---leather, heated front seats, sunroof, cd, etc... The premium package is a WASTE---$1700 for 2 extra speakers, heated rear seats, ESP, dimming mirror??? More stuff to break! And as a person who's redone his 900's heated seats, I can say the wiring on those foldable rear seats is a rework job at 60K miles---guaranteed!
- The 2.3 engine is very smooth. The Europeans, who've had the 2.3 as a base option for years, claim the 2.0 is smoother, but it's hard to believe. Turbo-lag was non-existent and torque steer minimal. By the way, have any Aero owners seen the same master transmission seal leaks we've seen every 50K with the 2.0 liter engine?
- The wood dash is HIDEOUS, especially with the tan interior. The color looks like bleached oak and doesn't match the interior. Some Swedish engineer is color-blind.
- The car's lines are pretty sharp. I've never been a huge fan of lots of paint up front (more to chip) but the new grill is sharp. The tail is crisper than before.
- Definitely need more colors to choose from.
I'm debating hard whether to get a 2002 linear wagon using a GM supplier plan or a loaded 2001 with buckets of incentives.
posted by 168.191.1...
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