Well, a 2001 9-5 Aero and a 2004 Arc 9-3 convertible. The 9-3 convert is a great car, although the Arc stereo has to be the absolute worst stereo I've ever seen installed in a car, and that includes my old 1994 Dodge Neon with the base stereo set-up -- an absolute shame on a $45K car. The dealer couldn't find the "upgrade" stereo kit for the convert (only for the sport sedan), so we ended up spending big bucks at a stereo shop to get a great system put in.

I highly recommend the convertible. It's truly a four-season convertible -- it's very easy to forget that you're not driving a proper coupe even on the highway. The sound insulation is that good. The blind spots are minimal compared to all other convertibles I've driven, and are not much worse than a sedan. The only time you really notice that you have a ragtop overhead is when you go in a tunnel -- otherwise, it's like being in a sedan, and I swear is quieter than my wife's old 9-3 *five-door* on the highway. The trick top is also very impressive, and neat to show your friends.

We actually ditched our Z3 convertible that was a third "fun" car, and now just have two -- the 9-5 and the 9-3 convert.

Mike Lynch is right on the room in the back seat -- it is serviceable. In a pinch, you can transport four adults. But I wouldn't want to force anyone to sit back there for extended lengths of time. If you have a family or otherwise routinely transport more people than you and one passenger, I would not get the convertible if this is your only car. As a second car it's wonderful though. The seat scoots back electronically for rear passengers to get in, and then scoots back up to its previous position.

posted by 209.189.211...

• 2004 9-5 Aero vs. 2004 Arc 9-3 Convertible, SSquared, Tue, 17 Feb 2004 09:56:13
  • Re: 2004 9-5 Aero vs. 2004 Arc 9-3 Convertible, SSquared, Thu, 19 Feb 2004 05:48:53
  • We have both!, Mike D, Wed, 18 Feb 2004 16:55:32 <-- Viewing This Message
  • not much room in the 9-3 convertible, John in Bismarck, Wed, 18 Feb 2004 06:17:06
    • Servicable room for 4 adults..., Mike Lynch , Wed, 18 Feb 2004 14:23:06
  • Do you live in the Sun Belt? n/m, Al S, Tue, 17 Feb 2004 15:46:10
  • Are you convertible material?........, Gary, Tue, 17 Feb 2004 12:24:24
    • I disagree completely as to the new 9-3 convert, MIke D, Wed, 18 Feb 2004 16:57:25
  • Are you convertible material?........, Gary, Tue, 17 Feb 2004 12:08:31
  • Just got a loaner 2004 9-3 2.0t for a day..., Cryptical, Tue, 17 Feb 2004 10:22:34
    • Viggen owner here and I have to agree, boramiNYC, Tue, 17 Feb 2004 15:33:36

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