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get in line Posted by Ari [Email] (#2847) [Profile/Gallery] (more from Ari) on Mon, 27 Oct 2003 05:38:53 In Reply to: Looking to get into a younger 9000.........need opinion, dbiodom, Mon, 27 Oct 2003 05:22:53 Members do not see ads below this line. - Help Keep This Site Online - Signup |
I'm pretty much in the same situation - I've found no car better for what I need than a 9000.
A '98 would be great, but be warned, there weren't a lot imported, so there aren't a lot of them out there. The good news is that a CSE is about the same as an Aero, minus the seats and bodywork.
Yes, you'll probably hear much about the automatic. The autobox cars do have reduced power as compared to the manuals, primarily to keep the autobox in one piece. And the automatic still has the same life issues as earlier cars - assume 80-100K before a rebuid. That said, an automatic CSE is no laggard, and will go pretty fast. Yes, an Aero stick will have 25 hp more, but then again, a Porsche turbo has even more, but life has its compromises.
Don't be afraid of an automatic - I prefer a manual, but physical limitations in our family preclude one - again, life has its compromises.
When looking for a car, if it has over 80K, and is on the original tranny, build about $2500 into the price for a new tranny. You may not need it for years, in which you're ahead of the game. In any case, the tranny should shift very smoothly. Yes, it's a powerful car, but it shouldn't bang on shifts. If it does, assume the tranny is on its way out. There should be no over-rev or delay on downshifts, and again, no banging or slipping.
As with any other car, Ferrari or Yugo, look for maintenance records. You want to find a car that has been maintained by a fanatic. If there are a bunch of niggly things wrong with the car, be suspicious. If they let the seat heaters go, and didn't fix that sticky right-side mirror, and one door doesn't lock, then what else have they left go? Look for coolant changes every three years or so, brake fluid every 2-3, and autobox fluid changes.
In terms of carrying capacity, comfort, carrying capacity, speed, compact size, and carrying capacity, I've found nothing on the market like the 9000. Be patient, and wait for the right car to come around. If you don't like something about that, wait for another. The good news is that many of the newer cars were automatics, and they are less desireable than the 5-speeds. Everyone wants a 5-speed Aero. That leaves the autobox CSEs to the rest of us.
Good luck!
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