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Mike,
I have a 1999 9-3 5 sp 5 dr with 127K on it, and here are my impressions.
Overall the powertrain has been quite solid. I have cranked quite a few miles on it, and it saw more back roads in its first 2 years than most SUV's do in their entire existence (courtesy of Michigans Upper Peninsula), so it has more than its share of squeaks and rattles. I did replace my first DI cassette (and hopefully last) at 126K.
My father in law is constantly amazed by the amount of crap I can haul in this car. the utility is exceptional, whether it is 8 ft 2x4s, a desk or a canoe.
This car has its share of little niggling things I had never seen in my previous Honda ownership (92 Civic Si and 84 Accord 3 dr). Like:
1. SID display is crap. Nice feature, but not very robust. My wife asks me all the time in the car what time it is, and I certainly can't tell her.
2. Heater controls. I am on my third knob. I just leave it at a compromise position now. Luckily my wife snapped of the last one, so she thinks she is ripped and now I don't have to get another one.
3. Antenna Mast. It didn't take too long for this to stop going up and down all of the way. Once that happened, it was only a matter of time before it got broken. Haven't fixed.
4. Struts on Rear Hatch. This hatch is heavy and it doesn't take more than a few years of cold winters to toast these struts. Not the end of the world.
5. Headlights. I went through an inordinate number for a while, but havent swapped one in 20K or so.
this is all minor stuff. It does detract from the overall pleasure of ownership, but it isn't a show stopper.
The joy is driving a car that is versatile, fast when you want it to be, and efficient when you want it to be. When I wanna pass, this thing goes. When I am climbing a mountain pass in Pennsylvania in the left lane passing everything else in sight, this car goes. I think 9800 is a good deal for a car in good shape with low miles. I'm sure I would have trouble getting more than $4500 for mine, but I am not looking to sell. I am looking to run it to 160-175K or until it dies a death more painful than is worth fixing.
Good Luck, you will like the car if you get one.
Dave
posted by 12.27.4...
, Tue, 26 Oct 2004 16:05:39
, Tue, 26 Oct 2004 12:45:41
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