Car comparison.

[milleplod]

I went up to Savoy Garage a few weeks ago, Malcolm did a partial fluid change on my '09 C5 Exclusive's autobox. While he was doing it, he lent me a manual '10-plate Exclusive to pop to the local for a pint and some lunch with my father-in-law, who'd tagged along for a run out. Anyway, my car has around 80k miles, Malcolm's had 110k recorded. What surprised me was how 'tight' the higher-miles car felt - the suspension felt better too, much more refined than mine. Malcolm did free off the whatever-they-are at the rear (can't remember what they are.... ) that seize and affect things, but my car still doesn't feel how the '10-plate one did.

Now, I could have asked Malcolm...but of course we talked about anything and everything, for ages, and I didn't! So....what could have made the two cars feel so different? I can say that sometimes my car feels good, nice and smooth....other times, it feels a bit stiff. Spheres? Fluid?

Any observations gratefully received!

Pete

[jgra1]

Hmm interesting...

[myglaren]

Try loading it up with a bit more weight than is good for it and drive around for an hour.
It will feel better with some weight in it but remain softer and more compliant for a few days after too.
Also do lots of Citroebics, helps to keep the trailing arm bearings free.

[Zelandeth]

As someone who's been around specific marques for a while, mainly classic Saab 900s and Xantias I will have to point out that they're not all made equal. Some cars to just stand out as being exceptional examples. My old Xantia 1.0TD was one such car - despite 200K plus on the clock was (is!) just a lovely drive. Likewise my current Saab. I've probably driven a dozen C900s over the years in various specs, but my one is one of the nicest to drive I've come across. It's not just me on either of these two examples, these are observations that everyone who knows cars who has for whatever reason had a go of them has said.

I also reckon quality of maintenance in the *first* years of a car's life can account for a lot as well. My Saab having a full service book for the first 15 years of its life help how it drives now I reckon.

[daviemck2006]

Gabby goes really well for being a 1.0 Zel haha

[Zelandeth]

Gabby goes really well for being a 1.0 Zel haha

This autocorrect is going to be the death of me...