In search of a comfortable ride

[steventon95]

We've had a run of 95 estates, first a petrol Arc, then a 3.0tid vector, currently a 2.2tid linear. The arc was by far the most comfortable ride-wise, and the vector with 17-inch rims, sports suspension and seats distinctly uncomfortable. The linear has 16-inch and is AOK.

The 2.2tid is getting old, and will need replacing soon, but many of the 95 estates on the market now seem to be vectors with 17-inch rims. Would it worth getting one of these and putting 16-inch rims on ? Would this save me poor old teeth?

[idlerider]

Hard to understand your problem - but you know best.  All I can say is that our 9-5 Aero estate on 17-inch rims is simply the most comfortable car we've ever had in forty years - and we've had a few!

9-5s are generally only harsh on bad roads and when - all too commonly - the rear shocks and suspension bushes are shot.

[sgould]

The Aero suspension doesn't suit all tastes.  The 2002 - on car is softer than the earlier one.  But I changed to 18 inch wheels and the Hirsch suspension.  Hirsch is progressive.  You don't have to have 18 inch wheels with the Hirsch suspension, they just go over the big brakes.  A complete suspension is not a lot more than a good set of new wheels and tyres.

I've found that the Aero can, somewhat paradoxically, ride less comfortably if you lower the tyre pressures.  36 psi to 38 seems best for me.   I found the same on my wife's 9-3 Vector on 17 inch wheels and tyres.

What tyres have you got?  Some are much more comfortable than others.

[idlerider]

I've found that the Aero can, somewhat paradoxically, ride less comfortably if you lower the tyre pressures.  36 psi to 38 seems best for me.   I found the same on my wife's 9-3 Vector on 17 inch wheels and tyres.

Totally agree.

[Kev_Mc]

Must admit I'm glad of the softer suspension and 16 inch wheels on my Dame Edna Linear. Used to have a Skoda Superb with lowered Eibach springs - I used to know all of the potholes and bumps in Sheffield, of which there are many. So much more comfortable in the Linear. I had a 9-5 Aero after the Skoda, and that was definitely softer, though the Linear is softer still.

[RussJ]

I fitted the Hirsch suspension kit to my '04 Aero estate, keeping the standard 17" wheels and Conti tyres.
Much better than standard - a little more jiggly perhaps at very low speeds but none of the lurching and crashing that I had with the standard set up.
As others have said, its well worth checking all your bushes first before splashing out on new suspension...
Russ

[steventon95]

Must admit, the behaviour of the 2.2tdi linear / 16-inch wheels was much improved after it had some new Powerflex bushes etc at the back.