If I ignore the front and rear main seals leaking at 70k miles, the trunk deciding when it'll open and when it won't thereby making a possible flat tire a more-than-just-an-ordinary event, the ever-present code showing on the dash involving the MAP sensor, and the just-noticed dull squeak coming from somewhere in the drivetrain, I'll take my domestic cars ... any time.

 

My 03 speakers have chrome rims but not Alpine on them, and I count four one on each door. Saying that, they still sound fantastic. Best stock system I ever had in a car.

 

The "standard" sound system will have a chrome surround on the lower door speaker grilles, however they will not indicate "Alpine."

I highly recommend replacing the door speakers if indeed you have the standard system. I installed reasonably priced Kicker 6.5" coaxial speakers in place of the factory speakers and the difference was immense. Much better low end response, crisper highs as well. Over time, you may find the plastic frame around the speaker itself (its behind the speaker) may crack and cause a vibration/noise.

 

For the music I listen too Blues and Doo Wop on CD's these speakers do more than an excellent job reproducing the sound, lows are lows highs have no buzz. As I said for a stock system these are the best I have heard.

 

Great, hey if you are happy with the sound then that's all the better. If you ever do decide to make the change there are several threads on here that will help. It's about a 20 to 30 minute job per door depending on your experience level and how **** you get with the connections.

 

I'm sure at one point in time the speakers will start to go, as the Mercedes I had prior, the rear speakers were starting to buzz, especially with a lot of bass, which I like.

 

The handling and grip of my 2007 "JagWag" AWD is excellent. The AWD really comes in handy during those summertime "gully-washers" when you can't see past the hood, then when the rain stops there is invariably the hot-shot SUV that blew past a few miles back is upside-down covered in mud in the median. My Alpine upgrade is excellent - perhaps the larger volume of interior space contributes. Nothing like tooling down the road with "Treetop Flyer" tune (by Stephen Stills) pumping out the horns.

 

I don't know if this is true so if someone can confirm I would appreciate. I was told that the AWD system, if the rear wheels start to loose traction, the system will shift power to the front wheels and when traction is restored to the rear wheels the system will switch back to 40/60 power ratio. True or not?

 

Yes Adam, that's pretty much how it works on your 2003 model. If slip is detected the viscous coupling will transfer torque to the appropriate wheels looking for traction. DSC will also intervene if so equipped.

 

Thanks

 

I too love the X-type engine, it really wants to go. but I find the auto transmission holds me back around 140km, it kicks out out 5th into 4th and then back again quickly,sort of like, errr, irrr, err, irr, if you get my meaning is this something that can be fixed by a transmission shop or do I have to live with it?

 

I've done close to 120 MPH on my auto x and I'm doing 90 MPH - which would be close to 140 km/h on a daily basis!

However I have the 18 inch rims and have to make sure the tires are balanced for a nice ride. Overall, the handling at high speeds is much better than my previous Acura TL or Mercedes C 280 4Matic. The x grips the road much better. Although, the brakes on the x tend to wear out faster compared to my previous cars.

I recently drove a BMW 330 xi and the x type is similar, although in DC roads the 330 had a thumpier ride.

Overall, I like the x type performance. But brakes and tires wear out faster compared to me previous cars and the steering is a little heavier than the C 280. But that makes it handle better at high speeds ( just my impression).

I leave my car on S Mode all the time.