Hey Everyone

I'm currently having a debate with myself on priorities and wanted some input from the forum here....

I have had my Bonneville since the end of May and I have done all of the necessary maintenance and upkeep for a car that is 14 years old. The only customization that I have done is replacing the old Delco stereo/cassette player with a pretty sweet Sony CDX-L600X deck and new Kenwood speakers for the front and adding a remote starter with keyless entry....(no door panel speakers on the Sport Edition 'ville, to bad). When repairs were made I have gone top of line where possible. Now here'* the hard part. As much as I love this car, it is 14 years old. Where do we draw the line? Nothing would thrill me more then to put in a larger air intake and squeeze a bit more out of the engine. As for the body, well, its in great shape, however age is showing. I plan on spending my good ol' Canadian tax return dollars on getting the rust fixed (two small spots, only seen when looking for them) and repainting the car in the spring, I also have to replace the seals around the doors, windshield and trunk. I assume this is going to cost at least $1200. The upside is, the engine has 176000 km, (just rolled over 176K on my way into the the office) and I have heard that a well maintained 3800 can get upwards of 300K+ (km...gents...km, miles...300K is a lot!). Feel free to correct me if I'm wrong on the longevity. I would like to tint the windows to, maybe 25% or so...

Oh!!! Could GM have designed a better fog light assembly on the 87-91'*?...mine have them, but the wires are all corroded and according to the GM dealer, they would last about one year due to the way the lights were mounted and designed...grrrr....god damn, it looks so cool!! I wish there was a way to make it work and make it last (pls insert ideas here folks...)

Anywayz, Is it worth it?...how much should I be spending, cuz no matter how we look at it, and no matter how much we love our Bonnies, she will always be a money pit.

I have been shopping around for real estate. I want to buy a loft and my financial priorties once I make a purchase will change. BTW, forum members in the Toronto Ont probably know of Mystic Pointes in Etobicoke (Gardiner and Park Lawn area, very excited about it!!)

Back to my story, should I be spending what it takes to get Bonnie looking like its youthful days? Or just living with what I got. Taking the $1200 to $2000 and saving it for my new Bonne (whenever the time comes). Or spend the money, do the body work and hope the 3800 holds out for the next 4 to 5 years.

Keep in mind the car is in good shape, and 4-5 years is realistic, but when talking about dollars and cents...it turns into a debate.

Any input would be appreciated....

Thx

I feel your pain . I owned an '89 Olds 98 Touring Sedan for over 12 years. I loved the car and swore that I would keep it forever even though it had 190,000 miles on it already. I had to put about $1000 into it annually, but compared to car payments, that was cheap.

A bad rain storm ultimately made my decision for me. I hydroplaned and spun through the median of an interstate. No great damage and I drove the car home. The insurance company still wanted to total it. I was depressed, but that also gave me the opportunity to get something new.

If you are happy with the car, by all means keep it as long as makes sense. You are right, it will never cease to be a money pit, especially if it remains a daily driver. If you can afford to get something newer, you may want to look into it. You will probably love that car just as much. Of course, the is no such thing as a good investment when it comes to cars.

Jay

Check out the "Highest Miles on a Bonnie" link in General Chat.

I would do anything to keep the car as long as you can

Sometimes it'* not 'just a car'. Many of us are really attached. If you go into this with the understanding that it may not be the wisest investment, but you'll get enjoyment and satisfaction out of it, GO FOR IT! A car isn't just transportation, it'* an extension of our personalities.

Wow. That was deep.

Sniff sniff too deep ...Pass the Rum.


I agree and if I hadn’t had any "feeling" about this car I would never had bought this decapitated heap. LOL the former owner a friend killed it. I also love taking underdogs and building them up.

Ty

us old guys get real attached to our CARS..and yes our loved ones too.........did i mention CARS

You mentioned cars FIRST. I talk to your wife occasionally. Careful, old fart!

I appreciate everyones input.

I understand now the relationships that people have with their vehicles. I do feel that the car is an extension of your personality. Show her some love and she'll love you back.

I have every intention of keepin it for as long as possible. It will look great once I get that minor body work and new paint in the spring.

....

Go for it dude, having a car thats 14 yrs old is well worth restoring because ya can get a ton of K'* out of it.....take a look around, there are alot of 89'* still on the road! whats that tell ya??