In conjunction to my other post.... Im wondering what goes wrong on 2000 - 2002 Bonnevilles the most? I will be purchsaing one at high milage (probably) and I dont have much money to fix things. :(
Should I just forget the idea of getting one? Or am I looking at a vehicle that doesnt have many problems at all?
How long should these cars last if they are given frequent oil changes and transmission fluid flushes?

Thanks for helping!!

Techinfo article - common problems

http://www.bonnevilleclub.com/techinfo/?category=2

Ohhhhhh! Thanks!

It says: "2000+ common problems
The main problems are as follows:
1) Rear Main Seals on both 3800 Series II Engines.
2) RH Valve Cover Gaskets leaks (the one closest to the firewall).
3) Upper Intake leaks coolant at Throttle Body Assembly (some internally & some externally)."

I wonder HOW frequently they happen. Is there a way to check these things before you buy the car without taking the car apart? Im not to good with fixing anything on cars. Computers.... yes. Cars..... no. :(

Another article.

http://www.bonnevilleclub.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=466


If you are looking at any used car, take it to a mechanic to have them look it over...especially if you aren't good with cars. It'* an even better idea for a high mileage vehicle. A good mechanic shoudl be able to tell you the relative condition of the car. Most of the leaks should be visible. How frequently? Frequently enough to be common.

Awww man.... seems to be quite a few serious / annoying problems! :?
Water leaks....
Vibrating mirrors.....
Gaskets leaking....
Leaking coolent.....


Should I get one of these cars? I have a borring Camry now. I WANT the Bonneville..... but its starting to sound like I might be getting into a big headache.
Am I just getting over worried?

I don't know anyone on the boards who have had these problems with a 2K+.

I think you will find, trunk leaks (possible), window regulators, steering shaft needs lubed and rotor warping are the major complaints. Everything can be taken care of except the window regulators which are just bad design.

Sounds like our alternators.. that have never been fixed in the what? 18 years that the 3.8L [can't say 3800, because the LG3 is just the 3.8L] has been around.


-justin

I agree with Rogue. I haven't ever seen the bulk of those problems. They were taken from a GM bulletin distributed to dealerships a LONG time ago. I think it'* time to edit that article.

Whew....... ok..... I feel better now. How many miles does it USUALLY take for these things to start happening??? I will be paying about $265 a month for this thing ($60 more than I am paying for the Camry) for 5 years, and if I start having to pay $200+ every 2 months to fix something then Im screwed.
What do you guys think?

The only legitimate problem discussed so far is the rear window regulator. No time frame for that. It might, it might not fail, and no telling when.

These engines are good for 300,000 miles commonly. And will do it leak free most of the time. It'* the 2nd or 3rd transmission that sends them to the wrecker. Not the motor.