Hey guys, new here, I'm a lifelong Pontiac owner. Here'* the story. I have an 03 Bonneville SLE with 70,000 miles in good shape and my friend has a 98 Bonneville SSEI with the supercharger with 90,000. I really like the car and am in need of a change as is he. You think this is an even trade or what? Both cars are in great shape. Also, is there a difference between the 3.8'* in the cars aside from the 98 having the supercharger?

The choice is yours ultimately. Though I would tend to stay with what you have. but thats me. Seems like you would be taking steps backwards just to own a supercharged car. Trade in value is better for the 03....not so much for the older 98 Ei

You said "in need of a change as is he" .......why?

Well, both of us are kinda sick of our cars. I myself, miss the power. I'm coming from a WS6 TA that I wish I never sold. I then bought a 94 Bonneville, which I then sold, and got the 03 SLE and I have to say, I like that platform better than the 00+. I don't have the money right now to buy anything, so I have the option to do this with my friend if we both agree on it. I just wanted some input from some of you guys.

Have you weighed out the insurance differences? Premium gas versus standard gasoline? Possibly lower fuel mileage? Has he kept up with the maintenance with the transmission and motor?

If you guys do this I would seriously consider writing up a contract...i.e..(as-is, or no warranty implied) to protect yourself in the event of a bad failure.

Even trade? I'd say No way.

KBB private party for your car is roughly $7,000 for excellent conditon

KBB private party for his car is roughly $4,300 for excellent conditon

He would definately be getting the MUCH better end of the deal. I understand you want to simply change what you are driving, but if you do a straight even swap you will later regret it because when it comes time to sell/trade you will be out several thousand dollars.

If he is going to give you cash on top of the trade then by all means go for it, but even trading for a car worth almost $3000 less???

I'm not one for just throwing away $3,000 but this is all just my opinion though, so its ultimately up to you.

All that aside, I try hard not to mix business and friendship. Especially if you value the friendship. Money is the one thing that usually comes between friends.

Here is my opinion.
Write out a contract for a one month swap. Just in case one of the cars takes a poop you agree beforehand who fixes what. Make sure your insurances cover other drivers and "test the water". If after the month you are both happy then make it official.
I do agree that money can come between friends so be careful. Even though no money is involved there is the value difference of the cars. Good luck,
Mike

Definitely Not

The Supercharged motor has some stronger internal parts.

If your willing to spend some money you could just do a 'top-end' swap from a supercharged motor onto your SLE and have a sleeper on your hands.

You will need to have a PCM tune as well. I believe you will be far more pleased with the outcome going this route.

PM Billboost for more information on doing this though. He has first hand knowledge on this and would be the best person to ask.


I can't stress enough on the mistake you would make on the car swap!

You'd be going from a 7 year old car to a 12 year old car. In car years the 2010 cars are out so that is why the numbers are higher.

Tell your buddy thanks but NO thanks.

Stay with what you have........tweak it to fit your needs.

This is just my opinion so if your willing to do the car swap and your buddy is willing than more power to you. He should give you some money with his trade though.

Hey guys, thanks for your advice, I guess I'll hold off on that for now. I still like the feel of the pre-00 Bonnie'* better. Now with the supercharger add-on, is that just a plug and play or do I have to do internal engine mods for it to work? Or maybe I can just do regular bolt-ons like a cold-air kit. I see there are a couple of options with that, which cold-air kit do you guys recommend? What other bolt-ons is there for the regular 3.8?

Send this guy a message wit your questions. He will help you with this.

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