And I have the least optioned SE SC seen here on BC.
No keyless entry, no traction control, no power passenger seat, no ELC, no ECC, no FE2 suspension, standard 4 speaker stereo system.

First, thanks for the help.....

Checked techinfo. It definitely didn't have anything on the struts that would indicate a power assist. I checked them because at least one of them is bad.

Price. he wanted $1000 more than the average retail price for a mint condition SE with charger and the top H4U package (I think it'* the 1SD). he was oblivious to the fact that there was no moonroof, the swirling on the clearcoat was only surpassed by the lining and spiderwebbing of the paint. It has a quart every week oil leak. But the coup de gras was... and this is after looking at a dozen 96-99 Bonnevillles and i had not seen anything close to this.... every square inch of the undercarriage is covered with rust. Plus the coolant was low, and I'm sure the waterpump is leaking. But it also confuses the gasket issue.

I'd really like to rationalize buying this car (at some significantly reduced "family price"). If you will indulge me futther.....

The rust issue. It doesn't bother me when i know the exhaust pipes are stainless steel. But I don't know the composite of the undercarriage There is no way I can check every inch of the floor outside and inside. Generally speaking, can the Bonne metal hold the fort? Assuming I hit it with a good commercial rust invasive treatment.

I have to get the engine steam cleaned. It has 100k miles of road gunk and I can't read it for intake gaskets and this oil leak. In all my searches here, i have found 1 case where a head gasket had gone. Is there a statistical probability that it'* not the head gasket?

Thanks for any thoughts. It could be a great example of the fine Bonneville heritage. It is just so deep in abuse.

yeah probably will need a trans but other than that..pretty good year there.