If you could choose, what would you want? A 94 SSE, or a 96 SE? Assuming the 96 would be an fully loaded SE of course. I ask because I'd love to have the options of an SSE, but I would rather have the insurance of an SE. The reason I picked those two years, and models is because they're about the same price. Which would you choose, and why? Also, which would be more reliable.

Pretty simple. The 94SSE has 170hp, Series 1.

The 96 SE is 205hp, Series 2.

Go with the Series 2, assuming they have comparable mileage for the years.

wow... that was a very quick response. I haven't been around in a while, which was because I was thinking about getting a different type of car.. a 97 or above regal. But after researching those cars, I was horrified to read about all the problems with them! So, I'm now back to liking the Bonneville'* more and more. You just can't beat their styling and their reliability!

I agree with you. Are you planning on keeping the 88, or trading it in?

I'm going to try and sell it outright. The dealer said he'd only give me around $800 for it because of its age. If I sell it outright, he told me I could probably get close to $2,500 because of its great shape. I only hope so. lol. another plus is that I have invested over $1,200 in new parts for it. It'* just like a brand new car. I'm just tired of it. I've owned it for 5 years and it was never a really "exciting" car to begin with. It'* just time to move on. lol. But if a Bonneville is anything like this car has been in the department of reliability, I will be a VERY happy man.

It'* too bad you don't live closer to NY - I might have been able to talk my dad into taking a look at your LeSabre.... he has an '88 with 150,000 mi (121,000 on current engine) and it'* been giving him fits i.e. big money pit for the last year or so, so he'* thinking about donating it for the tax write off. Alas, in its current condition he hasn't been able to send my sister back to college with a car - she'* in Providence - 4 hr drive from here. But they love the style and the size of the car. My dad'* is FALLING APART. And it'* not like it was beat on, either - it was my grandmother'* car until she got a '95 Century back in '96 or '97. It'* been passed around my family quite a bit after that, but mileage-wise I think we've put less than 40K miles in that time span.

Actually, if they wanted to stay with a similar size car I was going to suggest an early to mid-'90s model Bonnie, but that'* because I'm prejudiced I often debate whether I should have gone with a '98 or '99 because strangely, I'm drawn to the older style (though I am happy with my 2000, it'* sharp!)

Just out of complete curiosity, how many miles on your '88?

it just turned over to 148,000 yesterday morning. No worries though, almost all of those miles are highway miles.(55 MPH and above driving) What problems are your parents having with your 88?

These are the new parts it has:
New Alternator – 143,000---$180
New Spark Plugs- 143,500---$30
New Oxygen Sensor—144,000---$25
New Tires- 145,000---$240
New Struts- 145,000---$250
4-wheel alignment- 145,100---$45
New Brake pads and rotors- 145,000----$100
New Ignition control Module, and coil packs 145,500---$180
New Knock Sensor 146,500---$40
Transmission Fluid Change and filter---146,500- $60
New Thermostat 147,000---$15
New Fuel Filter 147,000---$15
Radiator Flush 147,900---$40

In the spring I plan on putting in a new headliner too.
just incase you wanted to see what condition the car is in, you can see it here http://members.cardomain.com/custom88

In my opinion, the 94 SSE looks a lot better than the 96 SE. You will have a better ride--unless the 96 has the FE3 suspension--which is doubtful. Since neither of them are supercharged, the insurance should be comparable. The SSE will have more electronic devices that will give you fits when they start going out, but the SE will have the intake plenum problem (VIN#K)--which if not maintained (changed out periodically), could ruin your engine if it suffers from Hydrolock while going down the freeway. Although this could also happen in the SSE (VIN#L), it is less much common. If you want my opinion, go with a '94 or '95 SSEi. It has the desired power, all the features, and doesn't have a plastic upper intake. On the down side, you would have to use premium (Super) unleaded gas (at about 1.699 per gallon in the Battle Creek/Kalamazoo Area) and your insurance would be higher. A 92 or 93 SSEi would give you the same HP as the 96 SE and would also eliminate the plastic intake problem. It would also be a bit less $$ to purchase.

One more thing. Keep in mind that older cars are more difficult to finance, so a older car with a cheaper price tag may not necessarily mean that it has a lower payment than a slightly newer car with a higher price tag. Interest rates will vary depending on the age of the car, and a 60 month loan will typically mean a lower payment than a 48 month loan--but you will pay more in the long run (again depending on the interest rate).

Good luck in your decision.

sse no ? about it!