Hello, I just found this site today and have been reading tons of posts, learning a lot. I am a machinist and have built a lot of old schooI muscle (mostly chevy V8 stuff) so I know how to turn a wrench and what to look for when I am buying a car, that said I do not currently own a bonneville but I am thinking of buying one. Can anyone help me out with my decision? I am wondering if there are any certain things I should look out for. Were there any common problems for certain years? Were some years better than others as far as HP, reliability etc? I am basically looking for around a 2000 or newer if this helps any. Thanks

Well, you have certainly come to the right place for information on the Bonneville

As a current owner of a 1993 SSEi and a 2003 SSEi, I can tell you that they are excelent cars They do, of course, have their flaws as do all cars if you really research them. Here is a link that was started awhile ago about common problems on the 2000 + style Bonnevilles. Keep in mind that not ALL of these are really "common", and have only happend to a couple cars here, but they can happen. Also, it IS 5 pages, but MANY of the problems are just repeats

Honestly, if you do your research on the car you want to buy, and know its background, I don't think you will be dissapointed, and you will LOVE the power on the SSEi..... very surprising to some unsuspecting "sports" cars when a four door grandma car gets them

Take some time and check out the Techinfo link at the top of the page, there is alot of information in there on all years of the front wheel drive Bonnevilles.

Don't let that link above scare you away from these cars, they are truly good cars and very underestimated. Plus like all cars, maintenance is key.

Here'* the link.... http://www.bonnevilleclub.com/forum/...ic.php?t=45965

Common things I've noticed, are the never popular "hood herpes", wheel bearing assy, and the intermediate shaft. Knowing how to turn a wrench I'm sure you'll look/listen for the usual sounds and leaks. Make sure you check the lower intake for leaks.

The nicest things with these cars is, because of the size of the body there'* usually enough room to work on them and with this club as a reference, there'* nothing you can't diagnose. Everybody here is always willing to help, weather it'* virtually or physically.

Where are you located?

If you are from the northeast... we'll tell you all the good things

Meanwhile.. like mentioned.. there are many good things about these cars and some "hurdles" that we know of. If you asked for my opinion on some of the best things about these cars...no matter the year I would say.

With the collective number of people here.. each time there is an accident.. we typically see the person posting the story of how the car saved their life.

Welcome to the club!
The link above is a great reference point. Keep in mind that the list may look large, but these are just common failures that we see often, and your not necessarily going to see all of them. Some members have very little to no problems with their cars, while others may need to address a handfull of the issues listed. It is a reference to what commonly goes wrong, not what you should definately expect to have happen to you.

MAJOR things IMO that 90% of people will experience:

Rear window regulator failure
Front Wheel hub/bearing failure
Lower/Upper intake manifold gasket failure (this is caused by the dex-cool antifreeze corroding the gaskets)
Hood Herpes (predominantly 00-01, less frequent on 02-05 models)

Small things 90% likely to expecience:

Dash/Radio lights burning out
Oil pressure sending unit
rear shock mounts