Hey all...

I'm currently looking at a black 1997 SSEi with 175,000kms on it.
Asking price is$10,800.

I wanted to know is there anything I should ask about the car before I buy?
Anything I should look at, you know, stuff that fails on these cars that might make me reconsider?

Actually the car is in TO (Ontario) and I'm in NS. But Jim is going to take a look (and maybe even a test drive) for me, and see if it'* worth while. If it looks good I'm going to fly up and drive her back home.

I just wanted to know if anyone had any advice/suggestions on what to look for, or ask about.

Sounds like a nice car, but....
I only paid $5000 US (INCLUDING tax, fees, etc.) for my clean, loaded '96 SSEi over 9 months ago. It had 117,000 miles, new tires, and was good to go.
True, I'm a wheeling-dealing salesman and was born to negotiate, but the price you mentioned, even in Canadian dollars, sounds a little high.
I would suggest making a counteroffer for WAY less $$ and waving cash or a checkbook at the sellers nose.
Can't hurt to try.... I doubt that anyone reading this earns thousands of dollars in a matter of minutes, but saving that kind of after-tax money for a little effort is sweet.
Regardless, I hope that you get the right car for a great price.
Good luck!

Wasnt I the one who posted that car in another tread.. I think i should get commission...

That'* too high. Look at these cars on ebay, they are not going for much at all. You can get a nice 97 ish SSE with less than 70,000 miles for under $6,000 US, easy. I juts got my bonnie a month ago, paid $6,800 with 48,000 Miles or about 76KM, in near mint condition.

Merlin1, Just picked up a copy of our weekly auto shopper and found two Bonnevilles where I live to show comparison of prices.
1. 2001Bonneville SE $10,995.00 49,000 miles
2. 1998 Bonneville Dk. Red (like mine) $7995.00 44,000 miles

lol... funny trofeo....

Yea I thought it was kinda high, esp for the KMs on the car. I'm going to wait until SE89 has inspected it, and then make a counter offer.

Assuming the car is in really good condition, what would be a good price to pay for it?

wernt you the one who turned down 10k for your car?
serously you shoulda taken it.

Id say offer 9,500 would be fine... probably sell it for 10,800 but whatever

Too high! I paid only $3,ooo for my 95 SSEi with 100,000 miles.

Ok guys... here'* the update...

Jim was by this evening and looked over the car.
He said it was in near mint shape and definately gets his "Seal of Approval"
He took it for a spin and said it pulls like a champ.


Everything is good, if not better except for a few details....

First... the theftloc system is malfuncting and the fuse for the system has to be pulled. Otherwise the car alarm constantly goes off. Now I 2x checked with him, the stereo works fine, and the horn stills works (seperate horn for the alarm).

Second... no keyless entry... wtf?? I didn't think it was possible to get a Bonnie w/o keyless entry, esp a SSEi. The guy selling the car checked with the dealer to see if he could just buy the remotes... nadda... she didn't have the tranmitter thing installed.

Third... small (Jim says VERY small) spot of paint is bubbling on the front hood. He said some sand/grit paper would smooth it out.

Fourth..... the car isn't for sale "right now". The guy is getting a company car and doesn't want to part w/ the Bonnie until he gets his new wheels. Which might not be for 3 weeks or more. Which puts a big X on my thoughts of flying up this weekend.

I just wanted some thoughts / opinions on those facts.

PS-Jim will be emailing me the pix later.... and then I'll post them here.

show him some Green... if still no walk away..
If he needs a car till he gets a company one... a rental caviler is like 15buxx(cdn) a day