All of a sudden my 1998 Bonneville really took a turn for the worst all in the same week. Initially, the check engine light came on indicating a misfire in cylinder one. Changed out one arcing cable to see if it fix the problem temporarily. I took it for quick run up the street and blew the front passenger brakeline right at the firewall. While jacking the car to see how to access the brakeline, I have discovered the sending unit is leaking while watching rust drop off the vehicle. This is on top of the non working blower motor, which made Western NY winter driving difficult this year.

The car now has 208K miles, it has been in two accidents where the frame was straightened twice, a headgasket replacement at 130K, is starting to rust out in the gas filler location as well as the bottom side. I am on the original exhaust, transmission, and radiator.

I really love the car, but I am thinking it is time to replace the vehicle.

Is it time to give up or should I fix all of this myself?

Thanks

If you have the time/funds and know how id say go for it..personally i would because when your done you will have great sense of satisfaction to know you did all repairs and how nice the car will be when done

All these things can be fixed. It comes down to how much time and money you want to spend on it. Perhaps clean it up and sell it. Then find a newer Bonneville with less miles. A well cared for Bonneville can last 300k and beyond.

i think its going to get worse from here, being from wny i know about the rust thats starts eating through everything, alot of things can be replaced but the frame is most likely tweeked from being in two accidents and starting to get soft. i would check out the sub frame area for solid metal especially the area were the rear sway bars connect. the frame and body dont make sense to repair for the worth of the car. like said before i would try to find something a little more solid

What will it cost to find a better, cleaner, lower mileage car?

You may be able to get a similar car in the mid west or the south for what it will cost to keep your running properly.

I can remember having the same thoughts about several GM cars as the last 20 years went by. 87 Rengency, 91 Lesabre, 92 Park Avenue. My answer was time to part company and get a little newer. Everyone like yours. I don't like "restoring" and didn't want it sitting around waiting for me to want to fix it up. I guess it really depends on you. For me it'* always been move on, move up.

The decision to replace or repair should be based on the cost of each. Add up all the costs to bring your car up to acceptable operating condition, and compare that to the cost of upgrading to a better car. Different people on the forum will give you different responses because they have differing mechanical abilities, and the cost to restore your car is very much dependant on your mechanical ability. If you are experienced at body and engine repairs, you can fix your car for the cost of materials. If you don't know what a left handed screw driver is, you are going to pay other people to do the repairs and it probably won't be worth fixing your car.

u could fix the nessesities and sell it or drive it into the ground.. these 3800 motors can run for a lifetime, but it ur looking at $1000 in repairs, trade her in