Went out the other day looking for a 2000+ Bonne. Was a little disappointed, but I did not have a chance to spend some real quality time with the car. Don't get me wrong here... I am still in love with Bonne'* after all these years! This is the first car I've owned that I wanted a clone when it was time to trade. Most of my other cars died of cancer. Can't say there'* ANYTHING wrong with my little beauty at this point, but I guess at 10 years I need some newer car excitement. Can someone answer these questions for me?

1. Where is my beloved heads-up? Do I have to go the extra $3,000 to get the SC to get this option?
2. Does the 2000+ have all stainless exhaust? I have 185,000 mi. on my '92 with same exhaust. Still looks and sounds like it did in '92.
3. The leather seats do not look as quality. Does anyone out there think the things have been cheapened up?
4. I've never had a problem with my aluminum intake plenum. I've heard horror stories about warping with the later models. Is this true?
5. Do I have to get the SC to get the compass. I just love that option in my SSE.
6. Did they get the damned faulty fuel gauge problem fixed for good in the 2000+?
7. I heard they moved the battery to under the rear seat. Is this true? If it is it must be a joke or something.
8. I have run through about 3 water pumps and 3 alternators in 185K. Might I still expect the same "GM experience" with the 2000+?
9. My '92 finish still looks new. What do you think about the 2000+ finishes?
10. My 12-way seats have no memory. Does the SLE have this as standard?
11. My struts still work like new. Any horror stories with the 2000+ struts suspension?
12. My '92 still has nil squeeks and noises. Are the 2000+'* still as tight?
13. I'm still racking up about 23-24 around town driving in the winter. About 27-29 on open road (4 adults and luggage + AC on in the summer). Will I get just a good gas mileage with the SLE?
14. I would rather have an SC for the standard options, but will they run on 87 octane at all when driven mildly? I use mine as a cruiser. I rarely gun it.

Thanks in advance for the help.

well.. I can't answer all your question.. but as far as different model trim I'll try my best ( gettin this info from a 2002 Bonneville brochure )

The HUD only comes as standard on SSEI but not for SLE or SE

SSEI comes with Variable Magnasteer magnetic speed variable-assist steering whereas SLE and SE comes with variable ratio only.

SSEI comes with Stabilitrack SLE and SE doesn't

SSEI has final drive ratio is 2.93 :1
SE is 2.86 and available with 3.05:1
SLE standard drive ratio is 3.05:1

Garage door opener 3 button is optional on SLE and standard on SSEI

SLE has 6 way power seat adjustment
SSEI has 8 - way power seat adjustment with 4 way power jumbar adjuster

Seat and mirror memories are only available in SSEI

Heated seat is optional on SLE and standard on SSEI

SLE has 6 speaker sound system and SSEI has 8 speaker monsoon system

The head gasket meltin problem affects those years too but you can safe guard ( pro long the life ) by adding a 180 T-stat and ( tranny cooler optional, but is highly recommended )

SSEI has to run premium and the lowest octane for normal cruisin I would go is 89.. but you pay just the same in the long run since the engine retardes itself cause of the lower octane and run chances of pre-detonation.. fuel economy seems best in most year bonnie when runnin premium N/A and */C'd. As for the rest of your question.. wish I can help.. but I can't

Any major model change or design change will inherently have many bugs that need ironing out, I never trust a car that has been redesigned that year. I just don't trust them.

It takes awhile for car manunfacturers to work out the minor issues and get feedback from buyers, about what they like and/or don't like.

By 2002...they should have the newest generation up to speed.

My 0.02 cents

Agreed. I've got a 2000 SE and I've had some minor issues that just shouldn't have shown up so early.

I've had issues with the windows, door panel rattling, automatic lock, and the ignition. These issues were all quick fixes and so they haven't been too bad of an experience for me. Although, this did teach me a lesson not to buy a "first year" of any new or redesigned car.

But I still totally love my car.

i still love the look of my 92 SSE over the newer 2000 + bonnie`*. ( plus mines sexier..and faster )..have no squeaks .rattles / and everything works so well not a problem ( well ricers` bug me )

Thanks for the input so far guys!
Appreciate it.

I'd say go for tha space shuttle! (00 bonnes) thery're way harder than tha older ones to me at least.......





Mista