i was looking for something newer for the past year, what i really wanted was a jetta tdi, but with the fuel prices the car is 23-25k new and the used ones had over 100k before the value got into the teens. i never saw a deal.

as far as cruise, i think it depends on the car. my 03 monte on the hwy i would just set the cruise and let her roll and always got good mileage, this 07 i have now i can usually get 2 more mpg by not having it on.

My SE was 23 mpg mixed city/hwy. Highway only was 30 - 32 mpg depending on speed/terrain. This did have the lower gears. I assume the 34 mpg #'* are from the guys with higher gears.

My SSEi is 22 mpg mixed city/hwy. Highway only I havent topped 27 mpg.

*Consider yourself warned about transmission issues and water leaks on 2000+ Bonnevilles.

What? Care to fill me in?

https://www.gmforum.com/2000-2005-90/help-my-car-taking-water-297561/

I know about the leaking water, I was talking more about the transmission issues, I didn't realize it was common.

I believe the tranny issue, at least the one I seem to see posted about a lot, is about the Pressure Control Solenoid being a problem and causing the tranny to go into a very hard shift mode. Mine is doing it. I hate to think of the money I've dropped on cleaners, pan drops, etc. The best thing to help it so far has been the addition of Dex-VI fluid, but that didn't cure it. Planning on doing the DIY shift kit this weekend. The PCS is apparently not an easy fix, and I don't have the cash to have it done.

Mileage for my 2001 SLE is good, imo. When I was commuting 75 miles one way, and 75% of that was highway, I was getting a combined average of 28 mpg. Now I commute 24 miles one way, the last 9 miles is a climb of 1,700 feet on a rural road, and my average is 22 mpg. Those averages include running around town some on weekends, short trips to the store, etc. The instantaneous mileage computer consistently shows 33 mpg at 70 mph on flat highway.

My supercharged Bonneville gets a solid 26 mpg, mostly highway. If there'* one thing that can be said about these old pushrod OHV motors, is they do get impressive fuel economy while still maintaining the low-mid range torque required to pull the 3700lb car around with ease.

Very few drivetrain combinations will loft along going 75 mph at 2000 rpm. You'd be hard pressed to find a full sized, heavy car with better fuel economy.

If fuel economy is your primary concern, a small car has its rewards in that area, not a boat like the Bonneville. As far as reliability goes, if you're not handy with a wrench, I'd stay away. There'* tons of little things that like to go wrong with the 2000+. Wheel hubs/bearings, sensors, window regulators, water leaks, transmission issues (surging, pressure control solenoid and 4th gear shaft), intermediate steering shaft, not to mention the dreaded intake manifold gaskets, and that'* just to name a few. I love working on cars, and my Bonneville sure keeps me busy.

my buick lesabre (same engine same size car ) is rated for 27 mpg hwy and with the car having new plugs wires air filter fresh oil gutted air box and good gas i get about 28-32 on hwy