Ok so I picked up my new-to-me 2001 Bonneville less than a month ago. After the 3rd week, I started to notice some unusual sounds. One was very wind dependent and was tracked down to having both front wheel, front lower splash guards broken (fixed under warranty).
The other problem was the mysterious disappearance of power steering fluid along with a very intermittent groan in the steering. This was tracked down to be an internal leak in the steering rack that was leaking into the boot area, which is why I wasn't seeing any fluid on the ground or anywhere else for that matter. New rack will be installed sometime next week under warranty.

The splash guards were mostlikely broken when I bought it (because I haven't hit anything), but I wouldn't have expected a car with 26k on the clock to be needing a new P/* rack already... I don't know, I guess I just needed to vent. I am picking up the car tonight, and once parts are in, I'll be dropping it back off to have the work completed. I just don't like being without my new car...

Hope you get the problems resolved in a timely fashion, I know it can get frustrating. Once you hammer out the bugs then you'll be able to better enjoy your new Bonneville.

Well, I pick it up tonight, then have to bring it back once the parts are in. I have a bumper-2-bumper warranty until 75,000 miles or 5 years from 3 weeks ago. I'm not worried about the repairs getting done or paying for them either, just that I don't have my car.

I just love this car! That'* not weird is it... LOL. I really liked my Intrepid, but the Bonneville is on a whole other world! The thing I like the best about it is that even though it has plenty of power now, there is SO much room for improvement and an aftermarket full of available performance parts. Everything for the Intrepid had to be custom made.

No, not at all. We all love our Bonnevilles. Just stick around over here, there'* a wealth of knowledge & experience on these cars here at BC. The Performance oriented guys & Gearheads can provide much info on performance mods. to enhance your cars engine/drivetrain.

As my sig kind of implies, I am a true gearhead. Right now I am trying to finish up my masters in Mechanical Engineering and get a full time job. Those 2 things make for little time to wrench on my new car. I purchased the warranty so I didn't have to worry about costly repairs while I am still paying the car off. Like a magna-steer power steering rack - even though its within the 30day 3k mile lemon law period.

This is the first car (of 4 that I have owned - one of which I still own) that I have ever had to make payments on.

My 2000 needed a new rack right about the same mileage. I truly enjoy driving the car but I have to say that I have been very, very disappointed in the car'* quality. Trunk, transmission, power steering. paint and on and on.