I'd say the Supercharged is the more reliable. Now that some of the newer L36'* are also showing signs of UIM failure now. As they age, there will be more. That'* a big maintenance hit.

As willwren pointed out, there are some problems with UIM failures with the L36. That wouldn't defer me but I would suggest the SLE, it'* a hell whole lot faster than the Cavalier she drives currently and lot nicer and smoother. Now keep in mind, she'll have to maintain the supercharger and pay premium gas, etc so that'* why I suggest the L36

Manual Z24 are in 15'*

but i agree, The bonneville is a lot better, no doubt about it. If you are not sure, just try a SSEi, you will not want go N/A N/Amore

Not that its not a good car, but you have just more with the SSEi.

edit: I havent seen many supercharger failure on serie 2 , even serie 1, most of time we hear about supercharger thats the owner who do preventive clean up and maintenance, like willwren do.

she actually has a manual z24

i think that the sle is financially best for her right now, she will be takin on added expenses with this new purchase

she currently only carries minimal coverage on the cavalier so the insurance will go up, and a car payment with she currently doesnt have so if she is goin to be payin for the premium

she is a recent college grad and recently started her first career job, she is concerned that she will still have spendin money once she gets a new car

Yep, so the SLE is for her then. Thats a great car anyway

I'd recommend the SLE, just because I'm partial to the N/A'* since that'* what I have...

But, seriously, you don't need the premium gas and I don't think my N/A is exactly "slow." Plus no extra maintenance on the SC.

I know that the UIM will give her the same problems, eventually, but wasn't there something with the SC'd ones that the Tranny has problems at around 60-70k? I seem to remember something about where the splines on the shaft from the tranny to the engine get worn down? That'* supposed to be a $2000 fix. Maybe it'* not as common as I thought it was.

But, again, I am biased.

SSEi for sure. Like i've said before i'd get a 100K mile SSEi vs. a 20K mile NA any day.

HEY HEY HEY!!! Don't be gettin all up on the 205 hp as bein slow... I DRIVE AN LN3...HOW DO YOU THINK I FEEL???

205 is a heck of alot better than 165!!!!

I would go for the SLE as well. In addition to the premium fuel and higher insurance cost by 2002 the problems with water leakage and the paint on the hood was corrected by GM.

ahhhh quit yer bitchin! it aint ur engine thats slow its ur grandma geared transmission :P