I spotted a 96-99 SSE (Black, has chrome t-stars, moonroof) in my area (not sure of the year or miles), and it has been sitting for 1-2 years now. I have finally built up the courage to go and knock on the door and ask if he is selling it. I have a feeling the UIM and LIM gaskets failed and killed the L36. It looks to be in really good shape. Now with the possible blown engine (or maybe trans), what should be a general price range to offer him for it? I know it sounds like a dumb question, but even a wide price range would be sufficient for me.

No, buy mine

Buy your '92 with a dying trans? No way!

But, I figure if I can get this, junkyards generally sell 3800s for around $400-500 with lower miles (60-80k)

Give it until the end of the year, THEN you'll be BEGGING me for it

To narrow down the year range, Weren't most Chrome T-star equipped Bonnes generally 98-99'*? I know the chromies were on previous years, but didn't 98-99'* have them more often?

Read the VIN number off the window or driver side console, the 10th position(should be a letter) indicates the year.

R-1994
*-1995
T-1996
V-1997
W-1998
X-1999

from my limited knowledge, I'd say if the t-stars, body and interior are in very good shape, somewhere in the 300-500 range.