I'm checking out a 1997 Bonneville SSE with 100000 miles on it. Apart from the typical used car stuff to check, is there anything particular to keep in mind when looking at a Bonneville?

From what I read, window regulators are a constant problem, is that true? Is there no permanent fix? Also, this particular car has electronic climate control. I had that in another GM car and really would be happier with manual controls, but I am willing to keep an open mind. Are the electronic climate controls on these cars reliable in general, and what about now that this one is a 12 year old unit? Are they reliable over time?

This is the same year I have. If the car was well maintained it shoudl be OK. One thing you will want to watch for is LIM gasket failure. Check for coolant pooling between the heads and LIM. Also check coolant to make sure it'* clean. If it'* pink it'* more then likely the stock coolant and shoudl be flushed and replaced. Check the oil to make sure you have no coolant in the oil. These are all signs of gasket failure.

check if theres any anti-freeze in the over flow container, if not its probably leaking inside the intake manifold somewhere. Happened to mine when i bought it, ended up replacing both upper/lower intake manifold gasket.

Well, coming from a 1997 Bonneville SE owner. My car has 192,000 miles on it and it is still going strong! One thing you have to look for is rust underneath the rear wheelwells. I saw many recently that I was looking to purchase that had rust holes in the rear wheel wells. My Bonnie sure hasnt let me down in any way whatsoever. Well, there was the fuel pump going bad on me in traffic... But the car never left me on the side of the road. Good luck with your desicion!

That'* an impressive run of miles.

The car I mentioned in my thread seemed in good overall shape, and ran well. It has 100,000 miles on it, and if it lasted as long as yours, I would be happy.

The car has some kind of front end issue, though. It squeaks whenever the wheels were turned left or right, or if it went over a bump. The sound was like that of rubber squeaking, it seemed to be coming from the two front wheels - it was hard to pinpoint the exact source of the sound from inside the car. I'm debating going back for a second look. Because of the squeaking sound, - I don't think I' would seriously consider purchasing it without having a mechanic take a look first to see if the front end requires big $$$ for repairs.

Definately take it to a mechanic. Sounds like a rubber bushing on the sway bar. Or, ball joints. (hate to say it.) But, if the car doesnt wobble under acceleration, the front end probably just needs to be greased. Bushings cost around 20-30 bucks. Ball joints cost about 30-100 bucks each. Front end work requires some $$ but, after the work has been done, it will last for a long time. Please correct me if im wrong. My Riviera has a squeak in the front end and all I need to do is replace the ball joints. But, it also wobbles under acceleration.

i have a 97 se with electronic climate contol and haven't had not 1 problem with it or the windows.i have 101k on the car now and bought it with 88k almost 3 years ago.there known for the intake gaskets though and whenever you replace them do the plentnum