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comparing the early SSE's with the new

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Old 11-15-2004, 09:55 PM
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Default comparing the early SSE'* with the new

I have recently bought a 94 SSE to replace the 90 SSE I have driven for ten years (280K).

The 94 has nice styling, granted. It has a lot of neat little gizmos etc., but...the build quality and material quality is poor in comparison. The 90 still has the original exhaust, struts actually everything is original...never any engine or tranny work only tune-ups and preventative work...brakes and tires......just keeps on ticking.

Actually....the 90 SSE is a far superior vehicle in many ways, the build quality of the 90 far surpasses the 94 in most every aspect from materials to assembly. Everthing seems frail, extra thin, extra light or hollow....nothing like the 90 that every single switch. light and button still works as new. Whats up with the trunk liner....its barley substantial enough to hold itself together...the 90 on the other hand has real/solid formed sturdy board backed carpeting. a really solid car...what a car should be,....a real pontiac flagship.

Whats GM thinking? Is it just the 94? What year did they start putting them together a little better with better parts, materials and components with a life.

At this time I am leaning toward a 1997. Any ideas?
Old 11-15-2004, 10:02 PM
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I am very happy with my 94'* quality given its abuse over the past several owners. I am a little dissatisfied with the little accesories and plastic parts that havent held up... otherwise the engine/tranny/suspension has all held up very well (again... mine has had really crappy owners)
Old 11-15-2004, 10:05 PM
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The newer the cars are, the more cheap materials you will see. I can tell you that I had a 97 and a 93. i changed the door speakers in my 97 and I coulndt put the panel back on the same way it was before, unlike the 93, it was a perfect match as if I never touched it. The 96-99 is a nice choice but as any car, if you take care of it, things will last longer.
Old 11-15-2004, 10:37 PM
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I agree that the chain of ownership is what its all about.

When I bought the 90...it had been a corporate fleet car since birth. Driven by the companies owner when new and then put in service with the sales department to the sales manager. All road miles and dealer regular service, no wrecks, no kids and no abuse. Me thinks this is the reason it is still so sweet today. I have treted it the same way with lots of love and care...always maintenenced and clean top to bottom..always in the garage.

I bought this 94 last week...it was also a corporate fleet ride, all highway 139k miles, no kids and really looks like noone but a driver (no passengers) most of its life.

I dont mean to dis anyones ride or Pontiac for that matter, just curious about why GM would degrade such an outstanding product. I have decided that in all likelyhood...at my age...that I will always drive a Bonnie from here on out, one more good one might be enough. I just love everything about them...they really fit.

This 94 may be a transitional move for me though, it may be for sale soon...If I can get some info on the best year model to buy...I may search to find the right one for me and that may be my last. I am thinking a 97 SSEi anniversary. any thoughts?

Link below for pics of the 94...will be adding the 90 soon.

http://justrightdomains.com/bonneville/index.htm
Old 11-15-2004, 11:11 PM
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Where do you live? I'll buy that '94 from ya. Lol, sorry, I'm obsessed ...
Old 11-15-2004, 11:15 PM
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well....you have already invited me to Florida
Old 11-15-2004, 11:48 PM
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hmmm, maybe I should be looking for a pre-92
Old 11-16-2004, 07:33 AM
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Originally Posted by kaptnjack
I agree that the chain of ownership is what its all about.

Link below for pics of the 94...will be adding the 90 soon.

http://justrightdomains.com/bonneville/index.htm




<------- jealous
Old 11-16-2004, 03:23 PM
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I concur completly with you jrs3800.

My car is awesome.. I have problems, but we all do, it'* part of owning an old car. But, if my tranny is still good [which I think it still is], then once I get the engine put back together [ran when I started disassembly], I will be tearing up the streets again


-justin
Old 11-16-2004, 04:45 PM
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If it wasn't for the L67 in my 93, I'd brobably still be driving the 90. To me, it feels like a better driving car... I'm not sure what it is exactly. It'* for this reason that I'm researching a series II swap for the 90. That will be the difference maker.


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