after being pretty happy with my 97 bonneville for a few months, a new promotion at work has made it possible to upgrade. I was looking for an 00+ SLE, but they are hard to come by in my neck of the woods. I have found 2 SSEi cars though and need opinions quick. The 1st is at a dealer, its a 2002 SSEi with 83K miles, they are asking 8911 for it. Drove it today, near mint condition, though i coudn't seem to make the HUD work, and it has NO HEATED SEATS :o( There is no wiggle room on this price either, its one of those "one price" places, and having bought cars there before i know they will not budge, but they are a very honest and well respected dealer. They even gave me the carfax for the car and showed me they are selling it for $1000 below wholesale. Its going to auction at the end of the week if its not sold too.

2nd car is private party, its an 01 SSEi with 109k miles, also looks mint inside and out, but did not drive it yet. Its the original owner selling it with complete maintenance records, and hes only asking $6000. At first i thought its a no brainer that if the 01 drives well its the one, but then i thought is it worth $3k to have a car one year newer with near 30k miles less? I was less than impressed with the acceleration from the dealer car though, i expected it to be loads better than my 97 NA, but it kinda just felt heavy, though it shifted like butter.
I'm going to see the private party car tomorrow, if it also seems OK, what would you choose?

I would choose whichever my gut told me to choose if both were in my budget.

I agree with Bill. Go with which ever just seems right to you.
Without seeing and driving both, I tend to lean with the cheaper one myself.
But, after you drive them both you should have a good sense of what you want.
Just, of course, think a bit before you decide. Don't fall in love with one of them and overlook some attentional problems that you may have wish you took on once the initial wow factor of a new car wears away.

Both are Ei'* so that takes away that part.

Gut it is.

$3000 can fix (or mod) alot of things if they go wrong or are in need of replacing (or modding).

And the price difference can disappear instantly if the trans goes.

Ditto on what'* been said, but I'll add to not be in a hurry as your title suggests. Pick a couple cars that top your list and watch them. The longer they sit, the better price you can get.

Which one is white??

what records does the dealer one have? What service has been done to the 01? I would personally go in that direction only because of the records available (assuming they are complete) as well as the price. The savings could be used to replace those parts if something should happen.

This is assuming that both are mechanically in good shape (atleast the comparable shape) With both cars being over 80k, there is always the impending possibility of the transmission going. we've seen it happen here at all mileage ranges. Same with the motors.

I guess when it comes down to it, your gut will tell you which is likes better. the above is just my thought process if I were in the same position.

Are you in the treasure valley area? I'm in twin but get to boise pretty often. I believe a few members from boise grand prix club were checking out the car.

there are 2 guys with tuners in the area and at least 2 pulley pullers near you as well if you want to upgrade the SC pulley.

Kurt'* 01 has a semi-fresh trans...well worth the $6000 pricetag.

check out the Local bonneville/grandprix/regal club at http://boiseclubgp.com I'm sure Jared or any of the other active members would be more than happy to look either car over for you before you get it.