Babying is for the SLE. My 291K mile SSEi, when I put it back together, will probably be "driven mad." :D But I don't mind taking it apart. We've already taken apart most of the engine's top part, and I guess it should soon be time to get to the timing chain on the side. Not too bad at all once you have an engine crane and stand. Of course, this is extremely off topic because we're talking about helping the car last a long time.

So, to the SLE:
Though I drive the SSEi like a granny falling asleep until the engine warms up, we let the SLE sit for at least most of its warming up. Then, we drive it slowly. Rarely does it rev or get past 3200 RPM. It has moderate shift points, but I'd like to have it shift even below 3000. It has both highway miles and city miles, but we change the oil quite frequently, use good filters, flush the transmission, and use a brand name, non-Dex coolant. The engine bay is kept clean as well so that no heat builds up seemingly irregularly. If you detail your engine bay with engine degreaser, that'll leave a slimy film on top of the engine. Be sure to wash that off.

my dad had an 89 sse with 229000 miles on it and we abused that car and wouldn't overheat at 100 mph from augusta ga to atlanta ga and ran like a champ for the time that i drove it. as far as i know it is still running

That's about as abusive as I can imagine. So, 100mph? Must have been an interesting trip. If you do see that car, let us know so we can have confirmation that it's still going, and then you can really help push this thread along. It would be interesting to know for sure.

I don;t know if I can afford to have that oil leak fixed....doesn't having the tranny dropped cost a lot of money?

And yes, the UIM was replaced due to failure.

most just live with the leak, yes to pay someone to do it does cost some cash.

sure will, we did get pulled over in conyers doing 88in a 65 and got a warning, everything still worked and didn't burn a drop of oil either, if i ever see it again i will let yall know.

Wow, first time really reading these forums, and this thread inspires confidence :)

I came here hoping to do some stuff to get my Bonne in better shape.... most of the stuff iI want are small cosmetic things right now, nothing too serious. It's been in the shop a few times recently but we've replaced things as needed and I think it should be running good for a while now.

It's a 96 SE now at about 108k miles. We're the original owners. Sounds like cleaning it up a bit might be a good idea if it can get the kind of mileage you guys are getting :)

If you want to maintain your confidence, do this first:
http://www.bonnevilleclub.com/forum/...e=article&k=38