I never said it was brand new. New to them. I was 17.

Bought my first in 2001...didn't know much about them, but I always liked their looks.

Bought 2nd in 2006...loved the first one, and this one was supercharged.

Bought the '03 last July....because it'* the sexiest body style, color, Series 2, and came fully loaded in excellent condition for only $8800.

First choice was an Audi A4, but after driving the 2000 SSEi I fell in love with the handling improvements GM made compared to my 98. Also the Audi had over 100,000 miles and maintenance was going to murder my soul.

Always loved the Bonnevilles. My first car was a 1975 Olds Cutlass, which I still have. Bought a minivan to help me with work (video and film production) and used it to move to the East coast. Got here, via LA (long story) and the van had understandably had enough.

Instead of trying to sink any more money into it, I went car shopping. Stopped at a used car lot, looked at a couple cars, and sat with the salesman while we discussed options. While we were talking, I saw a competitor'* ad that had a 96 SSEi listed. Left there in a hurry and went straight to the other lot. As the salesman was walking up, I noticed the Bonne and steered that direction. Drove it and finished the paperwork the same day. The salesman said while I was out driving it, there were numerous requests for it.

About a year later, I spun the bearing on the crankshaft. I didn't really drive it hard, it probably had something give out. Went car shopping again.

Found my 2000 SSEi and bought it on the spot. Had it for several years until it was totaled. My fault, but the impact wrapped the dashboard around where I was sitting. The paramedic went from me - with no complaints of major injuries and broken bones (esp. my legs) - to the car, wondering how I pulled that off. The space was just big enough for me to sit in, and I doubt I could have squeezed myself back in the space.

Well, I needed a car, so went shopping again. Couldn't find a Bonne anywhere close to me, so bought something else. Turned out not liking it, and found a GXP in PA about two weeks later. After doing a little research on the GXP, and finding several others that popped up in the area, I settled on one. Two months later, it was mine.

Wouldn't trade it for anything else. Ever.

S2 3800 - reliability, economy, and easy to work on
Bonneville - 4 door, Safety, and Sporty Styling
SSEI - WEEEEeeeeeeeee

i had a 92 jeep cherokee which i had put alot of work and money into. I woke up one morning and it was gone. I reported it stolen and four days later i got a call from the Detroit police, it had been stripped and completely burned. So i didnt have much money so i went to an auction and the first car i saw was a 97 Bonneville SSE for $1900 with 140K miles. I started it and it sounded good and it was in my price range, so i bought it. It only needed trans mounts and after that i haven't had any problems with it.

I have a loaded Mercury Grand Marquis LS and love the car. It is trouble free, but it is not fun to drive. I came across my SSE by accident and couldn't believe how clean it was. I was seduced by the cool options, snappy accceleration and firm handling. I'm a big guy and wanted a full size car that was fun to drive and that I could spend some time working on. The Bonne fit the bill perfectly.

1. I totaled my old 95 black on black SLE and I missed it too bad to move on..

2. It was $800

3. The interior. I haven't sat in anything more comfortable and I love color/layout.

4. When you keep everything salvagable from virtually the same car, you have plenty of spare parts.

At the moment I really couldn't be as content with any other car. I just love it to death.

I catch myself smiling sometimes as I walk up to it after work.. just happy I have it.

/end emoness

Long story short........

Fell in love with a friends,went to look at a 97 40th Ei and it was gone.
Drove another mile to mile and half and saw Sapphire.

Looked at her on Sunday,paperwork on Monday,drove her home on Tuesday

well I got the 1989 SSE when I was 17 from my parents for a really good price. lol. We had owned the car since new and to this day I still remember the first ride I took in it with them at 9 years old!!!

My dad then got a new 1998 SLE in silver with the chrome torque stars. I continued to drive the 1989 until literally everything went wrong. I found the 1991 after a month of looking at several that were almost ready for heaven. The 1991 was definitly in need of love when I got it- but it had the most potential. I bought it with 260K KM and it just rolled over 410K km yesterday. I still love this car. I will always have it

I really have a soft spot for this gen. It seems that many still do. I wish there were still more around

my family has had an 89 SSE, 98 SLE and a 2001 SLE