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Drooling over a Bonneville, but is it worth it?

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Old 01-20-2008, 10:43 PM
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Default Drooling over a Bonneville, but is it worth it?

Hello, all. Joined this group to learn more about the problems that seem to plague this car.
Let me explain that I've always like this car, (but never found one that fit the budget)
I currently drive a 97 Park AVe Ultra and have had minimal issues, curretnly at 93k miles.
I have recently found (and test drove) a 2000 Bonne ssei. with 80k miles.black exterier, moonroof, black leather trim. Reminded me alot of a grand prix gt that I owned. Price seems to be ok, although some preliminary research indicates that this car has had more than it'* fair share of problems: window motors and arms, trunk leaking, wheel bearings, steering assemblies, etc.
I realize i am asking some seriouis bonneville fans here, bur given the situation, is the car woth the potential issues or will i be investing more time/money into it just to keep it on the road?
any and all feedback is appreciated.
thanks
Old 01-20-2008, 11:18 PM
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I may be a little biased, but if you're talking about replacing your PA with the Bonnie, I wouldn't.
Not so much because of any issues with the Bonnie, as it is that you have a car that you say is in good condition, and the Bonnie is an unknown quantity.
On the other hand, I have noticed that the PA seems not to share some of the more common major issues that the 00+Bonnie has. The steering shaft clunk and cabin leaks spring to mind.
Also, keep in mind, anything you can do to the Bonnie to make it faster can be done to the PA. Under the body work, they're basically the same car.

Got pics of the PA?
Old 01-21-2008, 12:36 AM
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Originally Posted by GonneVille
Also, keep in mind, anything you can do to the Bonnie to make it faster can be done to the PA. Under the body work, they're basically the same car.

except for the PCM
Old 01-21-2008, 02:08 AM
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If you go to Intense or some other car tuning place, you can get your PCM custom tuned, most likely, and then you're just as well off as any other Bonneville owner but with plenty of seemingly ridiculous luxury options as well. Take the column shifter for example. That'* pretty much the only L67 powered car that comes stock with a column shifter!
Old 01-21-2008, 05:09 PM
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Gooneville,
don't have any pics of my parkave. (yet)
not too iterested in modifying either car for performance,justhave always loved the way the bonneville looks. but your are right, the pa ultra certainly has EVERY luxury item you could ask for.
my PA is the maroon/burgandy exterior with the same interior. have been driving it since sep 2006 (it had 58k miles then) and honestly i am still not sure if i "like" the interior or have just gotten used to it!!! only thing i don't have is a moonroof.
thanks for your input-that IS my biggest dilemma: staying with a known in the PA or taking the risk on something i like much better, the bonnie!!
s5
Old 01-21-2008, 06:35 PM
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Can't you just take out the PA interior and swap in any 2000+ SSEi interior? I believe they're the exact same, mount wise.
Old 01-21-2008, 06:39 PM
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BTW, what part of the Buckeye State are you from?

The PCM is cracked, although they are still figuring out the operating systems for the various years and engines as they go. This means you would have to actually bring the car in so they can figure out the OS.
You should at least consider a fenderwell intake and PCM. You would probably notice an increase in fuel mileage, as well as an increase in power. The change in shift points alone makes an astonishing difference.
Old 01-21-2008, 06:46 PM
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Originally Posted by GonneVille
BTW, what part of the Buckeye State are you from?
You should take a spin in his car, it'* fun!

Oh and welcome to the club!
Old 01-21-2008, 09:17 PM
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im near the west side of cleveland
Old 01-23-2008, 10:33 AM
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Welcome to the BC!
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