Going to look at a '95 Bonne SLE tonight! 116k miles, Kumho tires with only 10k miles on them, green paint with a spoiler (yea!) and tan leather inside. Only two problems (he says, we'll see what it looks like) are the non-functional steering wheel controls (so very common) and the ABS isn't working. I'll definitely have to get that ABS problem checked out to see what it is :( He'* been driving it without that, though. Says his mechanic said he didn't need it. I think this is bull. What do you guys think? With that problem, is it not a good deal for $2850 obo? Was thinking of offering him at least 300-400 less, though. How much could that ABS problem potentially cost? Hey, at least that plenum has already had a problem, according to him, and been replaced. Said it broke down on him, he had it towed, and that plenum was replaced. Sounds to me, being that he said it was only a year ago, that it only has about 10k on the new plenum. Still has lots of life left on it being that it'* that new, right? I'll check the date in those three circles on top just to make sure, though, of course Thanks for the help, again

Oh please, oh please, oh please let this be the one...

you cant go wrong with an SLE.

that is about what it books at in good condition.

It looks as if he already delt with one of the bigger problems although I would get that motor checked out quite a bit because water in oil is not a good combination.

If the motor is still good really check out the tranny. that is the weakspot of almost all of these cars I have discovered first hand and from what others have said.


When buying an old used car really look at what has been done not so much the milage rating. Whether it has been taken to a GM dealership or midas to change the brakes. whether it was taken to jiffy lube instead of GM stealership for oil changes. If these cars are maintained well they do last.

so go after the old folks. they generally want to have reliable transportation when they get really old and take it to the dealership because they dont want to break down somewhere.

Thats a nice car though. 2500 sounds like a good deal.

Well, I drove it. Very impressed So much smoother ride-wise, more power over a broader torque curve. Not quite as much grunt as my Bonnie from waaay down low, but it more than makes up for it at speed! Plenum checks out, from what I could tell, as being from '03. At least I think so-the hieroglyphics were kind of hard to read. I made the mistake of getting there too late in the day; it got dark VERY quick, was twilight when I got there :( inside of the car, though, was damn near immaculate. Seats are great, not one stain in the carpet. From what I could tell of the exterior, though, there are a few areas of concern - A rubbed back bumper on the driver'* side, headlight'* seem dim-ish, both front corner lights are fucked up - one has the overhanging clear plastic near the headlight broken off (in other words, looks ugly, but likely no leakage) and the other one is cracked. But that'* okay - I can replace 'em both with the ones from my Bonne Sweet... Also, chips on the front of the hood and the edge of the rear spoiler. Normal stuff. only big thing is there'* a LARGE scrape on the right rear quarter. but, good thing is it'* purely paint - no denting or body damage. And, although the scratch is large, it'* white underneath. Not even to the metal It is a big visual detracter, though. And that ABS problem. I will say this though; I tried two emergency stops from about 30-35, and it didn't even shrug. No pulsing in the brake pedal, either.

I love it! If my impression holds up after looking it over in the light, and if I can get him down a little on that price; hell even if I can't, I'm pursuing it! And my mom better give me the okay; she keeps saying she won't, for any car. She better.

Here'* hoping :o

I had the ABS disabled on my 92 beretta after I got it because It made the brakes go out completly when I was driving down the road and went into a ditch...so sometiems it more of a pain than a help..so I duno if you really really need abs?

Well, main thing I'm worried about with the ABS is that most cars that are designed with ABS integral to their brake systems actually perform poorer if the ABS is disabled for some mechanical reason (not built in, in other words) than if they didn't have ABS at all. At least that'* what i've heard. i'm waiting for someone really in the know to come in here and resolve the whole matter once and for all...

Kyle:
The mileage is not that high for a 95. You are right about the steering wheel controls messing up. They usually go south one at a time and not all at once. If you are paying cash I would offer the person $2,000.00. For a deal closer have the cash in hand and offer it to him. If he takes the cash from your hand the car is yours.

The ABS has yet to function on my 93. The light has been on since day one. Eventually I will fix it but it'* not very high on the priority list. Although I have not read the codes yet, I assume that it as a wheel sensor. The replacement shouldn't be too bad as I've been able to gain some valuable experience by disassembling the spindles from the parts car.

Sounds like a winner there. I agree with 95SLE. Start at $2K with cash in hand.

Well it sounds like a pretty solid car. Just a few touch ups and you will have yourself a nice bonnie. As the others said, start at $2K and try to get him to bite. Always start low when trying to get a deal. Good luck on that car there!

Monday I go look at it in the daylight Right after, I'm going to schedule a car inspection by my mechanic. Then, I get the VIN and run a CarFax. next day, after talking with my mom, and hopefully getting her OK, I make my move. With all that commitment, do you guys think I can still get away with offering 2 grand? I don't know... I think I'll play the angle that my mom only allowed me $2000 to spend. I don't know...

We'll see how it goes. Wish me luck!