Looking at 2002 Bonneville SSEi - UPDATED

[jaydee]

Really? The SC cars didn't have gasket problems since the intake manifold was aluminum, not nylon or plastic, and they did not warp.

Sorry for not being clearer. I replaced the OEM plastic gaskets with aftermarket aluminum ones. When we looked at the old gaskets, it wasn't a matter of warping, it was more like disintegrating.

 

[mike2fix]

I have owned many of these cars and currently have an 05 Bonneville GXP, my daughter drives a 2000 SSEi. I have also owned a 95,97,98 and a 2002 SSEi. Part of the appeal of the SSEi (beside the SC engine) is that it has many standard options that you can't even get on another Bonneville, such as the HUD. The SSEi only had a few options for the 2002 year, sunroof, CD changer, 17" chrome wheels and heated seats, it came standard with almost everything. Bad lower intake gaskets is very common on the SC engine, bad intakes on the non-SC 3800. Window regulators going bad is also a very common issue on the 2000+ years, they have gotten pretty cheap to replace and it's not that big of a deal. I would definitely recommend Premium in the SC cars, detonation can damage the motor. The SC itself is not a high failure item at all, very reliable actually and in general the 3800 is one of the strongest/best engines GM ever made. Common SC issue is the nylon coupler between the main housing and snout and it is not that expensive or difficult to replace, you will hear a rattle when you rev the engine, coming from the snout area.

Just about anything you want to know about the Bonneville:
http://pontiacbonnevilleclub.com

 

[thomsbrain]

You work a mere 7 miles from your home and already own a car. Ride a bike for christ sake. On the rainy days drive your car.

 

[DaTT]

I currently have a 99 Grand Prix GTP. Fun to drive. It has 180k on it. Valve cover gaskets and oil pan gaskets are a little leaky, but otherwise fine. I have read that the tranny can be finicky on it...not sure if the SSEi uses the same one or not.

 

[TheFamilyMan]

You work a mere 7 miles from your home and already own a car. Ride a bike for christ sake. On the rainy days drive your car.

Go back to your tree, eco-nut. I'm not riding a bike to work. If you have nothing to add to the thread, GTFO. I asked about input regarding me BUYING a 2002 Bonneville SSEi...I didn't ask for suggestions on how to get run-the-fuck over. You don't know the route from my house to my office or the traffic involved.

Posting update in original post...

 

[Meghan54]

Go back to your tree, eco-nut. I'm not riding a bike to work. If you have nothing to add to the thread, GTFO. I asked about input regarding me BUYING a 2002 Bonneville SSEi...I didn't ask for suggestions on how to get run-the-fuck over. You don't know the route from my house to my office or the traffic involved.

Posting update in original post...

Don't you know? EVERYONE has a bike path right outside their front door that leads right to the front door of your workplace, every workplace has full shower and locker facilities....... /sarcasm.

(And I commuted to work for a decade on a bike when possible.......and while it saved gas, it completely sucked in a lot of instances......motorcycle worked better as does a good high mileage car.)

 

[Dr. Detroit]

Have a look at the SLE models as well. Same styling as the SSEI with all premium goodies but without the S/C.

Avoid the GXP model like the plague. The Northstar V8 was troublesome with high repair costs.

You may also want to look into the Oldsmobile Aurora - same platform as the Bonneville with a bit more premium interior.

 

[mike2fix]

Have a look at the SLE models as well. Same styling as the SSEI with all premium goodies but without the S/C.

Avoid the GXP model like the plague. The Northstar V8 was troublesome with high repair costs.

You may also want to look into the Oldsmobile Aurora - same platform as the Bonneville with a bit more premium interior.

The SLE is close, but it is not an SSEi, some SSEi standard features are not even available on the SLE. The handling/ride/suspension is much more aggressive on the SSEi as well. The SC is the biggest appeal to many about the SSEi, it is fun when you mash the go pedal and still gets great mileage if you lay off the throttle.

As for the GXP, I would strongly disagree with you about that, I have owned most of the most popular Bonnevilles and there is nothing like the sound of the V8 in my GXP. The 2004 & 2005 Northstars are quite reliable (relatively speaking) and generally are not plagued by the earlier N* issues. I would agree that if the N* breaks, get that 2nd mortgage to fix it, you are gonna need it. The GXP has many unique features that you cannot get on any other model, carbon fiber interior trim, suede seat inserts, V8 power, huge 4 piston front disk breaks, etc, etc. The late model Bonnevilles are not what I would call low maintenance cars, no matter which trim, but they are large, comfortable, fun cars to drive. They were never meant to be the equivalent of a Honda/Nissan/Toyota grocery getter.

 

[slag]

I read your update and that car sounded like someone's mess they were trying to get rid of. Just a point of clarification.. The supercharger shouldn't ever feel like it is kicking in. The power is available, it might just feel like a little more when those rotors are pushing more air in the engine at higher rpms.