It is currently Thu Mar 28, 2024 4:13 am

All times are UTC - 5 hours [ DST ]




Post new topic Reply to topic  [ 3 posts ] 
Author Message
PostPosted: Wed May 21, 2014 7:52 pm 
Offline
LE Member

Joined: Wed May 21, 2014 7:46 pm
Posts: 2
Year and Trim: 1996 SE
Hello Owners,

I am looking to buy a 1996 Bonneville SE with 125k miles. It looks to be in pretty good shape, except the following:

1. The a/c may need to be recharged soon
2. The car pulls slightly to the right
3. Slight cosmetic issues: dent in front bumper, paint fading on passenger door

As I have never owned a Bonneville, I wondered if this car would be a good investment. The asking price was originally $2000, now down to $1700. I have not yet seen or driven the car, just looked at pictures and talked briefly with owner. He says it runs fine, all mechanical things work. What should I look for? Is his asking price right? What all does it take to recharge the a/c? What about the car pulling to the right---is that a minor alignment issue, or sign of a bigger problem?

I just need the car to be a reliable, local-area, daily driver.

Thanks!
Mark in Texas


Top
 Profile  
 
PostPosted: Wed May 21, 2014 8:32 pm 
Offline
Posts like an LG3
Posts like an LG3

Joined: Tue May 27, 2008 11:48 pm
Posts: 347
Year and Trim: 96 SE
i have 96 SE. has been very reliable. now has 180K. may use a pint of oil between 3K oil changes. transmission reverse gear failed at about 178K. replaced with a rebuilt for 1500. ok since. recharging AC can be as simple as a $50 can of freon/leak sealer/oil with gauge from walmart. also could be leaky compressor, evap, or condenser and could run $1000 depending on whether you do work yourself. pulling right could be simple as alignment or perhaps slack tire or even a bad tire but if it is suspension your could be looking at major expense. as for my 96 SE, i have had no major suspension problems.

as for me, i am happy with the 96 SE durability and ride qualities.

PS. check underside for major rust. some owners that live in snow/road salt have had major problems with with rust that even though upper body and running gear was good, car had to be scrapped. if it lived it's life in Texas, probably no problem with rust.


Top
 Profile  
 
PostPosted: Wed May 21, 2014 9:26 pm 
Offline
Certified Bonneville Nut
Certified Bonneville Nut
User avatar

Joined: Mon May 10, 2010 6:11 pm
Posts: 9490
Location: Chicago, IL
Year and Trim: 2003 SLE
Take it for a ride and make sure it behaves properly, shifts nicely, doesn't overheat.. etc etc.

Check all the fluids. See if the lower intake gaskets have been replaced and the upper intake manifold as well. Those are the key areas on the L36 motor, which you will find in the SE in question.

AC is easily recharged, but it begs to question as to why it needs to in the first place. Sounds like there's a leak, which might be hard to track down.

Pulling to a direction might indicate low tire pressure or the need of an alignment.

_________________
-Car Guy Carl
"Penelope" - 2003 SLE - 247k Miles
"Sydney" - 2000 Honda S2000 - 98k miles
Image


Top
 Profile  
 
Display posts from previous:  Sort by  
Post new topic Reply to topic  [ 3 posts ] 

All times are UTC - 5 hours [ DST ]


Related topics
 Topics   Author   Replies   Views   Last post 
There are no new unread posts for this topic. Investing in my 1996 Pontiac Bonneville

santonio03

7

1284

Sun Dec 26, 2010 2:45 am

Bugsi View the latest post

There are no new unread posts for this topic. Help Pricing My 1996 Bonneville SSEI

stevemtkisco

4

1201

Wed Aug 29, 2018 12:22 pm

96 SSEi View the latest post

There are no new unread posts for this topic. 1996 Pontiac Bonneville head light trouble

pattymassie

6

1251

Tue Mar 17, 2015 1:04 am

pattymassie View the latest post

There are no new unread posts for this topic. 1996 Bonneville - Fire started in trunk by trunk release

hunt2cbr

6

1751

Sat Oct 17, 2015 1:23 am

ddalder View the latest post

There are no new unread posts for this topic. 1996 versus 1997

Bonnevillans

13

3493

Fri Sep 30, 2011 7:41 pm

Jrs3800 View the latest post

 


Who is online

Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 12 guests


You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum
You cannot post attachments in this forum

Search for:
Jump to:  
Powered by phpBB® Forum Software © phpBB Group


phpBB SEO