I knew this moment would come sooner or later, but not this soon.

It is time for me to get rid of my Bonneville.

I'm always gonna be grateful for how reliable she has been over the last (almost) 6 years. Sure, there might've been a problem here or there, but it was just about always a DIY job to solve the issue. But, alas, the car gave me 2 issues that are too expensive to repair, considering the age and condition of the car.

I thank those on this forum (past and present members) for the advice and knowledge I've been able to gain from this forum. It has been extremely helpful, and I'm extremely grateful.

I couldn't have had a better first car.

_________________

'02 Pontiac Bonneville SE 108,539 miles, N/A, SSEi exhaust system, boat roller mount. Gone, but not forgotten.
'13 Buick Regal GS 102k miles, 270 hp, 295 lb/ft, ZZP intake.
(yes, there is a story behind my avatar.)

What ended up happening?

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

Fuel filter was leaking a tiny bit of gas. My shop (rather hastily) claimed that since the fuel filter is original, they risk the possibility of breaking the fuel lines, therefore having to replace the fuel lines. I'd rather just avoid the hassle.

Another small problem is the headliner starting to sag in random spots.

I still have the car, but not for much longer.

_________________

'02 Pontiac Bonneville SE 108,539 miles, N/A, SSEi exhaust system, boat roller mount. Gone, but not forgotten.
'13 Buick Regal GS 102k miles, 270 hp, 295 lb/ft, ZZP intake.
(yes, there is a story behind my avatar.)

The headliner is a DIY fix. Lots of members have recovered them. I can't help but think there's got to be more to the story. I just don't see the fuel line, if it does turn out to be a problem, a reason to give up on the car.

_________________


Bose Luxury Sound System w/Touch Screen Navigation, Addition of Factory XM, 2005 MY Antenna, OnStar Upgrade (3G),
RainSense Wipers, Backup Camera, '00 Style Door Panel Courtesy Lights, Heated Washer Solvent, 2X Remote Trunk Release,
Turn Signal Mirrors, Center Console Courtesy Lamp, Rear Outboard Heated Seats, PVD Chrome 18" Factory Rims, Upgraded
Carbon Fibre Appearance Interior Trim, Highly Modified Main Body Harness, Instrument Panel, Door, Door Panel & Headliner
Wiring Harnesses, Custom Fuse Box & Tire and Loading Information Decals, Additional Acoustic Insulation

fuel filter can be cut out and use unions to repair lines - 1 - 2 hour job

_________________
poverty forces one to do unorthodox things

2000 SSEi
past rides:
1996 SSEi
1992 GTP
1987 Grand Am

I was just going to say, fuel filter could've been cut out, fixed/flared and new filter put in.

Now if the rest of the line is in terrible shape... Different story altogether.

_________________


Retired Bonneville Owner and former GM Tech:
2004 Pontiac Bonneville GXP: Black/Ebony *SOLD*

Summer Toys: Combined 827 RWHP / 877lb/ft RWTQ
2004 Pontiac GTO: Impulse Blue Metallic/Black/M6: lots 'o mods, 415 RWHP / 405lb/ft RWTQ!
2006 Cadillac STS-V: Light Platinum Metallic/Light Gray/A6 - Spectre CAI, Magnaflow exhaust, Speed Inc. tune, 412 RWHP / 472lb/ft RWTQ

Daily Drivers:
2019 Chrysler Pacifica Limited: Mommy's new RGC
2015 Chrysler Town & Country Limited Platinum: Kids new RGC
2007 Chrysler Town & Country Limited: Sold to neighbor
2009 Pontiac G8 GT: L76, Sport Red Metallic
2003 Chevrolet Suburban 2500: Doeskin Tan - 8.1L Big Block... new plow truck
1999 Chevrolet Suburban: Sunset Gold Metallic - Daddy's winter beater and plow truck

I'd spray the *shoot* out of that fuel filter with PB blaster and carefully remove it.

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

They've been telling me for the last, I don't know, 4 years that my fuel lines were starting to go out. Specifically, rust. I've seen it myself, but it isn't as bad as they make it seem. DIY-ing the fuel filter doesn't sound like a job I should do.

Even then, the undercarriage of the car is starting to get pretty bad in the areas I've listed before on here (right below the driver's feet). Not to mention the bondo job I tried to do underneath the fuel filler door, as well as a coolant leak I have - which in order to fix that, I'd have to get the LIM gasket replaced. Rust is also starting to poke its annoying head out in different areas, such as on the inside of the front fenders, bottom of the doors, etc.

_________________

'02 Pontiac Bonneville SE 108,539 miles, N/A, SSEi exhaust system, boat roller mount. Gone, but not forgotten.
'13 Buick Regal GS 102k miles, 270 hp, 295 lb/ft, ZZP intake.
(yes, there is a story behind my avatar.)

That paints a little clearer picture of things. To be honest, I don't think I've read previous posts about the condition of your car. So, based on your initial post in this thread, things really didn't sound too bad (as long as those were the only two issues). Unfortunately, it appears there's a lot more going on. I'd probably be reluctant to put much money into the car either.

_________________


Bose Luxury Sound System w/Touch Screen Navigation, Addition of Factory XM, 2005 MY Antenna, OnStar Upgrade (3G),
RainSense Wipers, Backup Camera, '00 Style Door Panel Courtesy Lights, Heated Washer Solvent, 2X Remote Trunk Release,
Turn Signal Mirrors, Center Console Courtesy Lamp, Rear Outboard Heated Seats, PVD Chrome 18" Factory Rims, Upgraded
Carbon Fibre Appearance Interior Trim, Highly Modified Main Body Harness, Instrument Panel, Door, Door Panel & Headliner
Wiring Harnesses, Custom Fuse Box & Tire and Loading Information Decals, Additional Acoustic Insulation

In my mind, the condition of the car makes it the perfect reason to fix the two main problems, and keep it as the winter beater so the new car doesn't have to get all salty.

But that's hard to do if you don't have the tools, time, or ability to keep it going yourself. Sad to see another one go, but you have to do what works for you.

_________________
Boost addict


The Fleet:
'93 SSEi - Twincharged + manual Build thread
'97 Camaro - Top swap
'05 STS - V8, AWD, her DD
'92 Trofeo - Fair weather DD
'99 Montana - top swap 3800
'04 Sierra 2500HD - LLY Duramax

Current project:
Something cool, trust me.

Upcoming projects:
'92 Bonneville SSE
'87 LeSabre T-type
'67 LeSabre

Gone to greener pastures:
'84 Sierra Classic - Twin turbo 3800
'97 LeSabre - Top swap

RIP:
'86 LeSabre - pictures
'93 SE - L67

I haven't really been descriptive about the issues with my Bonneville because they haven't really been happening that fast, but they've been happening slowly over time (specifically with the rust on the undercarriage). Since I've been done with college, I've had more time to take a look at the car, and just see how much has happened.

Normally, I'd usually post something if I had a basic question or if something weird is happening (such as a misfire that *can* happen upon start-up due to my slow coolant leak from the outside of the LIM gasket).

_________________

'02 Pontiac Bonneville SE 108,539 miles, N/A, SSEi exhaust system, boat roller mount. Gone, but not forgotten.
'13 Buick Regal GS 102k miles, 270 hp, 295 lb/ft, ZZP intake.
(yes, there is a story behind my avatar.)

I always told myself when I first got the car that I was going to "drive it until it dies" or "I won't let it rust to death". Interesting how priorities change over time.

If the rust wasn't getting to the point it has gotten to, I'd fix the fuel filter/line and still drive it. I have enough money to use for that kind of repair. It just gets to a point where it is pointless to put more money into it if more problems will arise soon after a repair. I don't really have the time to take out a day or two to fix the headliner myself, or do any other extensive job on the car, as I work 2 jobs.

_________________

'02 Pontiac Bonneville SE 108,539 miles, N/A, SSEi exhaust system, boat roller mount. Gone, but not forgotten.
'13 Buick Regal GS 102k miles, 270 hp, 295 lb/ft, ZZP intake.
(yes, there is a story behind my avatar.)