PontiacBonnevilleClub.com

Look closer, it's an SE bumper. No tailpipe cutouts.

nos4blood70 wrote:
Also, if I may ask, why did you car have an SLE/SSEi bumper on it?

Good eye!

A few years ago, I backed into the corner of the garage, hitting my snowblower and I put a tear in the bumper cover. I found this used, and already painted Silver, so it was an easy fix. My plan was to eventually get dual exhaust off an SSEi and replace the system from the cat back. That never happened. The stock exhaust would not wear out, and then this happened...

Oh Well...

It angers me how some people refuse to pay attention to the road, they would rather be doing a hundred other things (that is my guess that he wasn't paying any attention). Well, hopefully once you get things worked out, you might be able to go a few models higher, such as an SSEi or GXP.

dangrus4060 wrote:Here's one that was worse... (dont have link as original post was on old Bonneville site so just linking my photobucket)

http://s181.photobucket.com/albums/x76/ ... ?start=all

I remember that. When people ask me why I don't start driving "something smaller and more efficient," I tell them about this. There is probably not a whole lot else out there smaller than an H-body that can get hit like that, and the occupants can still walk away from it.

gweg_b wrote: Well, hopefully once you get things worked out, you might be able to go a few models higher, such as an SSEi or GXP.

I think that's my plan. I wanted to get a G8 GT at some point. But I'm not ready for a car payment, so I will be looking for a decent GXP after we settle.

Yeah, I jumped on a deal for a '09 G8 GT, but that did set me back a lot (and for the next 5 years, ha). But if you find a nice low mileage GXP, you'll be set (I really do like the GXP's, but was never able to find one in a good enough condition for the right price, so I went with an SSEi instead).

If you were really infatuated with that your car was gonna hit 200k, and gets great mileage, don't get a GXP. Neither of those happen on that car.

2002FO wrote:

gweg_b wrote: Well, hopefully once you get things worked out, you might be able to go a few models higher, such as an SSEi or GXP.

I think that's my plan. I wanted to get a G8 GT at some point. But I'm not ready for a car payment, so I will be looking for a decent GXP after we settle.

I wanted a G8 for a long time but my Grandfather gave me warning that they were made in Australia and that they have issue with the lower arm control and that you will have to replace it indefinitely. I trust his judgement he's been working with multiple Car Dealers for over 30 years as Parts/Service Manager.

You have to replace a couple of bushings, because of how they were strapped down on the ship over. The bigger worry now is parts availability.

00Beast wrote:If you were really infatuated with that your car was gonna hit 200k, and gets great mileage, don't get a GXP. Neither of those happen on that car.

Well, the 230K goal was more out of necessity than anything. It would have been neat to see, but I can't say I was infatuated with it. As far as reliability with a GXP, I haven't heard of many horrible issues. Fuel economy is secondary.

If I do get a GXP, it would have to be one with lower miles.

If not a GXP, I'd settle for a clean SSEi... or perhaps a Honda Civic...

Head gaskets, the general persnickety-ness of the N* engine, and the fact that GM cost-cutting was in FULL effect in 2005 really show here, on top of all the other 00+ issues. Just had to get the front brakes replaced for the 2nd time today (108k miles). $400 for 13" rotors, pads and rebuild the calipers, since it's 100 miles from home and I had no time to do it myself. I'd be looking for a nice 03 SSEi with low miles, or a nice 05 SLE. You'll be much further ahead....

400$ wont even buy the rotors on my gxp...

Sadden wrote:400$ wont even buy the rotors on my gxp...

And there it is... SSEi

00Beast wrote:$400 for 13" rotors, pads and rebuild the calipers, since it's 100 miles from home and I had no time to do it myself.

And how much would an SSEi have cost to do the same? Not that far off I would imagine. Having brake jobs done by a shop will seriously inflate the cost. I was able to get cheap 13" rotors at AutoZone for $30 because that's all they had when I was in Michigan. Paired with a good pad, 1.5 years and 26,000 miles later they are still flawless. A quick online purchase from RockAuto gets you good brakes for only slightly more than the cost of an SSEi. If you're going to knock any area of the GXP for parts cost, brakes shouldn't be one of them. The maintenance cost increase is marginal.

While I don't really advocate a GXP in this case either, it's not the devil that Ed makes it out to be. Reliability wise they are not that bad, you're dealing with the same kind of sensor and running issues that you would see on a 3800. The issue becomes the ease of service, since the big DOHC powertrain is pretty much shoehorned in (the whole size 5 dress, size 10 woman analogy). If you do your own repairs and don't mind the occasional challenging fix, it's not so bad to own. I don't regret buying mine.

Im sorry about your accident, but im glad you are ok. I got rear ended myself, but it's definitely not as bad as yours.

*shoot* happens, but the biggest frustration is when someone else "oh come on, really" your day.

Definitely consider a G8, or SSEi. GXP's are nice, but im not familiar with the body, only the engine. The Northstars are great when they work, only issue is oil consumption, and the need to pull the engine when you need to change the oil pan gasket or half-case seal. I dont hear often of headgasket issues. If I had the choice id get the 3800.

Jerry, I agree, but between this car, what happened to yours before you owned it, and others' experiences, I just cannot tell someone to go out and get a GXP. If they know what they're getting into, fantastic, I wish them all the best. But I'm not going to pretend it's been a fantastic car.

repinS wrote:

00Beast wrote:$400 for 13" rotors, pads and rebuild the calipers, since it's 100 miles from home and I had no time to do it myself.

If you're going to knock any area of the GXP for parts cost, brakes shouldn't be one of them. The maintenance cost increase is marginal.

While I don't really advocate a GXP in this case either, it's not the devil that Ed makes it out to be. Reliability wise they are not that bad, you're dealing with the same kind of sensor and running issues that you would see on a 3800. The issue becomes the ease of service, since the big DOHC powertrain is pretty much shoehorned in (the whole size 5 dress, size 10 woman analogy). If you do your own repairs and don't mind the occasional challenging fix, it's not so bad to own. I don't regret buying mine.

Well said... I do all my own work (except for exhaust and AC recharging) so doing work on a Northstar would not be a deterrent to me. Where I get gun shy would be dealing with transmission issues with the V8. I have no experience with that trans, so it would be uncharted waters.
I know the 3800 very well, so I probably will go for another Bonneville with the 3800. Perhaps this time with the blower.
I still have to wait to see what the insurance company will give me, as that determines what I'll be buying....


I'll tell ya.. this just isn't any fun...

Here's the thing: The transmission can handle the engine. The 4T80E is a great transmission. However, the engine is extremely tight in the engine bay (size 10 engine in a size 2 dress) and it's a BEAR to do anything more than oil changes and air filter changes on it. Plugs, coolant flushes, etc; all a massive PITA.

Try changing the starter.

sandrock wrote:Try changing the starter.

Probably one of the easiest things to do on these cars. Ask me how I know. lol

Well, I got an offer for 3650 today from the insurance company. Yeah, it had a bunch of miles on it, but I won't be able to replace it for 3600 dollars. Keep in mind, I just put new tires on it (550.00) both front wheel bearings and inner tie rods and alignment (765.00) egr valve, O2 sensors, plugs, wires, etc. So the car was in excellent condition mechanically. Whatever I find to replace it, will need most of those items.
So, tomorrow morning I have to call them back and let them know if that will be acceptable. I'm countering with 4800.00

All I can do is ask...