Worth keeping SLE after 200k? Or get an ssei?

[firstbonnei1994]

So yeah is it worth it? Sorry if it is in the wrong section.

The vehicle is 2000 Pontiac bonneville SLE

I know it depends on how's it's been maintained. I got it with 214k and now it's at 224k I've changed oil, rotated tires, coolant flush since then as maintenance.

In 1 year I've had her, ac compressor went bad, heater core broke, leakage on radiator, starter went bad. Now I put new tired and went in to get the alignment and turns out that tie rod and sway bar is broken so I will need to get those fixed before I get my alignment done

I have been reading up on reliability and it seems they are good but since this is a high mileage vehicle, what do you recommend? Engine is smooth the mechanic said it is very good in condition and the transmission seems good. No rough shifts. Though it used to shake the car when put in D or R but since I've put ignition coils in, it doesn't do that anymore. Occasionally once on cold morning but not during the day.

I don't mind spending money to fix a thing or two as I love this car but every 2 months something comes along.

Given what has broken and how things are with the reliability would you recommend me to keep this or based on exp or stories you know tere will be a lot more repairs coming?

Also how's the reliability on ssei and Grand Prix 2004 and up? If I ditch this car I want a car around 5k that will be reliable and looks good like this one. First car and I'm spoiled.

Looking forward to suggestions

[94SilverSSEi]

Well, heres a huge point.


Can you do your own work or no?


If you can work on the car yourself then most definitely keep it if it is in good running order. If you have to take it in for every little thing (no harm in that), it will get very expensive very fast. But if the car has been maintained well, it should run a good long while.


I've got 304k miles on mine. But I've spent probably $2200 in PARTS ALONE. And I have done all the labor, but once you replace everything you're good to go and its almost like drive a new car....almost



If you can't work on it yourself, I'd say drive it till it start falling apart and dump it. Because with that mileage your car is probably only worth $1500, give or take. And even a non-runner should be worth half that. So you don't really have much to loose.

[firstbonnei1994]

Nope unfortunately I can't do work on cars. Not mechincally inclined.

So basically I take it that these cars are reliable , but i will have something here and there to fix due to miles on it. So if i can't do my own work then it is better to move on?

How about if i get SSEI 00+ with around 100k like 120 maybe. Is that a stupid decision or i should go for it?

[94SilverSSEi]

At the current moment, it doesn't sound like you're have many issues. Personally I'd just keep driving it and bank rolling some extra cash for your new car. These cars are EXTREMELY reliable when taken care.

[3800SERIESII]

I'd say keep it. Like said before, when maintained, they wont let you down. An 00+ ssei with over 100k will still have maintenance that your current car may need. Maintenance will show up with any car. The only difference is spending more money on a lower mileage car, gaining some accel, and losing fuel mileage. It will pay off more to stay with your SLE, even keep it as a second car, and save money on the side for your "new" ride.