HI Everyone,
My 94 Bonnie sadly is in need of an engine replacement. Too costly for the miles and wear.
I have come across a 1998 Bonneville, 110,000 miles NA, standard equipment very good condition, regular upkeep. Don't know if it has leather or not. Price $2750. Kelly Blue Book lists this at being near private price sale also.
I need a daily reliable commuter.
I am asking for some of your thoughts as to what should I look at having to do if I buy this car.
Is this a year that has a good repair history or is there better model to go for in the 95-99 range?
If this is an average model year, what might be some common issues for the 98'* to be ready to fix/ replace. I don't think the upper lower intakes have been touched.
Is it worth while looking at or should I pass this up
Your thoughts and input would be appreciated!
Aubie08

I would definitely look at it. I am fond of 95 and above. You can't go wrong!

Price is a little on the high side, IMO.

If you could work that price closer to $2,300 I think it'd be a decent buy.

Well the first and foremost thing to keep in mind with any series2 NA is:
http://www.bonnevilleclub.com/forum/...e=article&k=38

Easy enough fix for around $250 for everything except labor but if its already failed and coolant got into the oil it may be why the car is forsale. Be sure to take it on a lengthy ride and if you start to hear clicking/ticking then walk away or offer something really low.

Oil presuure whould be excellent after being warmed up and in gear @ idle you should see about 40; cold should be better than 60.

Check the condition of the kmember mounts at the subframe.

That all I can think of offhand.

What model is it? When you speak of standard equipment, there is alot of difference on what would be standard for an SE compared to an SSE. If it is an SSE, that'* a good price IMO. If it is an SE, not the best deal. Problems with a 98 are pretty much the same as with the 96, 97, and 99.

azu,
vital49,
popatim,
Barry,
Thank you all for your responses. I have yet to see this car but will be able to tomorrow and test drive it etc...
The info I have received so far over the phone has been have been updated a little ,
The miles are 130,000plus not 110,000 as I was told earlier this evening. How much more does this factor in maybe passing this up? or adjustment in price?
I believe this car to be an SE.
popatim. I will definitely be looking for thoses things about the car from the list you gave. The higher mileage is a little bit of a factor for me.
Aubie08

Don't let the miles scare you. With some loving these cars last well into the 200,000 mile range and above.

Hey, let'* not forget this great guide!
http://www.bonnevilleclub.com/forum/...=article&k=114

I forgot about that one! Lots of great info so be sure to check it out!

radomirthegreat
azu,
The link is an excellent one for checking out a vehicle!
I looked at the 98 I have been referring to and it is just a little on the tired side. There is a slight slippage of the transmission under a good gas pedal romp, an increase in the RPMs while the transmission shifts between gears and then fully engages and then the RPMs settle to normal. There was a sluggishness when I first started it. With that and just an over all feel of being a little worn I passed it up.
I came across a very well kept 98 at a dealer. Had the chance to talk to the previous owner and its service history was kept up, regular,oil, transmission flush and fill, 114,700 miles, and overall well taken care of and in excellent shape. Riight now it'* almost double what the private sale was. We'll see how far they'll come down...
Aubie08