Ok, talk me into it

[1993BonneSEIN]

I've got a 1993 SE that I've been driving since I was 16. She's got under 170,000 miles on her and can pull over 28mpg on the highway if I "play nice". I'll admit I drool a little bit when I see one of the newest G6's go by, but I'm also kinda attached to the notoriety of driving around an older vehicle with such a great engine. Here's the thing: she needs some help. I've got no passenger mirror, 2 of my 3 temp control knobs are stripped off, the ceiling upholstery had to be stapled back up in an emergency, the AC blows hot air, she's got her share of rust spots (salted roads in IN), and I don't even know what all is lurking in my engine's near future. I'd been thinking of looking at newer used cars but I had a slight panic attack when I realized how much their $ had skyrocketed. If I could put a little bit into this car and at least make it last another 3 years or so reliably I'd be much happier since I'm a grad student and money is tight. I'm not much of a car expert as you can probably tell, but if I thought there was a real chance I could get Bonne cleaned up....well, try would be the key word. I'm an engineer so if someone can point me in the direction of a good bank of diagrams/manuals I should be in a good place.

The only mechanical component I know for sure needs replacing is the TPS sensor. Basically what I'm asking is if YOU had this car and a budget of under $800, what would you do to it? My priorities are: increase vehicle comfort (AC and I'd like to help the seat as it is flattened and I have a bad back), keep the great mpg while extending engine life, polish up the appearances (can I even get paint in my matching maroon color anymore?), and hold or increase value of the vehicle for potential trade in.

OR do you think making these kind of repairs is akin to throwing money down the drain? I honestly don't know.

I know this is long but I wanted to be as detailed as possible so I could get some really informed, thoughtful responses. Thanks in advance!

[SSEiMan01]

Well, personally, If the Motor runs good, and the trans is solid, I would probably throw a little money at it and keep it. Do all the necessary maintenance, a set of used/ junkyard seats, replace headliner, etc. Bottom line is cars have gone up in value recently, which is kind of a double edge sword... If you trade now, it is worth more, while at the same time you will be paying more for your next car.
Just my .02, but I would likely just keep it, you know where this car has been and that it is reliable, dare I say one of the best in terms of that...
As far as touch-up paint goes, if you know the color code, most parts stores carry touch-up paint, whether they have that color is a shot in the dark, but you could also look online for a bottle. IIRC, Andrew (Harofeak00), uses one site in particular for this, I cant remember which one. Keep in mind that it may not be a perfect match because of the age of the paint in question. (assuming original )
You can find the color code on the RPO sticker, which hopefully one of the 92-99 guys will chime in as to its location.
This site is a great resource for any help you need with your Bonneville,
Welcome to the club!

[RJolly87]

Remember, you drive a sub $1000 car, and not much will change that, including time. If you wait, depreciation is still working its magic on what ever car you want, but also remember too, average mileage is going up on used units, and it seems like most newer stuff does not have the service track record of what you have now, so expect maintenance. With that being said, do what you can to your current car, fix what upsets you. Just remember though, A/C can be a can of worms, fixes can range from a cheapo switch, to a compressor that self destructed, and threw chunks through the entire system.

As far as seats go, junkyard, as already mentioned.

And I am sure you could easily get that fuel mileage up if you set your mind to it. I have heard of instances of a '93 Bonneville pulling 40mpg on the road.

Also, do what repairs and maintenance yourself. No point paying somebody else for something you don't mind doing.

[nos4blood70]

I'd say keep it. You can fix most of what you said without that much trouble. The A/C is something to watch out for though. When my compressor went out, my local shop estimated that fixing it would cost $750 to replace and recharge. You might be luckier than me however. And you can easily raise your gas mileage on the highway. Drive 55. Perhaps even follow a semi-trailer at a SAFE distance. But that's just my two cents.

[RJolly87]

Also remember, the L27 is a completely different animal when it comes to fuel mileage than the L36, especially when coupled with the 2.84 FDR. Many people, when tuned up properly, can get the same fuel mileage at 75 as they do at 55. Mainly because of the torque curve and motor characteristics.

As I said earlier, I would keep it running until you are done with it. Don't cut corners, but don't spend money you don't have to. It should treat you well until you are done, or it blows up.

[wake]

keep it...those new G6's may be pretty...but they dont make em like this anymore

[LeSabre in Buffalo]

If you have the tools, know-how, and TIME, fix it up. With this recession dragging on, most cheap used cars are a can of worms or worse. Your car can do everything just as well as a newer car, and you know the history of it. Put some money into it and keep it going.

For the paint, a auto-body-supply shop is the most likely place to have it. The RPO codes are on the spare tire cover in the trunk. Just hope it's original to the car, or you'll have a harder job.

[dgleichner]

Just remember, most loans are going to be @ $300 per month. You can do a lot of fixing up for three months of car payments and still have a car that will last you another year or more??

[RJolly87]

Just remember, most loans are going to be @ $300 per month. You can do a lot of fixing up for three months of car payments and still have a car that will last you another year or more??

Gonna have to throw down a major "Werd" on that one. I find myself thinking the same thing when I think about getting another car.

[GreenNYellow67]

Working at a GM Dealership (former Pontiac Dealer) and dealing with the G6 Pontiacs, I would not own one that wasn't under warranty. Once those cars go out of warranty is when they start to brake expensive parts (i.e. lower ball joints that are not replaceable without the control arm). Plus, the ones I have seen come thru for the used car department are either not taken care of, or are old rental cars that you have no idea how they were cared for (driven or maintenance wise) with a ton of miles for there age. I would keep the car you know and has a good reputation for going a long time.

[John Deere Boy]

What part of indiana are you in? Richmond here.

By the way, polls aren't working on this site right now, which is why you're not getting any votes.