It's all YOUR fault!! Proud New 2002 SLE Owner Checking In..

[wader2k]

Hi all!

I've been on the hunt to replace a 97 Intrepid that has been eating me up in repairs for the better part of 6 months.
Didn't look too seriously when Winter set in, but started up in earnest a few weeks ago.

After looking and reading a lot I narrowed it down to 3 models- Buick LeSabre Limited, Caddy Seville or Eldo, and of course the Bonneville.

1st car that turned up was a 2005 LeSabre. Looked great and had a nice Sunroof. 100000 miles on it. Asking $6500. Thought it was perfect till I ran a VINcheck and it was listed Salvage Rebuild. Now it could have been alright, but I figured why risk it.

A Seville had me really salivating, but after several hours reading about the Northstar I had to walk away<grin>.

Saw a 2002 Bonneville online and started burning up the internet - which led me to this forum. This forum convinced me that this car was a wise choice.

Details: 2002 Pontiac Bonneville SLE in a Bronze (Greymist?) color. I would have preferred Black, but this car shines! Sunroof. It doesn't have the HUD or the Driver Memory buttons on the door handle, but is fully loaded otherwise. Tires look brand new. Chrome Alloy rims.

Emailed the lot and asked for the Carfax. Carfax was about as good as it gets. 1 Owner. Dealer serviced for the it's entire 100,877 mile life. Every 3000 miles oil changed. They went to Florida a couple of times from Madison Wisc area. Brakes and rotors turned 1 year ago. ABS and electrical checked 6 months ago. Windows checked 1 year ago.

Car lot had recently dropped the price from $7000 to $6000 and I went in and talked him down to $5500 out the door.

Car is minty. Really nice! I've only had it 1 day, but put 140 miles on yesterday up and down the highway and around town. Averaged 24.5 mpg and this is around Chicago Ohare traffic. Didn't notice any shimmy that some experience at 60-70mph.

3 minor problems I've read a little here about:
* Driver heated seats: the light goes on and goes right back off. Probably an open in the seat wiring. Passenger seat seems to work fine.
* At least 1 of the incandescent bulbs in the radio are out.
* Rear driver side window does not operate at all from any controller. Not sure about this one. My guess is the motor. Any comments?

I need to have a mechanic look her over. Probably should have the tranny fluid/filter done as it just rolled 100,000 miles. Advise here is appreciated. I am not a mechanic. My skills don't take me much further than changing spark plugs and wires. I have been known to get motivated and delve deeper on occasion<grin>.

Anyway....sorry about the book here!

tl/dr version: I bought a 2002 SLE and I am LOVING it and it's all THIS FORUMS fault!!


Will take some pictures as soon as I can stop driving it long enough to take them.

[wader2k]

These pics are from the dealers....haven't had a chance to take my own yet.

[yonkerse]

Car looks to be in great shape! Certainly pretty low mileage for the year! Sounds like the car has been well taken car of, keep up on the maintenance and she will treat you well for many years!

[wader2k]

Thanks Eric. This place is a great resource. I already know how to fix the radio lights and have read up on the seat heater. Just waiting for a warm day to get started. Will be reading thru the mechanical stuff to see what needs checked out ASAP.

Here's a goofy little pic my wife shot the day I got it. I think I was a little giddy!

[yonkerse]

That's a similar look I have everytime I drive mine! haha

I would suggest dropping the trans pan to change the fluid. This doesn't get it all out, but gets about half of it..change the trans fluid every 50K and eventually all the original fluid will get changed. The trans is the weakest part of the drivetrain, but with the proper maintenance, it will serve you well!!

The repair is simple. But a transmission filter and like 7 quarts of Dexron III transmission fluid. Since theres no plug on the pan, you need to slowly loosen all the bolts until the fluid starts running out. Eventually remove all the bolts and remove the pan, catching as much fluid as you can. Take the old filter out and replace with the new one. Wipe the pan out with paper towels and clean the magnet in the pan from any debris. Put the pan back on, fill with fluid and your done. Certainly not a hard task, just a messy one at times!

[DCJREDLINE]

Congrats and welcome to the asylum

[nos4blood70]

Welcome to the club!
That car is really clean! Doesn't look like its mileage or age whatsoever.

I'm also from Chicago so if you need any help with anything...

[SSEiMan01]

I'll help ya out too! Seems like I've touched upon a lot of cars around here... I remember seeing the ad for that car. Clean ride!

[99BonnevilleSE]

Another Chicagoan here! Very nice car! Hope to see you at a meet one time

[wader2k]

Thanks for the warm welcome folks!

I'm actually up in the Northern burbs. Zion to be exact.
I work in Northbrook though, a good 55 miles/day commute. Which is going to be very enjoyable for the foreseeable future<grin>.

I appreciate all the offers for help....better be careful what ya ask for!
Will, you actually saw this car advertised? Wow. I can't remember, but I think I saw it on the Racine/Kenosha craigslist first. Little hole in the wall dealer in Kenosha really.
I don't think this car was gonna last long once he lowered the price.

The only major work I anticipate is the tranny fluid/filter and possibly the Intake gaskets. Not too sure about this yet...but it seems a possibility. It will have to wait a bit because it's an expensive proposition and beyond my abilities. I have to look into the coolant situation too. The consensus seems to be all for flushing Dex cool and switching if DEX is what is in it?

I will be taking this car to Missouri, down around the Ozarks, in late May. That should be an enjoyable ride!

Anyway, thanks again for the welcome, and a meet seems like a fun time!

[Backhoe]

Nice pick-up for sure, looks great! congrats!

[StrayCat]

Welcome, and we're glad we could help you choose! :D It's awesome to read that.

(I'm from Northern IL myself, too!)