Which years are the best?

[94SilverSSEi]

Hi just wondering what year bonnies would be the best I mean over all

Such things as reliability
Most maintnence needed
Things that would need to be replaced and so on

THe old Buick started makin some funny noises it was more noticeable but wuite suttle at idle obviously because the engine was not running but it was like a constant "bohm" "bohm" "bohm" kind of noise any know what it might be dont really care as the car was only $400 bucks and have had it for about a year so it worked out very well didnt have to do anything to it except oil changes also


Sorry got off topic so if you could post what years would be the best cheapest to maintain or whatever just post what you think is the best year and give me some valid reasons thanks

Have been lookin at some 97's and 98's I just love that Burgundy or whatever you call that one purple color

Also what type of engine would be better Im thinkin a NA because they get better gas mileage but love the L67
Any help on this either
Thanks

[freneticburn]

I personally like the look of the late 90's models (in particular the 1997s through 1999s). The 3800 Series 2 engines are already known for being bullet-proof (with exception to intake manifold issues). I live in Minnesota, park my car outside almost all the time, and drive all winter and my car almost has no rust (98 Bonneville). I haven't had to do any real repairs yet but I did do some tune-up stuff and voluntarily replaced some stuff that would have been fine had I left it alone. I live in an area where there are Bonnevilles EVERYWHERE, or at the very least a lot of Pontiacs and Buicks with the 3.8 Series 2. Most of them I see are running and in excellent condition, I personally know two people running 3.8 series 2 with over 200k miles and one of them never even had to replace his UIM . If there is something wrong with their Bonnes it's usually stuff like power antennas or rear air suspension leaking.

I'd say go for any Bonneville with a 3.8 S2 engine.

[Roadtech195]

I would have to jump on the 96-99 bandwagon. I own a 96 SE with the L36 and it has run flawlessly for the last 7.5 years I have had it. The only maintenance I have done to the car is tires, brakes (rotors and pads) regular oil changes, front wheel hubs, battery when I first bought the car(free), trans flush and fill(wasn't needed but I had it done for free), for some reason my 3rd brake light seems to need replacing every 2 years. maybe I should spring for the long life bulbs. My car can't go 140 like a SSEI but I still get to work on time doing 110. the 40 extra horses would only mean more speeding tickets.

[93 SSE 4 ME]

My '93 handled a little better, and probably had a little more back seat room. Definitely a better car than my '91 Olds (3800 S1). My '05 is a nicer car overall, a bit more refined. I'd be happy with either one in similar condition.

Mark

[Allmachtige]

My fav years would have to be 98,99,2003.

[bill buttermore]

The L27 is the most dependable version of the 3800 in my opinion. The newest one you can find is a '94. Then you have the crummy OBD1.5 PCM to deal with. So, a cherry '93 is a good choice. I like the tail-lights on the 92-95 way better than the next generation, and I really like the grille on the 92 SE.

[LeSabreUltra]

My favorites would probably be the 96-97's due to the Series II power, OBD-II capability and 4T-60E transmission...

Once you get the UIM/LIM gaskets taken care of and put a good cooler on the trans you've got yourself a really solid car.
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[J Wikoff]

My family has 2 92 L27's that are approaching 400k miles with no engine work but a couple sensors. Each has had the tranny rebuilt twice, but what 3800 with that many miles hasn't twice or more? Just a few probably.

[94SilverSSEi]

So far it looks like the L27 has got top marks and from my experience that is true because we bought a '92 Buick with like 330k on it and it finnallly is actin up makin some funny noises oh well I guess a $400 lasted a year so far and who knows how much longer was worth it-Have not replaced or rebuilt anything as of yet and will not be doing anything of the sort as it is a total piece of crap anyways e.g. all the trim is either gone or falling off bottom of quarters have huge rust whole enough to put your arm through previous owner ramed a telephone pole w/the side of the car so passengers side is demolished somehow the carpet is always wet while nothing under the hood leaks and last but not least we were recently rammed by a large conversion van so the rear bumper is all cracked and the gas tank has a dent in it oh yeah and the clear coat has pockets so there are large patches of dirt under the clear coat and it is a white car

I just look at it as really how much longer can it last and who really cares what it looks like as long as it gets me from point A to B and starts up every time

Im really starting to want my Bonneville back

Not as much said be said for my baby though the poor '94 SSEi crapped out me

This helped alot so I think Ill be getting '92- '95 SSE because I have to have leather seats no matter what and plus it has an L27 but looks like an SSEi that way you get the best of everything

[LeSabreUltra]

This helped alot so I think Ill be getting '92- '95 SSE because I have to have leather seats no matter what and plus it has an L27 but looks like an SSEi that way you get the best of everything

If you want an L27 don't get a 95, it has the L36.
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[94SilverSSEi]

Oh yeah thanks forgot about that

[bill buttermore]

And, I would be happy to trade my leather seats for cloth any day. Cloth is cooler in the summer, warmer in the winter and way more comfortable all the time.

[Boreas]

My favorites would probably be the 96-97's due to the Series II power, OBD-II capability and 4T-60E transmission...

Once you get the UIM/LIM gaskets taken care of and put a good cooler on the trans you've got yourself a really solid car.
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The 1996 is the only year that has Series 2 and 4t60. However 96 is my favorite year for the same reasons you describe. You get the best engine with the strongest transmission from the factory.

[LeSabreUltra]

The 1996 is the only year that has Series 2 and 4t60. However 96 is my favorite year for the same reasons you describe. You get the best engine with the strongest transmission from the factory.

Interesting. I assumed 97 as well because my 97 LeSabre has the 4T60E.
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[Jrs3800]

The 1996 is the only year that has Series 2 and 4t60. However 96 is my favorite year for the same reasons you describe. You get the best engine with the strongest transmission from the factory.

Interesting. I assumed 97 as well because my 97 LeSabre has the 4T60E.
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For 97, If you were NA you got the 4T60-E... If you were Supercharged you got the 4T65-E

[RookieSSei]

i guess it all depends on what you like there is no best pick a style you like and get it

[freneticburn]

And, I would be happy to trade my leather seats for cloth any day. Cloth is cooler in the summer, warmer in the winter and way more comfortable all the time.

I'm the exact opposite, leather all the way

[thunderhand]

everyone knows the 94's are the best years..

and yeah.. i would prefer cloth.. but leather looks better and is easier to clean.

[mrbear3800]

LN3's FTW!!

I found the wife's old L27 equipped 93 Lesabre was the best running overall but seemed to be "leaky". My friend had a 94 that also was a good runner.

Her old 99 Lesabre was just junk. I could never get it to run right, it always seemed to be having problems, and the power delivery wasn't as smooth as the 93's. And of course, total UIM failure occured but didn't wreck the engine luckily. Even after it was fixed, it always reeked of coolant and seeped oil. I'm also not too impressed with my mother's 03 Lesabre but that may change once I finish the UIM/LIM gasket job.

Both my 89 and 90 Lesabres were just outstanding cars. I love that LN3. Were the best riding by far as well. Too bad they rot away so easily around here.

[lash]

The 1996 is the only year that has Series 2 and 4t60...

Interesting. I assumed 97 as well because my 97 LeSabre has the 4T60E.

For 97, If you were NA you got the 4T60-E... If you were Supercharged you got the 4T65-E

True.

My '97 has the 4T60E and an L36.

Cloth seats are my personal favorite, especially here in Florida. They are harder to keep clean, true enough, and may not look as sharp though.