First post: looking at a few 2000+ SSEIs, what to look for?

[forg0tmypen]

I'm ready to let go of my 1995 Pontiac Bonneville SE. Its been in the family since I was 10 years old, I'm now 24 and its my daily driver when I'm not in my Vette. I am very attached to my Bonne. Its been a warrior for me for almost 6 years now. Lots of great memories in this car...some happened in the back seat...some happened in the front seat But in all seriousness , I am ready for something a little more "modern" and something a little more fun to get me around town. So Ive set my sights on a 2000+ SSEI.





Local guy is selling his 2000 Bonneville SSEI in midnight blue, a similar color that just was reintroduced for the 2013+ Corvettes. He says hes gone through the car from head to toe and replaced everything and anything wrong. That includes a new supercharger, a new beefier tranny (with a warranty), brake lines, suspension parts, etc. He says the interior is amazing and he also has the original OEM floor mats to boot. The only thing worrying me is it has over 200,000 miles on it...Car makes 330hp according to him and the motor only has 74,000 miles.



I'm also interested in a 2003 SSEI with 105,000 miles but is bone stock with no power mods. Dealer says it runs perfect and is in great shape. I'm selling my 1995 that is running amazing with only one issue (air sometimes only comes out of the defrost). I want a car that is going to be trouble free for me for a long time.

http://miami.craigslist.org/brw/ctd/3612127763.html

Lastly, I am looking at a 2000 SSEI in green with tan interior, just like my 1995. Again, its stock...but has 112,000 miles. Heres a link: http://ocala.craigslist.org/ctd/3635673707.html

When I go to look at these, what should I look for? My 1995 has been a rock for me. Are the 2000 SSEIs as reliable? I know the motors are close to bullet proof...but not idiot proof. Im more worried about the rest of the cars....Thanks for any help. This forum looks like its going to be a lot of fun.

[00Beast]

If that 00 has 300+ HP, then it's likely been beat on...

I'd take a look at the 03 and the green one.

Love to see more pics of your 'Vette too!

[Nocrank]

If you want something that's going to be trouble free for a very long time. I'd tell you to stay away from the 2000+ Bonneville. How ever you may get lucky and find that one that needs just minimal work over a period of time. It will also depend on how and how much you use it whether it is trouble free for a very long time. I know I may get a lot of bad comments do to writing these things but 2000+ Id say to around 2008 Gm built many vehicles that were really sub par. (Basically they were not trouble free for long periods of time) One of the major reasons they needed to be bailed out by goverment. Use the list in the sticky http://www.pontiacbonnevilleclub.com/fo ... 25362.html this will give you many things to look for.

[nubuilder]

If that 00 has 300+ HP, then it's likely been beat on...

I'd take a look at the 03 and the green one.

Love to see more pics of your 'Vette too!

I want my car to look like that 03...... That green one looks nice. Never seen a green one around here.


Here's what I shoulda checked when I bought mine:
1) spare tire well (water)
2) under carpet (water)

So far, knock on wood, I haven't found anything else that I didn't already know about through the test drive (front struts needed and an oil leak; possibly valve covers).

[2003 SSEi]

IMO the 03 has all of the "updates" of the earlier models.

That is what i would aim for presonally

[nubuilder]

IMO the 03 has all of the "updates" of the earlier models.

That is what i would aim for presonally

What's different about '03?
(is there a thread with years & differences at all?)

[forg0tmypen]

Im also curious as to the changes in 2003...

[00Beast]

(is there a thread with years & differences at all?)

Bam: http://www.pontiacbonnevilleclub.com/fo ... 78744.html

[forg0tmypen]

So the 2003 is the consensus... My mechanic that's worked on my Bonneville told me that you can't get the supercharger for the L67 anymore...So how does one go about replacing that like the guy did who's selling the 2000 blue ssei?

[nos4blood70]

You can toss a used one on it. Probably what he did.

[2003 SSEi]

or swap on a Gen V

[00Beast]

You can get them used, or you can have them rebuilt. Mine has 194,000 miles on it, and I've only put a coupler and rear bearings in it, but that's ONLY because I had it ported (rear bearings) and it was apart anyways (coupler).

[nubuilder]

(is there a thread with years & differences at all?)

Bam: http://www.pontiacbonnevilleclub.com/fo ... 78744.html

Thanks! I'll have to keep some of that in mind when looking for parts in the future.
I must have a late '02 because I have a Monsoon system.

You can get them used, or you can have them rebuilt. Mine has 194,000 miles on it, and I've only put a coupler and rear bearings in it, but that's ONLY because I had it ported (rear bearings) and it was apart anyways (coupler).

Does yours sound somewhat horrifying on cold startup with a FWI?

I put in my FWI and about *shoot* my pants when I started it the first time.

[00Beast]

If it sounds like a hoover on cocaine, then yeah.

[forg0tmypen]

What's an FWI? Here's the Craigslist ad for the first car: http://orlando.craigslist.org/cto/3609582968.html

[00Beast]

FWI = Fenderwell Intake: http://intense-racing.com/Merchant2/mer ... _Induction

[Nocrank]

Love the 2.93 Rear Axel Ratio. Lol

[nubuilder]

If it sounds like a hoover on cocaine, then yeah.

That's one way to put it I guess. Maybe I'll try to get a vid of it....

[forg0tmypen]

Well the 2003 has serious issues...AC blows hot...traction light is on...interior buttons are faded shoot I want an '03 ssei

[forg0tmypen]

Just updating. Drove quite a few 2000+ models. None were very nice. None were any better than what I have...soooo I kept my Bonneville and will probably drive it until it blows. Or the trans goes...those are $$$ Id rather spend on a new car instead.

Wow realized I started this topic when I was 24. I just turned 26 now..jeeze!