new member searching for an SSEi

[nubuilder]

Hello,

My name is Matthew. I'm in La Crosse, WI. I've been searching for a 00+ SSEi for a few months now (originally, just a Bonneville, but after thinking and looking more, I'd rather get an SSEi). I've run across this site several times researching several topics (UIM & LIM gaskets, valve cover gaskets, sunroof drainage issues, along with many others). Right now, I have only test driven 1 Bonneville (needed more money stuck into it; might as well just buy a nicer car than that one), but liked the car a lot for it's size, features, and well known engine (I was originally considering a Grand Prix, but I like the added gauges the Bonneville has, oil pressure and voltage, along with several other features). The only thing I'm not a huge fan of is having 17" wheels (tires are more expensive than 16").

As I said, I do not currently own a Bonneville, but hope to in the near future. For now, I joined up to learn more about the cars and ask some questions.

Currently I own a 1998 Chevy K1500 Silverado Z71 5.7L with 130k (my baby and project/fun truck; no longer driven in the winter) and a 1998 Chevy S10 ZR2 4.3L 5spd with 145k (mostly my winter vehicle). I have big plans for my K1500 that include a marine intake swap (if anyone is familiar with that; it's taking an intake off a boat which allows you to install larger injectors and still use all aftermarket and OEM parts such as CAI and throttle body), an ECM swap (to the 0411 out of the newer GM vehicles), and a Whipple supercharger (the reason for the intake and ECM swap). Right now, parts are just piling up along with research. I also have a 1984 Honda Nighthawk S 700cc (CB700SC) with 46k.

Having 2 trucks is nice (and really fun in the winter; love driving on snow), but it gets hard hauling a lot around (stuff and people; stuff that doesn't really belong in a bed) and a little better MPG's would be nice too, so I'm looking for a car now.


One quick question:
Where should I post my "questions when looking for an SSEi" thread? General Chat? 00-05 (other than GXP)?


Thanks for having me and I look forward to learning more from the site.

[vogie01]

http://www.pontiacbonnevilleclub.com/fo ... 35933.html

A member located in Duluth, MN is selling his B-ville. It is modded and seems to be a pretty nice ride.

[00Beast]

General Chat would probably be the best place.

What's your price range/ mileage range?

[1oldman]

ED, do you think it would be worth it for him to contack haro? If I ever get the $$$, that's probably where i'm getting my next ride. - BC

[00Beast]

Maybe. Haro just has the white 00 for sale right now, though.

[nubuilder]

http://www.pontiacbonnevilleclub.com/forum/for-sale-or-trade/topic35933.html

A member located in Duluth, MN is selling his B-ville. It is modded and seems to be a pretty nice ride.

That does look very nice, but if it were $4500, I'd be all over it....on second thought, he's almost 6hrs away.

General Chat would probably be the best place.

What's your price range/ mileage range?

Ok. Thanks for the tip.

Well, I'd really like to stay around $4k (maybe $4500 if it was perfect) and preferably around 125k (again, could be a little more depending on the car).

Here's what I've seen lately....
2001 $5k 140k - dealer
2002 $5k 127k, prior salvage (driver's door damaged only) - dealer
2001 125k $3900, dented driver's fender - owner

I offered $3500 on the last one, but I think they're looking for $3750.
This car has been posted for a while and reposted....
10-4-12 ----- $5000
10-8-12 ----- $5000
10-16-12 ----- $5000
10-22-12 ----- $4700
10-25-12 ----- $4300
11-1-12 ----- $4300
11-7-12 ----- $4300
11-12-12 ----- $4000
11-15-12 ----- $3900

I'd kinda like to stay away from dealers as they don't seem to want to negotiate all that much and can't tell me a decent history of the car.

ED, do you think it would be worth it for him to contack haro? If I ever get the $$$, that's probably where i'm getting my next ride. - BC

Maybe. Haro just has the white 00 for sale right now, though.

First, I have to say that Haro seems to the best when it comes to working on these cars. He's made several How-To's and various threads that have been amazing and great to learn from.

I've glanced at Haro's project threads and I've seen his white car for sale, but the miles are just too high for me and he's 5hrs away.
The only reason I'm looking as far as Des Moines, IA and Dubuque, IA are that my GF has family/friends there so it would be a good excuse to go visit.

[nos4blood70]

Good luck with your search. And welcome!

[harofreak00]

I have another project coming up... keep your eyes open.

[rrings]

Keep surfin Craigslist, thats what I did. Mine was listed at 3600, and i took it home for 3k.

[01bonneSC]

17" tires can be had for no more than $130/tire. Also the performance advantage of that one inch out weighs any price.

[nubuilder]

Thanks for the welcome guys.

Well, the new car search has kinda been put on hold. :(

After rethinking my finances, while they could easily afford a 3rd vehicle right now, they can't support a 3rd vehicle and a motorcycle if I plan on getting a nicer apartment next year. I'm leaving out a lot of details and there's some other stuff, but that's the just of it (needs VS wants). I hope you guys understand.


I'm still going to keep my eye on CraigsList. The car I listed a link to in Dubuque has been re-listed 11-20-12 and 11-25-12 for $3900. I don't know if the woman with it would even consider my $3500 offer again or not, but the car has been for sale since at least 9-29-12.

I still like these cars and still hope to have one someday. In the meantime, I hope it's still OK to hang around and ask some questions.