PontiacBonnevilleClub.com

so i currently have a bonneville, and im seriously deciding whether i should sell it and buy a g8 or keep the bonneville.

i have no idea how the g8's are, so if you could tell me something about the g8 anything is more than welcome.

thanks daniel

Go test drive one and see if you like it. Totally different car.

Well, since half the members on this site had/have gone from a Bonneville to a Holden product (G8's), what does that tell you?

I'll sum it up, It's bigger, especially in the rear seat area, has a V8, funnels it's V8 power through the rear wheels, and is a pretty decent handling car.

Going from an SE, this thing will be like driving a Corvette, with 4 doors...

I have both. The Bonneville (SSEi) has a nicer ride, gets better gas mileage, and is much better optioned than my G8 (GXP). In terms of performance (power, handling, and turning radius) there is no comparison to the G8. The G8 is also bigger inside. I don't drive the G8 in the winter, so I can't tell you how it goes in snow, but the Bonneville cuts through the snow pretty good.

Previous advice to go test drive a G8 is sound. Check one or two out - if you can't live without one then get one. If you're happy with your Bonneville and don't want another payment, keep the Bonneville. If you need help spending your money you can get all kinds of advice here on how to do it - just say the word.

But if you are of the cheapskate mindset, the Bonneville might be the better choice. The parts are a dime a dozen it seems like, and plentiful in junkyards. The G8's tend to have the parts aspect working against them, because of the limited runs, at least the ones locally.

Bonneville shared parts with multiple platforms, for spanning over 10 years. G8 was only around for a few years, with everything being imported.

RJolly87 wrote:But if you are of the cheapskate mindset, the Bonneville might be the better choice. The parts are a dime a dozen it seems like, and plentiful in junkyards. The G8's tend to have the parts aspect working against them, because of the limited runs, at least the ones locally.

Bonneville shared parts with multiple platforms, for spanning over 10 years. G8 was only around for a few years, with everything being imported.

This is why I chickened out on buying a new or used G8. (oops, i just laid an egg). I do drool everytime I see one, but not enough to let go of the $$$$$ I have. - BC

Parts are so readily available for a Bonneville that I think barring catastrophic rust or collision, they can be kept running indefinitely for very little money if you keep them well maintained. Whenever I got thinking of getting a different car, I stuck with my Bonneville. I did do research on what car I would get if my Bonneville ever got wrecked, but the fantastic affordability of a Bonneville and it's good gas mileage with good engine power and comfortable yet sporty ride were enough to keep me more than happy with it. Until my wife totaled it, and then I bought a Mercedes Benz S500. My advice: Stick with the Bonneville, but test drive the G8 and keep aware of what G8's are available in your area for the day when somebody whacks into your Bonneville.

It all depends on your financial situation, more than anything. I'm assuming your bonneville is owned free and clear, and that you'd be selling it private-party to get a downpayment for the G8. Would you be financing the G8? Are you ready to live with 3-6 years of monthly payments? They do have a list of common problems, most notably being that the lifters take a *shoot*, requiring tearing the engine down to the short-block to replace the cam and lifters, and remove the Displacement on Demand system components, returning it to a traditional setup. That costs at least $1000, even if you DIY. Check our www.g8board.com and http://grrrr8.net/ and read up. Also, this is assuming you get a GT, with the L76 LS-based V8. If you're more interested in a V6 G8 for the price, they have timing chain issues. I loved my G8, and wish I still had it, but you gotta do what you gotta do sometimes...

Truth be told, I think the lifters and D.O.D. issues on Gen IV SBC's are a little overblown to be honest. Yes, it happens and has been something going on for some time, but then again, GM makes a lot of these engines whether it be in cars or in trucks with it. Throw enough poop at a wall, and something will eventually stick. Meaning, you make enough of them, statistically speaking you're prone to having a few come back with issues.

I have D.O.D. on the LS4 in the Impala and it's now at 100k with 0 issues related to the lifter/D.O.D. problem. And of course, I've now just jinxed myself...

Not saying it doesn't happen, just staying that I think it's a little overblown. Kinda like how everyone with a N* in the GXP's think they're always having head gasket issues, just because it happens...

Different car, different ball game. In terms of the quality of the vehicle, the G8 is the winner. It does a lot of things better than the Bonneville.

However, as mentioned above, the G8 is pricier, and not without issues of its own. The Bonneville is a great car that has the potential to keep going for a very long time with just a little love and care.

If you have the financial means though, I'd say the trade is a no brainer, especially if you think it'll make you happy. But I would only go up to a GT. A V6 G8 is entirely a waste of time and money. I'd almost consider the Bonneville a better vehicle than a V6 G8. At that point, the only thing the V6 has on the Bonneville is rear leg room.