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Pontiac Bonneville
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Ed
- To the new arrivals - - WELCOME - enjoy the ride.
- Zaino ?? - -(stepping up on the box) (clearing throat) - My fellow Bonnevilians! I will not try to convert anyone to Zaino - - previous posts say it all - - use what you want, it's your car, time and money. Zaino does cost a bit more. That is the ONLY negative. However, in the real world, we all know you really only get what you pay for (we did pay for Bonnevilles after all). Initail preparation of any polish or treatment is what consumes your time - to do it correctly, you take your car down to bare finish and start from there. This applies to any polish or - -heaven forbid, wax! I have 30 coats of Zaino this year on my black baby - -why? - because I LOVE to put it on and watch it gleam. How long does it take? No longer than anyone else now - start to finish - -maybe 45-60 minutes to apply and remove maximum.
(stepping down from box)
Sorry, i get carried away. Check the other forums for the rest.
Now - -for som really COOL news.
I was at the track on the weekend - and received some stunning info - -proof that these are fast and furious cars! Sure we all feel the torque - but i have time slips to prove the SSEi is a beast.
4 trips down the track -
1- 15.08 1/4 et @ 94.28 mph and 2.43 60ft
2- 14.83 1/4 et @ 94.15 mph and 2.26 60ft
3- 14.82 1/4 et @ 94.09 mph and 2.30 60ft
4- 14.78 1/4 et @ 94.11 mph and 2.26 60ft
these are totally stock times - -no mods at all.
the only difference between the runs was a drop in tire presrure on the front tires and 1 hour between each run with a bag of ice on the supercharger to cool it down. I removed all loose and excess weight (spare, trunk mat, cargo net, floor mats etc) that might have added up to 50-60 lbs out of the car. I couldnt figure out how to get the damned back seat off and out for the last run, or i would have done that too.
I was running with a bunch of Grand Prix's I convoyed there with, and they were mighty impressed, as were the Honda boys that came by.
It was a great day - -and now I look forward to going back after i get my smaller pulley and cone intake installed next week . . . . illl keep you posted.
regards all - - Homer / Dennis
Still alive and kicking! I have to take my "Beauty" to the dealer to fix my rear passenger window. I've described the details on the problems board.
When I get it back I'll get some new pics for ya!
But check it out, my wife's Grand Prix GT had to have her front brakes replaced. First, we went to the dealer, ($450 Rotors & Pads) I said, "Next Please!" Went to my friendly neiborhood Midas and saved $100.00. It ALWAYS pays to shop around!
Peace!
KZM
How to do this? First, I have a pressure washer so my process relies heavily on this (these things are literally a blast and they're actually quite cheap). Anyway, I blast the wheels while washing the car and, after rinsing the car, I liberally soak the wheels and insides with STP Tuff Stuff wheel cleaner - I go through a lot of it so buy it by the case (it was on sale last week at $3.49 Cdn. a bottle). Then, I blast away, move the car 1/2 wheel turn, re-apply the cleaner, wait and blast some more. This removes 100% of the built-up brake dust inside the wheels - that's the key to keeping the stuff from oozing back out everytime it rains.
I don't know how I'd do it without the pressure washer.
Hi there itia - Barb! Welcome to the forum and congrats on "Black Dahlia". I hope for your hubby's sake that you are a generous person when it comes to sharing the driving time - but you may have to keep a tight watch on his emotions - he just may fall in love too!
Good to see Chuck and Kevin and Dennis all speaking up too.
Comment for Dan (somewhat tongue in cheek): If all you have are rainy weekends up there in Maple Leaf land, it sounds like you have the "wet look" without the elbow grease!
Well folks - taking off a half day today and heading back to camp now - I FINALLY got my boat in the water and today looks good for some skiing or tubing. Catch you all later.
Ken
as i mentioned earlier, i got a new digital camera, downloaded all the software- will take pictures of "SNOW WHITE" as soon as i figure everything out! looking forward to your new pics also! Your right- it definetely pays to shop around- some places would really take you to the cleaners!
Homer/Dennis- just curious- how much does Zaino cost verus a $5.00 bottle of Nu-Finish- i can probably get around 5 applications with one bottle- what about the Zaino??
*Great 1/4 mile runs BTW!!!!!!!
Itia- Welcome to the club!!- best of luck with "BLACK DAHLIA"
Ken/tpkn- not pressuring you ken, but did you ever get to put that rear stabilizer bar on and if so, any noticeable changes????
Regards to all,
Chuck
I get about 12-14 applications per bottle. It goes on very thin by design.
Im trying to schedule the install of my new pulley and K & N cone filter for this weekend, and if successful - -ill be looking for a track real soon to get a new time. You can bet Ill post 'em.
Taking another afternoon off to go water-skiing now - got to get those kids all up this year. So far only number 1 son has gotten up . If I can get my cousin next door to drive - I'd like to get up myself - haven't this year yet.
Ken
In city traffic, where I spend 70 miles a day commuting, my mileage has improved from 18.5 to 19.5. Pretty amazing in Chicago traffic jams.
Performance gains are hard to prove, however, at low rpm it just seems smoother.
I also have a drop in K&N and 43k miles.
"Only subtle changes are on tap for the 2002 Bonneville. Most notable on the list are new front and rear fascias for the base SE model, while new exterior badging and dual exhaust tips debut on the SLE and SSEi models. Newly styled 17-inch wheels, three new exterior colors, LATCH child seat anchors, an improved Monsoon sound system and redesigned cupholders round out the changes."
I also note that Onstar is standard on the SLE - don't think it was in '00 (mine doesn't have it but mine is a pre-Onstar model anyway) and I'm not sure about '01. Of course that also comes with the auto-dimming mirror (which mine also lacks). The other thing that our '00s lack is the rear centre shoulder belt and the interior trunk release that became standard last year.
BTW the bolding in the Edmunds quote is mine.
Cheers, Dan
An awful lot of guys (kids to me) with shocked looks on their faces when they see who is driving the Black Dahlia. I'm sure they're saying "why her?". LOL
Ken - The only times I've let hubby drive her is 6 in the morning - when he moves it up the street before construction crew starts. (We live on a dead end street and they're putting in sewers. They weren't supposed to start ours until the fall. Came home Monday afternoon with BLACK Dahlia and there was sand everywhere. She gets a bath and chammy rub down every night....so I won't have to change her name to Snow White II - will let Chuck keep claims on that name).
Ed - Got mine at Paul Masse's Flower Shoppe (oops I mean Paul Masse's Pontiac Cadillac GMC). A little ways for me to travel from Warwick, but I think I can handle the ride ;-)
Ciao for now
Itia
How exciting.
I've got this rubber tip on my cupholder (Grand Prix) and don't imagine it will take long to break off. Is this what the problem is with the Bonneville cupholder?
Hope that helps Stacy.
Dan
I've started shopping for a Bonneville a couple of months ago, for eventual purchase in about a year. I've test-driven the SE, the SE with the performance axle ratio and, a week ago, the SLE. I haven't found a SSEi to try yet.
The performance axle is a must on the SE. The car's much more vivacious, perhaps because the transmission is also tuned differently. However, I thought its ride's a bit "boaty". The SSE, OTOH, has a much better ride and has almost all the accessories that are options in the SE standard.
I found that it's a pretty roomy and comfortable car, with some nice amenities. I thought that the front seats provide little thigh support and the atmospheric engine, though competent, not brilliant.
Have I missed any positive or negative point worth mentioning?
I think that the SLE is a good value, or is the SSEi, with the supercharger, worth the price difference? Although I'm afraid it's above my budget limit.
Many thanks.
Mine is a '00 SLE with traction control and leather. There are a ton of goodies that are standard on the SSEi that aren't even available on the SLE (Stabilitrak, Magnasteer, heads-up display, and memory seats were the ones that interested me) - that's without even considering the supercharged engine. Given the small MSRP margin between the SSEi and the SLE (especially equipped as mine is), these goodies are a big value. Downsides: a) I found that the SLE price was "softer" than the SSEi - widening the price gap; b) at the time I bought, there were no SSEi models on any local lots without the headroom-robbing sunroof (not buying off the lot definitely hurts your negotiating ability); and c) GM recommends premium fuel for the supercharged engine (a minor point to be sure). I will admit, that if it wasn't for the deal that I got, I'd have probably waited out for an SSEi.
That being said, I know two SE owners who are more than happy with their machines - the extra bit of play in the handling apparently comes with more expansion-joint soaking than my SLE has. Still, you move to the SLE and you get stabilizer bars fore and aft, a sportier axle and 17 in. wheels with 235/55/17 Goodyear RS-A that stick to the corners. Plus you get those interior goodies like the Driver Information Centre, steering wheel audio controls, etc. standard.
It all depends on what you want - they're all great cars and all represent good value IMHO.
Dan
I forgot to say that I really liked the leveling suspension on the SLE.
The sunroof is a killer for me in almost any car too (I'm over 6'5"). Although I could use the electronic suspension on the SSEi as well. ;^)
My brother drove a rented SE for about a month and the bucket seat really annoyed him. I've heard that the SLE and the SSEi have better seats, but I couldn't notice any difference. What gives?
BTW, what pleases y'all most and what annoys y'all most in the Bonneville?
TIA
I think that the Bonneville is one of the best cars out there in its class. The only thing bigger is the Cadillac Deville. Bonneville has excellent crash safety score as well. We wanted a big car with a big trunk as a mini van alternative.
I think that any of the trim levels are excellent cars. It depends on what you want from a car and the $$ you want to spend. I don't think you would be dissapointed with any of them.
I have gotten alot of positive comments about the looks of this car.
There are a couple of minor complaints. Cupholder design, auto climate control, glove compartment size all come to mind. Any car will have some minor problems.
We love our Bonnie.
Good luck
Also another supercharger difference, here in Massachusetts it gets you into another insurance class.
I think some of us SE and SLE are going to have to take them to the tracks....
Dan
Ed
Thanks, Ken
2000 SSEi
Black, tinted windows, 3.4" pulley, RAT Throttlebody, etc...
True, it doesn't have the performance features of an SSEi supercharged engine but for all around comfort in a roomy family sedan that has unique styling in today's look-a-like market with proven reliability to boot - where are you going to beat it?
Relative to seating - I have complained at times about the buckets in my SE not having enough padding and being too 'scooped' for my liking but have gotten accustomed to them and find them fine now. I do believe that the leather seats have a better 'sit' than the cloth seats in my car - however, I prefer the cloth feel.
Cupholders are the only feature I don't care for - they just will not accommodate standard coffee mugs. The passenger ends up holding his mug
.
I love the contemporary styling, the smooth ride, the incredible fuel economy (29-32 mpg highway at 75 mph on road trips). I like having a car that attracts compliments and curious inquiries "Is it a Lexus?" to which I can astound them at the price I paid for such a great car.
Good luck in your search. You'll do well in a Bonneville.
Ken
Ken
On the way back to our own camp - drove past the Louden NH speedway as the race was getting out - passing the NASCAR 18 wheelers that transport the race cars to the next venue - amazing paint jobs - and sparkling clean. Garrett won and Jeff Gordon came in 2nd - we didn't see either of them but did pass the #18 green Pontiac (hehehe) of Bobby Labonte and a few others.
My wife was driving the Suburban at the time since I had to keep my foot elevated all weekend - broke it on Friday during my usual noontime walk - foot twisted under and came down just hard enough to fracture a bone - what an unbelievebly stupid thing to do!!! Now I'm hobbling around on crutches. Doc says a week on these and a month in the special shoe. Fortunately, I can still go in the water off my dock and can drive (heading to PA tomorrow - return Sat). No waterskiing for a while.
Wish someone would invent a vacination against the post 40 syndrome!
Number 1 son heads to British Isles tomorrow for 2 weeks with other 6th grade students.
11 year old daughter is beside herself wishing for a similar escape to places distant! "It's not fair!!!" LOL
Found out the Bonneville's fold down armrest passage into the trunk is perfect for storing crutches!
Take care all - take my advice - walk and suck tic tacs - don't chew gum!
Ken
like i got a patent on SNOW WHITE- i'd love to have Disney's residuals on that one!!!!
evandro- i also have the SE (2000) but i have the split-bench seat- (Cloth)- my wife insisted on it over the bucket seats- she uses the car mon-fri- and she complained that the bucket seat was hurting her back when we test drove one before purchasing- it turned out (in my case) to be a smart move as the split bench is very comfortable
and no complaints from -YOU KNOW WHO- was well worth spending the extra $100+ option.
i agree with KEN- the cupholders are bad and the glove compartment should be bigger, but
other than that we both love the car- its
solid,reliable,plenty of power,good gas mileage,
all around great car for the BUCK!!
Ken- i took a picture of the car this saturday- and down-loaded it to my computer- now if i can figure out how to get it over to Edmunds?
IM NOT STANDING ON THE SOAP BOX GANG-
BUT THE THIRD COAT OF NU-?????? LOOKS PRETTY DAMN GOOD ON "SNOW WHITE "
Chuck
Topic: July 24th: "What is the stupidest thing you've seen someone do while driving?"
ciao for now
i hope all will be ok!- busted mine twice- not a very pleasant thing- once on crutches for about 8 wks and the second time on a walking cast-
GOOD LUCK AND ALL THE BEST!!!!!
Chuck
What is this post 40 thing your talking about? I'm 45--I'm not ready for things to go downhill as far as health and broken bones go!
Anyway, hope you feel better soon and can still enjoy your summer camp!
Stacy
Mend ye well my friend!
Dan
It's time for lunch here and since we're in plant 'shut-down' this week, the cafe is closed - so I'm about to head outside into the 95 degree heat here in Mass. BTW - I find my manual A/C to be handling the heat fine as long as it's left on Recirc. Won't do the job otherwise. Wife's Suburban is like a meat freezer!
Dan and Stacy - How does the Grand Prix do for A/C?
Ken
The Grand Prix is also fine in this regard - alhough my GT has a manual dual air set-up. So if you keep it on cold, that car will get downright frigid.
seats - I've been reading about complaints on car seats with the Bonneville - just 1 or 2 complaints with bucket seats. I wonder if the seats have the same fit as the Grand Prix cloth seats. It seems that where the seat needs to extend outward for lumber support, it sinks inward instead.
Does anyone with back problems have suggestions for a remedy? I have a lumbar roll but it's not comfortable either. I tried cutting it down to half its size and it helps somewhat but not that much. Any suggestions would be helpful.
I knew when I test drove the car that it wasn't going to provide good back support but unfortunately I didn't go on any 20 minute test drives to see just how uncomfortable it would be!
fuel consumption: so what you're saying is that your D.I.C. always reads that it has used less than the amount you have to pump in to refill it. Interesting - my '00 SLE has been bang on since the day I bought it. Do you reset your MPG and your fuel used each time you refuel?
parking lot compliments: that's the nice part about the Bonneville. I've had 3 in the last week - this morning from a man in his 70's who fondly remembers his '93 SSEi as "the best car I've ever had." He would have bought a '01 SSEi but he was told that he'd have to wait 2 months - so he bought a Park Avenue instead. Loves it but is still pining for a Bonneville. Anyway, I had a great chat with this guy - told me that I reminded him of his son (except that he will only buy imports!).
Dan
I doubt if too many Bimmers look forlornly at a Bonneville and think "if only I had..." Of course, I equally doubt that the reverse happens very often.
Just got mine back from the tint shop yesterday. Looks sweet! I'll have to clean it up and take some new pics this weekend.
But it was never an option for me. I love my Detroit born-and-bred full-size zoom-zoom sedan - no question about it!
In the end, though, comparing a Bonneville with a BMW is appropro only in the sense that they are both at similar price level. But you're quite right that, once you add decent equipment to the entry level 3 series, the price rapidly climbs. Still, if you want the image and the BMW technology and build reputation and you don't need all of the room and other features of the Bonnie, it's a very decent alternative - IMHO.
Finally, given how commonplace they've become on local roads, I think people are somewhat misguided if they buy a lower-end 3-er believing it to be an "image" car. Now, an M3, M5 or 5 or 7 series - those are a different ballgame....