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19K Mile Garage Find: 1999 Pontiac Bonneville SSE

While there are certain vehicles we’re accustomed to seeing socked away for safe-keeping, a modern era Pontiac Bonneville is not one of them. That being said, there’s something inherently pleasing about seeing a specimen like this turn up for sale with just 19,100 miles on the clock, a testament to an owner that clearly loved his multiple-buttoned Bonneville. This is an SSE model, which isn’t the top-shelf offering that year, but it’s still a super sharp car for reasonable money – depending on where the reserve is set. It’s listed here on eBay with a $12,500 Buy-It-Now and bids up to $6,800 at the moment, and located in Plymouth, Michigan.

This era of the Bonneville is often lampooned for its busy cabin design, but there’s no denying it was an eye-catching look when first introduced. I would even say it’s aged surprisingly well, much like some of the Bangle-era BMWs that offended everyone when they first came out but ended up looking entirely modern ten years after its introduction. Still, if Pontiac intended to challenge BMWs 5-Series of the day, the showdown never really materialized, but the supercharged SSEi models were certainly formidable performers in their day. This Bonneville comes with the tried-and-true 3800 V6, and with such low mileage, it’s sure to provide years of reliable service.

The seller notes the Bonneville comes with an interesting assortment of options, including the head-up display and leather interior, but surprisingly, no sunroof. The A/C still works and is verified to blow cold. and really, the cabin shows no visible flaws. Two minor modifications are noted, and neither is a big concern: mudflaps and an extra third brake light, the latter a common tweak by owners of cars that desire to see their rear-ends stay intact. The cabins of these Bonnevilles always looked ridiculously comfortable to me, even if the puffy leather look is quite outdated by modern standards. Surprisingly, no bonanza of buttons on the steering wheel!

As mentioned, this 3800 V6 is barely broken in. These always made a great sound with the stock exhaust, and power delivery was nothing short of linear. The Bonneville also features load-leveling suspension, dual power seats, and cruise control, along with the full assortment of power features you’d expect. Whether it will get close to the Buy-It-Now presents a question mark, as I feel only the ballsy SSEi could reach that number when shown in condition like this. Under $10,000 I could rationalize all day, especially as a comfortable modern classic that will stand up to daily driver-levels of use with ease.

Comments

  1. Avatar photo Jwzg

    My parents had a ’95 SLE: green with tan leather. One of the best cars our family ever owned. If you kept the coolant changed, they were bulletproof.

    Like 6
    • Avatar photo Stevieg

      The “nice” thing is that if you didn’t stay current on coolant, it would eventually change itself lol.

      Like 5
      • Avatar photo Jwzg

        rotfl

        Like 1
  2. Avatar photo irocrobb

    Pontiac vehicles were very popular here in Ont Canada and I owned many. I had 3 different Grand Prix GT models with the 3.8 and all were great cars. The salt here has killed them off . Five year ago I would have called the fellow listing this one crazy on his price, but now maybe not so much for a good one. I can not even think when the last time I saw a good example of one.

    Like 5
  3. Avatar photo Racingpro56

    I think the seller is about 10 years ahead of the curve. Very nice example but not quite worth the BIN. Bullet proof motor, decent performance and comfortable cruiser but just not all that collectible yet. Would make a good investment at a reasonable price.

    Like 5
  4. Avatar photo Ralph

    Its a lot of dough for a non supercharged one, very clean, but eh…..

    Like 1
  5. Avatar photo JW

    I’ve had three of the next gen Bonnevilles, 2001 SE (230k miles when sold), 2004 SE (170k miles when sold), and currently driving a 2003 SSE with 133k. Those 3800 engines are bulletproof and easy to work on. Been looking for a SSEi, but can’t find one that’s not ratted out.

    Like 3
  6. Avatar photo Frank

    I’ve had 3 SSEi’s (2 1992s and a 1995) and just sold my last one. The engines are awesome. His price on this one for a non-supercharged one is “optimistic” to say the least.

    Like 3

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