I am looking at a 2002 Pontiac Bonneville for sale with 109,000 miles. It is for sale less than half of market value because of what is described as "Light engine ticking". It is an SE and believe it has the 3800 V6 - same as the Impala I take it? How many miles could I expect to drive it before it goes kaput?

 

depends widely on the ticking. could be somethign cheap, but if the owner has had it to the mechanic and the mechanic told them to get rid of it then you likely have a head or piston issue. is that the case you could get 5 miles to 10k miles out of it.

its probably best to find out what the problem really is. sellers will usually let you take a test drive to a mechanic for a few hours provided you leave your car and keys. get a mechanics opinion. one you trust

does it do it on park?
does it do it when its cold or warm or both?
when the hood up, where is the ticking coming from?

 

Right. I need to get more info.

 

Careful there Wild.....damn I'd hate to see you get stuck with a POS Poncho. That Bonnie isn't a SSE is it? Danger Will Robinson!! Danger!!

 

I know, I know, and I already came to my senses. I got burned pretty bad by a Mazda Millenia supercharger and I don't want to repeat that. I'd just a soon do without a turbo too (have one now, think I'll sell it). The mechanics I talk to play the old tune "Honda or Toyota". I'm getting ready to bite the bullet and get a used camry. It appears that the 3.1L engine 2002 up go for about 130,000 miles. How long do the 3800 / 3.8L (different engines?) go, typically.

 

When my Malibu was totaled it had 97000 on the clock, but inside the engine it was clean and it purred. I did have a Bonneville 1990 that is still running with around 200000 on it. I figure that so much depends on maintenance and treatment. If you don't know the history and/or the owner, it's always a crap shoot.

 

i have 88k on my 3.4 which i think is the same engien with a different bore, etc. some people i know with impalas (3.4 and 3.8) have up to 150k on them, but i don't know anyone with more. those people i know swear by the impala and say its been great and had no problems. if there isd already a ticking andyou cant get it to a mechanic it would probably be better to take the safe route.

the only problems i have had are the wipers are stuck in the up position, and the fuel pressure regulator. the dealer wanted over $300 to replace the fpr but i did it myself for $60, 2 wrenches, a torx driver and about 15 minutes. very easy. (if it ever happens use gum or a magnet to keep the lock bolt from sliding down the fuel line...