Faults:

New shocks and rear springs to improve ride and handling at 48,000 miles when car was 12 yrs old.

Radiator replaced at 65,000 miles. Car was 14 yrs old and pulling a trailer w/1500 lbs at the time.

Catalytic converter replaced at 82,000 when car was 20 yrs old. (2002 pollution inspection).

AC has leak and is not used. Occasional electrical problems. Carb set-up is typical of this vintage and cold starts require finesse and patience.

General Comments:

I purchased this 1982 Pontiac Bonneville Brougham Model G in 1995 from a family member who bought it new in 1982 and used it very little. It had 42,000 miles. I have mostly used it as a second car for local driving, but is still occassionally used for interstate travel.

GM cars in the early 80's were far from their best. Bonneville fans completely ignore this vintage (1982-86) when they were a actually rebadged "Grand LeMans".

Over the years, I grown to like this car very much. All shortcomings aside, it's fairly nimble, very comfortable, and very economical. Even major repairs have been very reasonable.

It still looks pretty good. (No rust. paint poor in spots). Fit and finish were poor when it was new.

After this vintage, cars changed drastically. Driving this car is reminds one of the old GM. Anyway, it wouldn't pay me to part with it.

Faults:

Thermostat went bad at 128000 miles.

General problems with cooling and fuel systems.

AC didn't work.

General Comments:

My family took this car on vacation in 1994 to Maryland in the middle of the summer. During this trip, the thermostat went bad and left us sitting for hours at the garage.

Paint was an ugly two-tone blue.

Rear window from factory did not go down. Thus, this car was an inferno during the summer months.

This was 2nd Bonneville of 3. I would buy another, but not because of this car.