considering a 2004 impala......thoughts?

Just what the title says.
Its time for the 1997 Bravada to go, and Im thinking of a 2004 impala. To you impala owners, do you like yours? Would you recommend it?

Skip the base model for sure and at least go for an LS. SS if you want more performance, but it will cost a few thousand over a similarly equipped LS. You should be able to get a low mileage, fully loaded 04 or 05 LS for $12-$15K depending on the condition. Be sure to test drive first. Also see if service records are included with the vehicle. Make sure the steering wheel doesn't clunk at all when turning in a parking lot. Also make sure the engine doesn't whine excessively when revved a bit.

Skip the base model for sure and at least go for an LS. SS if you want more performance, but it will cost a few thousand over a similarly equipped LS. You should be able to get a low mileage, fully loaded 04 or 05 LS for $12-$15K depending on the condition. Be sure to test drive first. Also see if service records are included with the vehicle. Make sure the steering wheel doesn't clunk at all when turning in a parking lot. Also make sure the engine doesn't whine excessively when revved a bit.


Whats wrong with the base model? Im trying to stay around $10,000. Found an 04 with 68xxx miles on it for $9500.

I test drove one, it had clunking in the wheel and the brakes pulsed. Whats the steering wheel thing?

The clunking is the intermediate steering shaft. It gets dry and needs lubrication; usually even after being remedied, it will still cause problems. Best off finding one without the problem - it's a hit or miss. The steering should be snug at low speeds with not lots of power assist, but should feel direct. The brake pedal should never felt to be clunking while turning either. As for pulsating, probably bad rotors. Once again, hit or miss. Some Imps eat rotors, while others are easy on them.

The reason I say to skip the base model is that the 3800 engine in the LS is a dream. It will run forever with no more than oil changes every 10k miles and spark plugs and wires every 100k miles. The 3400 has lots of problems and you're lucky to get it to 120k miles without major problems.

9500 for a base model with 68k miles is a rip-off. I've seen LS's with mileage around there for less.

I have had the 02 base 3400 for 16 months at 61K for less than $9K. I too would rather have the LS 3.8 w/leather interior. LS 3.8 also includes full dash gages. I am not sure about the 3400 needing more maintenence or having more problems than the 3.8 but have had none with mine and fuel mileage may be a bit better w/3400 I get approx 19mpg combined. I have replaced brake pads and rotors all 4 for $180 (diy) one wheel bearing hub $150 (diy) windshield $190 (not diy), plugs and wires $55 cabin air filter $20, air cleaner $16 (all diy). A lot maybe for this short period but I should be set for several years w/just preventive work needed. I would check the brakes on the mileage your looking at and also consider how much work you can do yourself.

3800 gets better gas mileage too many times - because it has more power you don't need to push it as hard. Plus it is so much more refined. I've seen 22 on all city driving.

The clunking is the intermediate steering shaft. It gets dry and needs lubrication; usually even after being remedied, it will still cause problems. Best off finding one without the problem - it's a hit or miss. The steering should be snug at low speeds with not lots of power assist, but should feel direct. The brake pedal should never felt to be clunking while turning either. As for pulsating, probably bad rotors. Once again, hit or miss. Some Imps eat rotors, while others are easy on them.

The reason I say to skip the base model is that the 3800 engine in the LS is a dream. It will run forever with no more than oil changes every 10k miles and spark plugs and wires every 100k miles. The 3400 has lots of problems and you're lucky to get it to 120k miles without major problems.

9500 for a base model with 68k miles is a rip-off. I've seen LS's with mileage around there for less.


Thanks for explaining. It does sound like the LS would be a better bet, I dont need another money pit. (thats the reason Im looking for a different car).

I cant find any LS for near that price, even with higher miles.

If you buying from a dealer I would invest in the GM Major Guard bumper to bumper protection plan........ It's saved me major dollars over the past 2 1\2 years on my 2001 LS with the 3.8L engine... For example, I had the ISS replaced with the new design unit for zero cost... Also had the BCM replaced, instrument cluster, seat heater, CAT converter and a few other things replaced by Chevy, all at no cost, plus a rental car was paid for also ... The extra $1200 or so I paid for the coverage has paid for itself a few times over already... DO NOT buy a 3rd party extended warranty... Stick with the GM extended warranty plan...

step to the plate and get an '07 SS. V8 with plenty of power..

step to the plate and get an '07 SS. V8 with plenty of power..


If I could afford that, Id go with a Chrysler 300.
Most I can spend is going to be about $11,000 or so.