New to impala
Killa
05-30-2007, 10:36 PM
Hi since my Dsm awd turbo got total ( by me ), Im in process looking for a good car like grand prix or impala, I did ask few question for grand prix on the grand prix forum. Now im in impala asking very simmilar question, please answer all my question.
What the most common problem that happent to impala ? and how hard is to fix it.
When looking to buy a impala what is important thing that I should check before i buy it.
Is impala use timing belt ?
what is the best oil type and filter ?
what is the best spark plug and wire ? and how hard is to change it ?
what is the best tranny filter and fluid ?
I check out 3 impala today, and one of them I saw a 3800 motor on it ( grand prix gt motor ), is this normal ? thanks alot every one.
What the most common problem that happent to impala ? and how hard is to fix it.
When looking to buy a impala what is important thing that I should check before i buy it.
Is impala use timing belt ?
what is the best oil type and filter ?
what is the best spark plug and wire ? and how hard is to change it ?
what is the best tranny filter and fluid ?
I check out 3 impala today, and one of them I saw a 3800 motor on it ( grand prix gt motor ), is this normal ? thanks alot every one.
'97ventureowner
05-30-2007, 11:05 PM
Hi since my Dsm awd turbo got total ( by me ), Im in process looking for a good car like grand prix or impala, I did ask few question for grand prix on the grand prix forum. Now im in impala asking very simmilar question, please answer all my question.
What the most common problem that happent to impala ? and how hard is to fix it.
When looking to buy a impala what is important thing that I should check before i buy it.
Is impala use timing belt ?
what is the best oil type and filter ?
what is the best spark plug and wire ? and how hard is to change it ?
what is the best tranny filter and fluid ?
I check out 3 impala today, and one of them I saw a 3800 motor on it ( grand prix gt motor ), is this normal ? thanks alot every one.
The common problem with the Impalas with the 3400 engine is the intake manifold gaskets. GM put out a revised gasket in '02 to replace the leaking,defective ones. It's quite labor intensive to repair and can be done at an independent shop for around $600 to a little over a $1000. Check the very first post in this forum for more info on this repair.
When buying an Impala it is important to check and make sure the proper maintenance has been performed. Hopefully there will be service records available to review. Take the car for a test drive and see how the engine operates and if it is responsive. Also check for other mechanical systems such as how the transmission shifts, how are the brakes,any bodywork to hide accident damage, and take a look at the tires to see if there are any issues with the front end.I'd also check to see whether or not the intake gaskets were replaced on 2003 and earlier models, especially if the vehicle has over 60,000 miles on it.
Both the Impala 3.8 and 3.4 use a timing chain and gears.
Concerning the best plugs,wires oil, air, transmission filters, I'd stick with A C Delco, GM's original equipment brand.
Oil type is a matter of opinion. Some choose to use a conventional oil, while others are switching to synthetic oil. Although synthetic oil costs more, the benefits are longer periods between changes and better lubrication characteristics.There are also many good brands of transmission fluid on the market. The best thing to do is consult your owner's manual for GM's recommendations on the type of transmission fluid and engine oil you can use.
One more thing, the back 3 plugs and wires are more difficult to change because of the way the engine is situated in the engine bay. Some people find it easier to replace the plugs and wires while the intake gaskets are being replaced because around the time the gaskets are done,(on many this is from 80,000 to 120,000 miles.) it is time to do the plugs and wires.
If you have time, scroll through this forum to see what other members are reporting for issues. I'm sure most problems you might see are covered here in one form or another.
Overall it is a good vehicle. These cars were mass produced and many lease and rental companies use them. Police and taxi companies also use Impalas in their fleets with good results.The 3.8 was an option and I'm sure you'll find that there are quite a few Impalas out there with that engine as well.
What the most common problem that happent to impala ? and how hard is to fix it.
When looking to buy a impala what is important thing that I should check before i buy it.
Is impala use timing belt ?
what is the best oil type and filter ?
what is the best spark plug and wire ? and how hard is to change it ?
what is the best tranny filter and fluid ?
I check out 3 impala today, and one of them I saw a 3800 motor on it ( grand prix gt motor ), is this normal ? thanks alot every one.
The common problem with the Impalas with the 3400 engine is the intake manifold gaskets. GM put out a revised gasket in '02 to replace the leaking,defective ones. It's quite labor intensive to repair and can be done at an independent shop for around $600 to a little over a $1000. Check the very first post in this forum for more info on this repair.
When buying an Impala it is important to check and make sure the proper maintenance has been performed. Hopefully there will be service records available to review. Take the car for a test drive and see how the engine operates and if it is responsive. Also check for other mechanical systems such as how the transmission shifts, how are the brakes,any bodywork to hide accident damage, and take a look at the tires to see if there are any issues with the front end.I'd also check to see whether or not the intake gaskets were replaced on 2003 and earlier models, especially if the vehicle has over 60,000 miles on it.
Both the Impala 3.8 and 3.4 use a timing chain and gears.
Concerning the best plugs,wires oil, air, transmission filters, I'd stick with A C Delco, GM's original equipment brand.
Oil type is a matter of opinion. Some choose to use a conventional oil, while others are switching to synthetic oil. Although synthetic oil costs more, the benefits are longer periods between changes and better lubrication characteristics.There are also many good brands of transmission fluid on the market. The best thing to do is consult your owner's manual for GM's recommendations on the type of transmission fluid and engine oil you can use.
One more thing, the back 3 plugs and wires are more difficult to change because of the way the engine is situated in the engine bay. Some people find it easier to replace the plugs and wires while the intake gaskets are being replaced because around the time the gaskets are done,(on many this is from 80,000 to 120,000 miles.) it is time to do the plugs and wires.
If you have time, scroll through this forum to see what other members are reporting for issues. I'm sure most problems you might see are covered here in one form or another.
Overall it is a good vehicle. These cars were mass produced and many lease and rental companies use them. Police and taxi companies also use Impalas in their fleets with good results.The 3.8 was an option and I'm sure you'll find that there are quite a few Impalas out there with that engine as well.
phewop118
06-02-2007, 10:26 PM
I wouldn't even consider an Impala with the 3.4, especially a used one. 3.8 would hit the top of my list of choices. How much are you looking to spend? I would say to go for an 05 LS, that is if you have $12-15k. I wouldn't look at any used Impala prior to the 2003 models, as 03 saw some updates and bugs worked out. I also think Grand Prix's are very nice cars, particulary this generation of them. However, I wouldn't look at any 04 Grand Prix's, as most of them have clunky steering. 05+ are nice - they feel higher quality than Impalas. They're also cheaper - a good 05 can be had for $10-12k.
crazy Jim
06-03-2007, 10:26 AM
you may want to look at the newer Imps with the V8, that would be my choice..
SierraK1500
06-16-2007, 06:52 PM
I bought my 2005 Impala in New Jersey. Was a "Program Car" (Daily rental) at a dealer in Pleasantville, NJ. I have had the car over a year now. The only major thing I did to the car was to replace the tires. I love the car. Just finished driving to my new residence in Texas. Drove 1453 miles with no oil consumption, never overheated on the hills and mountains. Cruise control kept the car legal. Was loaded with a turtle on the roof, trunk and rear seat loaded, and the front seat held my laptop. I got 26 to 29MPG on the trip with cycling the A/C. Car just passed a very strict Texas emissions test that rivals the California emissions and was registered in the state without a problem. Impala is my best choice for a vehicle.
John
John
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