Thinking about Impala for 1st car...

[SSImpala]

I recieve my permit this upcoming summer and i was thinking about purchasing an Impala for my 1st car, preferably 3800 just wondering if you can let me know your opinion on this thaught, thank you.

[MCO_Death]

Originally Posted by SSImpala

I recieve my permit this upcoming summer and i was thinking about purchasing an Impala for my 1st car, preferably 3800 just wondering if you can let me know your opinion on this thaught, thank you.

For a first car, it would be good, they are big (which could be as much of a problem for a new driver, getting used to where the bumpers are and such for parking). Saftey wise, its good, Drive side has a side-impact airbag in the seat, as well as the dual front impact bags. ABS and traction control (if your getting a 3800) That is unless you get a 9C1, which would lack Traction control.

Really its a solid, safe car for a first time driver. Just be smart and don't go nuts thinking you have a racecar or anything. Despite what some of us fellows do with our cars

Hope that helps. Anymore specific questions about them, fire away, we'll try to keep the negative people out. There is a chance maitnence might be high, it really just varies car to car. 3400's are known for more problems than 3800's.

[SSImpala]

Originally Posted by MCO_Death

For a first car, it would be good, they are big (which could be as much of a problem for a new driver, getting used to where the bumpers are and such for parking). Saftey wise, its good, Drive side has a side-impact airbag in the seat, as well as the dual front impact bags. ABS and traction control (if your getting a 3800) That is unless you get a 9C1, which would lack Traction control.

Really its a solid, safe car for a first time driver. Just be smart and don't go nuts thinking you have a racecar or anything. Despite what some of us fellows do with our cars

Hope that helps. Anymore specific questions about them, fire away, we'll try to keep the negative people out. There is a chance maitnence might be high, it really just varies car to car. 3400's are known for more problems than 3800's.

Well, if i were to get the impala it would most likly be a 3800, my rbother drives a 98 Regal 3800, n hes currently enrolled at UTI, and he has made a few mods. done to it, exhaust, intake, not to mention some nice falcon rims, but besides that he has had no major problems with the 3800, and could have some potential to keep up with some v-8's, as logn as i keep car of it i see it to be the same as the regal, beign it has the same engine. thanks again for the help n any minds, just drop a line with some advice i would appretiate the opinions.

[MCO_Death]

Originally Posted by SSImpala

Well, if i were to get the impala it would most likly be a 3800, my rbother drives a 98 Regal 3800, n hes currently enrolled at UTI, and he has made a few mods. done to it, exhaust, intake, not to mention some nice falcon rims, but besides that he has had no major problems with the 3800, and could have some potential to keep up with some v-8's, as logn as i keep car of it i see it to be the same as the regal, beign it has the same engine. thanks again for the help n any minds, just drop a line with some advice i would appretiate the opinions.

3800's Potential is quite large, especially with its aftermarket backing (Regal/Impala and Especially the Grand Prix crowd).

Top 3800 motor out there is pushing in the 700 HP range I believe? I know for sure theres a few 600+ HP machines. Of course, for the price it'll cost you to do the mods to get there, you'd been better off starting with a V8 platform car and have gotten more out of it.

3800 IS a workhorse, they can last a very long time and run long and hard constantly.

[Gems]

I have a 2001 LS with the 3800 motor... I bought it "pre-owned" 2 years ago and so far I am very happy with it... It's a good driving car, comfortable with a little sport and spunk to it... Make sure you get the 3.8L engine not the 3.4... Every car has it's reliability issues including the Impala... For me it's been the intermediate steering shaft, power steering pump and heated seat not working... But all have been fixed for no cost with the GM Protection Plan that I purchased with the car... The Impala issues have been well documented so you should have no mystery problems if you stay on top of things and stay connected with the people here in this forum... Plus repair costs tend to be much less expensive than the import cars... Good Luck and let us know what you decide to get!...