Considering purchasing an Impala

[ringzero]

Greetings, my current car is on it's way out and i'm looking for a replacement. I'm considering either purchasing a 2000/2001 Lumina or a 2001 Impala and I am curious if a 2001 Imapala is a 'good buy' or if anyone would recommend me buying a newer Impala.

I'm considering an LS base package, and I'm interested in what people think about the 2001 - is it a good year to buy them, do they have less problems than the 2000? Is an Impala a better buy compared to a Lumina? Any thoughts/facts/opinions would be appreciated.

[ryanb4614]

I just bought a basic 2001 chevy impala 2 weeks ago, it was a special ordered it has the 3.8 engine.... Ride is amazing, everyone that is ever in my car is suprized of how smooth the ride is. Nicest car i was ever in and handeling is amzing and the speed. I would rec. the impala

[billyo69]

I have a 2001 ls loaded 3.8.I drive 50k ayear it gets decent milage and is a nice ride.They have many elec probs and brakes suck but all and all not bad i have 155k now

[ringzero]

Thanks for the replies... What kind of electrical problems do they have? Is it expensive to fix? The reason why i ask is because my current car needs a new wiring harness and that is going to cost $1,000 new.

[simonswu]

among many problems with my 01 base, here are the 2 electrical/tronic ones:
1) when dash light dimmer turns to maximum, radio display is gone. Lots of parts replaced for the fix including radio.
2) turn signal switch sometimes fails (no flash for either side), but always came back later.

[Vitalssj]

I had the same problem with the turning signals. Its the hazard button. It went bad on my impala and when they fixed it the turn signals work perfectly.
other than that i have had no problems in my 2001 impala its not an ls but it does have the 3.8 in it. go it for 8,000 no money down. It is an awesome car! rides great acceleration is incredible and brakes are really really good! Get a 2001 impala definately. 2000 have had alot of problems!

[MCO_Death]

So long as you avoid 3.4L engines. They are good buys. I only paid 4500 (last year) for my 2000. Always try talking dealers down...

Common problems across all models in those first few years are Cat's, Steering issues and brakes (warped rotors).

MPG averages to 25 mpg from what i've gathered of other peoples reports if you get the 3.8L. The ride is good and they travel well as far as I can tell. I've put 30,000 miles on my car in the past year, about 2/3 of that being highway miles. Ride still doesn't bother me any. . . then again i'm young(ish) =D