So whats the consensus on these types of impalas? any big problems?
http://seattle.craigslist.org/est/ctd/4452266544.html
http://seattle.craigslist.org/est/ctd/4452266544.html
Chevy Impala
- Thread starter WhyMe
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lower intake manifold leaking, similar to a head gasket leak.. pretty common.. A LOT of info on the web about it.. I wouldn't say its a difficult repair.. but.. time consuming indeed..
I also feel like a lot of gm vehicles from this era have electrical issues.
That being said.. the engines are bulletproof as long as you keep an eye on the oil/antifreeze.
I also feel like a lot of gm vehicles from this era have electrical issues.
That being said.. the engines are bulletproof as long as you keep an eye on the oil/antifreeze.
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Gasket issues as mentioned above. This model year has two options the 3.4 has more problems than the 3.8 with gaskets. The 3.8 in more desirable.
Also 4T65e issues just like my Buick. Hard shifts sometimes, Max adapt issues. The input shaft on 4th gear is non hardened all the way until the 2005 model. Some people have issues others don't. Over all not too bad.
Also 4T65e issues just like my Buick. Hard shifts sometimes, Max adapt issues. The input shaft on 4th gear is non hardened all the way until the 2005 model. Some people have issues others don't. Over all not too bad.
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My 03 century had the same shifting issues mentioned above.. so that's pretty common too I believe
The 3800 is a legendary engine. The intake gasket is a piece-a-cake to repair if you have any mechanical ability. If you don't have any mechanical ability, get a Volkswagen Beetle with flowers on the dashboard.
Nick1994
$100 site donor 2024
If it has the 3.4L, it's running on borrowed time. RUN!
If it has the 3.8L, good car.
If it has the 3.8L, good car.
LIM gaskets, potential transmission issues, hub bearings (mostly front), Coolant elbows (3.8), electric window regulators, front lower control arm front bushings.
The 3800 is much more desirable, the stuff i mentioned is common and easy to repair except the transmission. The question is not will it fail but when, it will fail for sure, plan on putting one in.
There is no helping a pre late 2003/04 4t65E, the 4th gear input shaft is not hardened and wears away more every time it goes into forth, one day it just stops going into forth gear.
No amount of fluid changes or preventive maintenance can prolong its life, it will eventually fail.
The transmissions other issues can be help by preventive maintenance but to what end? Over 100K i throw the unit out at the first sign of trouble and replace it with a bulletproof replacement from the aftermarket.
The rest of the car is great, good electrics, body, A/C, heating, rust is minimal brakes are fine.
Use the transmission issue as leverage, you need $2500 to replace it with a quality unit installed by a decent installer. If you own this car right and it has the 3800 in it there are plenty more years in this car.
If it has the 3.4 walk away, its risky without a known history.
The 3800 is much more desirable, the stuff i mentioned is common and easy to repair except the transmission. The question is not will it fail but when, it will fail for sure, plan on putting one in.
There is no helping a pre late 2003/04 4t65E, the 4th gear input shaft is not hardened and wears away more every time it goes into forth, one day it just stops going into forth gear.
No amount of fluid changes or preventive maintenance can prolong its life, it will eventually fail.
The transmissions other issues can be help by preventive maintenance but to what end? Over 100K i throw the unit out at the first sign of trouble and replace it with a bulletproof replacement from the aftermarket.
The rest of the car is great, good electrics, body, A/C, heating, rust is minimal brakes are fine.
Use the transmission issue as leverage, you need $2500 to replace it with a quality unit installed by a decent installer. If you own this car right and it has the 3800 in it there are plenty more years in this car.
If it has the 3.4 walk away, its risky without a known history.
2001 was the first year of a major model change. I had a 2001 Impala LS 3800 (bought new), maintenance wise it was the worse car I ever owned.
Repairs were over $6,000. Traded it in in 2013 with 170,000 miles on it.
Engine camshaft and lifters were replaced under warranty, and coolant recall were only repairs under 40,000 miles. Then, transmission was rebuilt, electric fan motor replaced, window motor replaced, several front suspension components, EGR valve, catalytic converter, A/C hose.
Trav's post above is right on!
I now have another Impala, a 2014, which is first of new model change. I am a GM guy.
Repairs were over $6,000. Traded it in in 2013 with 170,000 miles on it.
Engine camshaft and lifters were replaced under warranty, and coolant recall were only repairs under 40,000 miles. Then, transmission was rebuilt, electric fan motor replaced, window motor replaced, several front suspension components, EGR valve, catalytic converter, A/C hose.
Trav's post above is right on!
I now have another Impala, a 2014, which is first of new model change. I am a GM guy.
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Based on the VIN, this particular car is a 3.8L.
car looks good... looks like a few bells and whistles... talk em down if possible... my vote is go for it...
Originally Posted By: Merkava_4
If you don't have any mechanical ability, get a Volkswagen Beetle with flowers on the dashboard.
I would never recommend a VW to anyone without mechanical ability or a pile of cash.
The Impala in question is a reasonably comfortable Detroit barge of a family hauler. 3800 V6 is well documented, as are the issues with the 4T65E transmission. Thirsty, unrefined and clumsy but a spacious, floaty sedan that will likely run forever with even just a modicum of maintenance.
If you don't have any mechanical ability, get a Volkswagen Beetle with flowers on the dashboard.
I would never recommend a VW to anyone without mechanical ability or a pile of cash.
The Impala in question is a reasonably comfortable Detroit barge of a family hauler. 3800 V6 is well documented, as are the issues with the 4T65E transmission. Thirsty, unrefined and clumsy but a spacious, floaty sedan that will likely run forever with even just a modicum of maintenance.
The 3800 V6 (buick) isn't thirsty at all, very good MPG, lots of low end torque. Still, you need to run to a library and check out the reliability reports out of the Consumer Reports annual guide, where you can look at the collective experience of hundreds of owners of this Impala type. You can google Consumer Reports for their website and I think see it all on the web for a small fee, or free at libraries or purchase at bookstore to take with you.
As much as i love the 3.8l ohv, $4995 for a 2002 impala......NO!
Price does sound high, look up kbb.com for prices.
Originally Posted By: Jarlaxle
No kidding. That's about a $3000 car, tops!
Thats what i am thinking knowing its going to need $2500 minimum in repairs at some point that could easily be sooner than later.
No kidding. That's about a $3000 car, tops!
Thats what i am thinking knowing its going to need $2500 minimum in repairs at some point that could easily be sooner than later.
I don't think they offered a LTZ model in that year Impala? It is either an Impala or Impala LS. I have the same car but a 2000 model. Average mpg right now is 27.2 and engine burns no oil over a 5000 mile OCI. Overall I can't complain, but 5 years ago I was curious about trading it in on a newer GMC truck and the dealer said it was worth almost nothing on trade in. No rust, loaded, 3800, two tone with a great interior and is was almost worthless in the eyes of the dealer
Oh well, I'm glad I still have it. Personally I would put top offer of $3500, but I would have to test drive it before that happens.
Oh well, I'm glad I still have it. Personally I would put top offer of $3500, but I would have to test drive it before that happens.- Status
