Opinions on 2013-14 Chevy Impala?

[oldmaninsc]

Hi everyone: as the title states I'm considering buying a used low mileage 2013 or 2014 Impala. Looking for feedback for people that own one or know someone that does. I've read on the internet of some people have transmission problems and then having trouble getting GM to identify and fix the problems. Thanks for your help.

Also - being a "Ford" guy I have to ask - any opinions of the same years Taurus? I really like the looks of the Impala better and I have rented several over the last couple of years. But after my last bad experience with GM I'm a little nervous to try again.

 

[Merkava_4]

You need to read this thread.

 

[oilpsi2high]

Originally Posted By: oldmaninsc
Hi everyone: as the title states I'm considering buying a used low mileage 2013 or 2014 Impala. Looking for feedback for people that own one or know someone that does. I've read on the internet of some people have transmission problems and then having trouble getting GM to identify and fix the problems. Thanks for your help.

Also - being a "Ford" guy I have to ask - any opinions of the same years Taurus? I really like the looks of the Impala better and I have rented several over the last couple of years. But after my last bad experience with GM I'm a little nervous to try again.


Only get it with the 3.6.

 

[oldmaninsc]

Originally Posted By: Merkava_4
You need to read this thread.

Thanks, but I have read that thread. My point is I'm looking for feedback on problems specifically transmission, not initial driving impressions or amount of room.

 

[oilpsi2high]

Go on Edmunds.com and read the consumer reviews.

 

[QuOk]

Love my 2012, Great power and comfortable ride.
30mpg highway with ease. Got a Overkill 91 Octane Tune/trans tune and K&N CAI.

As for the 2014 you can get the new or old body style.
The 2014 Classic is the old body style(Fleet/Rental).
2013 is the old style body.

 

[OneEyeJack]

What year was the Impala remake?

 

[QuOk]

2014 was the new body style but they are still producing the old body style for Fleet/Rental use.

 

[itguy08]

Originally Posted By: oldmaninsc

Thanks, but I have read that thread. My point is I'm looking for feedback on problems specifically transmission, not initial driving impressions or amount of room.


Given I've owned the Taurus in my sig since this time in 2009 and it now has 82k (near 83k), I can give an impression.

Yes, it's big, yes it "feels cramped" (but I never hear complaints from passengers and, at 6'2", I fit in the back fine), and yes it's heavy. It's been very reliable so far. The only transmission issue was some range sensor that affected all the Ford 6F series that year and it needed some updated programming. Both covered under 3/36 and never an issue since.

The tech is great, it handles well, AWD is great, and it's been reliable. Can't ask for more than that. There were some little teething issues, but being a new car with a new drivetrain I cut them some slack. All were minor (chaffing knock sensor wire, peeling taillight chrome, the trans thing, and that's it). Once that was sorted out it's been nothing other than oil changes and maintenance items.

I'd buy another but would be torn between another SHO, Mustang, or Focus ST.

 

[clinebarger]

Originally Posted By: oldmaninsc
Hi everyone: as the title states I'm considering buying a used low mileage 2013 or 2014 Impala. Looking for feedback for people that own one or know someone that does. I've read on the internet of some people have transmission problems and then having trouble getting GM to identify and fix the problems. Thanks for your help.

Also - being a "Ford" guy I have to ask - any opinions of the same years Taurus? I really like the looks of the Impala better and I have rented several over the last couple of years. But after my last bad experience with GM I'm a little nervous to try again.


The 6T70E used behind the 3.6L have been really good, They did have some teething issues when first released in '07, By '10 they were sorted out.

The 6F50 used in the Taurus (while manufactured by Ford) is internally identical to the 6T70E.

Both the 6T70E & 6F50 was designed in a joint venture between GM & Ford.




Was your bad experience with GM because the 4L60E in the Trailblazer you sold? If so, The Ford 5R55 in a comparable Explorer is 10 times worse & Twice as expensive to repair!

 

[oldmaninsc]

Thanks everyone, this is exactly what I was looking for.

Originally Posted By: clinebarger
The 6T70E used behind the 3.6L have been really good, They did have some teething issues when first released in '07, By '10 they were sorted out.

The 6F50 used in the Taurus (while manufactured by Ford) is internally identical to the 6T70E.

Both the 6T70E & 6F50 was designed in a joint venture between GM & Ford.


Was your bad experience with GM because the 4L60E in the Trailblazer you sold? If so, The Ford 5R55 in a comparable Explorer is 10 times worse & Twice as expensive to repair!

Actually, no the transmission was about the only thing I didn't have problems with. I had to replace the thermostat (not easy) right after the warranty was up. Numerous body problems (gaskets on windows, around the license plates, seat levers that broke the second time it was used, etc). About a year after I bought it the a/c quit working - and I had to tell the dealership how to fix it (involved changing the electric fan clutch to a newer version). It had a vibration that 3 or more dealerships couldn't fix ( found out later that it was bad motor mounts).

There were a lot of other little things too numerous to mention. That being said I loved to drive it. It had decent handling for an SUV - plenty of power and the brakes were very good and lasted the entire time I had the vehicle (somewhere around 75 - 80K miles.)

IIRC I paid about 28K for it and sold it 6 years later for 5,800.00

 

[OneEyeJack]

Originally Posted By: QuOk
2014 was the new body style but they are still producing the old body style for Fleet/Rental use.


I asked the question about the make over year because I've driven both and the new one is a really good car and the old one is a bit less than acceptable. It's difficult for me to imagine that the new Impala is really a Chevy. It's that good as a driver. I have no idea of the reliability, dealer service or maintenance costs. Something is happening to GM. It looks like they are trying to produce good cars. This is a big change. Maybe the car people in the company are gaining ground on the bean counters.

 

[dishdude]

The old one is pretty mediocre and a bit of a throwback, but it is a proven design used as police cars, taxis, and other severe service use. Used, they are great values for someone that doesn't have to have the latest and greatest, but is just looking for a reliable, fairly comfortable car that is roomy.

 

[oldmaninsc]

Thanks Dishdude - you pretty much nailed a description of me.

I don't want or care to have the latest/greatest and I am looking for something fairly reliable and comfortable.

And yes, used I'm seeing 2 year old cars with 20K - 26K miles for about half or less the price of a new one. Works for me.