spazdog, just so you know GM has been building Impala's in Oshawa, Ontario, Canada since around 2001
Used 2011-2008 Impala?
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Originally Posted By: Rock_Hudstone
Originally Posted By: oilmaven
I'd avoid the 2008 model too. Mine blew the headgaskets at 65,000 miles
All the more reason to find a late model, low mile example with a generous warranty.
There a tons of 2011 models in my area under 15,000mi.
Also, 2012 Implala has the new 3.6l engine if the headgasket issue is a concern. But then again who knows what kind of problems they may have down the road with the dire
ct injection fuel system
who knows what trouble any maker has had with DI. not too helpful.
Originally Posted By: oilmaven
I'd avoid the 2008 model too. Mine blew the headgaskets at 65,000 miles
All the more reason to find a late model, low mile example with a generous warranty.
There a tons of 2011 models in my area under 15,000mi.
Also, 2012 Implala has the new 3.6l engine if the headgasket issue is a concern. But then again who knows what kind of problems they may have down the road with the dire
ct injection fuel system
who knows what trouble any maker has had with DI. not too helpful.
Originally Posted By: Rock_Hudstone
There a tons of 2011 models in my area under 15,000mi.
Same in my area..For some unkown reason the Impala is very popular in Miami-Dade County.
What I find a little strange is those Impalas are selling for the exact same price as the 2011 Cruze with the same amount of miles on them..I believe the bulk of them are rentals.
With that said all my cars since 1985 have all been former rentals.
There a tons of 2011 models in my area under 15,000mi.
Same in my area..For some unkown reason the Impala is very popular in Miami-Dade County.
What I find a little strange is those Impalas are selling for the exact same price as the 2011 Cruze with the same amount of miles on them..I believe the bulk of them are rentals.
With that said all my cars since 1985 have all been former rentals.
This has been helpful. Mileage with Corsica was about 5,000 miles per year. He is a planning one trip, but I think a head gasket issue would take a while to show up. It seems the best bang for buck is 2011 Impala with 30,000 miles for around $15,000.00. I saw a lot of those listed. Some were certified. I saw some used Cobalts for close to the same price.
Originally Posted By: MONKEYMAN
It seems the best bang for buck is 2011 Impala with 30,000 miles for around $15,000.00. I saw a lot of those listed. Some were certified.
30,000 is a lot of miles to pound on in one year, and its almost out of warranty. For a $15,000 Impala I'd prefer something under 20,000mi and in near showroom condition.
A quick Autotrader search in my area comes up with at least 50 2011 Impalas $16,000 or less and under 20Kmi, quite a few under 15k, LT models too, not just base LS versions. Shouldn't be too difficult to find something similar in The St. Louis area.
Of course, if the target price is $15,000 you need to shop cars in the $16,000 then haggle down. The dealer mark up on used cars is huge.
It seems the best bang for buck is 2011 Impala with 30,000 miles for around $15,000.00. I saw a lot of those listed. Some were certified.
30,000 is a lot of miles to pound on in one year, and its almost out of warranty. For a $15,000 Impala I'd prefer something under 20,000mi and in near showroom condition.
A quick Autotrader search in my area comes up with at least 50 2011 Impalas $16,000 or less and under 20Kmi, quite a few under 15k, LT models too, not just base LS versions. Shouldn't be too difficult to find something similar in The St. Louis area.
Of course, if the target price is $15,000 you need to shop cars in the $16,000 then haggle down. The dealer mark up on used cars is huge.
Originally Posted By: vintagegz
spazdog, just so you know GM has been building Impala's in Oshawa, Ontario, Canada since around 2001
That's not an Impala. That's an Imposter.
That would be like Ford lengthening and slightly updating the original Taurus chassis and calling it a Crown Victoria.
Or Chrysler putting 300 badges on a modified Intrepid chassis....oh wait!
they did that.
spazdog, just so you know GM has been building Impala's in Oshawa, Ontario, Canada since around 2001
That would be like Ford lengthening and slightly updating the original Taurus chassis and calling it a Crown Victoria.
Or Chrysler putting 300 badges on a modified Intrepid chassis....oh wait!
Originally Posted By: Rock_Hudstone
Originally Posted By: MONKEYMAN
It seems the best bang for buck is 2011 Impala with 30,000 miles for around $15,000.00. I saw a lot of those listed. Some were certified.
30,000 is a lot of miles to pound on in one year, and its almost out of warranty. For a $15,000 Impala I'd prefer something under 20,000mi and in near showroom condition.
A quick Autotrader search in my area comes up with at least 50 2011 Impalas $16,000 or less and under 20Kmi, quite a few under 15k, LT models too, not just base LS versions. Shouldn't be too difficult to find something similar in The St. Louis area.
Of course, if the target price is $15,000 you need to shop cars in the $16,000 then haggle down. The dealer mark up on used cars is huge.
Those are good points. I will see what my stepfather has to spend and if he can go above $15,000. He probably will not want to drive 75 miles to St. Louis, so choices will be limited in his area. He is not in a hurry and he already talked about haggling. Thanks!
Originally Posted By: MONKEYMAN
It seems the best bang for buck is 2011 Impala with 30,000 miles for around $15,000.00. I saw a lot of those listed. Some were certified.
30,000 is a lot of miles to pound on in one year, and its almost out of warranty. For a $15,000 Impala I'd prefer something under 20,000mi and in near showroom condition.
A quick Autotrader search in my area comes up with at least 50 2011 Impalas $16,000 or less and under 20Kmi, quite a few under 15k, LT models too, not just base LS versions. Shouldn't be too difficult to find something similar in The St. Louis area.
Of course, if the target price is $15,000 you need to shop cars in the $16,000 then haggle down. The dealer mark up on used cars is huge.
Those are good points. I will see what my stepfather has to spend and if he can go above $15,000. He probably will not want to drive 75 miles to St. Louis, so choices will be limited in his area. He is not in a hurry and he already talked about haggling. Thanks!
ls1mike
$50 Site Donor 2026
I just had one the 3.6 for a rental when I was home. I logged about 1000 miles in it. Fairly comfortable, queit and it rode good. Nothing supper special about it, but it would make decent transportation.
What I did really like was the 3.6. It made nice power, really suprised me how well the car moved out.
What I did really like was the 3.6. It made nice power, really suprised me how well the car moved out.
Originally Posted By: Spazdog
Originally Posted By: vintagegz
spazdog, just so you know GM has been building Impala's in Oshawa, Ontario, Canada since around 2001
That's not an Impala. That's an Imposter.
That would be like Ford lengthening and slightly updating the original Taurus chassis and calling it a Crown Victoria.
Or Chrysler putting 300 badges on a modified Intrepid chassis....oh wait!
they did that.
The Lumina and Impala and of course the RWD Impala are different chassis. Same story for the Malibu and Monte Carlo and Grand Prix as they moved from their RWD origins. But what does it really matter? The Toyota Corolla and others went to a FWD platform and no one would call it an "Imposter".
Originally Posted By: vintagegz
spazdog, just so you know GM has been building Impala's in Oshawa, Ontario, Canada since around 2001
That would be like Ford lengthening and slightly updating the original Taurus chassis and calling it a Crown Victoria.
Or Chrysler putting 300 badges on a modified Intrepid chassis....oh wait!
The Lumina and Impala and of course the RWD Impala are different chassis. Same story for the Malibu and Monte Carlo and Grand Prix as they moved from their RWD origins. But what does it really matter? The Toyota Corolla and others went to a FWD platform and no one would call it an "Imposter".
Stay away from ex-daily rentals. The headgasket issue went away years ago.
My grandparents have a 2008 Impala with the 3.5 V-6. They bought it with low mileage and take exceptional care of it. They had the shifter issue and also a blown head gasket and this was all before 40k miles. They also had to replace the computer and had a few other issues. My grandpa was always a die hard Chevy guy but this may be the car that changes his mind. My dad has a 2005 and his has been great. Both cars do great on gas and are great highway cruisers. IDK what the price difference is but I know that the Ford Fusion is highly rated and reliable. Everyone who I know with the Fusion has had good luck with it and they really like the car. If that's not something he has considered yet it may be worth a look.
Originally Posted By: mechanicx
Originally Posted By: Spazdog
Originally Posted By: vintagegz
spazdog, just so you know GM has been building Impala's in Oshawa, Ontario, Canada since around 2001
That's not an Impala. That's an Imposter.
That would be like Ford lengthening and slightly updating the original Taurus chassis and calling it a Crown Victoria.
Or Chrysler putting 300 badges on a modified Intrepid chassis....oh wait!
they did that.
The Lumina and Impala and of course the RWD Impala are different chassis. Same story for the Malibu and Monte Carlo and Grand Prix as they moved from their RWD origins. But what does it really matter? The Toyota Corolla and others went to a FWD platform and no one would call it an "Imposter".
Relax, I'm just having a little fun at the current Impala's expense.
I just remember how twisted the Mopar Camp got when they built the Intrepid to European gauge, gave it the 255 hp 3.5, and called it a 300M. Chrysler fans were insulted that it was a fwd V6 and it bore the name of the famous Letter Cars of the '50s and '60s....nevermind the fact that it was the closest thing you could get to an American Maxima since the Taurus SHO went to a V8 (and the V8 SHO was still outpowered by the 300M. The Supercharged GM L67 3800 makes less hp too although it does make about 30 more ft-lbs torque)
In many ways the 300M was superior to the Maxima but still many were incensed by the use of the hallowed name on a FWD car.
My friend and former co-worker has a '96 Impala SS. Beautiful machine. We started to have a little fun at the current Impala's expense many years ago and just have continued to run with it. I don't hate the cars. I traveled from Ft Worth to Denver via Chicago (long story...lots of fun) in a '91 Lumina 3.1 years ago and I still feel that particular chassis is one of the finest American FWD freeway cars ever. It consistently got 30+mpg at 70+ mph and was very comfortable. I would imagine that the newer and improved chassis would be every bit as competent.
Originally Posted By: Spazdog
Originally Posted By: vintagegz
spazdog, just so you know GM has been building Impala's in Oshawa, Ontario, Canada since around 2001
That would be like Ford lengthening and slightly updating the original Taurus chassis and calling it a Crown Victoria.
Or Chrysler putting 300 badges on a modified Intrepid chassis....oh wait!
The Lumina and Impala and of course the RWD Impala are different chassis. Same story for the Malibu and Monte Carlo and Grand Prix as they moved from their RWD origins. But what does it really matter? The Toyota Corolla and others went to a FWD platform and no one would call it an "Imposter".
Relax, I'm just having a little fun at the current Impala's expense.
I just remember how twisted the Mopar Camp got when they built the Intrepid to European gauge, gave it the 255 hp 3.5, and called it a 300M. Chrysler fans were insulted that it was a fwd V6 and it bore the name of the famous Letter Cars of the '50s and '60s....nevermind the fact that it was the closest thing you could get to an American Maxima since the Taurus SHO went to a V8 (and the V8 SHO was still outpowered by the 300M. The Supercharged GM L67 3800 makes less hp too although it does make about 30 more ft-lbs torque)
In many ways the 300M was superior to the Maxima but still many were incensed by the use of the hallowed name on a FWD car.
My friend and former co-worker has a '96 Impala SS. Beautiful machine. We started to have a little fun at the current Impala's expense many years ago and just have continued to run with it. I don't hate the cars. I traveled from Ft Worth to Denver via Chicago (long story...lots of fun) in a '91 Lumina 3.1 years ago and I still feel that particular chassis is one of the finest American FWD freeway cars ever. It consistently got 30+mpg at 70+ mph and was very comfortable. I would imagine that the newer and improved chassis would be every bit as competent.
After work I checked local Ford and Chevy dealerships. I did get information on the Fusion and my stepfather is also considering considering it. The problem is people tend to hold on to their Fusions, so used market availability is slim. I saw a lot of Impala's but most were ex-rental or fleet cars. Fusions tend to be at the top end of what he has to spend, but seems to be a better quality car.
Originally Posted By: MONKEYMAN
The problem is people tend to hold on to their Fusions, so used market availability is slim. I saw a lot of Impala's but most were ex-rental or fleet cars.
I wouldn't hesitate buying a former rental provided it was in excellent condition, the rental life short, and not in a rough area for cars.
Hence, the importance of shopping low milers with clean Carfax reports. The sheer number of ex-rental Impalas presents the opportunity to get a perfectly good late model car for a bargain price.
Also, not all Fusions are the same, they had a update recently, those before had lousy turning diameters, something that can be a hassle everytime you drive.
The problem is people tend to hold on to their Fusions, so used market availability is slim. I saw a lot of Impala's but most were ex-rental or fleet cars.
I wouldn't hesitate buying a former rental provided it was in excellent condition, the rental life short, and not in a rough area for cars.
Hence, the importance of shopping low milers with clean Carfax reports. The sheer number of ex-rental Impalas presents the opportunity to get a perfectly good late model car for a bargain price.
Also, not all Fusions are the same, they had a update recently, those before had lousy turning diameters, something that can be a hassle everytime you drive.
Originally Posted By: Rock_Hudstone
Originally Posted By: MONKEYMAN
The problem is people tend to hold on to their Fusions, so used market availability is slim. I saw a lot of Impala's but most were ex-rental or fleet cars.
I wouldn't hesitate buying a former rental provided it was in excellent condition, the rental life short, and not in a rough area for cars.
Hence, the importance of shopping low milers with clean Carfax reports. The sheer number of ex-rental Impalas presents the opportunity to get a perfectly good late model car for a bargain price.
Also, not all Fusions are the same, they had a update recently, those before had lousy turning diameters, something that can be a hassle everytime you drive.
He would not like a lousy turning diameter. That is good to know. I visited a high volume Chevy dealer. They had 20 or more used Impala's. So he would have many to choose from. Impala does seem to be a good bang for the buck used vehicle.
Originally Posted By: MONKEYMAN
The problem is people tend to hold on to their Fusions, so used market availability is slim. I saw a lot of Impala's but most were ex-rental or fleet cars.
I wouldn't hesitate buying a former rental provided it was in excellent condition, the rental life short, and not in a rough area for cars.
Hence, the importance of shopping low milers with clean Carfax reports. The sheer number of ex-rental Impalas presents the opportunity to get a perfectly good late model car for a bargain price.
Also, not all Fusions are the same, they had a update recently, those before had lousy turning diameters, something that can be a hassle everytime you drive.
He would not like a lousy turning diameter. That is good to know. I visited a high volume Chevy dealer. They had 20 or more used Impala's. So he would have many to choose from. Impala does seem to be a good bang for the buck used vehicle.
Originally Posted By: Rock_Hudstone
Also, not all Fusions are the same, they had a update recently, those before had lousy turning diameters, something that can be a hassle everytime you drive.
The turning diameter should not be that bad on a Fusion.
It has basically the same ratio as the Mazda6. Admittedly, the turning circle is a bit large but manageable. Better than my PT Cruiser and WAY better than a third gen Eclipse or 8th gen Galant.
Also, not all Fusions are the same, they had a update recently, those before had lousy turning diameters, something that can be a hassle everytime you drive.
The turning diameter should not be that bad on a Fusion.
It has basically the same ratio as the Mazda6. Admittedly, the turning circle is a bit large but manageable. Better than my PT Cruiser and WAY better than a third gen Eclipse or 8th gen Galant.
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