Hey everyone. I need some advice on a purchase I want to make about 6 months or so from now.
So a few days ago I rented my first car and I choose a Impala and let me tell you I fell absolutely in love. So much that I decided that the car I was going to buy was a Impala. Now I have a a question about models and what would fit my criteria. Before I forget, I rented a 2010 LT.
I like the modern look of the 2010 that I rented. I would like to purchase a impala that is very customizable in the sense that I can soup it up quite a bit. I loved the impala I had because I used it for both business and personal (classy enough for business and big enough for myself, wife, and daughter).
With a $20,000 - $25,000 budget, what model would be my best choice -- I want to make a "Silent but deadly", in the sense of quiet but really beefed up under the hood. To be honest, I'm new to the car scene so I dont know much about parts, accessories, etc. I would prefer a new car aswell.
I really would appreciate the comment feedback and would like to thank you ahead for taking the time to reply.
2009 Impala SS. You could tint, plastidip wheels and emblems, black bowties, smoke the tails, get depo lights and put LEDs inside for under $1k. That's just quick cosmetic mods. Not sure where you're at, but this is a real good deal:
Thanks for your reply. What does the SS model stand for? Is 2009 the last year of the SS? And what are the main differences between the SS and the LT I drove? I live in NYC.
SS means Super Sport. Which has several various defintions from its beginning reign in the early 60's.
The Super Sport is a trim package that is worldly different from the base, and semi luxury models. That being for example:
Base: Would be cloth seats, steel wheels with hub caps. Small economical motor at 211 hp.
LS, LT: Both models are very similar to the base model, which within the last couple of years, 'has' been the base model. More to the point, offers leather seats. Extra safety features, wireless communication features (onStar). Beefed up motor (some models with 211 hp, and some offering 242 hp). IIRC, i believe the 2012 version has 6 speed automatic???? Not sure.
Super Sport: Highest trim package, with being leather seats with SS stitched in head rest. Some come with DVD players. High performance v8 motor with 303 hp. Very economical for a v8. Big 18 inch wheels, with high performance tires. onStar communication. Too much to name really.
Like Don mentioned, for the kind of interest you have in this impala. The SS may satisfy you. Offering a luxury and sport combination, without hurting for gas. And im certain for the kind of budget you have, you can find an SS for about $5k to $9K cheaper.
Totally agree, 2009 (last year for SS) should be your choice. You will find one with low miles for UNDER 20K EASILY, and have a few k left for mods: HIDs, Don Rome Strut Brace bars, etc.
I agree with TSS... you have a nice budget to work with, but one sticking point for me is that you are looking for something that you can 'soup up.'
When I hear this, I wouldnt really recommend the impala. In terms of performance parts, your very limited, and then there is the debate about whether or not adding more HP is really a good idea given the fragile state of these transmissions.
Trust me, when it comes to most HP for your $, the Impala is a better choice than the same year mustang, dodge charger, or pretty much anything. But if you are looking for something to Mod, a mustang may be a more suitable choice. There is a much beefier aftermarket, and youll probablly end up having more fun with it.
My choice is the 09 SS, but I would also recommend keeping it stock and sticking to minor bolt on mods (exhaust, CAI, etc).
He does need room for his wife and daughter though so a Stang might not cut it. ^^. Alfredo is right though, not much souping up to do to the 06 to 09 SS. CAI, exhaust, Tuning (Diablo for 06 and HP/Overkill for 07+) is about it. And VERY true, the trannys are the weak link. I personally would not add any major HP until the tranny is upgraded.
09 had some nice additions: additional two thorax airbags, bluetooth, revised rocker moldings off the top of my head.
SXT charger is well within the price range, and has more room than an impala, not sure about the market for mods on the 3.5 though. Of course the hemi's have plenty, but you're getting into higher starting prices there.
Hell, you can get a used Charger SRT-8 for $20k. He DID come to an Impala forum and liked the Impala, so I'd assume he atleast knows generally what he's looking for. The 06-09 SS is rated at 303HP and each car varies, IE you could walk away anywhere between about 260-300 at the wheels, all luck (or lack thereof). 09 had some nice features added and it's the newest and will most likely have the best warranty left on it. Shop around, test drive, it will be your car after all. I would say that you could get 300WHP no problem on these cars and be safe. That's a decent # to look at. IF you were more at the $30k budget, I'd recommend a Taurus SHO, but you're not....so this (the Impala SS) is probably, from what I can tell, the best option in your interest in regards to a healthy balance of what you want and need.
The collective unit of the Impalas have always provided a evenly balanced set of performance and features. Either version will do fine for the fella, only that there is room to play with the SS so to speak. I like what was mentioned about CAI and Exhaust on the SS. Because you gotta wonder if there was to be an issue outside the motor with minor bolt ons. It was going to be an issue with it being all stock from the beginning.
I had a 78 mercury cougar for like 3 years that I put less than half that on, but thats because I hated it, bought it only as a favor to my moms friends mom who was dying of cancer...
Yeah I really enjoy the Olds quite a bit but I think its time for some V8 power... Got back what I have into it, and used it quite a bit.
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