2008 Impala SS purchase tips help...thanks

Transmissions are the primary concern with 8th generation 06 to 11 Impalas - especially the SS models (made from 06-09). They are fun cars and a tremendous used car buy IMO, but factor in buying a new transmission when calculating how much you want to spend/can afford. The 2012s, though still "8th gens" have a superior 6 speed tranny (and the 3.6 V6 making almost as much power as the 06-09 SS).

When I bought my daughters 07 SS this year , I purchased the full CarMax warranty.
Make sure the key FOB works , at more than 20 foot range.


Cheap piece of mind, well maybe not so cheap , but it was the only way for me.

Right, also check the remote range, rear defroster, clicking noise in the dash (blend door actuator), and all the door locks (door lock actuators).

wait...what does it mean when the remote starter doesn't work from 20ft...???

Lt_Crazy said:

wait...what does it mean when the remote starter doesn't work from 20ft...???

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making sure the key fob receiver in the car is good, they had problems with range on some models.

12ltz said:

making sure the key fob receiver in the car is good, they had problems with range on some models.

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Mine did not work well,CarMax said change the battery.

I changed the battery , increased ranged by about 5ft.

Thanks to the good warranty I got ,Chevy dealer replaced the receiver,antenna,and both keys and fobs , for free.

That was very cool. Now it works perfectly from 100 yards, maybe more!!

TSS said:

Transmissions are the primary concern with 8th generation 06 to 11 Impalas - especially the SS models (made from 06-09). They are fun cars and a tremendous used car buy IMO, but factor in buying a new transmission when calculating how much you want to spend/can afford. The 2012s, though still "8th gens" have a superior 6 speed tranny (and the 3.6 V6 making almost as much power as the 06-09 SS).

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Since the 2012s put out nearly the same horsepower as the SS models, it makes much more sense to buy a 2012 in my opinion. If you buy an SS, be prepared to spend a couple thousand on a transmission rebuild. Might as well spend some more money and buy a newer car with a better engine and transmission. Check out Autotrader. I saw some good deals on 2012 Impalas on there. I'm going to have to test drive a 2012 Impala to see how much better these cars perform, compared to the 2006 3.9L that I have. k3:

AMZ said:

Mine did not work well,CarMax said change the battery.

I changed the battery , increased ranged by about 5ft.

Thanks to the good warranty I got ,Chevy dealer replaced the receiver,antenna,and both keys and fobs , for free.

That was very cool. Now it works perfectly from 100 yards, maybe more!!

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This was under Carmax? can you buy it on your own?

As far as fob distance, my 09 SS distance is about 20 feet with both my fobs with new batteries. The last time I had it to a dealer I had to pay out of pocket for them to solder something above the headliner trim. Final result, 20 feet, still not enough to utilize my remote start. I'm taking it back in soon, I have an extended warranty so I hope they do something.

I am getting a remote starter installed should i be worried about something looking at all these key fob posts, and i got a LS not SS though.

I assume you are getting an aftermarket unit installed, so the factory systems won't be an issue.

Gwalker99, please let me know if you would like me to investigate any Impala vehicles you find! I'm always happy to provide the build sheet if you send me a private message with the last eight of a VIN. Please feel free to send me a message anytime if you have vehicle questions while you search.

I'm happy to see that forum members have already been offering advice and hope you've been finding it helpful!

Katie
Chevrolet Customer Service

Same comments as above...Tranny,remotes etc. I have over 140k on mine. Needed a Tranny at 112k. GM paid for it as I was having issues with it before it came out of warranty. Still a great bang for the buck!

kingnutin said:

I assume you are getting an aftermarket unit installed, so the factory systems won't be an issue.

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Well i am.. it aint got no factory remote starter.. just unlock lock door stuff.

Then it will have its own receiver, no worries.

kingnutin said:

Then it will have its own receiver, no worries.

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Yeah.. well got one installed today lets see how it behaves, their temperature sensor is actually inside/under the dash.. so got it set to -5c , that should be cold enough for it to kick in automatically. I am assuming usually there is a temp. difference of 10 to 15 C outside ambient than inside cabin temp. of a car ?:dizzy:

Got my car back from the dealership yesterday for a few complaints. 20 foot key fobs was one of them, was told its normal. And the dreaded could not duplicate problem for my other complaints yet they all occurred immediately after picking up the car, what a Joke.

Just because its normal doesn't mean its right, they are supposed to work from much farther away. "Normal" in this case would only mean its a very common problem, its also "normal" for the transmission to blow up, and the door locks to quit working... Complain to the service manager, if that doesn't work, complain to our customer service rep here, and find a different dealer.

Krull said:

Got my car back from the dealership yesterday for a few complaints. 20 foot key fobs was one of them, was told its normal. And the dreaded could not duplicate problem for my other complaints yet they all occurred immediately after picking up the car, what a Joke.

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You did not try it while picking up the car ? Dealers are all like that they say they fixed problem but not really.. i had noise in the rear end of my car, they said they fixed it but it was worse when driven.. i was like really.. :dunno: i lost faith in dealers i just go to local shop mechanics now.