[jonashendrickx]

I am interested in buying a Impala 2007-2011 with a V6 3.9L or the SS model.

Budget: 4000-5500$ (Don't worry about registration, insurance and other costs)
Miles per day (commute): 60-100

My questions:
- Which ones have six seats? Or was the 2006 the last one?
- Should I get a tune like Overkill to improve lifespan of the car and specially the transmission? I plan on driving the car like a normal person. Or are there any other tunes you guys can recommend?
- Based on my commuting habits and budget, how many miles would you recommend to be on the car? I've seen Impala's reach 300K miles based on my online research.
- Things to look for when buying a used Impala? For example, air conditioning makes a knocking sound. Had it happen with 2 different used Impala's at a Chevrolet dealer in Missouri.
- Cost of ownership? (Gas and repairs)

Thank you in advance,

Jonas Hendrickx

 

[WickedGoat]

In my opinion, if you want an SS, try to buy one that has had its transmission already rebuilt. They are the weak spots in the SS. Mileage in general really isn't that big of a deal as long as the car has been maintained. Proof of oil changes, etc. would be good to have. I am going to run synthetic oil in mine so DIY oil changes should run around $35.

If you want gas mileage, the SS may not be the best choice but I have read on here that guys are getting 24+ on the hwy. Tuning the car will help both fuel mileage and overall driveability. I run regular in mine and spend around $34 a week filling it up, 430 miles to a tank.

The HVAC knocking noise is most likely one of the actuators under the dash. Replacements aren't expensive but replacing them will test your patience. As far as what else to look for when test driving... Hub bearing noise, check power windows for full operation, check for fluid leaks, etc...

As far as 6 seats go, I never knew of an Impala to have 6 seats... Most have a floor shifter and bucket seats up front and room for 3 in the back. Not sure if the police cars with column shifters can even have 3 up front.

 

[jtrosky]

Sounds silly, buy also try the rear defroster to make sure it works! It's a known issue with these Impala and while not hard to fix, you might as well have the dealer fix it before sale if it's not working... Just turn it on and make sure the back windshield gets warm...

Otherwise, like already mentioned, transmission and HVAC actuators are also known "trouble" spots, so make sure to test those. Like I said, the goal is to get the dealer to fix everything you can before you buy it.

Also, make sure to turn the wheels all of the way to the left and right - another common troublespot is the ABS wheel speed sensor wiring "breaks" inside the wire insulation and can cause issues with the Stabillitrak and ABS systems. You may not be able to identify this quickly, but it's worth a shot - if there is an issues, you'll get messages on the DIC when turning the wheels all of the way and moving slowly.

Sent from my HP SlateBook 10 x2 PC using Tapatalk

 

[jonashendrickx]

Thanks for the quick answer!

- As for the tuning. I plan on getting either the Overkill or HP Tuners. Are there any tutorials or configurations that people have here I can use and go from there? My primary goal is to improve longevity of the car, gas mileage and improve responsiveness (assuming this doesn't ruin the car?) I think I would still want to keep torque management on in 1st gear to prevent my tires from spinning or rough takeoffs.

- Recommended maintenance manuals to do repairs myself? I have never replaced a part in a car myself, but I am a quick learner.

- Are there any recommended books or pdfs I can read to learn how an engine works to get a basic understanding?

 

[Josh124]

If you're interested in a 6 seat impala, you'll only find bench seat models on the LS and LT trims, so only the 3.5 liter. Keep in mind there was a package for some of the LT's making them non bench seats. If you want the most fun, get an SS. The V8 is known to be fairly reliable, just learn to handle the torque steer associated. The 3.9 will do you well as a daily with better fuel economy, but the choice is your's.

As for basic understanding on how to fix things, youtube and forums are your best friends. You can figure out how to replace pretty much anything on your vehicle provided you do a little research, have the right tools, and have patience. Many of the common issues with the vehicles are documented here along with the associated fixes. As for general maintenance (oil, brakes, trans fluid, etc), you'll be able to find a descriptive video of someone performing all of those on these vehicles if you just check youtube. The perks of having a super common vehicle. Just make sure you learn what year ranges are applicable. (06-11 for 3.9 & 06-09 for 5.3).

 

[jonashendrickx]

Thank you very much!

Is the oil consumption also limited to certain engine models or years? Would love to hear more about this. May even consider the 3.6L at this point with the lack of available Impala's in Florida

Off topic in this forum category, if someone has experience with the 7th generation Impala, feedback is welcome too. I noticed these run 3000-5000$ cheaper on average.

I will be doing 30K-40K miles per year and keeping the car for 2-3 years. Presumably 75-85% of the driving will be highway.

 

[08cngimpala]

i know the 7th gen pretty well and idk much bout the 3.6l except their are pretty quick lol the oil consume is usually to do with the active fuel mangement that 5.3l aka ss impala has and the 3.9l but will at overkill can disable the active fuel mangement that usually take care of the oil issue i actually have a 2008 impala 3.9l v6 that i just bough month ago and its a lt modle its got colum shift and can seat 6 people but still has arm rest and cup holders but ya most common is 5 seater i actually love the 3.9l first one that ive driven and owned and the active fuel mangement is disabled on my prior to me buying it ive not notice any oil comsume but also have 65k miles it drives great. but yes wheel bearings are common on the 7gen and 8th gen and the hvac issue on the 8th gen is not hard to fix but ya if u have questions bout the 7th gen let me know