Advice on Impala
- 92BonnevilleSE
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Advice on Impala
Well my fiance is wanting to get an Impala soon. She wants one 2004-2010. Can anyone here give me some advice as what to look out for and any problems with them? She's not totally set on this car but would prefer it. Trying to talk her into a nice G6. We have a 2 year old son so it has to be a family car. There is a 2002 Bonneville at a buy here pay here dealer and they only want $3500 for it. Any other good 4 door cars to look at that is good on gas? Thanks
Joe

Rebuilt L36, Silverstar highs/lows and fogs, new brake lines, rotors, calipers, pads, ZZP Exhaust, Projector Headlights, Tinted Tails and Windows.
Mods to come- LED Tails, HID Kit, Top Swap (springtime)

Rebuilt L36, Silverstar highs/lows and fogs, new brake lines, rotors, calipers, pads, ZZP Exhaust, Projector Headlights, Tinted Tails and Windows.
Mods to come- LED Tails, HID Kit, Top Swap (springtime)
- J Wikoff
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Re: Advice on Impala
The bigger the better when you've got kids.

WHITE WHINE - 1992 SSE Supercharged 236.26 ci (.040 Over) 15.090 at 90.2 MPH on old engine w/ slipping trans & melted O2 sensor - Gen 3 M62 and matching TB, Gen 2 Pully, Zillamotorsports Ported LIM, YT 1.72 Roller Rockers, SII FPR & Injectors, Hypertech Thermomaster chip w/ 160 Thermo, TransGo Shift Kit, Infinity/Pioneer Speakers & a 10" Alpine Type R Sub, all the watts, 140 amp Alternator, Ricepipe CAI w/ heatshield, Pilot Angel Eye Foglights, Clear Corners, '02 17" Chrome Bent 5's, Magnaflow F-Body Muffler and Hi-flo Cat, Ceramic Coated Ported Exhaust Manifolds, Fan Override, Monroe Reflex struts, red calipers
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myfirstbonnie
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Re: Advice on Impala
And if possible try to avoid the buy-here pay-here. They rob you on fees and interest.
- 92BonnevilleSE
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Re: Advice on Impala
Yeah. She wanted to go look at that Bonne but I told her we should try somewhere else first and use that as a last resort. We did find some nice Impala's and a few G6's at the GM dealer. How good are G6's with 1 kid?
Joe

Rebuilt L36, Silverstar highs/lows and fogs, new brake lines, rotors, calipers, pads, ZZP Exhaust, Projector Headlights, Tinted Tails and Windows.
Mods to come- LED Tails, HID Kit, Top Swap (springtime)

Rebuilt L36, Silverstar highs/lows and fogs, new brake lines, rotors, calipers, pads, ZZP Exhaust, Projector Headlights, Tinted Tails and Windows.
Mods to come- LED Tails, HID Kit, Top Swap (springtime)
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00Beast
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Re: Advice on Impala
You'd probably be better off with a Grand Prix. Little bit bigger than a G6, and there are tons of them coming off lease right now. Local GM used car dealer has the entire front row (20+) of 04-07 Grand Prix's.
Bye Bye:

RIP sandrock

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Sirius wrote:Think about it. You’re tooling down the road in your Prius, knowing full-well that this thing being green is as big a sham as federally mandated ethanol-enriched gas, Russia pulling out of Ukraine, and Obamacare.
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petraman
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Re: Advice on Impala
Lets see...
The Impala has the basic W-Body problems, such as bad ISS (although mine with 120k miles hasn't reared its ugly head yet, knock on wood), and blocked drains that leaks water into the passenger-side wheel well (I've got this going on in mine). Also, the rear defrost likes to go out, so make sure to check that. Make sure you check the drivers side windows control and make sure that it goes up and down without hesitation (there's a problem with oxidation on the switches, and it's real pain in the arse to fix). Ehh, lets see, what did I miss... I think that's about it, besides the basic 3800 problems, but since it's >2003, it won't have that dang PCS problem that cost me 1200 bucks.
The Impala has the basic W-Body problems, such as bad ISS (although mine with 120k miles hasn't reared its ugly head yet, knock on wood), and blocked drains that leaks water into the passenger-side wheel well (I've got this going on in mine). Also, the rear defrost likes to go out, so make sure to check that. Make sure you check the drivers side windows control and make sure that it goes up and down without hesitation (there's a problem with oxidation on the switches, and it's real pain in the arse to fix). Ehh, lets see, what did I miss... I think that's about it, besides the basic 3800 problems, but since it's >2003, it won't have that dang PCS problem that cost me 1200 bucks.
2013 A4 P+ ------------------ Glacier White Metallic
6MT, Sport Pkg, JHM Stage 1 Clutch/LWFW, JHM Short Shifter, JHM HFC, USP SS Clutch Line, CR-15 Strut Bar, Alu Kreuz, BFI Shift Knob, EC Trans Mount Insert, VCDS tweaks.
6MT, Sport Pkg, JHM Stage 1 Clutch/LWFW, JHM Short Shifter, JHM HFC, USP SS Clutch Line, CR-15 Strut Bar, Alu Kreuz, BFI Shift Knob, EC Trans Mount Insert, VCDS tweaks.
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Jrs3800
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Re: Advice on Impala
I am with Ed... if you are going to get a Mid sized car skip the G6 and pick up a Grand Prix...
- J Wikoff
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Re: Advice on Impala
I know it's not the same car, but the size is similar. We have a Grand Am, the stroller doesn't fit in the trunk, and the front passenger seat has to be so far forward to accomodate the car seat behind it that my 5'3" wife barely fits without cramming her knees into the glove box.

WHITE WHINE - 1992 SSE Supercharged 236.26 ci (.040 Over) 15.090 at 90.2 MPH on old engine w/ slipping trans & melted O2 sensor - Gen 3 M62 and matching TB, Gen 2 Pully, Zillamotorsports Ported LIM, YT 1.72 Roller Rockers, SII FPR & Injectors, Hypertech Thermomaster chip w/ 160 Thermo, TransGo Shift Kit, Infinity/Pioneer Speakers & a 10" Alpine Type R Sub, all the watts, 140 amp Alternator, Ricepipe CAI w/ heatshield, Pilot Angel Eye Foglights, Clear Corners, '02 17" Chrome Bent 5's, Magnaflow F-Body Muffler and Hi-flo Cat, Ceramic Coated Ported Exhaust Manifolds, Fan Override, Monroe Reflex struts, red calipers
2009 G8 GT - Sport Red Metallic, loaded, SOLO Axlebacks, Rotofab Intake, Tuned, autodim mirror, removed intake manifold cover, HSV GTS triple gauge pod, two tone red-hot shifter and HSV SuperSport steering wheel, GXP rear sway bar and diffuser, 3.45 diff and various Camaro suspension bits, LED Taillights
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00Beast
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Re: Advice on Impala
Grand Prix is bigger than a Grand Am, especially the 04+ ones. I can fit OK in the back seat, and I'm 6'6". G8 I fit comfortably in the backseat behind a person 6' or so.
Bye Bye:

RIP sandrock

RIP sandrock
Sirius wrote:Think about it. You’re tooling down the road in your Prius, knowing full-well that this thing being green is as big a sham as federally mandated ethanol-enriched gas, Russia pulling out of Ukraine, and Obamacare.
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Blown93SSEi
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Re: Advice on Impala
Same here with the Grand Prix. Big, Comfy, Not to bad on gas for a big car, and all the amenities if you go the GTP CompG route.
Jacob, Dark Green 1997 SSEi "The Green Lantern" Over 268,000 Miles and Still Going Strong!

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Mods/Stuff: INTENSE! FWI, ScanGauge 2, Mobil 1 HM Oil, Valvoline HM Transmission Fluid, Mildly Tuned PCM, Drilled 180 Thermostat, Cleared Corners, Silverstars, Chrome T-Stars, NGK Iridium Plugs, NAPA Belden Wires.
- 92BonnevilleSE
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Re: Advice on Impala
I've actually thought about looking at a 05 Grand Prix that is at the dealership. How are they on gas and can they tow a small trailer with 1 possibly 2 sport bikes on? Were looking for something good on gas since I travel to Tennessee a few times a year to see my mom and 2 oldest siblings. We never really have anyone in the backseat of our cars besides my son so alot of legroom in the rear is not to big of a concern. Just need something that is big enough for me. I'm 6'8" and about 220. I've rode in older GP's and fit in them pretty well.
Joe

Rebuilt L36, Silverstar highs/lows and fogs, new brake lines, rotors, calipers, pads, ZZP Exhaust, Projector Headlights, Tinted Tails and Windows.
Mods to come- LED Tails, HID Kit, Top Swap (springtime)

Rebuilt L36, Silverstar highs/lows and fogs, new brake lines, rotors, calipers, pads, ZZP Exhaust, Projector Headlights, Tinted Tails and Windows.
Mods to come- LED Tails, HID Kit, Top Swap (springtime)
- TrueWildMan
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Re: Advice on Impala
92BonnevilleSE wrote:I'm 6'8" and about 220.
Would...not...be...happy with G6....
SC is me spinach!
Dark Bronzemist 2001 SSEi
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Dark Bronzemist 2001 SSEi
Intense PCM, Intense FWI, Intense modular 3.40" pulley, 1.9 Yella Terra roller rockers, LS6 Medium Load valve springs, Magnaflow mufflers, hi-flo cat, exhaust tips.
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petraman
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Re: Advice on Impala
I'm about the same size as he is (a little bit fatter, but around the same height, 6'7") and I fit fine into a G6... If you get the GTP, they're very zippy, and the panoramic sunroof was a lot of fun (believe it or not, I was about to buy a G6 demo before the Impala. *dang* glad I didn't, I'd be in even more trouble than I am in right now debt-wise)
2013 A4 P+ ------------------ Glacier White Metallic
6MT, Sport Pkg, JHM Stage 1 Clutch/LWFW, JHM Short Shifter, JHM HFC, USP SS Clutch Line, CR-15 Strut Bar, Alu Kreuz, BFI Shift Knob, EC Trans Mount Insert, VCDS tweaks.
6MT, Sport Pkg, JHM Stage 1 Clutch/LWFW, JHM Short Shifter, JHM HFC, USP SS Clutch Line, CR-15 Strut Bar, Alu Kreuz, BFI Shift Knob, EC Trans Mount Insert, VCDS tweaks.
- laxmangl
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Re: Advice on Impala
My gf's 2007 impala ls is way bigger than a grand am. I am 6'2" and fit in the front and back seats quite comfortably. There are front, side and curtain air bags. A good stock stereo with 6 speakers.
It's not a super exciting car, but it's been quite reliable and is about as safe as can be with abs and traction control on all models.
In other words it's pretty roomy, quiet and safe. What more could you want for a family car?
It's not a super exciting car, but it's been quite reliable and is about as safe as can be with abs and traction control on all models.
In other words it's pretty roomy, quiet and safe. What more could you want for a family car?

2000 SE: 17" Chrome Grand Prix GTP wheels, Pirelli P-Zero Nero Rubber.
180,000 miles and running smooth
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petraman
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Re: Advice on Impala
yeah that was one of the main reasons I got the Impala, it's dang comfortable...
2013 A4 P+ ------------------ Glacier White Metallic
6MT, Sport Pkg, JHM Stage 1 Clutch/LWFW, JHM Short Shifter, JHM HFC, USP SS Clutch Line, CR-15 Strut Bar, Alu Kreuz, BFI Shift Knob, EC Trans Mount Insert, VCDS tweaks.
6MT, Sport Pkg, JHM Stage 1 Clutch/LWFW, JHM Short Shifter, JHM HFC, USP SS Clutch Line, CR-15 Strut Bar, Alu Kreuz, BFI Shift Knob, EC Trans Mount Insert, VCDS tweaks.
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Jrs3800
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Re: Advice on Impala
after spending time in an 06 GP L26... I have to say its overall a nice car... Not as large as any Bonneville, but close... The seats are quite nice and a little more body hugging than the Impy.. There are some GP's of the later years that are pretty well loaded minus the Blower...
Mileage wise would be comparable to a Bonneville SE( 3.05 gear ratio ) or an SLE... Look to get about 19 City 29 Hwy or so...
Mileage wise would be comparable to a Bonneville SE( 3.05 gear ratio ) or an SLE... Look to get about 19 City 29 Hwy or so...

