mechanics take on chevy impala or comparable 4 door

[wtnhunt]

Looking at getting a 2004 to 2006 4 door car, something we can buy outright, got to get something that is gonna be easier on the pocket to keep fuel in than the hd truck and the hemi in the durango, 4 doors with the kiddos is a must so looking at 4 door mid sized cars.

Always liked the chevy impalas and heard some good on them also some bad, seeing a few locally in the paper in our price range. Have read reports that the 2006 model with the 3.9 v6 will get 31 mpg on the highway, is that really realistic or an exaggeration? What kind of commuting stop and go expectations for fuel efficiency?

When do these cars start having troubles, any tips on what to look for in the way of problem areas? Should we skip the chevy and look at toyota camry which I am also considering?

Oh and our oldest turns 15 next week, so ruling out the ss model. lol.

[Shaun_300]

Aw man, was gonna say get an SS! 5.3L V8 with over 300hp, how can you go wrong? Those things FLY! And still get close to 30mpg. Understand why you don't want one though.

If you get an 05 and older opt for an LS model that has the 3.8L. Better power and fuel economy than the 3.4L and less chance of intake and head gaskets going. The 06+ models have either a 3.5L or 3.9L, same engine, different dimensions. Never seen an intake or head gasket go on one of those. You shouldn't get any less than 26mpg or so out of one. All highway they're capable of 35mpg. Great car, cheap to repair when they're needed. All around good car and not much goes wrong with them, especially the 2006 and newer models.

[wtnhunt]

Aw man, was gonna say get an SS! 5.3L V8 with over 300hp, how can you go wrong? Those things FLY! And still get close to 30mpg. Understand why you don't want one though.

Oh don't get me wrong Shaun, I would love to have an ss model, read up on the mds system in those things and the power and efficiency is sweet. If the wife and I were the only drivers I might try to find an ss that would fit our budget.

Realistically thinking we will be looking at an ls model more than likely 06, not ruling out the 2004 older body style either. Just gonna have to see what I can find that we can afford.

[LETMGROW]

Poor man's Caddy

We see quite a few of these cars. Not because of problems but they are plentiful around here. No major deficiencies except for the int. man. gaskets like Shaun said.

If you can swing the 2006 &, go for it.

Would I buy one? Yes.

Lynn

[wtnhunt]

Thanks for the replies.

[wtnhunt]

Aw man, was gonna say get an SS! 5.3L V8 with over 300hp, how can you go wrong? Those things FLY! And still get close to 30mpg. Understand why you don't want one though.

As much as I did not want to finance and have a payment, we ended just going with new, and bought a new 2012 LT back in July. Not the SS model, but does have the 302 hp v-6 and it gets to 60 mph pretty quick. Not sure how the two compare.

Getting around 24 average going back and forth to the schools and that with a good bit of sitting and stop and go, would probably get a little better if the wife did not drive the car and did not have so much stop and go.

[Shaun_300]

Congrats on the new ride William, hope you enjoy it! The 3.6L is a stout engine and GM has been putting them in a lot of their vehicles including the Camaro, the crossovers, Cadillac's and some of the Buick's. Great power and fuel efficiency. Glad they started putting those in the Impala's and getting rid of the 3.5/3.9 in them. They were a good engine other than a few minor issues but the 3.5L was only 211hp and the 3.9 was rated at 240. Now with the 3.6L mated to the 6 speed it makes a great powertrain for power and fuel efficiency.