2012 Chevy Impala 3.6L

[RU482]

Has anyone here driven an Impala since they upgraded the drivetrain to the 3.6L V6 and 6spd trans?

Any first hand comparisons to the older 3.5L?

I need a large, inexpensive newer car. The Impala is the champion of depreciation, especially in year 1. I hate Dodge/Chrysler, so no Charger or 300 for me. The other car of consideration is a last Gen Taurus (post Five-Hundred).

If anyone has input or other ideas, let me know!

 

[LTC8K6]

18/22/30 mileage. Pretty good for a boat with 300 horses.

 

[Safeway]

My mother drove a 1996 Impala SS, black cherry. That was the last Impala I'd consider owning. LT1 V8, sexy.

 

[RU482]

18/22/30 mileage. Pretty good for a boat with 300 horses.

I know...looks great on paper. That's why I want to hear first hand experience. There has to be someone here who rents cars often and has had the old and new versions of the drivetrain

 

[foghorn67]

The 3.6L is rather nice. My Malibu has this motor tuned for less HP.
Very smooth, and IMO, underrated.

 

[WackyDan]

I had older rentals with the 3.5 and newer with the 3.6 ... Neither engine made the car feel quick, not that you should be expecting that. Felt the 3.6 was a lot smoother, but that could also be the tranny.

I have the 3.5 in a 2005 Malibu and in that car, the push rod v6 really is snappy... That same 3.5 in the impala isn't snappy, but still plenty of power, and quiet enough.

I like the impalas, but I freaking hate that generation of GM product. Our 05 Malibu has had nothing but constant problems with the steering column, intermediate steering shaft, and control arm links. Those same components were shared across the impalas, the monte carlos and the malibus... I'd hope the 2012 impalas were better, but they haven't changed the design at all.

Do a little research on the above before making a purchase.

 

[Howard]

The LY7 engine, which was the archetype for the Impala's 3.6L, had a terrible problem with a premature-wearing timing chain.

 

[LTC8K6]

The 2012 Impala has the Camaro's LFX 3.6L engine, with just slightly less power.

 

[Knavish]

EDIT: nevermind, too early in the morning

 

[RU482]

The LY7 engine, which was the archetype for the Impala's 3.6L, had a terrible problem with a premature-wearing timing chain.

I remember reading about that when I was obsessed with the Pontiac G8. I thought they resolved the issue in 09...could be wrong