Anyone here own an 06 or 07 Impala

[RU482]

For reasons I can't quite figure out yet, I sold my beater daily driver yesterday. I test drove an 06 Impala LT w/3.5L and surprisingly LOVED it.

Ideally, I would like to find a light silver or black one with a sunroof. While browsing online, I noticed that some had a 3.5L, and some higher end models had a 3.9L. From what I understand, these are both fairly new engines.

Are there any issues with these two engines...like the upper intake manifold on the 3800 or gaskets on the 3400?

Also, what kind of highway mileage have you been getting with the 3900?

Are there any other issues that have popped up with this generation of Impala yet?

Thanks!

 

[CurseTheSky]

The 2007's come in three engine flavors: 3.5L 211HP (LS, LT1, LT2 - rated 21/31 MPG), 3.9L 233HP (LT3, LTZ - rated 20/29 MPG), and a 5.3L 303HP (SS - rated 18/27 MPG).

Everyone I've talked to has been very satisfied. They look nice too.

 

[RU482]

The SS is appealing, but I'm guessing the insurance is a bit more, more expensive if something does go wrong due to the shoehorn effect, and the mileage is probably more realistically around 23MPG

I was impressed with the 3.5L, according to the DIC, going ~80MPH, I was getting ~31MPG.

 

[theeedude]

I am seeing a lot of them here, and this is Camcord country, so Chevy must be doing something right.
They do look like a lot of car for the money, as is the new Taurus.

 

[CurseTheSky]

211 horsepower should be more than enough for regular driving. The SS is definately a sport car disguised as a family sedan. I really wish they made a two door version with a few different cosmetics to make it more sporty. It would probably sell a lot better.

The SS interior is definately nicer though. I believe they give you a completely different sound system, along with quite a few other options. If you're looking for a basic daily driver, I'd go with the LS or LT1 / LT2. Other than that, if you're going to spend the $25-28k on the LT3 or LTZ (not sure on the actual price), why not spend a few extra and get the SS? Besides, if you're spending $30k+ on a car, you can probably afford the extra gas.

 

[Summitdrinker]

some may disagree with me, but V8 and front wheel drive don't mix

 

[fbrdphreak]

Originally posted by: CurseTheSky
211 horsepower should be more than enough for regular driving. The SS is definately a sport car disguised as a family sedan. I really wish they made a two door version with a few different cosmetics to make it more sporty. It would probably sell a lot better.

The SS interior is definately nicer though. I believe they give you a completely different sound system, along with quite a few other options. If you're looking for a basic daily driver, I'd go with the LS or LT1 / LT2. Other than that, if you're going to spend the $25-28k on the LT3 or LTZ (not sure on the actual price), why not spend a few extra and get the SS? Besides, if you're spending $30k+ on a car, you can probably afford the extra gas.

SS doesn't qualify as a sports car. It qualifies as a sedan with a V8 and FWD. Don't get me wrong - I think it is a cool idea and would consider it if I needed/wanted something like that, but a sports car it is not. FWD + numb steering + soft suspension != sports car

 

[RU482]

Originally posted by: CurseTheSky
I really wish they made a two door version with a few different cosmetics to make it more sporty. It would probably sell a lot better.

They do (for now, at least). It's badged as a Monte Carlo, and it's even better looking than the Impala. That's what I'd be shopping for, but I've got 3 kids to transport around.

 

[RU482]

Originally posted by: CurseTheSky
211 horsepower should be more than enough for regular driving. The SS is definately a sport car disguised as a family sedan. I really wish they made a two door version with a few different cosmetics to make it more sporty. It would probably sell a lot better.

The SS interior is definately nicer though. I believe they give you a completely different sound system, along with quite a few other options. If you're looking for a basic daily driver, I'd go with the LS or LT1 / LT2. Other than that, if you're going to spend the $25-28k on the LT3 or LTZ (not sure on the actual price), why not spend a few extra and get the SS? Besides, if you're spending $30k+ on a car, you can probably afford the extra gas.

Actually, I am looking to spend $15k-$17.5k on a used one with less than 30k miles.
Funny thing is, I was originally shopping for a similarly well equipped Accord...had to go back to 2004 with ~50k miles (and frankly, less appealing sheet metal, way less legroom, and less usable power). Screw that

 

[Summitdrinker]

if your looking for car of this type with some room, maybe look at used ford 500 or mecury of the same

there not fast, but lots a room

want room and good deal?, how about a mercury grand marquis, a little harder on gas, but will go many miles without having to stick big dollars in repairs here you will have a v8 and RWD

not really trying to talk ya out of the chevy, but how about a buick?
look here:
http://www.jdpower.com/corpora...es/charts/2007130b.gif

 

[GuitarDaddy]

I have an 06 SS, I've put 18k on it and I love it so far. I get about 18mpg in city driving, and 25-27 on freeway trips. The handling is surprizingly responsive for it's size, much sportier than my 96 SS was. And it is damn fast, it holds it's own with Mustang GT's, GTO's and v8 Chargers

 

[RU482]

Gdaddy...any quirks about the car that bother you? (even the smallest quirks)

 

[Felisity]

Rented one for a week in May. It was a brand spanking new '07 LS with less than 200 miles when I drove it away from the airport.

Hated it. Slow, sluggish, terrible handling. Drivers door window would whistle when cracked and the vents were open / or ac was running. Two of the interior molding pieces were already loose. No idea if the better equipped, faster models handle better but I was extremely unimpressed.

It was a big reminder to why buying American autos is very hit or miss with regards to quality.

EDIT: My daily ride is a 2006 Mazda 6 / 5door sport. I also drive the hubby's 2007 Camry Hybrid on occasion.

 

[GuitarDaddy]

Originally posted by: redly1
Gdaddy...any quirks about the car that bother you? (even the smallest quirks)

I guess the thing I like least about the car is that the tire pressure monitor is too sensitive, if you get a 3-4deg difference between the lowest and highest pressure it puts up a warning on the dash to check the tire. Here in TX the change in temp overnight can easily change the tire temps that much, so you either tweak the tire pressure every week or you ignore the warnings.

As an old guy my number 2 would be ride comfort on rough surfaces. The SS version is set up completely opposite of the rental car described by the poster above, it makes sacrifices in ride to gain stability and handling. To support the 303hp v8 GM added an extra wide lateral torsion bar in the front and rear, beefed up the shocks, and went with low profile 18" tires, these add up to a sporty stiff suspension with crisp cornering and a smooth freeway ride. But if you take it on a bumpy road it will beat you up, and hit a pothole and it will rattle your teeth. This car rides more like a camaro or a vette than a family sedan

 

[alimoalem]

Originally posted by: Summitdrinker

look here:
http://www.jdpower.com/corpora...es/charts/2007130b.gif

i'm not sure if this can really be used to determine which car to buy. i mean it depends on who drives it. the SC430 and corvette are in the same category....i'm sure they have TOTALLY different drivers.

now this has nothing to do with buick or chevy...just thought i'd mention it

 

[vi edit]

Originally posted by: GuitarDaddy

Originally posted by: redly1
Gdaddy...any quirks about the car that bother you? (even the smallest quirks)

I guess the thing I like least about the car is that the tire pressure monitor is too sensitive, if you get a 3-4deg difference between the lowest and highest pressure it puts up a warning on the dash to check the tire. Here in TX the change in temp overnight can easily change the tire temps that much, so you either tweak the tire pressure every week or you ignore the warnings.

I've had two different Japanese cars (Nissan & Mazda) and both of them had the same issue. Hyper sensitive to temperature changes. The Mazda was horrible in both hot and cold temps. The Nissan really only seems to complain when it's cold. Either way you get so sick of it crying wolf I'd never know if there was a true problem.

Concerning the Impala, I haven't drove one but I did drive a Malibu with the same 3.5L V6. It's a very robust little critter. A tad flat right off idle but once it spins up it's pretty potent. Jam the go pedal at highway speeds and it really scoots. I got over 35MPG @ 55 MPH in it too. I'd assume the bigger Impala would be a MPG or two off from that from weight.

The Impala is easy on the eyes, offers great standard options and a really efficient, economic base motor. For $14k or so used I don't know how you could really go wrong.