Which car to replace Cobalt?

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Dice144

Senior member
Oct 22, 2010
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Currently my NYS inspection is way overdue. I fixed what the P0420 code said it should be. O2 sensor. Went off again so was told to replace Cat converter. Replaced that, then after driving for a few days/cycles check engine came on while on way to get inspection. Only part left is the last O2 sensor. Think I changed the downstream first by friends advice.

So debating giving up and getting 2006-2009 range Impala or Monte Carlo. I am thinking since I have a six year old the Impala would be a better idea but which car would be better?

I drive my Cobalt like it is stolen. The whole drive a cheap car like it is fast etc.

I refuse to spend more than $9500. http://www.westherr.com/ is the dealer I will be using because they support my school club and my close friend is a sale person there.
 
NutBucket

NutBucket

Lifer
Aug 30, 2000
27,180
649
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But what do you want? I see an '07 Fusion, '05 Camry, lots of Civics, even a Prius that are all priced below $10k.
 
SparkyJJO

SparkyJJO

Lifer
May 16, 2002
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phucheneh

phucheneh

Diamond Member
Jun 30, 2012
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SparkyJJO said:
Worst in what way? My boss's 2006 has been pretty durable. He's an ex cop and drives like one and it has yet to let him down despite the abuse.
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Worst to drive is what I would say. They handle like trash and every input (gas/brake/steering) is numb. They're reliable in that if they've made it through their early life without a major failure, they'll probably be okay.

So far as major failures are concerned, at least. There are non-showstopping problems that they all seem to have, though. It drives me nuts to see recent FWD GM V6's with well under 100k leaking all kinds of fluids underneath. Then you see the same model with a 4cyl and 150-200k and the damn thing is bone dry. What the eff, GM? Kudos on the good stuff, but how about some consistency?
 
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Dice144

Senior member
Oct 22, 2010
654
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My two closest friends both have Impala with leather seats. Whenever we go on road trips they drive because there cars are way more comfortable. Also the fact my Cobalt will not seem to pass inspection due to emissions.

I don't have to get a Chevy they just seemed like a good bang for your buck under 9k.

Also would enjoy a car with more cargo space for my planned road trip from Buffalo, NY to somewhere in maine. My current car kills my back after a 30 min drive.
 
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mvbighead

mvbighead

Diamond Member
Apr 20, 2009
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Hmm. A lot of hatred for my poor old Impala on here. Mine is a 2007 LT with the 3.9. Very few issues, and has just under 130k right now.

Only problem recently was a gasket (I believe on the oil pan) that leaked. Had that replaced for under $200 and it's been fine since. Now that I am doing more things myself, I'd have done that for much less, but I wasn't to the point of working on my cars at that time.

For me, it's a comfortable car, and handles like I expect it to. I drove a 2012 (or 11) Ford Taurus while on a trip, and it'd didn't seem to handle any better or worse. I've also driven a 2010 or so Charger, and it handled poorly and there was something wrong with the transmission (clunked, a LOT).

Meh. For me, it's dependable and a comfortable ride.

I would tend to the second the fix it remarks, but if you're looking for a more comfortable ride, IMO, an 06/07 Impala would be an upgrade over the econobox Cobalt.
 
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Dice144

Senior member
Oct 22, 2010
654
1
81
mvbighead said:
I would tend to the second the fix it remarks, but if you're looking for a more comfortable ride, IMO, an 06/07 Impala would be an upgrade over the econobox Cobalt.
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Yeah my buddy is gonna have me replace the last o2 sensor. Take a road trip after. If it fails then gonna move on. If not keep the car for another year.
 
phucheneh

phucheneh

Diamond Member
Jun 30, 2012
7,306
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Dice144 said:
Yeah my buddy is gonna have me replace the last o2 sensor. Take a road trip after. If it fails then gonna move on. If not keep the car for another year.
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Quit throwing parts at it. I'm not a Cobalt fan, but I hate it when people say had to dump 'x' amount of money into a car when it was all in failed attempts at the same repair. Hate the mechanic, not the car. P0420 and related catalyst codes are both common and generally easy to diagnose with as little as a visual inspection and a scan tool capable of reading datastream.

If you don't have access to the latter, buy it:

http://www.amazon.com/ScanTool-42300...ords=scan+tool

$25 and it pretty much does the same stuff as a full-featured scan tool. A bluetooth version and a phone also works, but I would rather have a laptop for reading and graphing data to ensure it can update as quickly as possible.

In this case, you need to look at the upstream and downstream O2 signals. There was no reason to replace the rear O2. The front might help, but it's unlikely.
 
H

hans007

Lifer
Feb 1, 2000
20,212
18
81
iamwiz82 said:
The last gen Impala is probably one of the worst cars I have ever driven, and my first car was a Neon.

I'd jump at that Lincoln Town Car. Luxo-barge at it's best.

http://www.westherr.com/find-a-car/details/2002-lincoln-town-car/1LNHM81W22Y651333/

Correct link^^ :/
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i don tthink the last gen impala is bad. i mean its not a good car either, but i've had it as a rental and as a car of its size it is cheap and reliable from what i've read.

if thats what you need and money is an issue, its not the worst idea ever.
 
D

Dice144

Senior member
Oct 22, 2010
654
1
81
Update. Long story short the friend that helped me knew less than I thought. Turns out (your all gonna laugh) we cut off the resonator not the cat converter. So basically the car had a bad cat converter on it and a new universal one. That is why the sensor was still like your an idiot.

After the fact found out my cousin in law can get parts 10% above cost from his work... :eek:

He is going to fix it for me. Think will keep the Cobalt and get a second car.
 
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