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2005 and Earlier Chevrolet Impala

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Comments

  • dieselonedieselone Member Posts: 5,729
    Teo,

    Yeah, I still have a hard time understanding Nissan for using a solid axle in the back on the Maxima, but the ones I driven handled very well despite the handicap and it seems they've hid it very well.

    As far as styling the Maxima is slowly growing on me. I like the looks of the Altima, but am not excited by the interior. If only they would put the Maxima's interior in the Altima. I also think they have a winner in the new 350z. I guess only time will tell on which direction Nissan's styling is going.
  • mediumfrymediumfry Member Posts: 239
    All right. It was still funny. The laugh's on me this time....

    Your jokes are on a higher orbital. I hang pretty close to the nucleus most of the time and often miss what's going on out where things are more 'exciting'.

    Get it? A little quantum theory humor.
  • teoteo Member Posts: 2,508
    I would personally wait to get another car for another 18 to 24 months. There is a lot of product coming down the pipe including new model introductions, enhancements and all new redesigns. The BMW 3 series are scheduled for a full overhaul for the 2004 model year. The Lexus IS300 will receive extensive revisions around the same time. the BMW 1 series will make its daytime view, etc. Too many interesting cars to commit oneself to a more expensive vehicle with the current offerings in the marketplace.

    The Infiniti G35 is Exhibit A of what's to come in the industry within the next couple of years.....stay tuned.
  • night_owl1night_owl1 Member Posts: 760
    Is the plastic clouded or is it condensation? Does it clear up after the headlights are on for a while?
  • I've also got leather, and get zapped regularly. The other night I got an exceptionally powerful jolt that scared the crapola out of me.
  • teoteo Member Posts: 2,508
    Please refer your dealer to this TSB:

    01-08-42-001 FEB 01 Exterior Lamps - Condensation & Replacement Guidelines

    Good luck.
  • I've also got leather, and get zapped regularly. The other night I got an exceptionally powerful jolt that scared the crapola out of me.
  • teoteo Member Posts: 2,508
    I have cloth and I haven't had any Static problems yet...could it be that I have heavy duty rubber mats under my feet?
  • RDS - I din't realize there was an actual secondary audio program. I was under the impression that the RDS signal, besides offering informational text and clock setting info, simply told the radio that the station was broadcasting INFO or TRAF on their regular broadcast program. Then, the radio would auto-tune to that station to hear the INFO or TRAF on their regular broadcast channel.
    I've found some sneaky stations that send out INFO and TRAF signals to get you to tune to their stations, even though they aren't broadcasting any such thing, on any signal! The ironic thing is that it always seems to be the Christian stations that do this. Isn't one of the cammandments something about lying? Or, was that George Washington and the cherry tree?

    Cars for $30K - I have to differ with your assessment of Acura, of course. ;-) Having a base CL, I can honestly say that it is an amazing bargain for $26K. There is nothing that comes close.
    I test drove alot of cars that cost thousands more, and none provided the same combination of performance and comfort. The CL-S provides even more power and performance for about $1800 more.
    If a person needs four doors, the TL-S is a fabulous car. 260HP, NAV, etc, for around $32K. Unfortunately, it is tremendously popular, so you'll see a lot of others on the road around you. The key, then, is to get a unique color. I haven't see n as many blue ones.
  • Never stop making jokes! Never! If you do, the terrorists have won. (Or was it the communists?)

    As for another car, I'm serious when I talk about Acura. Test drive one. You'll see. Plus 85% of the parts are from the US, not just assembly, so it can satisfy your American pride, as well.

    I also had an itch for something besides the Impala. The CL is the wife's, so I got this little baby right here:
    image
  • teoteo Member Posts: 2,508
    Wow!! gary, what a sweeet ride! What year is it, and how much $$$ for it, if u don't mind?
  • 1994
    $10K
  • roderacerroderacer Member Posts: 311
    nice Jag-you-are! HA! I always admired the older models. Soooo Classy!

    RR
  • teoteo Member Posts: 2,508
    Hope it doesn't have the Lucas electrical system.

    Nice ride. A far cry from today's Watered down Jaguars with Ford parts in them.
  • b4zb4z Member Posts: 3,372
    Why do the British drink warm beer?

    Because they have Lucas refrigerators!!!
  • teoteo Member Posts: 2,508
    LOL
  • Don't worry. I'm not going to start spelling the "tires" with a "Y", or use the words bonnet, boot, and hood instead of hood, trunk, and roof. I think that's pretentious. A lot of jag owners do that. It would be the same as an American Toyota owner using the Japanese words for those parts.
  • impalaboy2001impalaboy2001 Member Posts: 117
    I took my car in to a local muffler shop, and I asked him if it was possible to cut from the CAT out, he told me that he will have to cut past the U-bend cause otherwise I will void my warranty. Is that right? Is there a way to get rid of that U-bend without voiding the warranty? I'm looking for the most possible air flow, I was even gonna remove the resonator and put in two Dynomax welded Ultra flow mufflers.
    Chris
  • duraflexduraflex Member Posts: 358
    Don't know for certain if headlamp lenses are clouded or condensation but now I'm informed with a TSB.
  • roderacerroderacer Member Posts: 311
    the Bears are doing surprisingly good this season. "A certain number 54, my friend" (in my best Da Bears voice)... we'll see how they do in the NFC Championship game after beating the Eagles next week.... BRING ON GB!!!!!

    Back to the Impala... you are correct. The ratios refer to the ammount of sunlight that the film allows to pass through. 35% would allow more light in than a 25% film would.

    Letting only 1/4 of the light in seems a bit dark to me especially on a black car. I might look at the 35% or 30% if available. I really want to get the tint because the leather seats are HOT in the summer and the more I can shade it from the sun, the better. Not to mention the UV protection the film provides... which reminds me - I have to put some more Zaino "leather in a bottle" on the seats STAT!

    Take care!
    RR
  • duraflexduraflex Member Posts: 358
    Those considering heavy window tinting might want to check out how dark it makes things AT NIGHT.

    I've driven a friend's stretch minivan with factory tinted side and rear windows at night and the visibility stinks - especially on back roads and unlit freeways.

    Most states also have laws about tinting but the laws do not seem widely enforced.
  • roderacerroderacer Member Posts: 311
    you are right dura'. I had a crappy tint job on my T-bird and it made it almost impossible to see at night.

    I think most modern tint jobs, if done right with quality film will turn out OK. The factory tinting on the minivans and some SUVs are way too dark for my liking.

    Seems the tint laws are only enforced at the end of the month or when there is a teenager driving a car made before '95 with black as night tinting. IMO.

    RR
  • I'm especially fond of the tint jobs with all the air bubbles. It really adds class to those 89 Sentras.
  • brettcabrettca Member Posts: 34
    I was looking for the IMPALA message board and somehow I wound up at the "80%-of-the-time-what-other-car-do-I-want-other-than-an-Impala" message board. I'm here for one reason......IMPALA messages.
  • this_is_nascarthis_is_nascar Member Posts: 199
    I'm starting to feel the same brettca. More and more, there's posts here that have nothing to do with the Impala. I'm getting tired of wasting my time weeding out the unrelated posts.
  • Have you met Charts? You two would probably get along. :-) What are you complaining about anyway?
    I'm scrolling back, and see mostly advice, criticism, or praise for the Impala, Impala owner, or people contemplting an Impala.
    Discussing alternatives to an Impala would fall into the topic just fine.
  • night_owl1night_owl1 Member Posts: 760
    If you are going to cut the CAT out, why are you concerned about warranty? =) Sounds like you are gutting the whole system anyway.

    I came across a write up on new car warranties a while back. I'll post a link to it on my site when I get home from work. Check later on tonight.
  • 00impala00impala Member Posts: 474
    Sick of the word IMPALA....I have to take BOTH of my "Impala's" to the Dealership this Friday Morning, Sounds Like a Fun time to me! I have to get there with both of them Super Early of get stuck behind 10 other cars (More/Other Impala's?)and spend 4 hours there up to their Lunch hour and wait,wait,wait, Hopefully they will lube the ISS and we can leave with it while the figure out my Fog Light Snafu and change the oil and check my Seat.. What a way to spend a Day off... I do not want to sound impatient, God knows I am the image of patience, and put up with more than my share regarding my Impala's Just getting tired of the same old, same old split between 2 dealers that have different agendas regarding the Fine IMPALA.... Don
  • Is something wrong with your seat? My dealer, and GM's corporate customer service rep tells me that it's perfectly normal for it to rock/wobble back and forth.
  • 00impala00impala Member Posts: 474
    And the place that installed it had done 75+ Impala's and 50 Monte Carlo Base models to be sold as New (they were new cars with 3-5 miles when Dual Exhaust and other items were added)and since it is the Pontiac Grand Prix GT setup, it includes the 3/36 Warranty, It starts at the Converter and a super long pipe comes back to between the rear wheels and another splits into two pipes. I have all the paperwork and my car has been at the dealership for other things and they even commented that the LS should come that way. Like the Monte SS.. Don
  • colchester47colchester47 Member Posts: 261
    Miss me?...............You'd better say yes!!!
  • 00impala00impala Member Posts: 474
    They may be 99% right, since mine has done it for the longest time, I thought it was the seat bottom, but since I read all the comments in the past, it might be the seatback? I don't know.....I really notice it when someone adjusts the seat, then I put it all the way back and stop...it jiggles, I also noticed it within the passenger seat while my wife drove it, I really want my Fog Light back, It lights if you jiggle the wire, well it did when it blinded me, I know what the outcome will be regardless of the plug, I will need a $30 bulb, they look expensive, more so than a Headlight. Don
  • 00impala00impala Member Posts: 474
    Long time.........Don
  • vexvex Member Posts: 14
    I drive a 01 impala base with 3.8L and lately I have noticed that it makes a clunk sound when turning steering wheel at low speeds. This doesn't happen at speeds over 40km/hr. It also makes a clunk sound when stopping hard. I listen to the stereo most of the time so I hadn't noticed it till today. This car is built in 04/01
    and I have read that teo recommends impalas if it is built after 12/00 but yet there are problems.
    I don't want to take it to the dealer quite yet since they might make it worst (2 1/2 years of warranty left) and also they might learn as more impalas make their way to the dealers to be fixed. What do you all suggest or might think the problem is?? Steering shaft or engine cradle?
  • colchester47colchester47 Member Posts: 261
    Nice to know someone missed me.........I've been busy ,,,,,,,traveling around , had our first problem with the "00 impala..........be back soon .dinner time.......
  • 00impala00impala Member Posts: 474
    I drove a long trip yesterday and when I refuled, I let it click once to let me know it was full, I went up aprox 25 more cents or 2/10th of a gallon and when I reset the guages it read that I used 14.3 gallons and my recipt said purchased 14.5 gallons, and I pulled right off the highway when the yellow low fuel light came on. So I must have a well calibrated one? Don't quote me on the totally exact numbers,Fuel price etc. it was just really,really close, as it always seems to be...I reset it after I fueled up previously and drove til the light came on, refueled with 14.5 gallons and it said I used 14.3....Next time I will just stop when it clicks once and not even out the dollar amount and see what happens....Maybe I would have bought 14.3 gallons and it works perfect? I won't hold my breath...ha Don
  • 00impala00impala Member Posts: 474
    Your Steering Shaft needs the Lube Kit,well, not that it needs it, that is up to you, but it seems to be the recent GM Cure as opposed to replacing them nowadays...I am having my 2001 Base 3.4 done on Friday, I had my 2000 LS ISS Replaced and so far so good, it will get louder and more prevailant as it starves for grease. Usually turning and Accelerating, it will clunk, in the case of my 2000 LS, it did it while going over rough pavement in a straight line, in addition to the 2 other symptoms. Don
  • b4zb4z Member Posts: 3,372
    I remember you, although i was mostly on the intrigue thread then.
    Whatever happened to sweetpolly and that kid who was a font of knowledge? Mcdill i think was his name
  • vexvex Member Posts: 14
    Thanks for the advice. Question, do you know if there is a safety concern if the steering shaft isn't lubricated or will it wear out faster if it's not lubricated? Secondly, why do you own two impalas? Do you like them that much?
    I like my Impala but I won't buy another one if it has problems that aren't completely solved by GM. Plus, lubricating doesn't appear to be a permanent fix--just a short term cure.
  • colchester47colchester47 Member Posts: 261
    I'm not sure what happened to any one ..........Cookie still around?
  • 00impala00impala Member Posts: 474
    my Wife did too when she had a '99 Z24, we bought the other Impala for the size and the V6, we got a Base with ABS and Cassette options and with the deal the Dealership had in Aug 2001 for around 17K, Built 6/01 and the window sticker MSRP was $21,001, then subtracted the equity in her Z24, it worked out like we got a new car for around 13K, She still likes it alot, I too really do not think I would buy another one anytime soon, even if it were V8 or Supercharged or whatever they can dream up, I like the ones we have for now, My LS has 24K and My/our '01 base had 4K miles. Who knows, I may keep it (2K LS) for a long time or it may go around the warranty expiration date? I hate the thought of selling it for peanuts after 3 years, I financed it for 4 so it Depends,Would like to pay it off, sell it myself someday... As of late, it has been behaving, save for a Flickering fog light and a jiggiling seat track? It is up to par with the Newer AMP so the radio is fine, and it has a new ISS and a NEW Cradle, so I hope from here on in it is just normal maintenance for a while. 2 years old and not a scratch or door ding and it shines like a diamond when I wipe it down. I was wrong earlier when I said I was tired/sick of the word IMPALA, I find them to be fine autos, just the quirks that go along with any car for that matter tend to get ya all fired up at times. Don
  • duraflexduraflex Member Posts: 358
    Your symptoms point to the ISS.
  • teoteo Member Posts: 2,508
    How many Kilometers do you have?
  • teoteo Member Posts: 2,508
    If you ever experience front end issues with this car, don't automatically assume that is either the ISS or the Cradle. While based on experiences shared here one can arrive at a more accurate problem diagnostic (Steering column clunks, etc) it is always wise to have the dealer go over the entire front end of the car with a fine tooth comb, to prevent unnecessesary parts replacement, wasted time and aggravations.

    Prime example is my sister's sudden front end noise at 1500 miles. We tought it was either her engine cradle or the ISS, but in the end it was neither...it turned out to be the right side engine mount insulator. Once the defective insulator was replaced, the noise has been gone and the car drives smoothly and feels solid.

    When the right engine support insulator failed, the noise and symptoms resembled those of a problematic cradle/ISS. So my suggestion is to have the dealer make that determination. However, it doesn't hurt telling them where to start looking for the problem, but don't assume that the ISS or Cradle will always be the only problem.

    Loose/defective struts, a defective suspension arm, a bad steering rack, a bad engine mount, etc can also become potential trouble areas.

    10K miles, 9 months under *severe* driving conditions and not a single problem yet on my Impala LS with build date 4/01.
  • bh0001bh0001 Member Posts: 340
    My 04/01 LS is in for the 25,000 km service today (8 months and 1 day after I took her home). Only problems have been a very slight pulsing under braking and lifting roof strips. Otherwise it's as solid and quiet as the day I drove it off the lot. In fact, I'm driving a brand new 2002 LS as a loaner for the day and it's no tighter than my car.

    I've said it many times before, but I still LOVE my Impala!
    Brad
  • teoteo Member Posts: 2,508
    That works out to 15,534 miles.
  • jeffreyw1jeffreyw1 Member Posts: 145
    I missed you. What have you been up to on your time away?
  • teoteo Member Posts: 2,508
    Welcome back Colchester!
  • hunter39hunter39 Member Posts: 375
    Well I've taken to using my 2k Impala on a job that puts way too many miles on the ol'boy, to the tune of 4k per month. I'm presently at 33800, and need to get him in for the cradle click(drives me nuts when I go past the freeway sound walls and the clicking echos)brakes checked for possible rotor replacement and have my seat adjusted again, still wobbles a bit when braking hard or pulling away. I think I'm going to retire him and buy a beater to use on this gig. Two hundred miles a day is excessive, but it is so comfortable to drive and handle, a beater will be a tremendous disappointment.

    Colchester, nice to see you again, someone was looking for the guy who judges carshows awhile back and I think they thought it was Duraflex. I haven't seen Sweetpolly, Cookie or McDill in sometime, I wanted to tell Cookie they were using her photo from the brochure in local advertising here in the newspaper for the Impala. Fill us in on how the carshows are going and what's up with your Impala of course, for the purists!
  • vexvex Member Posts: 14
    I will probably wait till the summer to get my impala fixed. The sounds can be heard a lot better when travelling in an underground parking lot since there is a lot of turning involved and no outside noises are heard. I just hope the tech does not make things worst by tampering with items that are okay and then reassembling things incorrectly.
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