2005 and Earlier Chevrolet Impala

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Comments

  • How much was it, before trade? And how much did they give you for your trade? (If I may be so bold.)
  • this_is_nascarthis_is_nascar Member Posts: 199
    Thanks. I got the Silver one. It has everything with the exception of the engine block heater.

    I was able to get $1000 off the sticker + the $1500 rebate + $9,500 trade-in for my 2000 LS with 52k miles. Financed the rest for 6-months at 5.9%.
  • crosley4crosley4 Member Posts: 295
    said :

    I was able to get $1000 off the sticker + the $1500 rebate + $9,500 trade-in for my 2000 LS with 52k miles. Financed the rest for 6-months at 5.9%.

    =========== Must be some heavy payments for 6 months!!

    Tony
  • nosirrahgnosirrahg Member Posts: 872
    I think next time I need something proofed for work, I'm just going to post it here and let you guys pick through it for errors; it will save me a lot of time, and I KNOW every error will be found!!! ;-.)
  • mediumfrymediumfry Member Posts: 239
    Garypen will probably add a little humor to it as well.
  • sim3sim3 Member Posts: 66
    night_owl1: Can't get warranty service, no :( Then again, I already have 35kmi on it so that's not a big deal. Regular service should not be a problem, but any major fixes will need to have a part ordered from somewhere. The official Finnish importer of Chevrolets, by the way, turns out to be the one place where you *don't* want to take your car - they overprice their services badly. Luckily, there are some smaller shops that deal with GM vehicles.

    b4z: You're right about the fines & taxing. Every now & then you can read about "rich" Finnish people who get speeding tickets in the range of $20-$100k(!). Ouch! In fact, Finland is one of the worst countries when it comes to taxes - there's a tax for everything imaginable and then some.

    drivinisfun: Yeah, American cars are somewhat of a "status symbol", a little like European cars are often considered "luxury" items over in US. However, Finns are generally more jealous about everything and vandalism is not that rare - so we'll see when I get my first "key scratch" or something worse..

    As a curiosity, I had a do some modifications to the car to get it registered here due to some odd Finnish/European regulations:
    - The VIN on the left side is unacceptable, it must be etched on the right side of the car
    - It needed to have side turning signals installed near the front wheels
    - A rear fog light had to be installed, although by law you are never _required_ to use it - but it must be there.
    - New white parking lights had to be installed and the yellow ones disabled.
  • sim3sim3 Member Posts: 66
    Just to give you guys an idea how horrible the taxes on e.g. cars are in Finland, consider the following prices:

    - Chevy Tahoe: $80.000
    - Chevy Corvette: $120.000
    - Olds (here Chevy) Alero: $35.000
  • atbearatbear Member Posts: 322
    80 dollars, 120 dollars, 35 dollars? Not Bad!
  • Do they tax tacks?
  • Said goodbye to the LS last night. The new lessee took possession around 6:30pm PST.

    I still have access to the Impala TSB's. As I find the time, I'm going to copy-and-paste a few at a time, and send them to Nathan to possibly include on his website. It'll be his call. I hope it helps you folks.
  • emtbemtb Member Posts: 42
    Hi ya'all. I've got a 2002 base Impala model. I'm planning on installing a wig-wag alternator for my headlamps for my EMT stuff. I've got a question for those who've done this before (I've scrolled back and see 2-3 people who have), is it the Whelen B unit that you've used? I see it has the quick-plug for the headlamp harnesses, but I've got a civilian Impala. Do they still plug into the harness?


    http://www.sirennet.com/whelen/uhf2150b.pdf


    That's the reference I'm using. Thanks!

    P.S. What is the Chevrolet Option SEO 6J3?

  • dgonzalez13dgonzalez13 Member Posts: 110
    on the option codes. The whelen 2150b is the only type that wont disconnect your DRL. If you order it from Galls or Streichers, they will send it with a one sheet wiring guide to use it on non police model of impala. Basically shows your the 7 wires you need to splice to replicate what the quick connect on the police model would normally provide. It works great. I use it on my impala and a generic reverse light/brake light alternating flasher with audible feedback under the dash so i know when it's left on when it's not suipposed to be.
  • drivinisfundrivinisfun Member Posts: 372
    "Said goodbye to the LS last night. The new lessee took possession around 6:30pm PST."

    Hasta la vista, baby!
  • Yeah. I already miss that bad boy.
  • b4zb4z Member Posts: 3,372
    Sometimes bad is good.
    Oops, we're talking about cars here.
  • this_is_nascarthis_is_nascar Member Posts: 199
    I have a question for the other owners. On the lower-back part of my leather seats, I have a couple round-dot things on each of the rear seats. Are they decals of some sort or are they supposed to be removed? I can't quite figure out what they are.
  • night_owl1night_owl1 Member Posts: 760
    Those are the markers for the LATCH locations. Stick your fingers between the two cushions under the dots. You will feel a metal loop there. Those are the anchor points for the LATCH equipped child seats.
  • this_is_nascarthis_is_nascar Member Posts: 199
    Thanks night owl1. Are they designed to stay there or are the supposed to come off somehow?
  • night_owl1night_owl1 Member Posts: 760
    They are supposed to stay there to mark the position of the anchors. I have not seen the markers on the Impala, but the ones on other vehicles look like they are permanently attached to the material, be it cloth or leather.
  • garywgaryw Member Posts: 116
    GM announced $1000 bonus cash on 2002/03 models today.

    www.media.gm.com
  • nosirrahgnosirrahg Member Posts: 872
    The EPA has produced a list of 2003 vehicles with the best/worst gas mileage; the Impala (base) made "Best Large Car" at 21 city/32 hwy (the Bently Arnage LWB was the worst at 10/14).


    http://www.usatoday.com/money/autos/2002-10-29-epa-chart.htm

  • Oh man. I guess I better scratch Bentley off my list.
  • this_is_nascarthis_is_nascar Member Posts: 199
    I can't seem to find any sites that have the 2003 TSB's listed. Has anyone found a site that has them listed yet, in particular, for the Impala.
  • charts2charts2 Member Posts: 618
    Total Impala sales for 2002 to the end of October. 161,001 units down 9.7% from 2001. 19th overall in sales just ahead of the Malibu. Thats not too impressive for a car thats had 0% financing plus other heavy incentives for the past year. The car definitely needs refreshing. Start with the interior. The 2003 LS starts at $1,500 more then my 2001 LS cost with a few standard items now optional.
  • johnclineiijohnclineii Member Posts: 2,287
    But, but, but...

    I bet when you bought your Impala the incentives weren't as generous. Seems to me they have raised the price and the incentives just about the same amount.

    I certainly agree about the interior though. My 2000 LS now has 105,000 miles and has been flawless. I doubt I would buy another, though, as the interior is not what I want again. I will admit it has held up well! It looks just as it did when it was new...not impressive new but very impressive for a three year old car with such mileage, and the car has never been garaged.
  • b4zb4z Member Posts: 3,372
    Difference between my 2001 LS and a identical 2003 LS is more than $2000!!!.
    Impala has gone up 1K per year while the Lexus LS 430 has gone up $500.
  • craigindccraigindc Member Posts: 21
    www.alldata.com seems to be the best source for TSBs. They don't have 2003 Chevrolet TSBs yet. It was my experience with my 2001 that it was a good 10-12 months before they were available. They DO have 2003 TSBs for Cadillac, Hyundai, Pontiac, and Toyotas at this time.
  • charts2charts2 Member Posts: 618
    When I purchased my Impala in Canada August 2001 they had a special interest rate .09% (9/10 of 1%) financing 48 months. I am not too far off the going rate. Don't get me wrong my Impala is the best car I have ever owned and all I have ever had are Chevys, but into the 4th year there should be more improvements especially the over and over again complaints of the cheap materials used in the interior. I know everything has a cost but you could do a lot for the interior for a couple hundred $$ and I would pay for that.
  • drivinisfundrivinisfun Member Posts: 372
    Just returned from a 1600 Mile business trip and my '01 LS was terrific. I think the Impala really shines in the open road, it is a very comfortable, powerful and fuel efficient interstate cruiser. Averaged about 32MPG between 65-75MPH. The cruise control is wonderful and it manages to keep a steady speed in different steep angle degrees. Just set the cruise and the car/transmission does the rest, very nice.

    Have have the car for almost 2 years/18,000 miles and still not a single problem yet. However, I am thinking of letting go of it sometime next year as I am thinking of going for a second MINI Cooper but this time around an 'S' model.

    The Impala is a great automobile with tried and true hardware and made primarily for heavy duty/fleet use. A lot of publications love to thrash the current Imp (Biggest sins: V6 and FWD) but conveniently forget to point out the excellent virtues offer by this car in terms of reliability, comfort, safety, fuel economy, performance and value for the money.

    If anyone is interested in my Imp, pls let me know.
  • b4zb4z Member Posts: 3,372
    best car I have ever owned too.
    Would like to see digital climate control, or any climate control offered.
    Less busy dash would be nice.
    More power and DOHC motor.
    get rid of the cheap black body moulding.

    I would buy another one.
  • garywgaryw Member Posts: 116
    While we are at it...here is my list of suggested changes in no particular order.

    1. New steering wheel with 3/6/9 positions...use the Monte Carlo wheel.
    2. Updated dash design with improved console integration
    3. White face gauges on LS models or upcoming SS
    4. Supercharge the engine
    5. 17-inch wheels simple and elegant(not chrome)
    6. Dual exhuast w/deeper tone
    7. Enhance bucket seats with more side bolstering
    8. Move the console-based cup holders up about 1-inch
    9. Color match the side moldings
    10. True 3-D rear lights from the original models

    I am sure much of this will be addressed with next years SS model. But its my wish list.

    What are yours??
  • drivinisfundrivinisfun Member Posts: 372
    1)Stop rebating the heck out of this car
    2)No more 0% financing on the Impala. It is a good car that needs no incentives to move them out the lot.
    3)Once the never ending rebates end, then the Impala will enjoy the resale values it deserves.
    4)Minimize sales to fleets/car rentals.
  • #4 will go a much longer way to increase resale value than #3.
  • hvan3hvan3 Member Posts: 630
    Although I love my Impala, I"m not sure if I would buy another Impala LS. The LS is now near $28,500 top of the line. A competitively priced Toyota Avalon XLS can be bought for nearly the same price as Impala LS MSRP. IMO
  • A co-worker just got an '03 Accord. Of course, it's not nearly as roomy inside as the Impala. But, the interior materials and workmanship are so so far above that of the Impala, that Mr. Chevrolet should be spinning in his grave.
  • atbearatbear Member Posts: 322
    1. I like the outside... I might make it flow a little more, but I like the shape of it for a sadan. I would get rid of the gray plastic moldings.
    2. Make it V8 and RWD-- I know that's a biggie, but that would just make it that much better.. wish wish
    3. Interior: while the interior is very roomy and comfortable, it could be a little less.. hard.. softer materials... and the center dash console could be a little more integrated instead of just molded over.. I like pretty much everything else
  • night_owl1night_owl1 Member Posts: 760
    Stronger paint
    Latching gas door
    Standard transmission

    and while we are on the subject...

    350 V-8, RWD, dual exhaust with cutouts, remove the cat, ladder bars, tubs in the back with slicks. Arr arr arr!
  • emtbemtb Member Posts: 42
    I don't know if I'd buy an Impala next time. Don't get me wrong, I love my car to death. I've got a dark blue base model, bucket seats, etc. And believe me, I'm driving it into the ground. :) 16K in just a few months, I'm getting my money's worth. The LATCH system in the back is great.... for running my comm gear attenna wires through. ;)

    Has anyone purchased the second half to the power drop under the dash? What's it look like? I've got my wires running straight into it now.
  • night_owl1night_owl1 Member Posts: 760
    Went to the market and came back to find that someone keyed my car. They were considerate enough not to crease the sheetmetal.
  • jeffreyw1jeffreyw1 Member Posts: 145
    I agree with everyone on this board that the side molding should be changed to the color of the Impala's paint. And I strongly agree with nightowl about the need for stronger paint. The paint is very thin in comparison to other cars. I think I would also have them to do away with the roof strips because repairing them is a pain.

    The Impala LS is a great car with a 3.8L engine that has enough power and great fuel efficiency. Chevrolet knew what they were doing when they chose the engine for this car and I still applaud them for doing so. Just my thoughts.
  • I found the paint on my ex-LS to be of excellent quality. Sturdy, shiny, and thick. It's one point in which it is definitely superior to our Acura.

    Perhaps, they began to cut corners on the painting after my build date to save money or to save time to get the vehicles out the door. Or, perhaps they were just very inconsistent.
  • That sucks. WTH is wrong with people anyway?
  • bh0001bh0001 Member Posts: 340
    I echo garypen's comment. Unbelievable!

    I consider myself very lucky that since May 14, 2001 I haven't even had one person bang their door into my LS. I do know it's just a matter of time.

    Hope you have a good body shop that can match the colour well.
    Brad
  • micwebmicweb Member Posts: 1,617
    I am thinking about a 2003 Impala new, or a 2001 from the rental fleets.

    Do you recommend the 3.4 or the 3.8 engines? And is the "sport" suspension on the 3.8 any help?
  • craigindccraigindc Member Posts: 21
    Definitely get the 3.8. Also the sport-tuned suspension in the LS is very much worth it. It's only a few dollars more and both must-haves.
  • b4zb4z Member Posts: 3,372
    2 weeks ago I came upon a group of kids walking on the sidewalk and going the same direction as me.
    One of the picked something up off the ground and threw it at me as I was passing.
    Paint is scratched in a major way and there is a slight dent.
    What can you do?

    The paint on my car is not very good at all. Small scratches on hood are showing primer and there is primer visible on the door jambs and trunk jambs.
    Build date is 01/01.
  • americanflagamericanflag Member Posts: 400
    just dropping in to see how the other half lives. I have always loved the Impala name. I have a friend who was considering an Impala, but after reading some negative reviews in the press, I told him he should maybe look at alternatives. But after reading your positive reviews, I will ask him to take another look.

    As for the Impala, I too wish it were rear wheel drive and at least had an option with a powerful V-8. American car companies know how to make these cars when they want to. If you visit the Mustang site, you would not believe how much people love an old fashioned rear wheel drive V-8. Well, maybe the GTO will fill the bill.

    That is terrible someone keyed an Impala. How they could key a good American car like a Chevolet I do not understand. Keying any car is of course inexcusable, but leave the American cars alone.
  • FTR, the Impala is made in Canada.
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