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Comments
we are looking around to replace our 2k Impala mayb this fall 2001. Nuthing is coming close to the Impala for value per dollar and the options on the car too.
We will wait and see what the 2002 Impala's look like. Mayb we will keep the 2k Impala longer. If the cradle popping comes back again, it will be replaced if GM will not repair it again after the 3-36 warranty is gone. We are just over 33k miles now.
Just thought some interested lurker might be curious enough to pursue it.
Best to all
Ken
Assuming this is true, I don't quite understand what I would need to order. Someone posted a couple sites that carry the OEM CD Changer. One unit from the M&R Electronics site (http://www.mnrelectronics.com/par25del12di.html), has the 12-CD changer for $300 (Delco part #25708970). I'm assuming the "kit" and/or wiring harness is not needed. True?
The Radios and More site (http://www.radiosandmore.com/prod_detail.asp?pn=12495745) has the 12-CD Radio Controlled CD changer for $356 (GM part #12495745).
Which one do you think is better for my 2000 LS? I want one that will plug right into the existing connector in the trunk (assuming that I have it by default) and will operate with the existing RDS radio and steering wheel controls. Does anyone know the difference in the 2-units?
If I would have seen the posts on the CD changers, I would have asked the parts department to look and see what number they come up with for a changer or changer kit for my 2001 Impala. On my old Olds Aurora, the CD changer was hung in the trunk inside the right hand fender, just under the lip for the trunk opening. Sort of right where the connector for the CD changer is. It used a special hanger that utilized some of the bolts that were also used for the trunk hinge. If I remember correctly, the CD changer was unique in that it did not have any D/A convertors to convert the digital music stream from the CD to an analog audio stream. It simply sent the digital stream to the head unit where the D/A convertors in the head unit do the conversion to an analog music stream. I would like to get a CD changer for my Impala, but I think I would like to first swap out the AM/FM/CD radio with one that includes a cassette player as well. I just am uneasy with pulling the dash apart to do the job, and am unsure if any programming will be required to install the new radio in the car to update to work with the current computer settings.
Thanks again,
Tim
Did you rent an Impala for a weekend? A $100 investment for a $20,000 decision.
http://chevrolet.com/car_home/index.htm
If you happen to live in Southern CA, I know a dealer that has 4 brand new 2000 Impala LS (fully loaded with leather and moonroof) for $5.6K off MSRP. I know they are desperate to move these vehicles. You can always offer $6K off MSRP. The name of the dealership is Wesloh and Son Chevrolet in San Clemente, CA. If you don't mind driving a new 2000 Impala LS, you can save tons of $$$.
I"m curious why you don't like bucket seats? I feel more secure and in control when I'm sitting in a bucket seat. The bench seats are too mushy for me.
The base Impala suspension was more soft - not sure, though, if this holds with the optional 3800 engine. Other differences include wheels and tires. At least last year.
The Radios and More $356 unit does not specify if if comes with the cartridge or mounting hardware. I have e-mailed them this question and will let you know what I find out. A plus is they have a 30 day no questions asked return policy.
Frankf3 brings up an interesting point that I didn't even consider. Does the radio/car have to be programmed to let it "know" that it has a CD player?
I also went into the showroom and saw a new black Impala SS! Just kidding! A new Monte Carlo SS with the High Sport Appearance package. It had a Nascar type sprear spoiler, ground effects(black on this one), stainless steel exhaust tips(don't know if it is a GM dual exhaust, or SLP like the Camaro SS, etc.) and a couple other items. But what I really like is the wheels on that package. They're 16", wish they were 17", but look like the ones on the Impala SS prototype in the pictures from the Canada plant.
I don't really feel buying new wheels for the same size(16") justifiable, but with these I might get later, if it is available through Chevy or the aftermarket. I think they are that nice. The parts dept. couldn't find it listed, they must be that new that they are not available for order without the car yet.
I am not impressed with any of the other wheels I have seen available for the Impala as to date. You can see the wheel on the Chevy site in the Monte Carlo Gallery Section. The High Sport Package for the entry level LS has Impala LS wheels.
Nathan, I checked the Crutchfield site, and ordered a new catalog. I like their stuff, too, but did not get the latest catalogs. I will ask later if they have all the connectors/harnesses and line level adapters to install in our cars.
I already have my Rockford Fosgate amp, like I said earlier. It can be run 3-way(L & R + Mono Subwoofer), which could mean getting good front output with imaging using crossovers to eliminate distortion without compromising bass, since adjusting the fader for front imaging without the amp bypass, really zaps the bass response.
I am particularly interested in the top of the line 6 3/4" Rockford Fosgate Component front speakers and Polk Audio 6 x 9" speakers for the rear, with the recommended Dynamat and XTC foam speaker baffles. I know these speakers are high quality and will put out more sound than the factory ones, and are some of my favorite brands.
It's too bad we're stuck with the factory radio. I don't know why GM/Chevy made all these hurdles to improve our stereo, instead of making a separate unit for our monitor functions. I really don't think they would lose money if owners upgraded their stereos.
Crutchfield also has two models of antenna line boosters. Don't know how well they work, though. Some way, somehow, we'll figure out how to make this car "perfect". We are already on the way...
JACOB
I have the exact car you want (not, of course in color and such) and I didn't have to order it.
I have the base Impala but with the 3.8 ltr engine, bench seat with cloth, sunroof, air, ABS, the driver's information computer and all
The only thing my base doesn't come with that the ls had was the cool 5 spoke wheels (I bought some within a month) and a tac..oh.. and fog lights. (no spoiler either) but you can add one easily. Also, some of the badging is different.
My base drives the same as an LS and I paid a wee-bit less than what they wanted for the LS models on the lot.
Look around. Go to a big dealer. My dealer had about 22 Impalas on the lot and that was the 2000 models when they weren't as well-known as today.
Good luck!
Also, the LS will have better re-sale and trade-in value than the base model, which may be something to consider.
http://www.chevrolet.com/impala/imp04_fet_specs/sedan_std01.htm
They also have a list of optional features available for a base and a LS:
http://www.chevrolet.com/impala/imp04_fet_specs/sedan_com.htm
You can take a look at the two lists and pick and choose your options and use Edmunds to estimate your price.
And after all that, you may find one at your local dealer.
Platour - I am one of those lurkers that have visited your pic site.
Teo - Congrats on your resolution with your old car.
Night_owl1 - very informative site.
I expect to pick up my 2001 Impala within a couple of days(hopefully). It is a base Lt. Sandrift with 1SB, 3.8L, AM6 trim 'C' with 60/40 split, and UQ3. After reading these posts, I feel I've wasted my money on the speakers since I thought there were truly 8 speakers; not coaxials, but oh well. Btw, I saw an amp under the parcel shelf. Is this the same amp that is in question or was it part of another pkg? The car was being pdi'd, so I couldn't look too long. Also, didn't check the build date either.
Is there or should there be any break-in period that I should be aware of for x amount of km's or does it matter anymore? If so, what precautions should I take?
From my base rental,
- I found it excellent for long trips (logged about 4500km)
- comfortable enough not to get agitated in rush hour traffic ( the stop/go for hours kind)
- accomodate 5 in comfort 6 in a tight pinch.
- excellent on gas (approx CAD$260) - Transport Canada reports 11/6.7L/100km (26/42mpg) and I believe it
- very quiet at speed (however used to a minivan so any car is quiet
- installing car seats and baby seats no problem as the rear doors open fairly wide
- even without trac control, car had no problems driving through 2 snowstorms in the Rockies
- car is quite agile given its size
- hard to break into (at the end, someone tried to break into the car and only managed to break the lock without gaining entry)this was comforting to know although not wanted
- super roomy trunk
Points against:
- trunk only unlatches and does not pop up
- closing trunk with handle could hurt your hand if you don't pull away in time
- hard to back up as you can't see the rear of the trunk without lifting out of the seat ( I am already 5'11)
- since the car is quite wide, it's harder to find parking given the way some people park
- speed compensating radio IMHO is just a gimmick; never found a good balance
- a panel below the steering wheel popped off on one side and rattled for a day until I found it
- I couldn't find the power accessory port in the rear no matter how hard I tried (is it even there?)
As with everything, every opinion is biased. Read all car reviews and people's views with a grain of salt. What I like, someone else might hate. Things that are problems to me may not affect you. The only true way to know is to try yourself. For example, perhaps the smaller motor is enough for you, but maybe not. Some people believe that the 3.4L is not enough. Yes, I have the 3.8L but let me tell you that the base engine IS plenty powerful for most day to day driving. For me, I took the bigger motor for its dependability as I will keep this car for a long time (barring anything unforeseen) and I didn't know enough about the smaller motor. However, I did not test drive the 3.8L so I have no idea about how good it really is except from others comments and friends older versions of the engine(how hypocritical of me, eh?:o))
Anyway, overall tbe value of the Impala can't be beat. It's a great looking car (except for the back but I'll be inside) and I suspect should be relatively trouble-free now.
Good luck!
1. The bench front seats are too hard for me in both leather and fabric. My butt got sore on the road. If I get one, I'll get bucket seats in leather. I got bored with mouse fur upholstery in the '50s. I've never liked center gearshift consoles with automatics - they take up space that should be mine. But I'll put up with it to get the softer seats.
2. After trying both engines I think I'll choose the 3.4L. The final drive ratio is a little higher (2.8) than with the 3.8L (3.1). The lower gears seem to wind the 3.4 up higher than the 3.8, but when they get to fourth, both engines are silent. I also prefer the 3.4L because it's a 60 degree engine and the 3.8L is at 90 degrees. More space under the hood will make it easier to replace the unreliable GM sensors, cheap cracking vacuum hoses, and such. The 3.4L has had a chronic problem with leaky intake manifold gaskets since it's birth as a 2.8L in the '80 Citation. I bought one of those and the manifold had a tiny external antifreeze leak from the time the car was new. But I drove it 200K miles and when I trashed it the engine was still healthy.
3. The dealer's 3.8L car lurches forward on launch. I don't think it's the throttle response of the engine, but a binding or poorly designed linkage. The 3.4L car is okay. Has anybody else noticed this?
4. It's a strong attraction for me that these are pushrod engines. There aren't many left. Rubber timing belts in engines which break their valves when their camshafts stop turning give me the creeps. I also know that these engines are rebuildable. I hear that many modern imports aren't. On balance, choosing between the 3.8L and 3.4L is pretty much a tossup for me. If I end up with an LS for some other reason, it'll be okay.
5. The back seat is uncomfortable. The roofline is high so I think The General could have made the rear cushon higher but he didn't. Bummer.
6. I was going to buy one last fall but I got scared off by the creaky cradles. I've been trying to figure out from the comments in this group whether it's elastic flexing or permanent deformation. If it were the latter, I think the car wouldn't hold it's wheel alignment but I haven't seen any such complaints. It seems likely that the problem is at least reduced in the MY01 cars.
7. The car has strong brakes. I think I'll forgo ABS to avoid the complexity.
8. I like the dual driver/passenger temperature control. It's worth the extra $100 on the base car.
I'll welcome any comment on this, especially if I'm wrong about something.
PS: I know that you Impala owners are a lot more knowledgeable than any salesman that I'm going to talk to.
#8 - Gotta love it. I like the A/C much colder than my wife does. It's also nice that the dash vents close off almost all the way. Too bad you can't do that with the floor vents. The rear passenger floor vents are a nice touch.
Another difference between the 3.4 and the 3.8 is the 3.4 has aluminum heads and the 3.8 is cast iron.
I work as an engineer at a chemical manufacturing facility and I've learned a fair amount about filtration. I may get a little controversial here but this is what I have learned based on science and supported with personal observations: It's better to change regular oil every 3000 miles and the filter every 6000 miles than it is to change the filter every time. WHAT????? Yes, actually, a semi-dirty filter has smaller pores in it due to the large pores being partially blocked by dirt. After the second batch of oil on a given filter, the oil drains CLEANER than the first batch.
So why not leave the filter in there forever? Two reasons. First, the manufacturer of the filter recommends 6000 to 7500 miles depending. Second, a plugged filter doesn't filter at all. Thus, as a filter gets dirty the flow through it will decrease. The point at which a filter is flowing the minimim acceptable rate for the engine is the point that it is actually working the best. But right after that point you're beginning to starve the engine of oil which is very bad. So I use the filter as long as the manufacturer recommends (which is reasonably far from the plug-off point) and then I change it.
On the oil subject, a reason I don't leave the synthetic oil in the engine longer than 6000 miles is due to the local climate conditions. Here in Michigan, humidity is high and temperature swings are reasonably large. Thus the air outside and inside the engine, fuel tank, body panels, everywhere, is often near or below its dew point. That means condensation, and this condensation gets into the oil and fuel. No way to stop it. Frequent long drives do a lot to keep the water boiled out of the crankcase, and fuel flushed through the tank. But frequent short drives do not, and, oil filters don't screen out water. My cars see short drives for weeks at a time, then a 2000 mile weekend every now & then. So, I change the oil a little more often to flush out the water.
Thanks for asking. Hope this helps.
http://albums.photopoint.com/j/AlbumIndex?u=223638&a=10790790&f=0.
an airport rental office to rent a specific car and it worked out great. You may need to
talk to a desk manager the day of pick-up before you arrive and get you car set aside.
By renting you have no sales pressure and can make better observations about the
quality of the drive, passing, parking, head and knee room, passenger room- the list goes
on. Even without the exact package you are planning to buy the rental option can firm
up your decisions and save you the second guessing.
I do not like offend anybody, but with my driving tastes, I would not buy a base Impala. The same with my wife. We prefer to have better acceleration, more sporty suspension, and tachometer.
On the other hand, we were absolutely ready to buy LS. Almost did it - just waited till our old car to broke again.
Would our experience based on rental car (to the best of my understanding only base Impala with 3.4l engine are available rental), we would not even consider Impala. Would buy Alero or second Malibu.
In the end, we bought a Buick, then available with great incentives, but this is another story.
base model as I understand it. There will be alot of differences if you rent one size
engine but want to buy another- that is not the reason I would advocate renting. I
jumped from an SUV to the Impala. It was comforting to know I would be able to
live with a decision I was making on a 5 or 6 year payment plan. The dash from an
SE to LS will be almost the same. The feel on the road- response, steering, suspension
etc- Even if you could rent identical to purchase planned it could drive differently but
I think the general feel of the car is what you're looking for- as well as ergonomics.
Truthfully I rented a Grand Prix and then decided on the Impala through comparisons-
Glad I didn't go with an Oldsmobile!
Oil Filters,,,,,, I would point out that oil filters have internal pressure by-passes that open when the filter is clogged enough. The engine also has a by-pass near the filter to open up at certain pressure levels to avoid the engine being starved of oil.
Tony
Appreciate the comment.
As for Onstar, I agree it would be good for them to have a "Onstar Delete" option since it is standard on the LS. Personally, though, the features like Automatic connect upon airbag deployment (even if you're hurt and can't use your cell phone), free remote un-lock if you lock your keys inside, on-the-fly diagnostics, and GPS are an easy sell. We might have bought a 2000 in November 2000 for thousands less due to year-end incentives, but we opted for the 2001 because Onstar wasn't an option in 2000. I don't want to pay $200 per year to keep the service going but I will because of the peace-of-mind I'll have when my wife's out there alone.
Beamer, I have found the Custom cloth seats much softer than the regular base seats. Plus, they come with a side-impact airbag. Leather really is awful -- looks good, but feels bad.
I will never buy a car without anti-lock brakes! The ones I had in a Neon saved someone's life. On a rainy night, a man ran across the road and I didn't see him until the last second -- there is no way I would have been able to stop in time if it weren't for those breaks. They also saved me from hitting a car that pulled onto the road rlght in front of me. Not only do they provide shorter stopping distances, but they allow you to steer easily under hard braking.
My base, 3.8L doesn't lurch.
On the other hand, if you do not like at all the car after 15 minutes test, why rent it? Better try another model.
2. When shopping, a lot of people starts from the base model, than decides to spend extra for better equipped car. This happened with our family, and could happen with Timbotimbo.
10% more for higher trim, plus other 10% for options, probably, is a good price for 100% enjoyment for the next 8 years or so. Why hamper this?
Though, rental cars are usually available in rather low configuration. Functional for month-long use, but not what you will enjoy for years. Without realizing this, the rent may leave a bad impression. After realizing the difference, rent is of not so much use.
3. Different trims of the same car often have not only different engines, but also different suspension, tires, gear ratio, steering ratio, and with some cars even wheel size. Road feel and car feel depends on this very substantially. The dash, probably, will be the same, but with different instruments.
There was also a huge difference in braking between the base Impala we tested and the LS one. My wife even run the intersection - not a red light, but drove through it a bit too fast. She wanted to turn on the intersection, but was not sure id could do it safely, with unfamiliar car.
Though, possibly, something was wrong with the particular car's brakes.
4. Tachometer is for compensate for my personal deficiency. I need it, because do not feel engine well enough and otherwise could push it too hard.
I learned to drive late, when was 45. Had blown head gasket of my first car, 1988 Taurus, and in 35 miles after the repair ruined the crankshaft bearing.
After buying Malibu equipped by tachometer, it turned to be that, even with better engine, rpm jumps to almost 5000 when I tried to drive it uphill as hard as I did with the old car. With $4k engine repairs, tachometer is a very good investment for me.
5. Of all Buick models, only Century have the 3.1l engine. The other Buick cars - Regal, LeSabre, and Park Avenue - have the 3800 Series II. Either normally aspirated, or supercharged.
Normally aspirated Regal LS is very similar to Impala LS. Supercharged Regal GS is even faster. It is also very well furnished inside.
6. Last year, when we shopped for car, GM did not provide incentives for Impala. No rebates, no subsidized finance. On the other hand, either cheap finance, or $1500 rebates were offered for 2000 Buick Regal in summer, and $2000 in fall and winter.
In October 2000, when we bought the car, GM panicked and gave away for a month even better incentive: 0% (yes, no interest) finance for 60 months, with only $1000 down. The financing included not only the car itself, but even sale taxes, title, license plates, dealer fees, etc.
It was equivalent to more than $3000 rebates. I did my calculations then, but do not remember the results exactly.
Can't wait for my car to arrive in mid to late May! I'll be getting my Zaino Bros' stuff soon and I'll be ready to do the external dealer prep on delivery (I'm not letting them touch the exterior because I don't want ANY swirl marks in the paint). Has anyone else had the opportunity to do this?
Brad
Another thing; the issue of modified tail light assembly came up some posts ago. What I was wondering if anyone has modified the assembly so that all four lamps would light up on braking? I find it weird they use the centermost lamps only for the white back-up lights. Maybe it's just me but I'd like all four to light up when braking.
I walk out to my Silverado to discover that I had locked my keys inside the truck...... the day got worse from there.......LOL
My 1971 chev truck doors can only be locked with a key from the outside........ a better Idea?? LOL
I wonder if you order an LS in the USA if you can avoid the OnStar option???
My car has cloth buckets with center console and shifter like the Impala LS (but lousy cup-holders I wish I had rented this model prior to buying as you plan to do - would have come to realization that the seat is uncomfortable as manufactured. I've almost got it remedied with a pad of foam packing material cut to shape but need to cover with a seat cover or have the upholstery shop install it under the seat fabric. An extended rental drive in this model would have revealed that problem to me.
Best wishes on your purchase - Impala is a wonderful automobile - you'll surely love it.
Ken
Guess what! He said that he knew nothing about either problem and there have been no complaints or notices. I told him about all the information on this forum and he seemed disinterested and unconcerned. He told me if I have a problem with these items, bring the car in for repairs.
The dealership is very respected and reputable. I don't know if it is a lot of B.S. or
they are telling the truth based on their experience. It is hard to believe that at least some customers would not have the cradle problem.
Also, I noticed that the dipstick in my engine is not the one pictured in the owner's manual. Mine has several holes in the checkered area, which coinsides with the 3.4 engine diagram. The 3.8 dipstick is shown as being solid (no holes) in the checkered area. The manager said the owner's manual is wrong. This could be critical factor in knowing proper oil levels. What dipstick do you guys have in the 3.8?
Thanks for listening!
I looked seriously at the LeSabre (bench seat & 3.8 engine), but it just looked too "old" for us, and I'd be getting a bare-bones model for what I could get a loaded Impala for.
I think the list of differences between the base model and the LS has been covered; primarily a tachometer, bladed wheels, fog lights, the rear spoiler, the interior air filter, and some badging differences (and maybe OnStar, but I'm not as familiar with the 2001 models). The only really functional items you can't get in the base model are the tach, the fog lights, and the cabin air filter, but for me these were worth giving up to get the extra room in the front seat (the bench provides plenty of leg room for 6'+ folks without that center console). I suspect one could probably install the cabin filter in a base model, but I haven't tried.
In some people's minds, I'm crazy/stupid/etc. to load up a base model with sunroof, power seats, etc., and NOT "upgrade" to an LS. But since I'll be driving this car for at least 9 years, I worried about what our family needed; not what difference I'd get in resale a decade from now. If you trade cars every few years, it probably makes sense to consider resale value. But if not, get whatever makes the most sense for your application.
Ken
Man, it's been too long since my last visit here.
1900 posts!! Remember when they wouldn't let us get past 1000.
Cookie, is that you in the base Impala, blonde hair and sunglasses (I think) wearing a huge smile?
If so, the Canadian Brochure has your picture as the center fold! Were you aware of this?
Other members may not know what Zaino is so I will post the web site if I can get out and in within the 30-minute limit.... It is a show-car paint sealing and polishing system that does absolute wonders for a car finish. Check my 1979 Corvette below. It has a DuPont Chroma Premier base coat/clear coat paint finish. But you must start from a wax free base and that can be done by washing the car with Dawn dishwashing detergent. It is very strong and will take old wax/polish residues off. That is why such detergents are not recommended for home car washes. In your case, doing your own dealer prep is not necessary. Let them wash the car; which is basically all they do. Your paint will be fresh. When the temperature is above 20C (68F, but I prefer 75F), use Zaino number 1. It will seal the paint. Then use Zaino #2, let sit for at least one hour and remove. Repeat with #2 and you are ready for the summer. At car meets in the summer, I refresh with #6 spray. The web-site I will "try" (Why 30 minutes?) to post for the Canadian distributor so you can avoid that border problem with brokerage fees, etc. I am intending to do my new Impala in May.
OK, The forum will not let me post any more hyperlinks. See next message.