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As for how much is in there, I will ask the service department when I go and get the sticker put on. I may actually get them to check out the a/c system again, since I do have to get the SWISHING gas tank looked at now.
Just one problem after another it seems this summer.
Sigh.
Paul
Pat
Host
Sedans and Women's Auto Center Message Boards
I may do some research on that. I suppose if others advertise silicone-free products (night_owl), there must be a legitimate issue. My '86 Grand Am, after 15 years of NuFinish, looked as good as any 15 year old car I've seen.
I just looked at my NuFinish bottle. Because it has ingredients in it that my employer manufactures, I assumed it to be silicone containing since that's the large majority of what we make. However, it doesn't say it contains silicones. Doesn't say it doesn't contain silicones. Basically it doesn't say. It says it contains petroleum distillates but no wax. Heck if I know what that means.
I have used other brands that say they use silicones. I always go back to NuFinish because of how it applies, rubs off, and performs.
I claim to know quite a bit about car stuff, but I always learn something new when I visit this site. That's part of the reason I keep coming back. Thanks.
I'd search for it but the search engine on this board is worthless and I'd don't have the time to go through 3000+ messages.
BTW, according to two dealers I've talked to, you'd find it interesting to know that they're only allowed to have two new LS Impalas on their site at any time. This is a restriction from GM they say. It keeps the large dealers from sucking up all the LS's. Explains why you don't see more I guess.
Earlier you said something about returning a car you'd leased (when we were talking about scratched bumpers) So I have a returning a leased car question for you (and anyone else who might have done this). Have you ever been dinged for tire wear? I'll only have had the car for 3 years, and I plan to be just "at" 36,000 miles (so far, so good) and I've heard rumors that dealers will charge you at the end for new tires. This seems really unfair. Anyone ever have that happen to them?
Also, Frank, I couldn't find the brand manager's e-mail even tho I looked. I can't even remember how I found it to begin with. Age...age...age...see what happens when you become a grandmother??!
I experienced intermittent operation, short distance operation, and most of the time it wouldn't lock, or when you went to unlock them, only the first push would work(driver side), and the second push to unlock the rest of the car would fail to work. The trunk was touch and go.
After I got a little pissed off at them, they found a TSB(apparently it appeared magically LOL) and replaced the "Instrument Cluster" as instructed by the TSB.
The system works beutifully now.
I would press them to pull up the TSB( sorry I don't have the number on me, but visit Night_Owl1's website and it is up on there)and get them to replace the cluster. Reprogramming is a short term solution, and GM knows about the problems.
Paul
Sometimes I think that these keyfobs do take a lot of banging in pockets, purses, etc and tend to fail overtime.
1) Cancel the deal if i wanted to.
2)They got me a blue LS identically equipped that i could have, but it had a 11/00 build date.
3)Fix my current car.
4)A 2002 was not offered due to depreciation, incentives etc.
I declined the new blue car due to its build date.
I am not sure i want to cancel the deal.
They have a driftwood LS that is identically optioned that i will ask them about.
If you guys remember i was having a hard time deciding between the blue and the driftwood a couple of weeks ago.
Will let you know what happens.
fathertyricius, I will try your suggestion - after all I have nothing to loose.
I know it took me about 3 months to get my personal calling activated, do you think I should bother going back to the dealer with this problem of not being able to work with this 1 nametag ? I don't know if I could stand going through another 3 months of aggrevation. My wife has another appointment to bring the Impala in. They replaced the steering wheel the last time as requested due to the defective stitching on the leather. But when they went to work on the roof trim strips, they discovered they ordered the trim or gasketing that goes around the read window instead. The service manager noticed that the passenger side is now lifting up, so they ordered one for that side also. I really appreciate the wonderful service, but I hope this isn't a picture of things to come.
Since the car your originally bought has paint overspray, it does automatically qualifies as 'damaged goods'.
Since the dealer is willing to even go as far as to 'break up' or cancel the deal, that tells me that they do know that something bad happened to this car...shall we say accident repair??
Since they don't want to put up a fight with you and knowing that you can sue the daylights out of the dealership for misrepresenting the condition of the car, then they have cheerfully agreed to the aforementioned options as they only way out..
What would I do in your shoes?
* Do not accept the car with build date 11/00. You will get stuck with the '104' amplifier. This car has also been for about 8 months in dealer stock....doesn't seem too right.
* If you like the Impala, don't break the deal...but if you are open to other cars, think about it carefully.
* If you can get a new Sandrift Metallic LS with a build date between 2/01 to 5/01 you'll be making a much better deal. Sandrift is easier to keep clean, may be not as stunning looking as the Navy Blue...just food for taught.
* If the dealer offers you a 'LightDriftwood Metallic' they are giving you a 2000 model year Impala. The Light Driftwwod was discontinued for 2001...careful not to get confused there.
Weigh your options carefully and good luck.
On the subject of batteries.. when you replace the batteries you ususally have to reprogram the fobs too. Yes, it seems to help a little but its still not what you would expect.
If they do it right, youwill never know they were even in your car!
Paul
My dealer will give me a new car on his own, without chevy's help.
i asked him about the sandrift car this morning and he said i could have it. I asked him the build date and he said 11/00.
Not doing that.
He is buffing the paint out on the driver door and getting me a new sideview mirror.
He has been totally upfront with me and i am leaning toward keeping the current car.
If i am not happy he will do another search for me.
The car has not been hit, just scratched during manufacturing.
I am pretty happy with how i have been treated. My olds dealer needs to follow this guy's business practices.
Did you see the Sandrift car? What would they say if you want to swap the car with a Sandrift traded from another dealer? Is that an option should the repaint job is not done to your satisfaction?
Words of wisdom::: Repainted cars do carry a stigma attached to them. Future buyers will think that your car has been in an accident thus lowering your resale value. No matter how minor the repaint job is it will affect the resale value of your car.
Due to the manufacturing paint defect, the car is still damaged goods.
Since the dealer seems anxious to keep you a happy camper, can you say 'no' one more time (As to keep the current car with the repaint job) and request for them to try to locate a similar car, either Blue or Sandrift, from another dealership?
Put a bit more pressure on them and see what happens.
WOW, I never thought it would be this easy. I was reading all the posts I missed over the past month and armed with the new amp part # 10309548 and the bad amp part # 10432572 I went to my dealer with a co-worker that has a 2k Impala, same problem. The service manager was extremely nice and searched the GM data base for any info. he could find. He said problems get on this list before they become TSB's. He found nothing because there are hundreds in no order. Stay with me it gets better. The new amp part # IS NOT in the parts catalog. The parts dept. put the old # 10432572 in and guess what, THE OLD PART # HAS BEEN SUPERSEDED AND GUESS WHAT THE NEW PART # IS, YOU GUESSED IT # 10309548. He ordered the part that is in-stock at Lansing, Mi. and will be here in Albany in 3 to 5 days. Both of us are getting the new amp. The official part mame is (antenna booster). My friend was so happy he is going to take me out to lunch. The Service manager did not even want to listen to the stereo, He said that we already did the work for him. Just for the heck of it we sat in a 2001 Impala in the showroom to try the stereo and it sounded 1000% better. Mine set at full bass was like the 2001 at the lowest. MY ADVICE IS TO GO TO THE DEALER AND HAVE THEM LOOK UP THE PART # LIKE I EXPLAINED AND THEY WILL FIND THE GOOD # IN ITS PLACE THEN YOU ARE IN LUCK. GOOD LUCK ALL, WILL ADVISE.
Thanks for the info.
I have completely ignored the entire AMP fiasco, but lately I have begun to realize, the stereo in my car is quite underpowered.
Oh boy, gonna have to do some serious back searches on this forum!
LOL
Paul
How does one determine if he/she possesses the bad amp? Is there some kind of part number on the actual amp(will go and check after this message, not before! LOL)
I have a 2000 Impala LS with a build date of 6/99, with a single cd player(no tape) and I believe 4 or 6 speakers(not sure, there are two in the back and one each in the door, though I was told the rear house two each in the grill).
Thanks for the repetitive questioning!
Paul
2k impala ls:
Can you ask the dealer when (date) the old amp was superseded to the new amp? This will give a good indication when the 2001 Impala was changed over to amp 103.
Congratulations
In such a short conversation, I gave my best endorsement of the Impala. Hopefully, he'll fall for my sales pitch. LOL. I peeked over to see what car he drives. It was a Pontiac Grand Am.
Doing it one time is forgivable, but you've done it twice in two different forums now, and it looks like it's becoming a pattern. There's an entire forum dedicated to posting photos, perhaps you could post there?
They buffed out the overspray on the driver's door. They got everything off but a small spot under the impala logo and a spot on the door handle trim.
Will be taking it back to have the roof trim replaced next week and will get them to do some more buffing.
How did you like that Dodge Neon?
Pat
Host
Sedans and Women's Auto Center Message Boards
On another note, while I was in the trunk I looked to see what amplifier I had in my Impala. It is part number 10309548 and my car has a build date of 11/00. I don't know if this helps in determining a switch-over in the manufacturing process from the old amp to the new one.
Justice Technology Information Network (JUSTNET)
http://www.nlectc.org./
If you dig and find Vehicle testing at this site (http://www.nlectc.org./pubs/#vehicle) you'll see a publication about 2001 Model Year Patrol Vehicle Testing.
Might want to read how the Impala compared to the Crown Vic and INterceptors from Ford. I've downloaded teh 103 pg. PDF file and started to peruse.
I also found something new with my car. I bought my 2001 LS in Feb... and never once used the key to open any of the doors. I always used the FOB until yesterday. Last night I used the key to open the drivers door... when turning the cylinder to unlock the door, the interior lights went on (but not the headlights or tails.. just the interior lights),,, I was surprised and thought that the alarm was going to start waking up the neighborhood..
Anyway, to make the story short, I kept this car immaculate for 29 months. In January of 2000 I was actively looking for a replacement (I would have kept the TL as it was in showroom condition but the residual value had been inflated beyond belief to accomodate for the low lease payments so buying it was not a good deal) and of course the Impala was going to be the most likely candidate.
During the last 12 months prior to returning the car, I had to replace all four tires with brand new rubber, brakes and the battery as Honda's batteries typically last only 24 months. In January 2000, I decided to terminate the lease 6 months earlier (I also was very, very close to my 39,000 mile allowance), paid the remaining payments off and be done with it. The only way American Honda Finance would have 'forgo' the remaining 6 months was for me to re-lease for a new Honda or Acura for which I had no further interest in leasing again or getting another one of their products.
Once AHF recieved the last payment on the TL, I was instructed to call a different 1-800 number and to setup a end of lease vehicle inspection. These vehicle inspections are handled by independent companies that work under contract for these financial institutions and banks. I set my appointment for January 26th, 2000 and I was given the choice of having the inspection done at home or the office. A couple o days prior to the inspection I had the car washed and then I applied a light coat of wax. I made sure that the car had no unexpected blimishes inside and out. The rear bumper had already been repaired the month before so that had been taken care of. The car had only a couple of dings but that was it.
The inspector finally came over to our condo that day, and first checked the exterior with a fine tooth comb. He kept making notations in his condition report sheet. Then he opened all 4 doors, inspected the interior, seats, dash, radio, glass, A/C and other gizmos. Then he started the car (But never asked to drive it) and popped open the hood. Did the same operation closed the hood, turned off the engine and handed me his condition report and bill (I was nervous)..He said that my car looked and feel immaculate that we couldn't believe that I had used it for almost 3 years. The final bill was ZERO owed to American Honda! Then he put an inventory number sticker in the driver's door jamb and told me to drop off the car at the dealer that same day. The inspector was very nice I might add. He explained that a few dings and blemishes here and there are not a problem at the time of end of lease inspection. But he also stated that the key is to make the car look as nice as possible for the inspection (Wash, Wax) and if there are any major items damaged (Broken glass, big dents or scratches, torn up upholstery, burnt radio, etc) those are cheaper to have them repaired before the inspection rather to have them overcharge you for the same repairs by the lease company..
10 minutes after he left, I started driving 17 miles south to the dealer and I was nervous that some idiot was going to hit me even before I reached the dealership lot! It was the longest drive of my entire life! Finally, made it to the dealer, met with the end of lease person, went over the car one more time, handed the signed condition report I was given by the inspector, signed a form and the car was gone!
Before I left I looked at my car for the last time and I was thinking to myself....paid so much money for this car and here I am, nothing of it is left, not even the nice tires I bought for it. I promised myself to never, ever lease a car again.
2 days later the car was sold as an 'Acura Preferred Pre-owned Vehicle' to a new owner. The car was so good looking and well maintained that I am sure the dealer sold it for top dollar, no questions asked.
I enjoyed that TL, but to me the Impala is much more enjoyment dollar per dollar!
Hope this helps..if you have any other leasing questions..let me know
I hope (and plan) for the Impala to have NO dings anywhere (i need to rub out a small scratch in the lower bumper) and the inside to look as good as it does today. I love this car like it is my own and treat it like a baby. I'm sure the "inspector" will be happy with it. I may even buy it at the end, depending on the redesign they do for 2003.
I know what you mean (too) about nothing to show for it in the end. But I actually have been able, starting last Sept. to put $40 a week into a savings account for when this lease is up.
I should have about $5000 at the end. When I first leased this car I couldn't afford the payments for "buying" but I could afford the lease. Then 9 months into it, my daughter was in school full time and childcare costs went WAY down (you'll learn about that later!!!) So hopefully when this lease is up I'll be all set on a nice downpayment on a 2003!
I think leasing does have its advantages but the main problem I have with it is that it puts you on never ending debt. I personally would not advise buying a car right out of a lease unless the bank/lease company is willing to give it to you at a substantial discount below its estimated residual value. It is not the best deal of them all. This is why I let go of my TL. The car's residual was around $19K and the actual market value was around $17K and the bank was not willing to bulge. Needless to say, they took a bath when I returned the keys back to them. This is the reason why new leases are becoming so expensive for the consumer...banks are no longer subsidizing them as much as they used to because of the losses at the end of the contract. Now these expenses are passed directly onto the consumer..'Oh you want to lease that nice red WOMBAT sedan for $199 per month...you have to pay $3500 up front for capital cost reduction expenses!'
The days of fantastic luxury car lease deals for $0 down, $300 a month for 36 months are quickly vanishing.
I am glad you are setting aside some savings on a monthly basis for the down payment of your next car. Owning a car is much cheaper in the long end. leasing is cheap at the beginning and very expensive at the end since you get hit with hidden and other charges when the car is returned. Buying is more expensive at the beginning but more bearable during the lifetime of the car. A good extended warranty is essential on any new auto in the market.
Another reason why I would not buy a car out of a lease...no basic warranty coverage. You are better off returning your current Impala at the end of the lease, getting a brand new 2003 and plunking down the $5K for the down payment..the car will be yours to enjoy without worring about wear, tear and excess mileage charges..the car is yours to keep! Insurance should be lower in a regular purchase than in the lease.
leasing worked for you given your financial situation at the time, but next time buying a car is your best bet.
"Hello!
I was told you and other Impala owners are interested in a weekly chat.
All Owner's Club chats are set up on:
Tuesdays:
4:00-5:00 pm PT/7:00-8:00pm ET
-or-
Thursdays:
5:00-6:00pm PT/8:00-9:00pm ET
6:00-7:00pm PT/9:00-10:00 ET
7:00-8:00pm PT/10:00-11:00pm ET
(The latter may be rather late for East Coasters, but is available if you want.)
Let me know what day and time is convenient.
KarenS"
Senior Host
Owner's Clubs
Edmunds.com Town Hall
Big thanks to Pat for her help
Those sweet lease deals are long gone.
I put a printable sheet on my website that you can take to the dealer with all the info you will need to get your amp replaced. visit my website
http://www.luckyjdr.homestead.com/impala.html