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Comments
Garypen - are you setting your AC to recirc when the temp is above 90?. The quickest way to cool down the car is to put the AC on recirc, fan speed 5, vent to the floor and the windows down about 1/2 to 1 inch. This pushes most of hot air up and out the windows very quickly. As soon as the temp starts coming down put the windows up and redirect the airflow however you like (it sure feels better with it blowing straight at you sometimes). As soon as it cools down switch back in fresh air mode. In Virginia with the temp in the mid 90's and the humidity the same it takes about 5 minutes to get cool.
Hunter39 - where'd you get the flowmaster installed? Did it sound any different?
With so many deals on Impalas we know that maybe next week it will be cheaper and cheaper the week after--does it ever end????
When I dropped it off last night to tell the service mgr. (who was very helpful and courteous even though he was getting hammered by other customers) about the rattles in the door, he shook his head and knew exactly what I was talking about. The problem: "THAT'S THE WAY THE CARS ARE BUILT". Basically there is no horizontal stabilizing system for the windows so when they are lowered (not supported by the channels on the top of the door), they will rattle - end of story. He told me that the techs have had some luck in reducing the vibrations by "adding material" inside the door... we'll see what happens, if anything.
I also made him aware of the roof trim coming up and he was fully aware of that as well. I assume they will apply sealant, but will find out today when I hear from them...
Poor interior design and craftsmanship? I am beginning to think so. Guess I'll live as long as the "mechanincals" NEVER fail. HA!
Oh, anybody been to their dealer's service dept. lately? What's with the Vettes?? I swear I counted at least 12 of them up on the lifts and another 2 just being dropped off...
Thanks!
RR
At the risk of offending some people, I have to say that it is so much simpler to just set the thermostat in "my other car" to 72. To add insult to injury, it's faster and quiter, too.
NightOwl:
I'll check it out. Maybe, if I'm lucky, I'll find a sandwich down there. Seriously, it seems to me that if it only works when the knob is set to floor, than it may really be meant for heating the rear. It's odd that the brochure, the Impala web site, and other auto web site don't mention the rear vents. That sort of thing is kind of a selling point. Is it in the manual?
You said "stickered for 26,100 fully loaded", and you paid 23,9...
Mine is also FULLY loaded (I mean EVERYTHING, except heated seats), it stickered for 26.2K, and I paid 22.3K. (Dad works for Hughes, Hughes is owned by GM, GM gives discount)...
Keeping in mind that the sticker on mine was 26.2K, what puzzles me is posts of:
"I bought a 2000 LS with leather, but no moonroof and no spoiler. Sticker price was $23,985. "
*** moonroof & spoiler, additional 2.2K ???
"the sticker on my LS (every option but leather and sunroof)was 23,890 "
*** leather & sunroof, additional 2.2K ???
"The MSRP of my Impala LS, fully equipped except for Seating Comfort Package, is $25,996"
"I also have an LS that is loaded minus the leather/heated seats and sunroom. Sticker was 24574"
*** leather, heat & Sunroof, additional 1.6K ??
Seems to be a difference in sticker prices???
Perhaps certain posters aren't including the full price ie: shipping etc. There is a price differential in certain areas of the country.
Freight charges are std whether the dealer is down the block from the assembly plant or 800 miles away mox-nix!!!!
neat expression:::that's the way cars are built!!!
http://carcareonline.com/howto_articles.html
Has great articles on car care in general.
I found it on the Paint and Body Care board posted by "joe166"
Thanks!
RR
http://www.auto.com/industry/iwira6_20010606.htm
I am getting mighty excited about the looks of the next generation Impala set to debut in 2005.
Opinions?
I read all thesze posts, "They repaired or replaced the steering rack, seat rails, roof strips, engine cradle, amplifier, ECM, fuel pump, brake rotors, hood latch, etc." It amazes me how it's generally accepted as a normal part of car ownership. It's not. It's a normal part of poorly crafted car ownership.
How would you feel if you had to bring your TV or refrigerator in for service 3 or 4 times in 3 years? You'd be annoyed, and probably wouldn't buy that brand again, I would imagine.
If enough people post honestly how they feel about the shortcomings of their car, instead of gushing endlessly, and denying any exist, maybe the folks at Chevy who read this forum, and you know they do, will take notice and consider making improvements in that area. Improvements are always good, aren't they?
I had a 2000 Impala LS (Build date 1/00) that had the Intermediate Steering Shaft replaced and a premature failure of the A/C Compressor at 7K miles. No biggies but highly unacceptable in my book...so much so that I forced GM to buyback the car. Thanks to my extremely supportive Service Manager, GM bought back the car in April 2001. Since then I have been driving a new '01 LS (Build date 4/01) which has been flawless (So far) and feels like it will be a much better car all around in comparison to the 2000 LS which I kept for only 15K miles.
Still, I am very objective when it comes to the likes and dislikes of the vehicle. I have sent a number of E-mails to GM in regards to the things I would like to see improved and to praise them in the aspects of the car where they have hit the nail straight on.
I do not consider the Impala to be the most perfect car but it does offer a lot of goodies for the money and an excellent driving & ownership experience. Everyday I look forward to drive this car and even make up excuses for "Errands" here and there just to take it out for a spin.
I can easily afford a BMW 325i an Acura TL or any other number of near luxury/sport entries in the market. I find this car very satisfying and much more reasonable in my bank account, but that's me.
I come from a background of "High quality" and "Premium" Japanase cars. I am not foreign to the durability, fit finish and build quality of Hondas/Acuras. However, as a long time Die Hard Honda customer I have grown increasingly dissapointed in the way Honda is conducting itself in the market place with bland products, reduced quality, high prices and fewer choices. Having owned a total of 8 Honda/Acura products since 1989, I can tell you that the quality of today's Hondas is no where near as solid as they were back in the late 80's early 1990's. My last Acura, a 1997 2.5TL built in Japan, was one terrific automobile and had the looks and feel of an ACURA not a souped up $30K Honda Accord which is the case of today's dull looking TL sedan and so-so CL coupe. While I admire the TL-S and CL-S 260HP V6 engine, to me the rest of the car can go to waste, I simply don't care about the looks, fit and finish or interior.
Ever since the TL production was switched from Saitama, Japan to Marysville, OH the quality of the TL/CL has suffered considerably. The Maintenance and Repair forums have a number of entries written by dissapointed Acura owners with small to large quality problems on their vaunted cars. The Honda Accord V6-Automatic transmission failures continue in despite of Honda's continued denial of the existence of the very widespread problem. The 2001 Civic is one piece of junk and the Focus beats it 1000 time. The move from the double wishbone suspension to Mc Pherson struts has been received with heavy criticism.
Since Mr. Honda's death in the mid 1990's, Honda is no longer the innovative company they used to be. On a recent interview of the current Honda CEO it gave very few indications of going back to the roots that made Honda one of the most appealing vehicles for the masses. Today, VW, Audi, BMW, Lexus and soon Nissan and Infiniti continue to spank and beat Honda in their own game.
I consider my Impala LS one of the most enjoyable and favorite cars of all time (Along with my '95 Integra sedan LS and '97 Acura 2.5TL) and look forward to 5 or 6 years of pleasurable driving.
The car ain't perfect but is not a dull car either. I think GM really excelled in the excution of the Impala, enough to catch the attention of an Import only buyer.
Returning the car at 36K Miles? Fine but that's just an excuse to get rid of the car. You are judging the future performance of the car without allowing it to prove itself. Want peace of mind after the 36K mile warranty expires??
Get a GM Majorguard extended warranty for 75K or 100K miles with $0, $100 or $200 deductible. This can easily add another 2 to 3 years of full coverage in case something breaks in the car.
I typically keep cars for no longer than 6 years or 80K miles. This way I keep them fully covered by the Basic/Extended warranties, enjoy the heck out of them, and when the time comes I can still sell the car for a decent chunk of cash and move on onto the next new car of choice.
However, I think the Impala, properly maintained and cared for, can easily last for 150K to 200K miles with minimal or no problems. I simply don't like to keep cars that long, but most other people do.
If you have buyer's remorse, perhaps you should let go of the car now, not in 3 years as you will not enjoy it thinking and believing that the car is not built the way it should be.
Why torture yourself?
Ken
Good to see ya gain lurking around here!
How's the Bonnie?
When the 2005 Impala comes out I'll probably be about ready for another car. Who knows - maybe I won't get sidetracked next time!
Hoping to head to Fla in late Nov - maybe we'll get to Lauderdale or Miami - if so I'd love to see that 2001 LS of yours!
Ken
In my post comparing the Acura to the Impala, I was trying to point out an obvious difference in build quality. The CL, and other recent Hondas, may not have the build quality of previous generations, but they still use higher quality trim, and have better fit and finish, especially in the interior. Just spend an hour or two at your local "auto mall" comparing. It's not even close.
No car is perfect, regardless of price or country of origin. Look at Audi and previous era Jaguars as a shining example of that.
FYI, in Japan, Honda is not considered to be the highest quality automobile. That honor goes to Toyota. Honda isn't even second. Nissan is. We looked at what those companies had to offer. While made well, they are all so boring to look at, except perhaps the 2 door Accord.
My wife, who is Japanese (off the boat, not hyphenated) was dead set AGAINST a Japanese car because of the generally awful styling, despite the higher quality. We thouroughly shopped around before choosing the CL, and at no time do I ever feel I'm driving a souped up Accord, when she's kind enough to let me drive it.
I'm not really interested in buying an extended warranty. 3 years is plenty of time to have this car. Like I said, they'll probably have vehicles with more style and, hopefully, better fit and finish, at that time. Personally, I'm looking forward to a supercharged V6 "SS" version, a la the Grand Prix GTP or Buick Regal.
As the current owner of 2 American branded cars, and 2 Japanese branded cars (they are all made in North America), I show no loyalty to either. I prefer the style of American cars, and the quality of the Japanese cars.
Kinda sucks that we have to 'expect' these sort of things with a brand new vehicle, though.
I am sure your Impala will sell quickly when you hit the 36K mark. For my first 5K or so, I have been pleased with the car. I agree with Teo in that plenty of homework must be done before even considering buying a vehicle period - new or used.
I find it funny when people post a list of nagging issues and it makes me wonder if they even took a test drove or did more than stand back for a glance and kick the tires for it to "pass the inspection". Most of the things that annoy people about the Impalas were apparent on the model on the showroom floor. Maybe the eye catching looks do a mind job on prospective buyers and lull them in...
For my first brand new car purchase, I am quite satisfied.
Thanks,
RR
Basically, all 4 windows were 'adjusted' and 'leveled'. I didn't mention the rear windows but they did those anyway. I actually didn't hear any vibrations coming from the window, so maybe my problem was an isolated incident that needed to be fixed and not due to the car's construction. I will have to check more in depth when the rain stops around here. But so far-so good.
I opted out for the roof trim maintenance. There is a metal strip that runs inside the trim for stability. Lifting the edges would bend the strip. So the only alternative would be to order new ones and have them sealed when installed. Not too worried for now. The strips are asthetic, mostly. If the window seals for the windshield and rear window look to be affected by the trim, I'll take it back and have the trim ordered and replaced.
Steve
You have a point that to a certain extent, I was lured in by the good looks of the car. It IS good looking, that's for sure. It also seemed quite solid on the lot, and still does on the road. At the time, I really didn't notice some of the interior shortcomings that I have mentioned. They really came to light for me after getting the CL, having a day to day, real life comparison. (I did notice the floor mats immediately, though. That should have been a sign.)
Overall, I am quite pleased with the Impala. If I was truly unhappy, I would no longer have it. As you know, I've spent a few dollars upgrading the tires and stereo. I wouldn't have done that for a car I hated. I've ordered splash guards and the K&N filter. I'm still searching for quality carpeted logo mats. I'm currently researching CD changers, and might even consider the "surfer" seat covers that Nathan has.
I think some people are way too extreme. They react to a little honest criticism as if I insulted them personally for choosing an Impala, or even insulted a member of their family! Hey, it's just a car. A machine. An object. Property. Lighten up. (Not you. I think you understand what I'm trying to say.)
I think it's important to discuss this otherwise fine car's shortcomings on this forum, instead of glossing them over. That way, the folks at Chevy might realize that people do care about more than just the way a car looks, or whether it's "made in America", which of course, the Impala isn't.
Chevy's car sales have fallen steadily in the last few years. Perceived quality is probably the main reason. The Impala is a HUGE step in the right direction. I think they stopped just short of making a truly great car, and settled for a really, really good one.
I'm hoping that when I return my 01 LS in 2004, the new generation Impala will be the truly great car it should be. It should be interesting with the new design team.
posted on my site http://www.luckyjdr.homestead.com/impala.html
shows all my options (no leather or sunroof)
2k impala ls:::::nice website, maybe you should go into the car business!!!
teo:::::::didn't realize you were such a car fan and all those foreign car leases or ownership..WOW, I am impressed..I am disturbed because you really ran the Honda/Acura scene..Since 80,000 miles over 60 mos is not much of a test; averaging 1333.33 miles/mo doesn't tell me anything about a car..Try 5,000/mo and see what happens!!!Nothing at GM is going to change; for they are trying to find the cheapest way to build a car; even Chrysler is worse, and Ford is so screwed up with internal politics that they will always be two-steps behind..
My Intrigue is really not in the high mileage lane; but it is in the fast lane with no problems or dealer visits in the last 16k miles.. 1900 miles a month averaging is no big thing; but the way the car reacts and scoots around would really amaze the good Chevy fans..
One thing the Intrigue is not; is a cloned, cookie cutter, committee automobile..It is being killed because it doesn't conform!!!
It's just that this guy started laying in to me when I recommended a specific model tire for someone that was looking for a good replacement, well before I voiced my opinions about comparitive quality. He has insinuated that I, and others here as well, know nothing about the car buying process or the automotive industry in general.
I found his last post to be arrogant, condescending, and insulting. I snapped. I sincerely apologize for appearing that same way to others. Thanks for pointing it out to me.
I'm always glad to correspond with folks that are passionate about cars. Passion and perfect professionalism rarely travel together...
As for income levels I certainly hope you are doing well because the govt needs your taxes and I feel more comfortable with all you young geniuses working and paying in FICA..helps my case..
Usually automotive tastes are in line with earnings..
You should drive an Intrigue to experience the satisifaction of a very unique automobile. Maybe after your lease is up..
You changed tires on a leased car???? at 3000 miles???
Yes, I did indeed change tires on a leased car. I wanted a quieter ride and better handling. I got both. The new tires were under $500, mounted and balanced. I sold the old ones for almost $200.
It was definitely worth $9/month.
You're lucky to be able to pay for a new car up front. Most people need to take out a loan. I was obviously wrong about our respective incomes.
When my lease is up, there won't be any new Intrigues to drive.
Heck, I just got my wife a Chevy Tracker. With our salaries, I should drive a BMW 3 series and she should have an Audi TT.
It's not about status or pushing your spending envelope when purchasing a car anymore. I purchased the Impala because I wanted to spend my money elsewhere (I am in the Technology field, so I like my gadgets, a house, kids down the road, etc.). We wanted nice economical cars, most bang for the buck, rated well.
I didn't go foreign (Had a Nissan that I LOVED that I traded in) because they just were NOT goign to deal. I took my Altima back in to where I purchased it, said "OK, I'm ready to do business again since you were great the first time, let's talk Maxima's", and they were going to go NO further then 350 off of sticker. That's after a WEEK of dickering. I walked off and I had similar luck w/ Honda's and Toyotas. They cars were simple, no real unique styling, and had NOWHERE near as many "perks" as I found in domestics, esp. GM cars in the size-range I wanted.
I wanted a BIGGER car. I wanted to move up from the Altima to a "Full-Size". ONe would argue the Impala isn't full-size but to me it is.
I could not FIND a more stylish car w/ the package offerings in the price-range.
As for the Acura CL - that's a 2-door COUPE. How can you compare that to the Impala? Look at the 2001 TL w/ their navigation system. Almost 10G's more. Could I afford it? I'm not trying to gloat here, but yes, I could. Did I do it? OH HECK NO. Why pay 10G's more for a car that may have some upside on past quality and resale value? I dont' see it, not the way I drive my vehicles.
Stereotypes, it's old hat, and that last post really shows your age.
I test drove it at least 2 or 3 times but I could not convince myself that the Intrigue was a sensible long term purchase. Good thing I did not bulge for it.
Poor safety scores and other host of problems documented at length over the Intrigue forum are more reasons to stay way from it.
The Impala will see a re-design in 2005 while the Intrigue will be history.
I wonder why GM's ultimate driving machine (The Intrigue) did not work out as planned (And sorry but marketing WAS NOT THE ONLY REASON BEHIND ITS DEMISE).
Was this a hardware (ECM) or software related problem?
Kinda strange.
Anyhow, hopefully this will take care of the problem. Just be very attentive to the way the car operates. If anything reoccurs, then head back to the dealer and take it to the next level.
I use strictly 89 and 93 octane gasoline. My 2 brands of choice are Exxon and Chevron. I stopped using 87 Octane long time ago. I simply do not trust the quality of regular 87 gas (Contaminanta + water presence). To me saving $.10 per gallon by using 87 gas is simply not worth it.
My 2001 LS 3800 V6 engine loves 89 Exxon gas. Smoooth to no end and the mileage that I am getting in city driving is between 19 to 21 MPG. The engine feels stronger too and I am not imagining it.
My local nearby Exxon has 'Super Wednesdays' where they sell Premium 93 gas $0.5 cheaper per gallon than mid grade 89. Prices there today where 1.45 for regular, 1.55 for 89 and 1.59 for Premium 93.
After all you payed $20K + for your car, why get cheap on the gas and maintenance?
You mentioned your likes of hi-tech toys; and I assume your great state is able to provide ample supplies of electricity to run all these toys..We don't have those problems in the Midwest; in fact we would gladly sell our excess juice to your juiceless state..
Our second home in Florida for the past 12 yrs has dictated that my wifes car be reliable and large so my tastes have been in the Cadillac area for they offer tons of get and go with huge cargo capacity..My car selection for covering the territory is always something I can beat up for 90k miles and sell it..Intrigues, Buicks, Pontiacs, and Chevys along with a few Fords have done a great job of delivering a couple million miles without a mechanical road failure..
My wife is been employed for 44 yrs in charge of shopping and spending money. For the last 12 yrs I have played golf in Mich probably 3 times a week during spring, summer and fall. In Florida during the winter months on my 6 different trips annually; I will get in about 35 rounds.. The best part is I have also been employed for the last 12 yrs..
The automotive business has been in the forefront since 1968 and for another year will be important..Domestics only--SUVs..
Hard to cover ones age; and there is certainly no doubt about your age/attitude..
As for the acura. We wanted a coupe to compliment the big Impala sedan. I was only trying to compare quality/features. Obviously, one shouldn't be expected to choose between those two models.
Opinions?
I guess its just the claim of "Premium Sound System". I'm guessing a lot has to do with the speakers, and I would have gladly paid another hundred or two for better speakers (or whatever would make it sound like some of the "Premium Sound Systems I've heard). Besides home and work, I spend the third most of my time in the car. GOTTA HAVE EXCELLENT SOUNDING TUNES !!!!
Just picked up my new 02 Impala this afternoon. I was the fellow who ordered an 01 a few months back, and was told it was mistakenly put into dealer inventory when it arrived, and was sold. The dealer promised me 'dealer invoice' on an 02 to make up for the mistake. A lot of folks here thought the 01 was intentionally sold to a higher bidder. Guess we will never know for sure, but I believed it was a mistake.
Anyway, they ordered the 02 for me in mid June, said it had a 7/23 build date, and I got it today. Got the base (because of the bench seat), with the 3.8, leather, tape/cd, driver convenience center, steering wheel radio controls, traction control, option package # 2, etc. It's pretty loaded. Silver. Had that bad boy double-pinstripped in black, and took it home three hours ago. Feels tight, looks pretty. Overall she is a beaut.
In the 10 miles I have put on it, it seemed smooth and quiet (one of the reasons I liked the Impala), but almost seemed too hard....meaning it felt like every bump I went over I felt. Not sure if it was the first day jitters I had, the stiffer suspension I got with the 3.8, or the tires (I think they are Goodyear TA's or GA's something like that...can't go look, since my wife took the car for the night!). Think I'll check the tire pressure tomorrow. Anyway the car is beautiful, radio sounds nice, leather smells great, etc. and I'll keep you all posted. I think it was the first 02 my dealer got.
Frank