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Comments
I purchased an '03 Impala the end of January, the only thing I've noticed is that it has tire/road noise but you can live with it OK. I plan on different tires and some undercoating for it.
Statistically the extended warranty is not a good deal but I would buy it. I had a Mountaineer and nothing but transmission trouble and wished I'd had the insurance. The more I drive the Imp the better I like it. You can get them equipped any way you want, either model. Can't go wrong.
Rodger
t-tookalook@hotmail.com
The salesmen insisted I had to order the more expensive 1SC package in order to get the AG1 electric seat adjuster option. Based on the printout I had with me (and two others I'd left home) I was sure I could order the AG1 with the 1SB. So I walked out.
Can anyone throw some light on this? Was the dealer lying?
The dealer offered to sell me a base 2003 Impala for $17,300 with the 1SB package. That's after the $3k rebate, plus licensing and taxes, and very important to me--*does not* include any GM card or other discounts (I don't have any).
I know this is an excellent deal, but it applies only to a green car (36 miles) that has been sitting on their lot for months. I'm not too keen on the color, however.
I'm also still wondering if the AG1 seat option can be added to the 1SB package since I don't want the more expensive 1SC options.
No need to tip off competitors.
GM certainly does NOT want customers to delay buying. Dealers (who are GM's real customers) would be FURIOUS!
With all due respect, your salesman is either misguided, full of it or both.
GM is not about to announce incentives that would delay a sale that otherwise would be made today. Again, if they did that, dealers would rightfully howl!
Has anyone else had this happen?
Right before my headlight switch shorted out.
Several times.
And then the interior lights quit for good. Interestingly, they worked at night, but during the day, nada!
That's assuming, of course, that the radio itself worked throughout, just the display conked out. If the radio wasn't working either, never mind, it's something else!
Anyone have this happen?
Also, I read a previous post about rust under the seat.....there is some minor rust under my seat and the dealer stated that it was not a problem. I looked at an LS Sport loaded and it had some rust under the leather seats. What's up with the rust?
Also, how many are running synthetic or a blended-synthetic oil?
My manual states that the 3800 should use 10W-30, but my cap under the hood says 5W-30? How many switch between the two oils depending on the weather?
Thanks,
Dan
I did not see any rust under the front bucket seats of my LS when I picked it up from the dealer three weeks ago.
Neil
If your dealer is cool, they will just order the coin holder and give it to you free of charge. If they can't find the part tell them to look it up in the computer under a 2001 Impala LS's VIN.
Have a Good one
Mobil 1 and others seem too pricey. As long as you change it between 3,500-4,000 miles non-synthetic oils seem ok. If I drove a Vette it might be another story.
Try cleaning it first. It seems to be textured and the dirt really gets in there, hard to come off.
Good luck
Nicole
I called a LL attorney instead of filing a complaint with GM and going through abritration. In addition to the trunk leak, I had ALL the same common problems as well, ISS, clicking front end, hesitation, loose driver's seat and the coolant leak. So I really didn't want to keep it anyways. Well the lawyer sent off a demand and wouldn't you know it, GM came through and excepted a buy back without and arguement or hassle. Didn't even go to court.
So I just surrendered my impala on Sunday. I was actually sad to see it go, or actually seeing it on the lot as I drove off. Poor car, I feel like I abandoned it!!
I actually can't complain and have no hard feelings anymore. GM really came through on this one (personally I have a feeling as they reviewed ALL my invoices and knowing how much trouble that model year had, they decided to just buy it back) and made good on a problem an unhappy customer was having. I was quite surprised at the outcome.
So as I say my goodbyes and move on to the next board regarding my new car (went import this time...sorry!!), I have to say that the impala was a good solid car except it's defects and will miss it somewhat.
It sure is weird seeing them on the road now.
Take care all and thanks for all the help. I never would have known all my problems were common to that year...I was on top of the coolant leak when it happened, so I think I prevented even more damage, not that that matters now. You all have been a big help.
And if you ever have a problem that doesn't seem to get fixed at your dealer, contact an attorney and ask away, it never hurts to ask, you just never know.
I'll pop back in if any one has any questions.
Thanks
Nicole
However, the time has come for me to move on to my next new set of wheels. Quite different from the Impala but definetely an absolutely fun car with resale values that no current big three product can't even touch.
A family member has expressed interest in my car and he knows he is getting a real cream puff. The car looks showroom new, all maintenance records on hand and servicing done by selling dealer, immaculate in and out.
My new '04 MINI Cooper S will be arriving at my dealer sometime in October and I am very excited after a 10 month wait.
Bottom line: The Impala is a terrific family sedan that is actually fun to drive. good power, gas mileage, excellent quality (In despite some of the known issues already discussed here), comfortable, dependable, safe and very handsome. My only beef about owning this car is the rapid depreciation. After 3 or 4 years these cars are practically worth peanuts. A shame for such well engineered car...GM's never ending rebates and discounts have hurt and will continue to diminish residual values in the Impala and virtually all GM passenger car models for years to come.
If you buy an Impala, plan to keep it until the wheels fall off.....only then you can justify its higher than average depreciation over several years of ownership.
I am sure I will miss it but the MINI is a radically different "Motoring" experience worth having at least once in a lifetime. Total automotive Nirvana.
I am sure that my '01 LS will have a nice new home in a couple of months when I sell it to my family member.
During the weekend I drove a 2003 BMW 325i sedan....oh boy that car is awesome! yes it is smaller inside in comparison to the Impala but the engine is so powerful from the get go and the BMW 2.5L Inline 6 cyl is sooo smooth and balanced..no wonder people are willing to pay $30k for these babies. the VANOS system is terrific and the car has gobs and gobs of power in the upper end of the powerband (Something the Impala lacks due to its pushrod configuration).
Rear wheel drive, 50/50 weight distribution and incredible handling dynamics. If GM ever builds an Impala with RWD and a V8 with BMW like handling I will be duly interested. But GM also has to address its poor resale value problems too if they want me back on their fold.
The good synthetics provide superior lubrication and friction reduction and don't break down as quickly as fossil based oils. Talk to high end mechanics and racers. I trust the opinions of those who see the results of friction on engines every day.
I'm a strong believer in putting the best oils I can afford in my vehicles (and changing it regularly!) . My last car had over 350K miles on it when it was stolen. My Suburban is at 328K and running strong. I switched my 01 LS (51K miles) to Mobil 1 and get about 5K between changes. I change it when it begins to turn color which seems to correspond closely to the engine computer reminder.
I may be an exception because I don't trade often any more. I just get something I like and drive the wheels off it. My commute is 55 miles one way. The 28-30mpg at relatively high speeds from the Impala is terrific. That silver streak on the tollway is me ;-)
Mine is definitely wearing.
I have the neutral interior with the darker brown on the window sill. The lighter neutral is starting to show through. i took it to the dealer and they said it was normal wear and would not replace the part.
The car is only 2 years old but has over 40K miles.
I'll answer my own question. An Altima, right?
Neil
Neil
Hope the vehicle is as good as I've read here and what several others have said.
Neil
It is in the invoice.
But some dealers will make deals without it.
Keep in mind there is a $750 holdback on the a 25K IMpala. So he is making that plus other stuff we don't know about.