Oppo, Tell me about this! (We might buy this)

"zeontestpilot" (zeontestpilot) 06/09/2015 at 07:22 • Filed to: Car buying

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Ok, I’ll admit it, the jig is up. My pt, Jolly Roger, is in the shop once again for not starting (for those of you playing at home, that’s the 4th time in 2 months, on a car with 103k miles). So yesterday my grandparents drove my family out to look at cars. This Impala was the most interesting for various reasons.

It’s a ‘06 Impala LT, 63k miles on it (I drive 16k+ in commuting alone), has a 3.9L engine (so 240 hp), seats six, and seems to be in immaculate condition. The car just came in, and was heading to be inspected today, so I never got a chance to drive it, but I will if it passes the inspection. But the !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! is one of the best I’ve seen, apparently a older lady drove it. It’s being sold for $8700, but I do have a trump card, my gpa.

See, my gpa has leased his past 7 cars from the same salesman that we talked to yesterday. I actually found out that the guy started working there in the late ‘80s, and my grandpa was one of his first customers. From what I hear, salesmen love that. To me, it’s leverage.

Anyways, this is where you guys in oppo come in. Tell me the pros and cons of this car. And is it worth the buy? I went on !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! .gov and there seems to be no significant difference in mpg between the impala and the pt, which is a bummer, but it is a lower mileage vehicle with more seating and space.

As for Jolly Roger, I’m still waiting to hear how sick he is. Updates on that when I get them, -_-.

jkm7680 > zeontestpilot 06/09/2015 at 07:27

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Avoid, horrible transmissions and unreliable after 50k.

Smallbear wants a modern Syclone, local Maple Leafs spammer > zeontestpilot 06/09/2015 at 07:33

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That engine is awesome. I’s a nice place to ride in, if not look at from the outside. Do it.

zeontestpilot > jkm7680 06/09/2015 at 07:33

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I should ask then, what goes wrong for the transmission?

Smallbear wants a modern Syclone, local Maple Leafs spammer > jkm7680 06/09/2015 at 07:34

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Ehhh, hit and miss. they didn’t drag the Uplander well but they seem OK in the Impala. Friend of mine had one, you can take it from me it wasn’t treated kindly, never let him down.

zeontestpilot > Smallbear wants a modern Syclone, local Maple Leafs spammer 06/09/2015 at 07:36

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I am interested, and not crazy about Chevys, so that says something. But someone else said the tranny might be no good after 50k, which does make me worried.

yamahog > zeontestpilot 06/09/2015 at 07:37

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Even without potential trans issues, that model year is included in the giant ignition recall (a cover your ass move by GM, but still) and $8700 is really high IMO. I’d avoid the dealership route for used cars if possible.

ETA - I hate shutting something down without providing an alternate... If you don’t mind sharing your budget and your main priority is reliable family transport, would you be interested in a lease? Or prefer to buy used?

jkm7680 > zeontestpilot 06/09/2015 at 07:39

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They break.

Police Departments normally retire them around 60k or less rather than the 100k or more that they do for Crown Vics.

Sweet Trav > zeontestpilot 06/09/2015 at 07:43

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Yeah, the 4T65E trans wasn’t terrible, but I would avoid. It sure as shit did not hold up behind the 5.3l V8 motors from the SS.

Plus that platform is almost as old as my Monte Carlo. The W-body is just about the worst performance platform in the world. Also price seems a bit high.

LongbowMkII > zeontestpilot 06/09/2015 at 07:45

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Somewhat related, my mom owned an 04 and from 100k-130k there were lots of non-critical parts breaking.

jkm7680 > zeontestpilot 06/09/2015 at 07:46

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Here’s a link for background. The transmission issues are rated “pretty bad”, the average mileage that they occur at is 68,913 miles and the average repair cost is $1,433. Lots of people have had that issue just around that same mileage of that car. It’s also horribly overpriced.

http://www.carcomplaints.com/Chevrolet/Impa…

Thunderface > zeontestpilot 06/09/2015 at 07:46

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Mazda 6 or Ford Fusion are better bets

SidewaysOnDirt still misses Bowie > zeontestpilot 06/09/2015 at 07:47

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apparently a older lady drove it

Run away. This means that it’s never been up to temp or above around 3000 rpms. I’ve owned two “little old lady cars” and both were the most unreliable pieces of shit ever. They were mid-90s Hondas too, so I imagine that a mid-2000s GM will be even worse.

Smallbear wants a modern Syclone, local Maple Leafs spammer > zeontestpilot 06/09/2015 at 07:54

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http://oppositelock.kinja.com/ehhh-hit-and-m…

SidewaysOnDirt still misses Bowie > zeontestpilot 06/09/2015 at 07:55

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What happened to the Vibe? That seemed like your best bet.

Smallbear wants a modern Syclone, local Maple Leafs spammer > zeontestpilot 06/09/2015 at 07:56

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Didn’t even look at the price. I find it hard to walk away from that engine, but that seems best.

zeontestpilot > yamahog 06/09/2015 at 08:01

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My budget is less than $8000, or monthly installments of <$200. We estimated I drive 18k miles a year.

I need a commuter and family car, preferable midsize or larger, gets >25 mpg, and is roomy.

zeontestpilot > SidewaysOnDirt still misses Bowie 06/09/2015 at 08:02

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We’re now debating on maybe a replacement car, instead of a 2nd car. Wife can’t drive stick.

zeontestpilot > Thunderface 06/09/2015 at 08:03

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I've been looking at those too, but finding a decent price one with low mileage is difficult.

Sweet Trav > zeontestpilot 06/09/2015 at 08:08

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You might be able to get a base or Fusion SE lease with 20k mi a year for around $200 a month.

SidewaysOnDirt still misses Bowie > zeontestpilot 06/09/2015 at 08:12

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There’s a new car on the market that can be had for about that monthly payment, deliver amazing mileage, and comes with a 10 year/120k mile warranty.

Funktheduck > zeontestpilot 06/09/2015 at 08:12

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I don’t know if it’s an option but Toyota Corolla. Mine at 250k burned a little oil and needed a new cat (somewhat common issue for the 03-04 mine was 04). Everything else was normal wear items and oil changes. It was my gf’s first car before I bought it. Think about that: 16 yo driver, college,and then my mileage racking up job. The guy at the parts store had one at 350k miles

Could easily handle a family of 4, 5 might be too tight depending on needs/use. Huge trunk. Great gas mileage. If you have only one car you need something dependable.

zeontestpilot > Funktheduck 06/09/2015 at 08:17

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But I'm not sure if parts are readily accessible here in Michigan, :/.

LongbowMkII > SidewaysOnDirt still misses Bowie 06/09/2015 at 08:17

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Not sure what universe that is considered a mid-size.

Nice try though.

zeontestpilot > SidewaysOnDirt still misses Bowie 06/09/2015 at 08:19

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That's a bit small. With our pt we had some issues with trunk space with numerous items at times.

zeontestpilot > Smallbear wants a modern Syclone, local Maple Leafs spammer 06/09/2015 at 08:21

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Oh, I’d negotiate the price. My gpa and the salesman kept going back and forth between the price.

boxrocket > zeontestpilot 06/09/2015 at 08:22

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Avoid, keep looking.

Yes, it’s low-mileage relative to the year, but “old lady” cars can have their own foibles, not the least of which is too little use, and potential neglect from living on a limited fixed budget.

As others have said, these have transmission issues. GM used parts from lighter, cheaper cars on these, the Uplander-family vans, and the Traverse-family large crossovers. The driving experience feels strained, turning radius is abhorrent, and there’s many reasons cops are dropping these as fast as they can for the police versions of Explorer, Taurus, and Charger. They’re just not that good, that is, typical gm where it’s a cheap disposable appliance to last as long as the financing term after which they can sell another one, or as a fleet (rental, corporate) vehicle.

Alternate options:

•Minivans - though only the Mazda5 might hit your mileage requirements, but it’s a smaller “nano-van”.

• Ford Fusion, Mercury Milan, Lincoln MKZ/Zephyr. Mazda 6: All the same car (Mazda GG platform), with a fairly good track record, but as you already know, have them inspected thoroughly. I bought a 2003 Mazda6 S V6 in April and it’s been a treat.

• Ford Escape, Mazda Tribute, Mercury Mariner: Good, plucky little trucks, and can take a lot of abuse, but some years have the Ford SUV transmission woe where the belt that engages 2nd and 5th/overdrive fails, but is only about a $1200 repair (get a warranty if possible) with a relatively quick turn-around; the Hybrid version of the Mariner and Escape have a CVT IIRC do they don’t have the same issue, plus better mileage, and are still used as taxis across the country.

I’ll pick my brain for some more options. I would almost suggest the Ford “Panther” platform cars (Crown Victoria, Mercury Grand Marquis, Lincoln Town Car) as they certainly fall in your budget - even CarMax has some under 100k and in the $7-10K range, with warranties! - but you’re unlikely to hit your mileage goal. OTOH, stupidly cheap to maintain and repair, so what you pay in gas you have less to worry about in worry, plus you may find more under budget to allow for more gas money later.

SidewaysOnDirt still misses Bowie > LongbowMkII 06/09/2015 at 08:22

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The 90s maybe? My mid-sized Accord was significantly smaller than modern compacts. I don’t really get into vehicle classes. There are so many ways to game the system. For example, his PT is considered a light truck.

Firewrx234 > zeontestpilot 06/09/2015 at 08:24

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Honestly, you get these cars in a couple different varieties. Firstly, the rental cars and police fleet, those are the ones with a ton of miles that are sold within the first few years. Not bad cars but get for great discount due to history. Secondly, you get the normal commuter cars, these were used on a regular basis with standard miles and typically did fine in the world. This vehicle would typically have 150k miles at this point. And finally you have this example, likely an elderly couple who only used it to go 5 miles to the grocery once a week and to and from Florida every year. These will typically be the best looking and have the fewest miles. On average this car got less than 7000 miles a year when standard would be 15000. From someone who sold Chevys I can tell you a couple things: 1) these cars tend to be a very good value 2) replacement parts are cheaper due to the models longevity and fleet presence 3) ones of the elderly caliber can be great vehicles, just make sure that it didn’t get 63k from neglect. Easiest way is to ask to see the inspection when it gets back. If it comes back with menial items like a mirror motor (typical when used by only one driver for years) it’s prob a decent car. However if you hear that the car needs a lot of work, I’d look more into what items they are and whether the dealer is fixing them or not. If it can get a warranty I highly suggest them (I have spent about 500 in deductible over the year and a half that I’ve owned my Charger and the warrant company has probably spent around 4-5000 on it for stupid things) hence, I love warranties.

TL;Dr

I was a car salesman, this seems like a nice version and I have sold plenty of Impalas that were nice cars just make sure to thoroughly read the inspection before purchasing and get a warranty if you can! Good luck!

Funktheduck > zeontestpilot 06/09/2015 at 08:24

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I don't see why they wouldn't be. It's one of the most popular cars in the U.S. Any normal parts store should be able to get them. The autozone near my house would carry stuff that I used to have to order for other cars.

zeontestpilot > SidewaysOnDirt still misses Bowie 06/09/2015 at 08:31

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I like to tell people that the pt is a truck/wagon/hatchback because everyone selling one calls it something different.

zeontestpilot > boxrocket 06/09/2015 at 08:35

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No carmax’s in Michigan.... -_-.....at least near me...

Thunderface > zeontestpilot 06/09/2015 at 08:36

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Even one with higher mileage is better than that Impala

zeontestpilot > Firewrx234 06/09/2015 at 08:37

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As a car salesman, what are your thoughts on the transmission that goes bad around 68k?

yamahog > zeontestpilot 06/09/2015 at 08:40

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We have Carite (sp?) but not many and they seem like a crappy knockoff :/

mr2gud2u > zeontestpilot 06/09/2015 at 08:43

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I know a car guy that has one and loves it. I can’t get into them. I have never forgiven GM for moving away from the Impalas V8 rear drive configuration.

Snuze: Needs another Swede > zeontestpilot 06/09/2015 at 08:46

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I would take it for a drive first. Everyone else is spot on - good engine, iffy transmission. But my dad rented one once and I thought the interior was a horrible place to spend time - mostly the seats were really uncomfortable in my opinion.

zeontestpilot > yamahog 06/09/2015 at 08:47

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I can only really afford used cars, but I don't know the dealerships around me because everybody has something different to say about them. It's like a rock and a hard place, -_-.

zeontestpilot > mr2gud2u 06/09/2015 at 08:48

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Has he ever had transmission issues?

Firewrx234 > zeontestpilot 06/09/2015 at 08:49

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I hadn’t heard that but can’t say that it doesn’t happen. Generally, GM vehicles that have trams probs are the Traverse Twins and the larger vehicles. Another big reason to see if the dealership will give it a basic warranty. Mine would give a 2yr up 100k mile basic warranty to any vehicle under 10 years old and less than 100k. This covered engine, transmission and drivetrain pretty much.

Warranties take the guesswork out of buying a car.

zeontestpilot > Snuze: Needs another Swede 06/09/2015 at 08:49

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Yeah, I want to get behind the wheel and ask a few Qs first before a final judgement.

Firewrx234 > zeontestpilot 06/09/2015 at 08:51

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Another huge thing, check the tires. Especially for as low of miles as this one has, make sure the tires don't have cracks and aren't dry rotted!

random001 > zeontestpilot 06/09/2015 at 08:52

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It’s not a Chrysler product, so the trans should be ok....

Mustafaluigi > zeontestpilot 06/09/2015 at 08:56

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Girlfriend has one, has been non stop transmission issues. Slipping and slamming into gear from stops. Every shop has pretty much said a new tranny is the fix. To note, she drives in heavy traffic in DC all the time, but only has like 65k on her too.

zeontestpilot > Firewrx234 06/09/2015 at 08:58

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They were good, had a good amount of tread still on them.

Camshaft Chris: Skyline/McLaren/Porsche Fanboy > zeontestpilot 06/09/2015 at 08:59

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Don’t do it. You can find so many better options for ~$8000. Toyota Camry, Ford Fusion, Mazda 6, etc. You can find good examples for all of those for around that price. Hell, that’s about what I paid for my ‘12 Fusion. Granted, mine was a higher mileage (but very well maintained) fleet car, but you can find slightly older one (‘08-’10) that would easily fit in to your budget.

thebigbossyboss > zeontestpilot 06/09/2015 at 09:00

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There’s a lot of hate for these out there. But they are still a staple in the taxi cab fleet and the reason is they take a licking and keep on ticking. It was an outdated car when it was sold and even more so now, but parts are plentiful, and it’s a simpler design no fancy do-dads to go wrong.

$8700 USD is a lot for an 06 of these though. If it was like an ‘11 I could see 8700. I drive a lesser chev from 03 and it’s value is barely above $500.

I drove one of these (an ‘11 but same car though) from Washington DC and back (over 1100 miles) on one weekend, and hey if you’re gonna be stuck in a car for a 9.5 hour drive solo you could do a lot worse.

Here is my review based on that:

Pros: Mileage not bad.

Comfy, and soft. If you’re going 600 miles each way solo that’s what you want.

Ate highway miles no problem.

Seemed fast enough.

No fancy do-dads.

Cons:

Dash board reminded me of my 1988 Toyota. It was a little outdated

No fancy do-dads. (Possibly a pro if you’re like me)

Head switch a little confusing if I remeber correctly.

Overall:

One big comfy cruiser ate the highway miles no problem. Almost like a FWD crown vic, in that it’s an old design work horse. Probably not too fun in the city although I did fine in DC but from what I see, it don’t look like you live in the city.

I can’t speak to the transmission issues.

thebigbossyboss > yamahog 06/09/2015 at 09:02

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What Gm car isn’t in ignition recall though?

Mine seems like the only one.

Jake - Has Bad Luck So You Don't Have To > zeontestpilot 06/09/2015 at 09:06

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We have one on our lot right now. Ride is quiet, engine is adequate, transmission is whatever, looks are meh, but dear god the interior is tragic. Plastic dash everywhere trying to look like leather (?) and failing. I’m not one to go around bitching about interior luxury in a non-luxury car (I drive a stripper Civic for god’s sake) but the Impala is simply abysmal in that regard. The interior looks good in photos, though.

zeontestpilot > thebigbossyboss 06/09/2015 at 09:07

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I think it’s that high because of the low mileage.

punkgoose17 > zeontestpilot 06/09/2015 at 09:08

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Look for a Mercury Milan. It is a higher spec Fusion for less money.

http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/…

A Saturn Aura also looks like it will fit your needs. (Since it is a rebadged Opel I bet the engineering is better than a Chevy).

http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/…

Fusion:

http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/…

Saturn Astra: (manual)

http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/…

zeontestpilot > Camshaft Chris: Skyline/McLaren/Porsche Fanboy 06/09/2015 at 09:09

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‘12 fusions are $10k+ here, with higher mileage ones dipping down to $9k. I'm starting to think the used car market in Michigan is higher than other places.

boxrocket > zeontestpilot 06/09/2015 at 09:11

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They’re worth the drive, and if you get the warranty you can go to whatever local dealership you want instead of having to drive back to the store, though the deductible is higher (per Doug DeMuro). Not sure where in MI you are, but there are CarMaxes in northern IL, IN, OH, MN, and WI.

thebigbossyboss > zeontestpilot 06/09/2015 at 09:12

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Yup, but just keep in mind rust doesn’t care about mileage.

zeontestpilot > Jake - Has Bad Luck So You Don't Have To 06/09/2015 at 09:12

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The interior is all leather, and really clean looking. You could eat off of it, it looks that clean.

zeontestpilot > boxrocket 06/09/2015 at 09:18

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Lansing area. But I currently have no working car, and have to rely on others for transportation.

RockRam > zeontestpilot 06/09/2015 at 09:25

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Don’t do it brother. Are you against foreign brands? You could get something a lot more reliable around your $8,0000 if you cross shop. Maybe a Sonata if you don’t want like the Toyotas and Hondas. If you’ll keep the PT, would be good to have something else you don’t ever have to worry about.

Captain of the Enterprise > zeontestpilot 06/09/2015 at 09:30

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My aunt’s trans started slipping at around 130,000 which isn’t too bad for an auto but they sold it instead of doing the trans. Check out a website called carcomplaints

http://www.carcomplaints.com/Chevrolet/Impa…

zeontestpilot > RockRam 06/09/2015 at 09:48

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I’m not, but my wife is. I do like Toyotas and some Hondas, but with the crazy takata recalls going on, I don’t think my wife will bother even looking at one, :/.

RockRam > zeontestpilot 06/09/2015 at 09:56

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Ah yea I can see that.

Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo > zeontestpilot 06/09/2015 at 10:07

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You’re a single car household with a wife and kids, right? I think it’s time for a beige Camry, not a GM sedan known for lack of transmission problems... I don’t think the jump for the PT to this is much of an upgrade. You need something bullet proof.

zeontestpilot > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo 06/09/2015 at 10:18

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After the immense response to this post, I’m not sure of anything now. Essentially I’m back to square one, and without a car. -_-.

I can look at Camry’s in my area though, I'm getting desperate.

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > punkgoose17 06/09/2015 at 10:34

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As a milan owner, I support this post fully.

yamahog > thebigbossyboss 06/09/2015 at 10:51

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Yea, that’s why I mentioned it’s a CYA move.

Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo > zeontestpilot 06/09/2015 at 10:55

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Family first!

Camshaft Chris: Skyline/McLaren/Porsche Fanboy > zeontestpilot 06/09/2015 at 11:07

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Well, I was thinking more along the lines of a slightly older model year. For example, I just found a 2010 Fusion SE with 75k miles for $9k. So I’m sure you could find an ‘08-’10 with decent mileage for right around your price range.

Camshaft Chris: Skyline/McLaren/Porsche Fanboy > zeontestpilot 06/09/2015 at 11:23

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Or you could look at the Nissan Altima. That’s what I was going to get until I was offered a better deal on the Fusion. I had a ‘10 Sentra for two years and that was a great little car. And my buddy’s wife has one and they absolutely love it. He prefers driving it more than his truck (and he loves his truck, lol). I know those can be found for good prices. Plus, they’re really reliable and maintenance is pretty cheap if something ever does go wrong. I’d definitely at least take a look in to the Altima to see how you like it.

mr2gud2u > zeontestpilot 06/09/2015 at 11:24

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Yup. Just before 100k