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2008 Impala Owner Experiences

71 messages,  Last post on Nov 28, 2009 at 8:11 AM

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What is this discussion about? Chevrolet Impala, Fuel Efficiency (MPG), Sedan


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#42 of 71
Re: 2-Way Advanced Remote Start [ryster] by rceggl
Oct 04, 2008 (11:32 am)
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Replying to: ryster (Aug 14, 2008 3:55 am)

I simply cannot believe that every dealer cannot take a dash apart. I just don't think they like to do it. If they are careful and know what they are doing, it simply should not be a problem. Electronics shops take them apart daily. That you would end up with more noises simply indicates that an idiot was working on it.
#43 of 71
Re: 2-Way Advanced Remote Start [rceggl] by ryster
Oct 05, 2008 (7:32 am)
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Replying to: rceggl (Oct 04, 2008 11:32 am)

It's not that dealers can't take a dash apart, it is just that tolerances on pieces are so tight these days that getting it back together with the same standards as used during assembly can be difficult. Most dashes are installed as components at the factory. It gets inserted into the car as a pre-assembled piece. The dealer, however, needs to remove it in pieces. As a result, the chances of creating problems increases.
 
Once they remove the pieces they need to, or the whole dash if necessary , they do not have the luxury of reinserting it as a complete unit. It has to go back in piece by piece. This means the chance to miss some clips, fasteners, or simple "manhandling" increases exponentially.
 
Electronic shops are simply removing trim bezels, door panels, or interior pillar covers. Those pieces are very quick and easy to snap in and out with little chance for issues. The need for them to completely remove an entire dash is slim.
 
Whenever I have inquired with a dealer, regardless of brand, about investigating any kind of dash rattle or squeak they have always told me they would be happy to. They have also all told me they could not guarantee that more noises would be created in the process. VW, Ford, Chrysler, Chevy, Pontiac, etc. They all said the same thing.
#44 of 71
3.5 by trucker49
Oct 05, 2008 (6:38 pm)
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I'm looking at an '08 Impala and was wondering if anyone has the 3.5L engine? I have the 3.8 in my '00 and love it. The '08 has everything I want on it and is the right color but was unsure about the engine. It's rated at more hp then the 3.8 which is a great engine.
 
Thanks a lot
#45 of 71
not an owner... by explorerx4
Oct 06, 2008 (2:34 pm)
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but i rented an impala lt over weekend.
i liked it a lot. my regular driver is an awd fusion.
the impala was quiet(engine and tires), handled uneven pavement very well, and shifted smoothly.
the interior was much improved over the last one i drove, 2002.
seats were comfortable for me, stereo was very good. i liked the dash lighting.
the steering was very firm, which i like, but parking it was difficult.
is the steering effort supposed to change with speed?
#46 of 71
3.5L engine 2008 Impala by sylviae
Oct 07, 2008 (8:44 am)
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I traded (down) from a great Trailblazer (2005) to an Impala LT (2008)----the 3.5 engine is very good----picks up well from a stop and gets up on the Interstate just great with plenty of power and I do get good gas mileage in town and on the road. The road noise is awful and I have to crank up the radio to high----it also has a lot of wind noise too. These things I did not notice in the rented or the demo I drove so I do not understand the difference. The dealership where I purchased screwed me on the tires as the deal (verbal, of course) was 17" tires/wheels and I got 16's and they would NOT budge nor did they believe what I told them was the verbal agreement between myself and sales mgr----so---maybe it's the tires--But since I am leasing---this will be my last GM product---time for a new product in three years. I also have the dash noise which is driving me crazy--I am very tuned to car noises and the dash clips (from what I have read in this forum) is probably to blame---now they say I may trade this noise for another. I had absolutely no noises in my Trailblazer at all when I let her go-----guess they just don't make the cars very well.But---it is only three years to go-----I really would like to have the dealer check the dash out---but now am scared to do so---one noise is enough!!! They don't take too kindly to an older woman bringing her car in for "noises" !!!
#47 of 71
Re: 3.5L engine 2008 Impala [sylviae] by explorerx4
Oct 07, 2008 (2:04 pm)
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Replying to: sylviae (Oct 07, 2008 8:44 am)

what tires do you have? the post before yours, i wrote about renting an impala or the weekend. overall, the car was very quiet, as i previously noted.
the tires were 'integrity', which i think is a goodyear.
maybe the dealer will swap them out for you.
also, try checking the tire pressure.
#48 of 71
Re: 3.5L engine 2008 Impala [sylviae] by ryster
Oct 12, 2008 (7:08 am)
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Replying to: sylviae (Oct 07, 2008 8:44 am)

The Goodyear Integrity tires that are standard on the 16" wheels are extremely noisy. They also do not ride well, and are horrible in the rain. The only thing those tires do well is snow driving. They are actually excellent in the winter.
 
The Integrity's on my '06 Impala were done at 26K miles. I got rid of them and replaced them with General Altimax RT touring tires. The difference was like night and day. The Generals are quiet and ride very well. I have 6,000 miles on the Generals now and they continue to outshine the original Goodyears.
 
If you think the Goodyears are noisy, you should have heard the Pirelli P6 Four Seasons that came on my parents '07 Mercury Montego Premier. They were so loud it was almost dizzying. They dumped those at 20K miles and replaced them with Cooper CS4 Touring tires. The noise level was immediately reduced.
 
You will get used to the dash noise. I have been living with it for 27months/32K miles now and barely notice it anymore. However, now that the car is "older", I am trying to learn to live with all of the new rattles that are showing up in the dash, doors, windows, and suspension. It is really kind of depressing that these cars are not built to a higher standard. I have started casually shopping for a replacement vehicle, but not sure I want to deal with the hassle that goes along with car shopping. Having traded/purchased almost a dozen new cars in my life so far, it just gets really old and is not enjoyable.
 
My Impala goes in this week for a long list of things to be looked at. Hopefully the dealer will resolve them and make life with the Impala a little more enjoyable for the time being...although I am not excited about having to sink any money into a car with only 32K miles on it (front brake pads, four-wheel alignment, etc.) The warped front brake rotors and my steering issue, which I believe to be the infamous Intermediate Steering Shaft debacle, should be covered under warranty.
 
If I end up keeping the car, then before it hits 36K miles I need to get it in to have the popping seatback on the front passenger seat (for which GM has issued a service bulletin) fixed and the peeling exterior pillar trim pieces replaced under warranty. Plus, whatever else would crop up in the next 4,000 miles
 
As much as I am a GM fan, I will admit that the vehicles I am currently researching are not GM products. One vehicle is a domestic brand, the other 2 are import brands.
#49 of 71
Re: 3.5L engine 2008 Impala [explorerx4] by sylviae
Oct 12, 2008 (7:25 am)
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Replying to: explorerx4 (Oct 07, 2008 2:04 pm)

In reply to those inquiring about the tires on my Lease Impala---yes--they ARE Integrity Goodyears---and they must be responsible for the noise----But the dealer would not even begin to think about replacing the tires---only if I were to pay dearly and I can't as I would not recover from the expense due to it being a lease car. I just will not buy another GM car at all. This is my last.
#50 of 71
Re: 3.5 [trucker49] by ryster
Oct 12, 2008 (7:25 am)
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Replying to: trucker49 (Oct 05, 2008 6:38 pm)

The 3.5L engine is a good engine. The best way to determine if it is right for you, is to test drive the car you are interested in and drive in the conditions you would normally drive. Make sure it has the passing power you need, merging power, and acceleration requirements you are used to.
 
I find it to be more than adequate. I can easily spin the front wheels on dry and wet roads (my '06 does not have traction control...didn't want it).
 
The engine is quiet when cruising, and only makes itself known under heavy acceleration. Oh! Make sure you test it with the A/C engaged. The 3.5L does bog down slightly with the A/C on. Also, if you drive up hills regularly (or through mountain passes), make sure you test it on an uphill climb to make sure you would be happy.
 
I have also owned cars in the past with the 3.8L V6, and find the 3.5L to be a close match...although the 3.8L has a litttle more low-end "grunt".
#51 of 71
Re: 3.5L engine 2008 Impala [sylviae] by ryster
Oct 12, 2008 (7:38 am)
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Replying to: sylviae (Oct 12, 2008 7:25 am)

Many tire stores are allowing tire "trade-ins" where you can get an allowance towards new tires. If the noise is unbearable, or reaches the point where it is no longer tolerable, such a deal may be worth investigating. It would be important, however, to make sure the replacement tires would contribute to a solution to the the noise problem...and not be the same or worse. Another $500 over 30 months (or however long is left on your lease) averages out to $17 month. Might be worth it if it means some peace of mind.
 
From what I have read, and based on my personal experience, Impala owners tend to replace the Integrity tires around the 30K mile mark. That seems to be the point where their wet weather handling and ride/noise become intolerable. At 26K miles, I simply could not live with them anymore. They would have passed state inspection for another year, but my safety and sanity was more important than the price of the replacements. Don't be surprised if you need to put at least 2 new tires on your lease car before you give it back.

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