Topic: Opinions on 2003 Impala...please

[Accordingly]

Hi folks: My mother has been told her 1996 Taurus is terminal  , with the projected repairs outweighing the benefit of hanging on. As such, she took it upon herself to try out a few vehicles, including this one:

http://www.trader.ca/powerpage/details.aspx?vlotid=122136&adid=5137890

Her driving needs including going to work (20 km commute) and grocery shopping. She prefers a larger car and cost is a major factor (her budget could be stretched a little to $14K)

What do people think? What should be checked out on this car? I understand the 3.4 could have some issues that may be mitigated through maintenance. Is there anything else we should be cautious about?

I am going to visit her tomorrow and take a test drive.

BTW, the dealer is offering $1000 for the Taurus trade in (hasn't properly evaluated it yet). Reasonable?

Thanks

[canuck_driver]

.....all in all for your mothers type of driving the 3.4 should be ok.I'd get a 3.8 Impala LS model but then your up in price depending on the year.Good cars, made in Oshawa and have a good safety record.
It would be a good all-rounder for your mom,she doesn't go very far.Try and find one for sale privately.

Good luck,

DD

ps-even a 2002-03 Taurus with the 24 DOHC Valve V6 would do the trick too!

[articsteve]

BTW, the dealer is offering $1000 for the Taurus trade in (hasn't properly evaluated it yet). Reasonable?

I guess so.  If you get close to buying this car go out and buy a vehicle report on it because the dealer will disclose zip.

[jonl]

A used Impala offers very good value for money.  Likewise, Taurus, Mazda 626, and Hyundai Sonata.  All these models are ok (not great, cars with poor resale value, making them quite attractive as 3 or 4 year old used cars.

A 10 year old Taurus has no value to a new car dealer.  $1,000 seems ok if you want to avoid the hassle of selling it yourself.  I'd settle for that in trade.

[Pleem]

A co-worker recently replaced a worn out Lumina with a used 2003 (I think) Impala.  His has the 3.8l engine.  To date he is pleased with it; no problems.  My father bought a 2004 Impala new.  It has the 3.4l engine.  He had one, maybe two, minor isssues with it early on.  Otherwise, it's been solid.  These examples confirm my impression that the Impala is generally a good vehicle especially with the 3.8l motor.

[Accordingly]

Thanks for your collective input...my father was also an Impala owner for two models, but has now switched to a Malibu Maxx. He was pleased with the 3.4, which he described as more the adequate for most situations and was quite surprised at the fuel efficiency. He also has an Aerio, and was shocked that the Impala gets better mileage!

Anyway, I arranged a test drive for tomorrow, so will let you know what transpires. If it drives well, then I'll treat Mom to a CarProof report and, pending results, see about making an offer.

[nefcanuck]

Thanks for your collective input...my father was also an Impala owner for two models, but has now switched to a Malibu Maxx. He was pleased with the 3.4, which he described as more the adequate for most situations and was quite surprised at the fuel efficiency. He also has an Aerio, and was shocked that the Impala gets better mileage!

Anyway, I arranged a test drive for tomorrow, so will let you know what transpires. If it drives well, then I'll treat Mom to a CarProof report and, pending results, see about making an offer.

The only caution I'll give you is that the Impala is a bigger car than even the Taurus and your mother may find the extra length a problem.  When I test rode in an Impala last year I could definately feel the difference in bulk from my then Olds Ceira that I was driving (It was approximately a foot longer, most of the extra length coming rearwards).

NefCanuck