Malibu/Impala

[Shran]

Need some advice here about these two. I hate to say it but I'm looking at replacing my '88 Ranger with something newer that doesn't kill me on gas and has more than two seats so I don't have to take my kids carseat out all the time.

I'm looking at either one, probably between 1998 and 2004. The reviews I've been reading were either really good and people got a lot of miles out of them, or they are total junk. Seems that the lower intake gaskets, electrical stuff, and steering seem to be the big complaints on the 3.4 and 3.8 V6's.

Any personal experience? I don't mind fixing things once in a while but a money pit is something I want to avoid since that is what my Ranger has become.

 

[JohnnyU]

MY fiance's dad has had several (2000-2008) impalas as work vehicles. He has purchased three of them after the company lease was up. They have been great cars for him, especially for as much driving as he does (35-40K/year). My fiance has a 2004 with just over 100K on the clock. While I have recently had to replace the brakes and a front wheel bearing, I still feel that they are a quality vehicle. I'm just really familiar with the front suspension and braking systems now.

My grandparents recently bought an '08 Impala LS as well. Grandpa is an old hot-rodder, and he loves the 3.8L in this car. It's plenty luxurious as well.

 

[DCarey515]

I have a 2001 malibu, other than the intake manifold needing replacing and my dumbarse nephew driving it when it overheated adding new heads to the mix its been a great car. The main thing I hate about the car is when the air or heat is on its loud, then you have to turn the radio up, then you have to turn it back down because your daughter in the back seat says its too loud!!!

 

[mentalbreakdown00]

Ok yes they have lower intake leak problems. Fel pro has fixed this the metal intake gaskets will not crack like the plastic style will. That being said, they are overall ok cars as long as they have been maintained. The 3.8 is a different beast than the 3.4 though, I wish mine had a 3.8 in it, only thing that really goes wrong with them is sometimes if the cats start to plug up it will melt the intake where the EGR comes in from the extra heat. Go with the 3.8 if it were me.

 

[JohnnyO]

A lot depends on how much room you need. The Impala is a little bit larger than the Malibu.

 

[Shran]

Bigger cars are fine with me, I was looking at Crown Vics before these but couldn't find one that was both priced right and in good shape.

That is good to know that the lower intake has a good fix. I can fix that myself, just rather avoid that type of stuff if possible.

I did find a really nice '01 Impala with 50k on it...may have to go drive it around.

 

[BRUTUS_T_HOG]

i have a 05 malibu with the 2.2l 4cyl... i have no complaints except that the interior is completely flimsy.. broken armrests and broken seat recliner lever, broken seat... all within 2years of having it.

very reliable and quiet car, good on gas and has plenty of power when you need it

oh yeah and broken window switch, drivers door lock motor fell out... and the mirror adjustment switch is barely working anymore..

i only have respect for the drivetrain

 

[koda6966]

You should get the police issue impalla. It looks good and no one will pass/tailgate/highbeam you on the highway.

 

[mentalbreakdown00]

well the newer 4 cyl's such as your's are a quantum leap in front of the old junk qaud 4's