The 90s to early 200s V6 engines were pretty much the closest you could get to a V8 at the time. Nobody wanted a V8 in your average car at that point for fear of gas chugging I guess. They could make do with V8s again with how far technology has developed, but there'd be so many electrical issues knowing newer cars...
My Mom is the same way! She will watch it all year round, and non stop, back to back during the Christmas season. i try to get her some gift related to the movie every year! Its like a tradition! Im sorry to hear about yours passing, but I know its memories you'll never forget.
most people that buy a car from a auction always puts the screws to the next person who buys it A honest person should fix the problems that need to be fixed on a vehicle not do A half ass job fixing it.if you spend 300 dollars on a car at auction your going to put more into it fixing it then what it's worth
Lol you should see my Lexus ES330. 253,000 miles, fuckers mint. Drives flawlessly too of course. Never left the south west. Always stayed in California, Nevada Arizona. No rust
Yep I got a 93f150 and I'm located in new brunswick canada we get so much salt, it needs rockers, corners, front and rear mounts and shackles new leafa and shocks, as well as a couple body spots
I remember buying a 2000 Impala brand-new of the showroom floor. It was a great looking car. I loved the rear taillights which were reminiscent of older Impalas. I even had the police pull me over to ask what I was driving. By the way, it did have a column shifter which I also prefer.
They are very tough , all things considered. Oh, Zane, I meant to pick your brain, do you have any knowledge of those old v4 Wisconsin engines? I got one needs a little help.
@@MXguy95 thanks! 🙂👍 I'm sorry that I can't help much with the Wisconsin engines. I've done some basic repairs on my bobcat that has the same engine, but nothing major. I do believe head gaskets are an issue on most though
Brother in law owned one. Same year and when he sold it, four years ago, it had 236,000 miles on it. The only thing to ever go wrong on it was the AC compressor died. Yes it was console shift, but it had the sweet 3800 V6. It was his aunts car before he got. These are really cool. Love to find one with column shift and bucket seats and a 3800 in it.
The 3800 V6 engine is great that GM made, those impalas are really good and cheap I have a O4 Chevy impala just the base model and it is great I gave $600 for it with 126,000 miles
Wish I could revive mine but it's long gone. I caught hell trying to restore the impala. It was a 2002. I got my mechanic to change all the gaskets on the engine as a end all be all fix. A day later and it starts knocking. My grandad drove it to my house (30 minutes away) I was not comfortable driving it like that. It almost lost power 3 minutes before destination. Low oil pressure light came on and everything. Soon as we got it in the yard it died lol. But it cranked right back up. Everytime I rev it sounds like a 8 ball just rolling around in the engine. It was one of the only thing left of my dad's belongings that I was able to keep. When he was alive, he went months at a time without cranking it. Not gonna blame him he had medical problems. Then when he passed we needed the car as a transportation for work. 2015 it had almost 80,000 miles on it. Now in 2021 it's dead at 163,000. It was a fun ride but I can't take the repairs no more and junking it. Even if I dropped a new engine in it (I at first planned on doing that when I happened) I still had cosmetics and abs module to fix. It's hard to restore a car that falls apart after sitting up for so long. I've been fixing on this car since my first job and I'm at job number now. It had that good old grinding noise that turned on the abs and trac light. the last straw that made me lose hope was the chevrolet dealership misdiagnosed my problem and told me I had a bad catalytic converter. What would happen was when I made a turn and hit the gas, a big cloud of smoke would show up behind me and the car wouldn't accelerate until I let off the gas a little then got it. I got a new cat for 350 and the muffler guy told me my cat was still in good shape. It was a hell of a ride it put me through I could have easily bought me another car. But all good things can't last and I can't keep holding on. in the future I will find me one to restore and bring back the sentimental value for my dad #RIPDad
@@Darkvirgo88xx Besides the 2000 to 2005 police interceptor Chevy Impala’s with a 3.8. I have never seen an impala with a 3.8 with a column shifter. Pretty darn rare if you had one.
@@metop33 Yea I was surprised because I had also previously had the ltz model with the console shifter. Thats why the first thing I did was look under the hood thinking it was a 3.4 and sure enough it was the 3.8.
I have a 2002 impala ls.110654 miles.got it from school teacher my kids had.luv it floor shift.replace resonator.brakes tires etc an leather heat ed seats
I'm a proud owner of a minty 04 impala ls 3.8L. It has every option available including leather seats. I even added a double din cd/DVD player, 2 rockford fosgate 12in subs and 6x9 speakers in the rear and custom fitting in the door panels. K&N cool air intake for a little more umph and magnaflow exhaust to make it growl a bit. Just wish I has the SS model
I drove that model Impala as a taxi and it was fast, not just quick and the Torque converter exploded and it sounded like a broken glass thermos that was rattling around before everything ground to a halt!
I have a 2003 Impala LS with 145,000 miles on it. Had to put on a new exhaust, got the transmission fluid flushed and refilled, and soon i'll be getting a tune-up done, valve seals replaced (small leak from the seals) and the throttle body and throttle body plate cleaned since the car bucks sometimes, when accelerating from a complete stop.
own and drive an 05, you are correct that these cars were RIFE with problems and ONE of them was the gauge cluster. (yours is warming up to fail.) it starts with gas then eventually all of the gauges go nuts. there ARE places that rebuild them or Ebay has the service or the rebuilt cluster for sale from time to time.
My dads ‘05 has a bench and column shift and at 25 I appreciate it more now than I did when I was younger. I just wish he opted for the 3.8 base instead of the 3.4
@@dankingsleyyyy 3400's were fairly problematic and needy compared to 3800's, but they can be good long-term runners if you fix their weaknesses ahead of time.
I've always liked the look of this era of Impala - comfortable, with nice understated styling. Here in the UK a column shift isn't an option - even though we're finally, gradually moving over toward automatic transmissions, they're always floor mounted.
@@v8dude609 I have not. However my late wife was from Boston MA, so I spent a lot of time there before Corona. One of our neighbours had a 2002 Impala - she liked a drink or ten, which was probably responsible for the knock-kneed appearance of the bodywork. Most of the American stuff that made it over here was either older or sportier than what is a fairly standard family sedan from the turn if the millennium. Mostly pre-malaise sedans and muscle cars it seems. A few US vehicles were sold here new, i.e. the Chrysler 300C and the Mustang, but our gas prices and narrow roads / parking spots make them unattractive to all but the most dedicated V8 enthusiasts.
@@rich_edwards79 I feel your pain for the narrow streets and small parking spots, I live in México City, about the gas prices, well, 1 us dollar per liter of premium gasoline its not a big deal, so daily driving a pretty rare land yatch among all the little subcompacts its cool and totally worths it. Fun fact: Mexican Federal Police used 9c1 impalas, so I have plenty of spare parts for my fully loaded berry red metallic 03 LS
Our family had an 05 for years that replaced out 93 Olds. I loved the olds, but the Impala was a lot of fun, sporty looking and quick. Only reason it get traded in was due to a transmission problem. Otherwise, I bet thatd be still cruising around town with my Dad at the wheel.
My cousin had a blue one when they released this body style. Being 11-12 years old, I thought it was the coolest car ever. Now I have a 2012 and it's by far my favorite car.
That is immpresive , the trouble shooting and mechanical work that this guy did with this car , then to go through and list minor things that are wrong with it , that is good stuff . This is the kind of guy that average Joe and Jill want to buy a used car from , providing that he agrees to do mechanial work on it in the future for a reasonable rate . He answers the question , where is a good mechanic when you need one . Good job on this impala .
Yes this one has the floor shift and the rear spoiler. Just a few sporty touches that some people go for. I prefer column shift and no spoiler. I was so happy with my 1998 Monte Carlo that had the column shift.
I love column shift! I once driven a 2001 dodge caravan with column shift and it just makes sense! I'm tired of the fake manual shifters on the floor or as I call them "dummy - matics". Sadly, the newer generation dodge caravans took the dang shifter off the steering column and put it darn near the radio to its left and above it. What's the logic in that?? Lol
I just had to junk my 1999 Pontiac Grand Prix ... It also had the 3800 V6 with it's attendant intake manifold leaks from time to time. The original engine went to 192K when the main bearings failed due to coolant getting into the engine. Got a GM Factory Reman installed, but it had a leak from install date. Oil was coming out of the rear main seal. First dealer did not want to fix under warranty, but another dealer (Hawthorne Chevy in NJ) found the problem, saw my paperwork had the warranty and did the job at no cost. When the car went to the junker at 254K it was because of body rot and rotted out hard lines (brakes went out on it) Motor was still fine and the tranny had been swapped for a new GM one at 150K when the 4th gear splines went out. It was also fine when scrapped.
The floor shifter is a hell of a lot better than the column shifter because the column shifter on all gm cars and trucks is notorious for fucking up and are a pain in the ass to fix
Probably one of the best engines gm made, have one in my 2002 buick regal still running great at 220,000 basic maintenance and they will just keep running, there smooth, suprizingly efficient for there size and output, and great aceleration. Good thing theres guys like Jay to save a perfectly good engine.
Good find I bought a 97 S 10 for $500 and everything works well a few dents and it’s faded but that’s about it but right now I’m driving the heck out of it
My 04 Impala had issues with the gauges and I bought a pack of the electric sensors and and soldered new ones on. Had to take instrument cluster out, but did it at the dining room table in about 20 minutes.
I got unlucky in some ways with mine. Drove it for 8 years, was my first car. ‘02 3400 base model, not even ABS on it lmao. Was not taken care of well before I got it though it seemed, I got it at 130k, drove it to 190k, heavy miles all over Houston. Had every single problem you can possibly think of except actual engine or trans. It’s now sitting in my driveway bc it has a power steering leak that’s ruined the subframe bushings, and rack and pinion. I’ve replaced the radiator 3 times (first time plastic cracked, second time electrolysis, 3rd time cracked again) among so much else over the years. I still love the car and it runs so freaking smoothly, but it just needs too much work for me to keep her going any more. Not to mention I haven’t even had it in my name all these years due to the owner being an uncooperative family member in a different state. I was always proud of how reliable it was and how well I maintained it since getting it, snd it taught me how to work on cars myself and that’s worth more than it’s value 3x over. Overall really nice cars if taken care of. Now I’m looking for a decent truck, or a Grand Marquis. Hope you and your family’s been doing good Jay ✌️
@@OhPhuckYou under normal circumstances it’s quite the reliable vehicle. But mine was heavily abused before I got it so I got the bad end of the stick lol. Fun fact tho I’m about to start driving it again because the market for used cars is screwed, so it’s legacy still lives on for me😂
I recently purchased a 2004 Impala for$300, Base model,silver color, Great condition,178,000, column shift, I got rid of the 3.4l and I have bought 2 3.8l and a transmission because the 3.8 I'm converting to has a different axle ratio, I'm currently debating on rebuilding the trans, I got a trunk spoiler from a LS, and another good thing is I have no sunroof,no leaks to worry about, I put 2006 rims on the car I'm still working on it now Heck I wouldnt sell mine for less than$3000 regardless of bookvalue
I have a 2001 Chevy impala SS and I have the floor shifter all of our trucks have a column shifter which I prefer 100% but with the gearshift her on the floor begins this car amor luxurious feel and it’s really comfortable to rest your hand on and makes it super convenient when shifting into gears. PS the seats look gross without the leather.
The Fuel Gauge moving isn't the Cluster its the Sending unit in the tank which you can access in the trunk. You can replace just the sending unit, with that many miles might as well replace the entire Fuel Pump Assembly that comes with everything. Very common problem on the GMs from that Era. When the needle starts moving watch that 275 number move.
just a heads up, the security light is on because it is the ignition switch. those keys are not coded. i have a 2000 monte carlo ss with 234K miles that I have put 2 different igntion switches in over the course of my ownership and I bought it brand new.
I got a grandma's "Goldsmobile" Regency for $300 with 88K miles. What was wrong? Intake gasket seal went bad, sucked in coolant. Blow out the coolant, new intake, flush the motor with 5 oil changes. Fixed, full service on the powertrain, drove it awhile and sold it for $2500. My younger daughter still loves that car
I just picked up a 04 lesabre with the 3.8 for 400 the other day. They thought the transmission was bad but it just needed fluid flush and filter. Was all good. Good find on the impala
I have a blue 02 column shift with 94K garage keeped like new cloth bench seat soft as a couch. already had the upper intake replaced and plastic water elbows changed to aluminum.3800 series II even the dex-cool was changed out to regular green antifreeze as soon as it arrived at the dealership when new . Just had to put a Denso AC compressor/dryer on it..like new again and cold. replaced left front wheel bearing which fixed the ABS service traction control light is not coming on because wheel speed sensor works correctly now. new low coolant level sensor replaced AC Delco. I'll get another 100K from her.oil changed every 3K and only problem is sometimes the turn signals won't work but I just need to replace the flasher module and that's only 40 bucks. a rare WV rust free ride.
I've bought two of these things I love em so much. Got an '03 from a friend's grandma at 49k miles for $1200 and I've currently got an '05 SS with 170k
Never understood why they stop making those engines. I have one in my 07 lucerne that I bought for $500. The person I bought it from said his mechanic told him he needed a transmission rebuild because of hard shifting. Well, turned out that it only needed a pressure control solenoid. Ended up changing all the solenoids while I was in there and half a day later, that car runs smoooooooooth!!
I had a 2000 police model (9C1), and I had to replace both that window switch (a unit with all the switches in it) and the fuel level sender unit in the tank. Oh, you need a coolant reservoir cap!
I think that was the windshield washer cap! But yes, note taken! I dont know how much more mechanical stuff Im going to worry with, this thing has spent enough time on the lift as it is
@@MXguy95 Hanging off the strut tower, and that color, thats the coolant reservoir. The windshield fluid is next to the engine brace close to the 1/4 panel.
I really like this generation Impala..especially with the LS trim package like this one has. Its actually kinda hard to find one with the 3800 V6 in it most have the 3400 V6 which wasn't quite as good as the 3.8. I'd definitely buy that if I lived closer
Bought a 03 impala and it had flood damage the frame is completely rusted out and the engine is fine but ac doesn't blow cold and the transmission going out plus bad wiring. Haha still love it , its my first car. Edit: oh and it has the shifter by the steering wheel!
Much better than my 02 3.4 L V6 Impala with only 85k miles lol. Exact same problem too. Looking to replace the converter or at least try cleaning it soon. My A/C is probably my biggest to-do item with summer creeping up. Great video my guy!
A guy used to drive around here in one of those that was white, and he painted the taillight panel white, except for some star decals were used to mask the actual tail lights, then peeled off so you had star lights in the back. One was a little crooked. He must have wore it out because I haven't seen it in a while. Looks like you got a deal there, though. I see somebody even installed that new option, floor masks. Even if it's making a full of you with the gas gauge. My van's doing that too, it was down on like 1/8th so I got gas, it kept kicking off and 13.6 gallons later it reads full. That doesn't seem right, I want to say it's a 31 gallon tank. But it sat so long it's probably not used to being used.
My 2001 Oldsmobile Intrigue (3.5L LX5 ShortStar V6) has a floor shift that a button controls the shifting from park or reverse to neutral, drive, 3, 2, or 1 or vice versa (prevents accidental shifting).
Yeah the GM cars from that Era are notorious for the fuel sending units going bad and they read the correct level but once you start driving it just shoots up to full and stays there and then starts to bounce around. I had the same issue on my 2002 Grand Prix and a new sending unit took care of it.
my dad has a 2001 suburban with 350,000 miles , it looks like hell on the outside but the inside is nice , now it's sitting parked cause when it froze recently we had water in the radiater because it leaks and the freeze plugs busted
im right there with you, they never caught my attention before. But seeing them still on the road, driving them first hand, it really is a good solid feeling car
I have 2002 Chevrolet Impala E-X LTZ LS 4 door in Navy Blue also Black trim body , Baby Blue with Black also Woodgrain Trim , don't have back Spoiler on trunk or Sunroof too , originally had 3.4 litre OHV series 1 207 Cubic Cm V6 , 4 speed Automatic transmission of 4T60-E type , also rare RWD no Power Seats , 4 wheel Disk brakes , not 5 seater it 6/5 seater no shifter on floor or radio controls on steering wheel and I bought for $500.00 also 300.000 kms as parts bought as is! But fix up also to my likeing plus my motor I built, plus transmission with 6 gears in Automatic type to also from top to bottom included still got today and drive it to plus never let me down ! But fun car and not give up yet ever and quick car too! My car has Coulmn Shifter for ! Plus got full frame front to back also not Unibody at all ! My motor is 4100 series 1 V6 of 4.1 litre 252 Cubic Inches with 320 hp & 310 torque also all motor parts are 3.1 to 4.3 V6 parts also 506 M6 6 Automatic transmission rare type both and my car even got approved my ideas with GM permission done under hood decals and body too ! Mine is not one see ever day done to and I have lots people want by of me car too bought I keeping it 💯 % also ! In 2005 when bought then got fully done in 2010 still take to Car shows too!
Sister used to have a 91 Sundance that one day blew out the exhaust donut, sounded like a beater pickup. I thought the donut had just failed and shop swore it was a dead converter and I said bs because they also wanted a ton of money to replace it. I took it to another shop I trusted and they cut the converter off and showed her the large chunks of broken honey comb and rust that fell out of it but they found a generic converter that could be used and was reasonably priced so ended up doing it. I never would have thought they could go that bad and completely plug the exhaust like that but at least we caught it before it destroyed everything car was fine afterwards.
Great car, i like the lesabre and park Ave, Liked vid, I'm glad they don't have inspections here, i just had straight pipe welded in place of the catalytic converter
I have a 3800 on my Buick with 230,000 miles and runs great the only thing is the body just all rusted really bad under it and that’s really sad, if you lived closer I hit you up for sure but that’s a really nice find! Enjoy your videos!
Thanks, that be amazing but I do live in Michigan so I can imagine shipping might be expensive but I never had something like that shipped to me so idk!
I literally just picked up a Impala for 800 this thing is so quiet and nothing is wrong with it runs excellent only down fall is it's purple lmfao I think Im gonna get it wrapped
That is a nice find there Jay! Back in 2013 I bought a 2005 Impala LS sport package fully loaded except for navigation and only had 108,000 miles with the 3.8 V6 engine for $4K....the car was a good car but had small issues so i traded it off for a Kia Rio and regretted it ever since! Anyways back in Sep.2020 I found something similar to what I had except sportier...A loaded 2003 Monte Carlo SS with the 3.8V6 engine and only 147,000 miles for $1200 on a dealers back lot...this car has the same issue as the one in the video with the clogged converter or so my scan tool says and every time I hit the brakes or turn the wheel the ABS traction control light comes and the car appears to be leaking from the radiator..anyways the car has it's fair share of issues but having the 3.8V6 makes it all worth owning one! I would say you can't kill a 3.8V6 but my dad did in the Oldsmobile he once had lol Anyways if you was closer to south Alabama I would offer to trade my Monte Carlo SS for that sweet Impala you showed in the video because i want another one lol Thanks for the video because I do not see many of these cars being videoed anymore so it's nice to see them again.
Hi i have an 2001 LS limited edition spoiler sunroof all leather original everything i will to sale but it needs some work and paint job about 89000 miles on but damn i love my car smh lol
The art of being a old school mechanic is long gone! Nowadays so-called mechanics just plug the car into the computer, they do not know how to diagnose a problem as doctor Jay a vehicle's best friend! You had a couple of nice saves lately. Thanks for sharing and making videos.
I had a 2000 lesabre 3800 series 2, family owned since new, meticulously maintained. Rod knock at 117k. Saddest car moment of my life. Sold for 300 bucks.
Omg those are so nice I have a 00 Chevy impala 3.4 l V6 column shift 91k on the odometer love these cars if you take good maintenance of them. That one is a little fancier then mine
Jay you're just too good at what you do!! I think you should get your own shop/car lot. It'd definitely be a successful business for sure. Let me know if you need a business partner.
I just retired a 2005 Impala LS that I bought new and had 251,000 miles on it when I took it off the road....would no longer pass inspection....rocker panels rotted out,parking brake cables rotted, gauge cluster no longer worked, subframe rotted, had trans replaced at 131,000 miles,intake gaskets replaced at 240,000....list goes on and on. I should have gotten rid of it at 100,000 miles because after that point,car became a money pit.....It developed a random battery drain issue a few years ago that would randomly kill the battery....could drive it for a few months with no problem, then go out to start it after work one day and it would be dead....never figured out what caused the random drain.....had to carry a jump start pack in car and used it over a dozen times when car would randomly drain the battery overnight.
The 3.8 L V6 alone makes that worth saving
Agreed!
Great engine that was plagued with many faulty electrical issues...
The 90s to early 200s V6 engines were pretty much the closest you could get to a V8 at the time. Nobody wanted a V8 in your average car at that point for fear of gas chugging I guess. They could make do with V8s again with how far technology has developed, but there'd be so many electrical issues knowing newer cars...
But I love a lot of V6 RELIABLE engines thankfully!
Love the Christmas vacation reference with the dump truck and the nitroglycerin plant lol
Saw an opportunity and took it haha. Glad you caught it!
@@MXguy95 that was my moms favorite Christmas movie we would watch it over and over! I miss that lady she left us before her time.
My Mom is the same way! She will watch it all year round, and non stop, back to back during the Christmas season. i try to get her some gift related to the movie every year! Its like a tradition! Im sorry to hear about yours passing, but I know its memories you'll never forget.
that's not worth 2,800
most people that buy a car from a auction always puts the screws to the next person who buys it A honest person should fix the problems that need to be fixed on a vehicle not do A half ass job fixing it.if you spend 300 dollars on a car at auction your going to put more into it fixing it then what it's worth
It amazes me how clean 20+ year old cars are down south. Up here in New England the rocker panels on that would be gone.
Lol you should see my Lexus ES330. 253,000 miles, fuckers mint. Drives flawlessly too of course. Never left the south west. Always stayed in California, Nevada Arizona. No rust
Yep I got a 93f150 and I'm located in new brunswick canada we get so much salt, it needs rockers, corners, front and rear mounts and shackles new leafa and shocks, as well as a couple body spots
@@Mr.Safety. yea, i’m from NS and my jetta is absolutely rusted out haha
24 years on my Cherokee (and 315k miles), no rust. It's been in GA it's whole life.
Mine is from Northwest Iowa, rocker panels are pretty much gone lol. 2003 Impala LS, 145,000 miles
I remember when these were new on the lot, man 21 years has flown by quick
Timing is really moving forward man...
I remember buying a 2000 Impala brand-new of the showroom floor. It was a great looking car. I loved the rear taillights which were reminiscent of older Impalas. I even had the police pull me over to ask what I was driving. By the way, it did have a column shifter which I also prefer.
They were nice looking cars in their day, and still now I suppose.
I remember when these impalas where so popular. They where everywhere.
Still are here
They still are everywhere :)
Same! To the point one of my local towns used them as police cars at one point
Nice find! 🙂👍 I've never had one but I've always heard the 3800's are pretty much bulletproof! Should be an easy flip 🔧
They are very tough , all things considered. Oh, Zane, I meant to pick your brain, do you have any knowledge of those old v4 Wisconsin engines? I got one needs a little help.
@@MXguy95 thanks! 🙂👍 I'm sorry that I can't help much with the Wisconsin engines. I've done some basic repairs on my bobcat that has the same engine, but nothing major. I do believe head gaskets are an issue on most though
Yeah the 3800 is a lot better than the 3.4 that was in my car, I'm converting to the 3800
Brother in law owned one. Same year and when he sold it, four years ago, it had 236,000 miles on it. The only thing to ever go wrong on it was the AC compressor died. Yes it was console shift, but it had the sweet 3800 V6. It was his aunts car before he got.
These are really cool. Love to find one with column shift and bucket seats and a 3800 in it.
I hear my late Grandparents when I hear you say "windahs", from south Missouri, good memories on road trips.
The 3800 V6 engine is great that GM made, those impalas are really good and cheap I have a O4 Chevy impala just the base model and it is great I gave $600 for it with 126,000 miles
Yup ! good ole reliable 3800! Cant stop em! Unless the cat clogs hah! Or the coolant elbow or intake fails. But for the most part they are wonderful!
I always like the looks of the impala as well. Had 2. 03 LS and a 04 SS supercharged that I bought brand new.
My mom had the same exact impala but hers was blue we used to take many vacations in that car I wished she still had it today
When I saw Impala, I immediately thought the box one
I wish this was one! But those arent something you see rolling across the sale everyday either. Plus id be keeping it for myself haha
@@MXguy95 Haha I heard that
I immediately thought cop cars from early 2000 in NYC
Wish I could revive mine but it's long gone. I caught hell trying to restore the impala. It was a 2002. I got my mechanic to change all the gaskets on the engine as a end all be all fix. A day later and it starts knocking. My grandad drove it to my house (30 minutes away) I was not comfortable driving it like that. It almost lost power 3 minutes before destination. Low oil pressure light came on and everything. Soon as we got it in the yard it died lol. But it cranked right back up. Everytime I rev it sounds like a 8 ball just rolling around in the engine.
It was one of the only thing left of my dad's belongings that I was able to keep. When he was alive, he went months at a time without cranking it. Not gonna blame him he had medical problems. Then when he passed we needed the car as a transportation for work. 2015 it had almost 80,000 miles on it. Now in 2021 it's dead at 163,000. It was a fun ride but I can't take the repairs no more and junking it.
Even if I dropped a new engine in it (I at first planned on doing that when I happened) I still had cosmetics and abs module to fix. It's hard to restore a car that falls apart after sitting up for so long. I've been fixing on this car since my first job and I'm at job number now. It had that good old grinding noise that turned on the abs and trac light.
the last straw that made me lose hope was the chevrolet dealership misdiagnosed my problem and told me I had a bad catalytic converter. What would happen was when I made a turn and hit the gas, a big cloud of smoke would show up behind me and the car wouldn't accelerate until I let off the gas a little then got it. I got a new cat for 350 and the muffler guy told me my cat was still in good shape. It was a hell of a ride it put me through I could have easily bought me another car. But all good things can't last and I can't keep holding on. in the future I will find me one to restore and bring back the sentimental value for my dad #RIPDad
FYI LS 3.8 impala’s came with floor shift only. The base 3.4 came with column shift standard
Yeah and those 3400 V6's were trash.
I had a ls 3.8 and it had the column shifter which was weird.
@@Darkvirgo88xx Besides the 2000 to 2005 police interceptor Chevy Impala’s with a 3.8. I have never seen an impala with a 3.8 with a column shifter. Pretty darn rare if you had one.
@@metop33 Yea I was surprised because I had also previously had the ltz model with the console shifter. Thats why the first thing I did was look under the hood thinking it was a 3.4 and sure enough it was the 3.8.
My 2005 LS 3.8 has a column shifter and bench seats.
I have a 2002 impala ls.110654 miles.got it from school teacher my kids had.luv it floor shift.replace resonator.brakes tires etc an leather heat ed seats
I'm a proud owner of a minty 04 impala ls 3.8L. It has every option available including leather seats. I even added a double din cd/DVD player, 2 rockford fosgate 12in subs and 6x9 speakers in the rear and custom fitting in the door panels. K&N cool air intake for a little more umph and magnaflow exhaust to make it growl a bit. Just wish I has the SS model
I drove that model Impala as a taxi and it was fast, not just quick and the Torque converter exploded and it sounded like a broken glass thermos that was rattling around before everything ground to a halt!
I have a 2003 Impala LS with 145,000 miles on it. Had to put on a new exhaust, got the transmission fluid flushed and refilled, and soon i'll be getting a tune-up done, valve seals replaced (small leak from the seals) and the throttle body and throttle body plate cleaned since the car bucks sometimes, when accelerating from a complete stop.
own and drive an 05, you are correct that these cars were RIFE with problems and ONE of them was the gauge cluster. (yours is warming up to fail.) it starts with gas then eventually all of the gauges go nuts. there ARE places that rebuild them or Ebay has the service or the rebuilt cluster for sale from time to time.
Oh, BTW. I bought mine because I Liked the in dash ignition. to each his own I guess
My dads ‘05 has a bench and column shift and at 25 I appreciate it more now than I did when I was younger. I just wish he opted for the 3.8 base instead of the 3.4
3.4 no good, but maybe it's ok
Uh...well I mean it has 87k and well maintained all its life I’d assume it’s ok
@@dankingsleyyyy 3400's were fairly problematic and needy compared to 3800's, but they can be good long-term runners if you fix their weaknesses ahead of time.
I've always liked the look of this era of Impala - comfortable, with nice understated styling.
Here in the UK a column shift isn't an option - even though we're finally, gradually moving over toward automatic transmissions, they're always floor mounted.
That’s with every car nowadays unfortunately. I like front benchseats and column shifter.
Have you seen one of these impalas in the UK? If so, how cool is that!
@@v8dude609 I have not. However my late wife was from Boston MA, so I spent a lot of time there before Corona. One of our neighbours had a 2002 Impala - she liked a drink or ten, which was probably responsible for the knock-kneed appearance of the bodywork.
Most of the American stuff that made it over here was either older or sportier than what is a fairly standard family sedan from the turn if the millennium. Mostly pre-malaise sedans and muscle cars it seems. A few US vehicles were sold here new, i.e. the Chrysler 300C and the Mustang, but our gas prices and narrow roads / parking spots make them unattractive to all but the most dedicated V8 enthusiasts.
@@rich_edwards79 I feel your pain for the narrow streets and small parking spots, I live in México City, about the gas prices, well, 1 us dollar per liter of premium gasoline its not a big deal, so daily driving a pretty rare land yatch among all the little subcompacts its cool and totally worths it.
Fun fact: Mexican Federal Police used 9c1 impalas, so I have plenty of spare parts for my fully loaded berry red metallic 03 LS
I love these early 2000's impalas! I bought one (3.8L) back in 2015 with 60k miles on it. It's been relatively smooth sailing ever since 💪
Our family had an 05 for years that replaced out 93 Olds. I loved the olds, but the Impala was a lot of fun, sporty looking and quick. Only reason it get traded in was due to a transmission problem. Otherwise, I bet thatd be still cruising around town with my Dad at the wheel.
Worked on those 3.8s back in the 90s, seen em with over 350k still running good. Love those engines and the 3.1s......except the intake gaskets
Literally just replaced them and valve cover gaskets has 219,000 miles on it 3.8
My cousin had a blue one when they released this body style. Being 11-12 years old, I thought it was the coolest car ever. Now I have a 2012 and it's by far my favorite car.
I learned how to drive in a 01 Impala. Good cars!
That is immpresive , the trouble shooting and mechanical work that this guy did with this car , then to go through and list minor things that are wrong with it , that is good stuff . This is the kind of guy that average Joe and Jill want to buy a used car from , providing that he agrees to do mechanial work on it in the future for a reasonable rate . He answers the question , where is a good mechanic when you need one . Good job on this impala .
You can notice the true quality of an old car when the power windows get up that fast.
Ironically enough old dodge power windows use to FLY up and down haha
Yes this one has the floor shift and the rear spoiler. Just a few sporty touches that some people go for. I prefer column shift and no spoiler. I was so happy with my 1998 Monte Carlo that had the column shift.
Now that is a rare sight to be had! A monte with a column shifter! Only in my GM dreams! LOL
I love column shift! I once driven a 2001 dodge caravan with column shift and it just makes sense! I'm tired of the fake manual shifters on the floor or as I call them "dummy - matics". Sadly, the newer generation dodge caravans took the dang shifter off the steering column and put it darn near the radio to its left and above it. What's the logic in that?? Lol
I just had to junk my 1999 Pontiac Grand Prix ... It also had the 3800 V6 with it's attendant intake manifold leaks from time to time. The original engine went to 192K when the main bearings failed due to coolant getting into the engine. Got a GM Factory Reman installed, but it had a leak from install date. Oil was coming out of the rear main seal. First dealer did not want to fix under warranty, but another dealer (Hawthorne Chevy in NJ) found the problem, saw my paperwork had the warranty and did the job at no cost. When the car went to the junker at 254K it was because of body rot and rotted out hard lines (brakes went out on it) Motor was still fine and the tranny had been swapped for a new GM one at 150K when the 4th gear splines went out. It was also fine when scrapped.
The floor shifter is a hell of a lot better than the column shifter because the column shifter on all gm cars and trucks is notorious for fucking up and are a pain in the ass to fix
I have never once had to fix a GM column because the shifter went bad. Now the tilt mechanism maybe, and the ignition of course, But never the shifter
It sounds so good sounds like V8 is 1 of my dream cars add of 2000 GM vehicles from the early 2 thousands
Probably one of the best engines gm made, have one in my 2002 buick regal still running great at 220,000 basic maintenance and they will just keep running, there smooth, suprizingly efficient for there size and output, and great aceleration. Good thing theres guys like Jay to save a perfectly good engine.
Good find I bought a 97 S 10 for $500 and everything works well a few dents and it’s faded but that’s about it but right now I’m driving the heck out of it
My 04 Impala had issues with the gauges and I bought a pack of the electric sensors and and soldered new ones on. Had to take instrument cluster out, but did it at the dining room table in about 20 minutes.
You can take those window switches out, clean the soot off the contacts and reinstall. Works for a short time.
I got unlucky in some ways with mine. Drove it for 8 years, was my first car. ‘02 3400 base model, not even ABS on it lmao. Was not taken care of well before I got it though it seemed, I got it at 130k, drove it to 190k, heavy miles all over Houston. Had every single problem you can possibly think of except actual engine or trans. It’s now sitting in my driveway bc it has a power steering leak that’s ruined the subframe bushings, and rack and pinion. I’ve replaced the radiator 3 times (first time plastic cracked, second time electrolysis, 3rd time cracked again) among so much else over the years. I still love the car and it runs so freaking smoothly, but it just needs too much work for me to keep her going any more. Not to mention I haven’t even had it in my name all these years due to the owner being an uncooperative family member in a different state.
I was always proud of how reliable it was and how well I maintained it since getting it, snd it taught me how to work on cars myself and that’s worth more than it’s value 3x over. Overall really nice cars if taken care of. Now I’m looking for a decent truck, or a Grand Marquis.
Hope you and your family’s been doing good Jay ✌️
I'm really confused. You both said it was reliable but also it gave you a ton of problem's. Lol
@@OhPhuckYou under normal circumstances it’s quite the reliable vehicle. But mine was heavily abused before I got it so I got the bad end of the stick lol.
Fun fact tho I’m about to start driving it again because the market for used cars is screwed, so it’s legacy still lives on for me😂
I recently purchased a 2004 Impala for$300, Base model,silver color, Great condition,178,000, column shift, I got rid of the 3.4l and I have bought 2 3.8l and a transmission because the 3.8 I'm converting to has a different axle ratio, I'm currently debating on rebuilding the trans, I got a trunk spoiler from a LS, and another good thing is I have no sunroof,no leaks to worry about, I put 2006 rims on the car
I'm still working on it now
Heck I wouldnt sell mine for less than$3000 regardless of bookvalue
I have a 2001 Chevy impala SS and I have the floor shifter all of our trucks have a column shifter which I prefer 100% but with the gearshift her on the floor begins this car amor luxurious feel and it’s really comfortable to rest your hand on and makes it super convenient when shifting into gears. PS the seats look gross without the leather.
the 3800 are great engines
That alone makes it worth saving
I like seeing people getting these kinda deals.Keep it going And keep putting them up on utube.
great engine i had a 95 bonneville with same engine and it lasted for about ,400 thousand miles great car i took it everywhere
The Fuel Gauge moving isn't the Cluster its the Sending unit in the tank which you can access in the trunk. You can replace just the sending unit, with that many miles might as well replace the entire Fuel Pump Assembly that comes with everything. Very common problem on the GMs from that Era. When the needle starts moving watch that 275 number move.
Those cars are used as cop cars near me, they’re pretty good, Colum shift is definitely my fav!
Also used as taxi cabs.
Never got the point of floor shift autos
They were used as cop cars and taxis in gta 4 too🤣
@@AJ6spd true lmfao
just a heads up, the security light is on because it is the ignition switch. those keys are not coded. i have a 2000 monte carlo ss with 234K miles that I have put 2 different igntion switches in over the course of my ownership and I bought it brand new.
My mom had a 02' Impala. It was so fun to ride in and I miss it. Impalas were probably a good seller. The windows are known to break though so.
I have a 2005 3.8 floor shift. It’s still running good.
The column shifter was plagued with problems anyway they were trash the floor shifter is the way to go with reliability
I got a grandma's "Goldsmobile" Regency for $300 with 88K miles. What was wrong? Intake gasket seal went bad, sucked in coolant. Blow out the coolant, new intake, flush the motor with 5 oil changes. Fixed, full service on the powertrain, drove it awhile and sold it for $2500. My younger daughter still loves that car
I just picked up a 04 lesabre with the 3.8 for 400 the other day. They thought the transmission was bad but it just needed fluid flush and filter. Was all good. Good find on the impala
I have a blue 02 column shift with 94K garage keeped like new cloth bench seat soft as a couch. already had the upper intake replaced and plastic water elbows changed to aluminum.3800 series II even the dex-cool was changed out to regular green antifreeze as soon as it arrived at the dealership when new . Just had to put a Denso AC compressor/dryer on it..like new again and cold. replaced left front wheel bearing which fixed the ABS service traction control light is not coming on because wheel speed sensor works correctly now. new low coolant level sensor replaced AC Delco. I'll get another 100K from her.oil changed every 3K and only problem is sometimes the turn signals won't work but I just need to replace the flasher module and that's only 40 bucks. a rare WV rust free ride.
Great score with a little work!
I've bought two of these things I love em so much. Got an '03 from a friend's grandma at 49k miles for $1200 and I've currently got an '05 SS with 170k
Never understood why they stop making those engines. I have one in my 07 lucerne that I bought for $500. The person I bought it from said his mechanic told him he needed a transmission rebuild because of hard shifting. Well, turned out that it only needed a pressure control solenoid. Ended up changing all the solenoids while I was in there and half a day later, that car runs smoooooooooth!!
Decent mileage for an older Impala. My 1992 Buick roadmaster just rolled over 59,000 miles.
Thats nothing!!!
@@CoinHuntingDrew tell me about it, I love my car.
Wow those headlights are immaculate lol. Fog lights looking good too. Sunroof, spoiler, alloys, fog lights? Things fully loaded!
I had a 2000 police model (9C1), and I had to replace both that window switch (a unit with all the switches in it) and the fuel level sender unit in the tank. Oh, you need a coolant reservoir cap!
I think that was the windshield washer cap! But yes, note taken! I dont know how much more mechanical stuff Im going to worry with, this thing has spent enough time on the lift as it is
@@MXguy95 Hanging off the strut tower, and that color, thats the coolant reservoir. The windshield fluid is next to the engine brace close to the 1/4 panel.
Yeah looks like the coolant expansion cap is missing somehow.
Dont think i didn't hear that e621 reference XD 9:57
Pff.... Wut you talking about >.>
1:33, that’s quite the description there Jay 😂
I really like this generation Impala..especially with the LS trim package like this one has. Its actually kinda hard to find one with the 3800 V6 in it most have the 3400 V6 which wasn't quite as good as the 3.8. I'd definitely buy that if I lived closer
I had a 78. Smooth riding
Bought a 03 impala and it had flood damage the frame is completely rusted out and the engine is fine but ac doesn't blow cold and the transmission going out plus bad wiring. Haha still love it , its my first car. Edit: oh and it has the shifter by the steering wheel!
Absolutely love these impalas.
Much better than my 02 3.4 L V6 Impala with only 85k miles lol. Exact same problem too. Looking to replace the converter or at least try cleaning it soon. My A/C is probably my biggest to-do item with summer creeping up. Great video my guy!
A guy used to drive around here in one of those that was white, and he painted the taillight panel white, except for some star decals were used to mask the actual tail lights, then peeled off so you had star lights in the back. One was a little crooked. He must have wore it out because I haven't seen it in a while.
Looks like you got a deal there, though. I see somebody even installed that new option, floor masks. Even if it's making a full of you with the gas gauge.
My van's doing that too, it was down on like 1/8th so I got gas, it kept kicking off and 13.6 gallons later it reads full. That doesn't seem right, I want to say it's a 31 gallon tank. But it sat so long it's probably not used to being used.
I drove.them as taxis and they are good cars. This will be a good seller
The gas gauge issue is the sending unit on the fuel pump in the tank.
column shift is way cooler but if u have shoulder problems floor shifts do help for sure
My friend had one of these, same color, too, shot think even an LS, too.
I'd drvie this.
Thanks for the video, Jay.
Your welcome man!
@@MXguy95 Miss my friend, I'd drive his, if he didn't pass in 06.
Great engine if maintained
3800s sound great with no exhaust. Starts like a dream! And we’re all losing it with our old age, Jay!
The 3.1 3.4 and 3.8 all have a unique exhaust sound. I can hear one coming from a mile away!
My 2001 Oldsmobile Intrigue (3.5L LX5 ShortStar V6) has a floor shift that a button controls the shifting from park or reverse to neutral, drive, 3, 2, or 1 or vice versa (prevents accidental shifting).
The Intrigue's from Oldsmobile are still fairly good older GM vehicles.
Yeah the GM cars from that Era are notorious for the fuel sending units going bad and they read the correct level but once you start driving it just shoots up to full and stays there and then starts to bounce around. I had the same issue on my 2002 Grand Prix and a new sending unit took care of it.
God that z71 sitting in the background ❤️
Oh you like that?
@@MXguy95 Yeah, not bad. Good to know they are continuing the Z71 package on the current trucks that I don't care for
Yeah that Z71 looks really good I would love to see a video on it
@@MXguy95 ive always loved the z71 Tahoe’s I’ve always wanted one.
my dad has a 2001 suburban with 350,000 miles , it looks like hell on the outside but the inside is nice , now it's sitting parked cause when it froze recently we had water in the radiater because it leaks and the freeze plugs busted
I agree, if that generation and the generation after doesn’t have a column shifter I’m not interested
Something about "on the column shifting" just feels superior haha
I hated these impalas as a kid, but the styling has grown on me alot, especially the tail end.
im right there with you, they never caught my attention before. But seeing them still on the road, driving them first hand, it really is a good solid feeling car
I have 2002 Chevrolet Impala E-X LTZ LS 4 door in Navy Blue also Black trim body , Baby Blue with Black also Woodgrain Trim , don't have back Spoiler on trunk or Sunroof too , originally had 3.4 litre OHV series 1 207 Cubic Cm V6 , 4 speed Automatic transmission of 4T60-E type , also rare RWD no Power Seats , 4 wheel Disk brakes , not 5 seater it 6/5 seater no shifter on floor or radio controls on steering wheel and I bought for $500.00 also 300.000 kms as parts bought as is! But fix up also to my likeing plus my motor I built, plus transmission with 6 gears in Automatic type to also from top to bottom included still got today and drive it to plus never let me down ! But fun car and not give up yet ever and quick car too! My car has Coulmn Shifter for ! Plus got full frame front to back also not Unibody at all ! My motor is 4100 series 1 V6 of 4.1 litre 252 Cubic Inches with 320 hp & 310 torque also all motor parts are 3.1 to 4.3 V6 parts also 506 M6 6 Automatic transmission rare type both and my car even got approved my ideas with GM permission done under hood decals and body too ! Mine is not one see ever day done to and I have lots people want by of me car too bought I keeping it 💯 % also ! In 2005 when bought then got fully done in 2010 still take to Car shows too!
That's a hell of a good purchase good job dude👍👍👍👍👍👍
Thanks 👍 hoped it would pay off !
Sister used to have a 91 Sundance that one day blew out the exhaust donut, sounded like a beater pickup. I thought the donut had just failed and shop swore it was a dead converter and I said bs because they also wanted a ton of money to replace it.
I took it to another shop I trusted and they cut the converter off and showed her the large chunks of broken honey comb and rust that fell out of it but they found a generic converter that could be used and was reasonably priced so ended up doing it. I never would have thought they could go that bad and completely plug the exhaust like that but at least we caught it before it destroyed everything car was fine afterwards.
Great car, i like the lesabre and park Ave, Liked vid, I'm glad they don't have inspections here, i just had straight pipe welded in place of the catalytic converter
I heard there are now new Federal EPA laws in place, like you can't tune the stock engine, no boring cylinders etc, etc. Udder bs
I have a 3800 on my Buick with 230,000 miles and runs great the only thing is the body just all rusted really bad under it and that’s really sad, if you lived closer I hit you up for sure but that’s a really nice find! Enjoy your videos!
Ill keep an eye out for something if you want! Depending on where your located we could have it shipped !
Thanks, that be amazing but I do live in Michigan so I can imagine shipping might be expensive but I never had something like that shipped to me so idk!
I literally just picked up a Impala for 800 this thing is so quiet and nothing is wrong with it runs excellent only down fall is it's purple lmfao I think Im gonna get it wrapped
Fuel gauge is a common problem I had that issue with mine
That is a nice find there Jay! Back in 2013 I bought a 2005 Impala LS sport package fully loaded except for navigation and only had 108,000 miles with the 3.8 V6 engine for $4K....the car was a good car but had small issues so i traded it off for a Kia Rio and regretted it ever since! Anyways back in Sep.2020 I found something similar to what I had except sportier...A loaded 2003 Monte Carlo SS with the 3.8V6 engine and only 147,000 miles for $1200 on a dealers back lot...this car has the same issue as the one in the video with the clogged converter or so my scan tool says and every time I hit the brakes or turn the wheel the ABS traction control light comes and the car appears to be leaking from the radiator..anyways the car has it's fair share of issues but having the 3.8V6 makes it all worth owning one! I would say you can't kill a 3.8V6 but my dad did in the Oldsmobile he once had lol
Anyways if you was closer to south Alabama I would offer to trade my Monte Carlo SS for that sweet Impala you showed in the video because i want another one lol Thanks for the video because I do not see many of these cars being videoed anymore so it's nice to see them again.
Hi i have an 2001 LS limited edition spoiler sunroof all leather original everything i will to sale but it needs some work and paint job about 89000 miles on but damn i love my car smh lol
Very nice save Jay. Good eye on seeing potential
I think so too!
The art of being a old school mechanic is long gone! Nowadays so-called mechanics just plug the car into the computer, they do not know how to diagnose a problem as doctor Jay a vehicle's best friend! You had a couple of nice saves lately. Thanks for sharing and making videos.
I appreciate your comment! Thanks for that! We got lucky on a few here lately, and another one coming up soon!
@@MXguy95 do I see a buy here pay here car lot in your future?
I always liked the style of those ones.
I had a 2000 lesabre 3800 series 2, family owned since new, meticulously maintained. Rod knock at 117k. Saddest car moment of my life. Sold for 300 bucks.
At least you still have some to lose love your Videos
I had an 01 impala with a column shift. Sold it for scrap though cause it rusted out
Omg those are so nice I have a 00 Chevy impala 3.4 l V6 column shift 91k on the odometer love these cars if you take good maintenance of them. That one is a little fancier then mine
It’s family owned
Jay you're just too good at what you do!! I think you should get your own shop/car lot. It'd definitely be a successful business for sure. Let me know if you need a business partner.
You trying to invest? where do we meet , im game
@@MXguy95 Right on! Which dm do you actually read?
I just retired a 2005 Impala LS that I bought new and had 251,000 miles on it when I took it off the road....would no longer pass inspection....rocker panels rotted out,parking brake cables rotted, gauge cluster no longer worked, subframe rotted, had trans replaced at 131,000 miles,intake gaskets replaced at 240,000....list goes on and on.
I should have gotten rid of it at 100,000 miles because after that point,car became a money pit.....It developed a random battery drain issue a few years ago that would randomly kill the battery....could drive it for a few months with no problem, then go out to start it after work one day and it would be dead....never figured out what caused the random drain.....had to carry a jump start pack in car and used it over a dozen times when car would randomly drain the battery overnight.
Only if you can get a 3.8 with the column shift
Great find jay
That car can be bad news. $300 I guess. 3800 I'm all in.
My brother had one of these back in high school, exact same body style except it was black. Always had some electric issue with it towards the end...
I have the 05, column shift is the only reason i bought it. It wasnt for the 3.4l i tell ya lol
That is a nice looking vehicle for $300!
It really all worked out for the better! Nice looking machine !