Need Info on 96 Impala SS?

[Skydiver]

Wife is looking at a 96 Impala SS 60000 Miles.

I need to know if this will be a reliable daily driver. Car was only used for hiway trips. We know the owner so I know the car has not been abused.

I think the 350 is the corvette engine that has aluminum heads. It is priced below NADA.

Please just facts,no chevy bashers. This is a big investment and I need the reliability data. If we buy this,the Benz will have to be sold.

Thanks in advanced,Tim

 

[metal tech]

great choice

as long as the car has been well maintained there isn't much to look at. the LT1 has the Optispark ignition, if it gets wet you stop. as usual with an auto transmission, check the fluid for nasties. it's an outstanding package, which is why GM quit making them, typical GM move. there are upgrades for everything that make the car even better. if it's below book and a solid car get it, you can turn the car for more money if you change your mind later. hope this helps.



AL

 

[TURBOs4LIFE]

These are very good cars, I know cause I had one before my DODGE. They get very good resale value because lots of people want them! Mine had 145,000 miles and I still got 11,000 dollars for it Go for it you will love it for a gasser

 

[Straight6Jeff]

I had a 96 impala ss for exactly one week. I loved the car, but it burnt to the ground. Fuel rail separated, but taht was a fluke. the cars are great... but they will cost a little more to maintain. tires are expensive, as are suspension components, but don't let that stop you. The Impala design had been around for a long time, so the quirks had been worked out. PLUS there is a HUGE BOMBing potential for that car. Borla exhaust, chip, TB, ram-air,. DEFINITELY have the wife get the car

 

[EMDDIESEL]

I just sold my 96' Impala SS 3 years ago. Aside from 5 water pumps (that was the only major fault) it was a great car. I bought it new and put about 70k miles on it. The guy who bought it said he is over 100k and it runs great. The car was actually good in the snow since it weighed over 5,000 pounds. Super comfortable, lots of room and handles great. I drove it to Florida and it felt like i was driving my couch down there. The 96's were the best of the 3 years since they went to OBD-II that year. I had the Callaway package in mine so mine had alot more power then stock, but still i never broke anything. The LT1 in the Impala has Iron heads which is fine. I did 3k oil changes and a trannie service at 50k and that it. I honestly wish i never sold it.

If i were you id say go for it, you wont be dissapointed. And of course, if you ever wanted, you can Bomb the hell out of it too!

If you do get it, let me know and ill hook you up with NAISSO who can get any and all parts for it at or below cost. I got the factory tires for $120. 00 each.

If you an specific questions, let me know i am happy to help

 

[turbonatr]

My mother has a 95, great car. Plus, Turbo Tech makes a turbo kit for it.

 

[Statebull626]

Excellent car! My folks have a '96 w/ 27000 miles. No problems whatsoever. The Impala was a glorified Caprice and that was by far the best patrol car that I have driven to date. Plenty of power and handled like a dream. Buy it.



Tim

 

[Skydiver]

Drove SS Friday morning!!

I had the time Friday morning to go on a 20 mile test drive. The big-ol chevy had plenty of get up and go. Seemed like by the time you got your foot too the floor it was at 4500 rpm and going to second. Not bad. I think it was turning 2475 rpm @ 90mph,which ain't bad.

At least it had brand new tires on it.

Water pump does look a little different than any-other 350 I have seen.

What about that plastic pressurised coolant reservoir?Is it any count?

When I finally got back in the ol Dodge,the Dodge was a little more comfortable. Mabe I was just used to it.

Thanks for the honest replys,keep um coming.

Tim

 

[EMDDIESEL]

That water pump is Camshaft driven, you dont have to worry about belts, just the rear seal. Plastic coolant tank was fine, never had a problem with it.

 

[Matt S]

We had a 96 Impala SS that we bought new from the dealer. It had some problems with the smog pump but nothing major. My wife could get 24 mpg but I only seemed to get 17 mpg. It was nice and has a lot of pull from 30 mph +. We went for a career change and couldn't keep it. Just thought we would be happier with a Honda with 150,000 + miles than a Chevy with like miles when we could replace it.