Hello,
I'm looking at purchasing a big sedan about 3-5 years old.
I am not planning to keep it for longer then ~125k miles or ~10 years.
The Chevy Impala where I live is extraordinarily cheap for the size and the power that car offers (about the same price as a Mazda3s with the dreadfully slow 1.5L)
2017 Chevy Impala LT 3.6L V6 (GM LFX), Automatic, 45k miles
Although I'm familiar with this gearbox (designated 6F50 on Ford products), I'm not sure about the rest of the car.
I have worked on terrible GM products, including the Cruze, the Sonic, the Spark as well as their terrible 1.4T engine on Opel products. So I know GM products can be low quality.
Is this a smart idea? What should I look out for? What are the weak spots? How much does that engine last? Should I look for a different vehicle?
I wouldn't buy one. The 3.6L has a lot of issues and there is a reason Impala's were discontinued.
They are not good cars.
My friend bought a new Malibu in 2012 and I think it has the same engine. That thing was a pile of junk, one issue after another.
Engine issues, non fixable roof leaks, just on and on until he was ready to invoke the lemon law.
I would stay away from it.
I heard that the GM 3.6 is not the best engine if not treated correctly. I would keep looking just to be safe.
I try to treat my cars the best I can, usually I change the oil every 3k-5k miles.
Are there any other concerns on this engine or car?
Nah not the best choice, the Impala has the 3.6 V6 which is known for timing chain issues.
I mean timing chain issues before 125k miles is very unlikely for a V6...
Usually it's an issue on 3/4 cylinders that have to operate in high-load low rpm scenarios - like a the Toyota 1ZR-FE...
If you watch the Car Wizard on Youtube he is one who tells everyone to stay away from the GM 3.6 V6. They are not good V6 engines.
Thank you, I will watch his video 😊
If you want to look like a high class redneck, go for it. Just don't expect it to last very long. You could probably get 125K out of one without major issues.
"High class redneck" is hilarious 😄, here what I'd call "high class rednecks" drive the Skoda Superb (those just have all of the drawbacks of owning an Audi, without any of the benefits.)