Chevrolet Impala vs. Pontiac Grand Prix - need advice

[JJEH]

Hey Guys,

kinda need your opinions. We tried to get a '06 Grand Prix but somehow the Dealership did not what they were supposed to do. In fact, we didn't get the car.

Since a couple of weeks we are specifically looking for either an Impala or Grand Prix.

But what is your experience, or rather which one would you prefer?


2000-2005 Impala 3.4 or 3.8 naturally aspirated?
2006 -present Impala 3.5, 3.6, 3.9? Or the
2004-2008 Grand Prix 3.8 naturally aspirated?

My biggest concern is reliability!

Thanks for any opinions!

[axisg]

For reliability pick up any w-body with the 3.8 NA engine ( the supercharger option is nice but the maint is expensive in relation to the value of the car ). Weak point on these cars are the transmissions.

So you are spot on with:

00-05 - Impala LS
pros: millions made, parts are cheap. LS Option gets you the handling package and buckets
cons: looks like a cab / police car, interior is drab

04-08 - Grand Prix
pros : millions made, parts are cheap, most came with buckets and console, handling package
cons : too much Pontiac plastic, love or hate the interior

97-04 - Buick Regal ( not listed but a w-body nonetheless )
pros : nice comfy interior, most came with leather and power seats, better options in general ( poor mans caddy )
cons : handles like a barge, typically seen as an old mans car

My preference is the Regal with suspension bits from the GP/ Imp ( although wifey dd's an '03 Imp for the last 5 years with no issues )

Really all 3 options should be fairly cheap and the 3.8 is the most reliable engine since the SBC and gets great fuel economy.

[JJEH]

Thanks axisg for your detailed post. I appreciate it.

We both like the Grand Prix most, because we had a '97 GT and we know it's reliable. We sold it with 176' mls and it's still running.

I also consider a 2007 Buick LaCrosse CXL, but you guessed it already. It's the same with the Regal... my wife said it's for old people. I told her that I'm old but, well... I guess it's not working out :)

We only have 3.5 weeks left. Will see if we can make a deal within this timeframe.