Looking at Changing Up Cars :o!

[MikeMartel 64]

Well.. Since Im 20 now, going to be moving out on my own within the next couple years, going to have a job, ect. Im thinking about selling my 04 Impala, and get something a little more fuel efficient, and to be honest Im thinking about maybe a 94-98 civic. I never would have thought id be buying a civic, but they are fairly inexpensive, easy to work on, and very fuel efficient. Not really asking for people to persuade me either way but if you want to put in your 2 cents go ahead. . Just thought id tell you a potential idea.

[Tirefryr 1,742]

I'd keep the Impala. It's already cheap to work on, the 3.8 is pretty bullet proof, not bad on fuel unless you drive like a jackass, cheap on insurance, parts will always be available, won't rust as bad as the Honda, but it will eventually rust. It's always going to have more space and you could easily find yourself needing more space in a few years. I see switching to a Civic as a negative. If the only reason for the switch is fuel efficiency, after you factor in maintenance, you'll find you've gained nothing.

[altoncustomtech 773]

I agree with Tirefryr 100%. Honda makes a fine car, but the reputation of that 3800 makes it the clear choice IMHO. I know people with around 400k miles on those engines who've not had to do any more major maintenance than changing a water pump, alternator, coil packs or ignition modules. Even with that many miles on them they're still barely using any oil and one I'm pretty sure is leaking it not burning it at all. I had an '88 Park Avenue that the trans died in at 357k miles and it was only using a half a quart of oil in between each oil change. Not to mention the fact that GM parts can be found anywhere, are generally always in stock, and are often cheaper than foreign manufacturer parts, it makes it hard to say the Honda is a better choice than the Impala.

Opinions are like.... well.... the point is everyone has one, and this is my opinion. Right, wrong or indifferent.

[jcarter1885 995]

Im looking at getting an 04-07 Impala myself, hopefully an SS. Love those cars and like stated above easy to work on and parts readily available.

[MikeMartel 64]

Ok, here is a little point that I should have told you. I have the 3400.. Not the 3800, they are notorious for both intake gaskets and head gaskets, two big jobs. Im not sure, still just an idea that im thinking about.

Edited March 31, 2012 by MikeMartel

[Tirefryr 1,742]

Still not bad. If it goes south, simply go to a junk yard, spend $350 on a 3.8 and bolt it right in. Problem solved.

[Tirefryr 1,742]

Or spend $700 and rip all the drivetrain out and have even more fun, or $1200 and get the SS engine and trans.

[MikeMartel 64]

Valid point.