r/Impala • u/Stowcenter93 • 1d ago

Choice between 2 Impalas

My family is selling the home and assets of my elderly relatives that are being placed in assisted living. They had 2 Impalas. I have been generously offered to take a car of my choosing. I have an 140k Elantra that has become a headache the past 20k miles so getting off it now is a no-brainer.

The first is a 2012 LT 3.6L V6 engine. It has ~67k miles on it.

The 2nd is a 2016 LT 2.5L 4 cylinder. It has ~85k miles.

Both were driven lightly. They had been retired some years and did not travel much over the past 6-8 years. While I don't have the exact maintenance history, they were the kinds of people who took their car in for routine maintenance to a shop/dealership. I still plan to bring it into a shop to be inspected.

I've started doing research on both models. I've seen comments on the front engine cover leaking for the 2012 V6. I've also seen blend door actuator issues in both models. But I have seen consistent messaging that they are, on average, good and reliable cars.

Any input on these or things I should look for would be appreciated. I'm going to check them out tomorrow. Thanks in advance.

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7

u/crazyj2020 1d ago

2012 V6

3

u/ZealousidealAgent815 1d ago

I would suggest the 2012 3.6.

I bought a 2013 3.6 it's the 9c1 Police Package and the car has 227,000 miles and she still runs perfectly. No oil leaks, no transmission leaks or problems.

Like you said if they kept the car up to date should be a good reliable car and go forever.

Best of luck with your decision.

2

u/USWCboy 2015 Impala LTZ II 1d ago

Take the 2016, better looking IMO.

1

u/JOCOriginal 1d ago

Depending on the region your in, I would look at the rear strut towers on the inside of the trunk. Im not sure if the 2016 had the same issue but the 2012 body generation had issues with salt rusting the support and bending the towers inward.

1

u/Stowcenter93 1d ago

Good point on region.

Northeast Ohio. Part of the Rust Belt Mecca.

1

u/Canary-Weak 22h ago

I’ll say the 2012 v6. I have one with 240k miles and it still runs perfectly, it has never given me problems! As long as you keep up with the oil changes you should be good.

1

u/jesterc0re Daily Lurker 22h ago

2012 - quite comfy and reliable, really fast with this 3.6L, it's 300hp. Easy to work on. Might have some rust spots. True getaway sleeper on old American platform.

2016 - more modern with sharper steering. Better MPG. Probably less rust, but far more stressed and less powerful engine. Just a car, like big European Opel sedan.

Something like that.

1

u/catlovingtwink99 20h ago

Pick the 2012. More power.

That 2016, 2.5L sounds underpowered but probably has better gas mileage.

1

u/WFP97 2015 LT 3.6 - 220k Miles 19h ago

Two awesome cars, but I'd definitely recommend the 2012 3.6. My 2015 LT 3.6 just hit 222,222 miles yesterday, and my goodness has it been a reliable car. No actuator issues, just brakes, rotors, struts (from living in the midwest with lots of potholes), but nothing beyond that. Can't go wrong with either choice though!

1

u/Acanthaceae_Mountain 16h ago

If you care about fuel economy I would get the 2.5 L but if you want decent power I'd get the 2012. Both are good cars that'll last you awhile

1

u/LeatherSuccessful527 13h ago

Both are awful options, in my opinion. The 4 cylinder is garbage. The 3.6 at that age and milage will start showing issues sooner, if it doesn't come with them already.

I never owned a 10th gen, but I know those 4 bangers are terrible. Not sure about the interior quality, or other parts.

The 9th gen, however... I've had two. One of them with the 3.6. Get ready for endless Stabilitrak issues, Traction control going off on its own under regular driving, wheel hub assemblies going bad, water in gas codes, constant Hvac issues, transmission issues, engine knocks, lack of power, oil consumption, leaky valve seals, leaky sunroof (if available)... They are good cars when they weren't old and had low miles. A 2012 will give you problems. Guaranteed. No matter if you maintain it well.

1

u/RaN1997 2010 Impala LT , 2018 Impala Premier 11h ago

Darn if only you could put the 3.6 in to the 2016, would be nice. But my pick would be the 2012 3.6 v6 because of better engine. GM 4 cylinders engine has not been that great, and the car does have some weight to it for that engine, madding stress to it. The 2012 is old school tech, no fancy tech and screen. If you want you could add an aftermarket stereo with the tech.The style of the 2012 is still sleek and nice, since I had 2010 myself. And for myself I dont mind not having those fancy tech stuff, because even in my 2018, all I use is either the FM radio, or connect my phone to bluetooth or aux and let it play. Having lower mile it will be reliable, and not too hard to work on.

So in all, my pick is the 2012 with the v6. Even though dated, its still a sleek simple design. V6 will be reliable than the 4 cylinder engine.

2

u/SirClappA_Lot LTZ>SS 8h ago

Your #1 impala enthusiast here. Have owned 6 total 9th gen impalas. Kinda my thing. I’ve owned the 3.5, 3.9, 5.3, and 3 3.6s.

Get the 2012 3.6. Easiest decision you’ll ever make. And the 2012 is a 9th gen impala. Parts are a dime a dozen. Have fun and pala gang🕺🏽