2006 was the "first year" of the current Impala. While it is based on the same platform as the 2000-2005 models, it was changed enough to be considered a new model.
The 2006 models had typical first year issues. While my 2006 Impala is a V6 version, it shares a lot with the SS.
Things to look out for:
- Intermediate Steering Shaft issues. Make sure you test drive the car on a route with many curves and turns. If you feel a "clunk" or popping sensation in the steering while while turning, the ISS is bad and should be replaced.
- Transmission problems. Make sure you test the car in varying driving conditions. Put the car through its paces. Try some heavy acceleration and light acceleration. Make sure shifts are smooth and there is no significant hesitation. Pay particular attention to the shift between 1st and 2nd gear. This is where many owners have reported problems.
- Power steering leaks. If you live in a cold climate, look closely for power steering leaks. GM has acknowledged a problem with early '06 and '07 Impalas where the high pressure line for the power steering will either leak or burst in colder climates.
- Brakes - It is common for the brake rotors on the Impalas to warp easily. During your test drive, test braking peformance both around town and at highway speeds. If you feel a vibration in the brake pedal or steering wheel while braking, the brakes may need to be looked at.
- Oil consumption. Pop the hood and check the dipstick. Make sure the oil is clean and at the proper level. Some early '06 Impalas with the 5.3L V8 had excessive oil consumption issues.
- Coolant. Check the coolant level in the coolant reservoir. It should be at the proper level when the engine is cold.
- Heater performance. Run the heat while you test drive the car. There is a known issue in the Impala where an air bubble forms in the heater hoses. The heat will work while the engine is under load, however will blow cold air when the vehicle is at idle. Make sure the heater blows hot air while moving and while sitting.
- Squeaks and rattles. Squeaks and rattles are common in the '06 Impalas. Especially in the dash and doors. Turn the stereo off while test driving to make sure it doesn't have any objectionable noises.
- Bose Stereo Speaker Hiss. If equipped with the Bose stereo, listen for a possible "hiss" in the background of the speakers. Some people find the hiss to be louder than others.
- Remote Keyless range. A very common issue is reduced range of the remotes. Test the fobs from reasonable distances to make sure they work at a range acceptable to you. Also check the function of the remote start feature to make sure it also works.
- Peeling trim. A common issue is that the glossy black exterior trim on the pillars (between the front side and rear side windows) peels and delaminates. Make sure these pieces are still glossy, and not peeling, on the car you are looking at.
- Chipping paint. Many Impala owners have reported excessive paint chips on the hoods of their cars. Check the hood for excessive chipping. With 55K miles, some chips are normal but just make sure it doesn't seem too excessive.
- Popping noises in the front seats. There was an issue on the '06 Impala where the seatbacks of the front seats would pop loudly while someone was sitting in them. Sit in the seats and move/wiggle around in them. Make sure the seatbacks do not pop/creak while you are shifting your weight around on them.
- TPMS. Make sure the Tire Pressure Monitoring System is functioning correctly. There should be no low pressure warnings, and the system should be properly reporting tire pressures in the Driver Information Center. The TPMS is a common weak point on the Impalas.
The '06 Impala is not going to be the most reliable car on the road. For the price, however, it does offer a lot. I have 47,200 miles on my '06 Impala LT, and it has been a love/hate relationship. I love the features on the car, and the overall driving experience. I hate that it has numerous squeaks and rattles, peeling trim pieces, and needed a lot of repairs under warranty.
Carefully evaluate the SS you are considering, buy a Carfax report, and see if you can get a complete repair history for the car from the dealer. Best of luck to you.
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