Is this 2000 Chevy Impala a Hooptie or a perfect first car? The CAR WIZARD explains which one it is

What makes a car a Hooptie and what makes it a good budget buy, first car for a teenager? The CAR WIZARD 🧙‍♂️ shows just which category this 2000 Chevy Impala falls into.
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[@ShoelessJP]

Your daughter's boyfriend is extremely lucky to have you watching out for him with his car and checking his car. The value of honest, trustworthy mechanics is crucial, especially for young drivers.

[@omega1575]

He also has easy access to a great mechanic, and maybe even a friends and family discount

[@houseofno]

"Hi Car Wizard. I'm dating your daughter and I am going to be driving her around in my BMW Isetta/Smartfortwo/rear-engined Volkswagen Beetle..." (pick your favorite tiny rolling deathtrap of a vehicle)

[@tamarab8972]

I agree. Sadly there are many scammers and mechanics that would happily rip him off

[@craigmorgan4676]

They just get scammed period!😮🤔🕶🌶

[@Cynsham]

@@houseofno God forbid he has a ford f150 with the 5.4L 3 valve triton

[@shaneb1313]

BAM! I called it. I knew you were going to say 3.8! That is one of, if not, the BEST Engine GM ever made. I have buddy that is at 410k on his &, it still runs GREAT!! I honestly think they discontinued it because it was TOO reliable! Just like Chrysler did with the 4.0 in line 6!

[@deezyperformance]

Which is why is still have an XJ and a Lesabre.

[@flight2k5]

Yep it’s a big conspiracy 😂

[@joe08867]

@@XDM10 you might want to listen to the wizard. That's the 3.8 without the cover champ. I know I own one.

[@DJackson1232]

@@XDM10 lmao bruh thats a 3.8

[@The98deville]

and the Ford 4.9 Inline 6

[@earnestp.worrell5389]

My father-in-laws best friend was a chief engineer for GM in the late 80s and 90s and always said the 3800 was one of those engines where they just got everything right. All the angles and engineering just worked the way they were supposed to. I've personally owned 6 vehicles with the 3800 in them and never got less than 300,000 miles out of them, one made it over 500,000 and was still running great when I sold it. MAINTENANCE!!!!

[@mikelyons9971]

The 3800 impala, grand prix, Bonneville, le sabre, etc. Are all good options for a first car. Plenty of power, reliable, low cost of ownership. Insurance is cheaper too.

[@md2k8]

Agreed

[@jdmjimmy]

Same with my 1.7 vtec

[@soupsandwich8940]

Buick Regal too.

[@Yohannesb9]

Tons of rust

[@hakeemsd70m]

Park Avenue, Monte Carlo SS/LT, Eighty-eight, and Intrigue 3.8.

[@benbullard1172]

My first car was an 04 Impala that was a hand me down from my mom. It was great. Big, safe, and comfortable. When I sold it, it has 260k with no issues. My mom bought it basically new and it really never had any major issues. Surprisingly, it didn't have 3.8, it had the 3.4

[@Patriot-hz8xk]

Does you mom's newer 3.4L impala still run good, because I just purchased a similar one, 2014 Impala LTZ 3.4L with 122K miles no issues!

[@jefferysmith3930]

It amazes me how long some cars can last. It seems that the late 90’s - early 2000’s were the high point for cars that can go the distance. Previous to that many were under powered and under equipped/ after that they became over engineered in pursuit of fuel economy and performance at the expense of long term reliability. When I started driving in 1986 I would have never looked for a car from 1965 or 66. In 2021 a 20 year old car can be relatively modern, safe and reliable. With a little cleaning and polishing that Impala will be quite presentable for anyone to drive. Good find!

[@jfrodr]

I'd say late 2000s cars (I know it's a different story when it comes to diesel) were still good, other than TPMS and ESP, cars were pretty much the same as they were in the 90s, and a big plus is they got rid of the EGR and secondary air injection systems they were carrying over from the 90s, it wasn't until the 2010s that post recession cost cutting and harsher emission standards really hit

[@bentnickel7487]

I drive a 98 Taurus SHO, as my daily, and it's been as reliable as any car, I've ever owned. 155K on the engine with no rust on the body. I don't care for all the new electronics on today's cars.

[@michaelmohrle1773]

Yep new headlights, pull the dent, wash and use Meguire's spray on wax it will look cool !!

[@393939100]

I bought the same car last August I paid $1200 with 130,000 it had new front struts and a set of snow tires on rims in the trunk . Yes it's a 3.8 I changed the heater pipes lol . I took it to Florida last October and got 28 miles to the gallon .I'm a mechanic also . I don't care that I look like an old man in it but I'm 58 lol it's a great car it will run forever

[@raider4394]

to me, as a 17 year old it looks powerful lol. My friend had one (that died unfortunately) with a messed up exhaust and it was so funny when dudes in lifted trucks tried to race my 5’3 friend lol. You could always tell when she was nearby and her car was a legend. Saving up for one of these myself, although hopefully in better shape.

[@XGamesJ6]

Those Impala's stand up to ridiculous amounts of neglect, especially with the ol trusty 3800. I've had multiple friends own one and do barely enough to keep them on the road. Car's never gave up. In the hands of an owner who cares they will last seemingly forever.

[@jvommen]

I would not want my daughter to be a passenger in this car with COMPLETELY WORN tires. I find this unbelievable. Safety first….I would say. And on top of that we are closing in on winter… to me really wrong savings…

[@jamesnunn5688]

My thoughts exactly, it’s a great thing to see the guys finding and checking over a good safe car for their daughters boyfriend but should have put their hands in their pocket and put them on some new tires, they don’t even have to tell them.

[@drink4711]

Amen to that. Wizard, please consider replacing those tires, or they will be on there for way too long

[@jvommen]

@Dominick exactly as you say, they are worn out, but not completely. In many European countries those tires would be worth a fine from the police. But that is besides the point. As a mechanic and father of the person that would be sitting in that car, I would want to change those tires, for my own piece of mind. But that is just my opinion. And for the record, i Love the channel.

[@crazyeyez1502]

@Dominick 7:38 no, not completely worn. But that is bad. Looks like a mix of underinflation and a bit of bad alignment.

[@bparker06]

not to mention this is a 20 year old car. the general crash safety of this car is orders of magnitude worse than even a 10 year old car. I would never put my daughter in a car that old.

[@volvojonas9563]

I would recomend Him to put a set of new tires on it, my dad always Told me that its a cheap life insurance! And i stick with that😄

[@42luke93]

Yeah that’s true. My dad once hydroplaned into the grassy area of the highway. Luckily there was no barrier and the car wasn’t wrecked and he was fine. Just all that dirt flew up into the side of the car dirtying it.

[@igeekone]

100% agreed. Even if the tire are in good condition with some life left in them. Never trust them with a novice driver. A brand new set of tires or an ambulance ride?

[@davydigger708]

In an update video, Car Wizard mentioned that he was trying to get a set of new tires.

[@vinnytucks87]

You know what I miss about my first car, not caring about dings and scratches. That thing was already busted when I go it. I remember someone backing into it one day and I just looked at the bumper, dented, and I just told them not to worry about it. The car already looked beat to hell so, who cares.

[@exlimey1417]

I have two old Novas. One is a survivor with lots of warts. I love driving her. The other one I just spent an ungodly amount of money restoring and, quite frankly, I'm afraid to drive it because of the yahoos on the roads (and the deer)

[@justdew78]

I have a 2003 Impala with the 3800 and its has almost 180000 miles on it and it still running like new and I enjoy driving it.

[@rickc303]

Great choice on first car for daughter's boyfriend, he'll soon discover the amazing benefits of that bench seat 😄

[@619guy202]

They gonna do the nasty on it

[@tiaxmonae8790]

🤣🤣

[@joshterry9503]

😂my 16yr old son just bought the same car last night, one of the first things he said he didn’t like was the flip up console/bench seat. I said ya who would want to be able to flip that up and be able to lay down in the front seat… his eyes lit up… enough said.

[@michaelduffek2866]

The Wizard has saved yet another youth, by guiding him to a vehicle with a shifter in the correct position, with the correct seat in the front. What a beaut.

[@bmuns6445]

I loved my first car. 1988 Mazda 626 Turbo - silver with maroon cloth interior. I worked at Mazda dealer at 16 yr old. Car was traded in with a blown engine. Guy in wash rack bought it for $300. Bought a new crate engine and got a cheapo silver paint job. My dad helped me buy it for $3500. Turbo with power windows and moonroof, adjustable suspension. I've loved cars ever since.

[@DIE2dayORelse]

I had an 03 Monte SS and I loved it, the 3.8 reminds me of a V8 with it's power curve and even though they always leak oil, they still run forever. I see so many of these on the road (and even the newer ones) since we mainly drive country miles they run forever. I bought a 13 impala w/ a 3.6 (I know, not a good engine but I got a hell of a deal on it and change the oil religiously and the dealer put in new TEHCM solenoid unit for free), and even these cars run forever out here. When it comes to city driving, I'd buy a Toyota or a Lexus, but out here in the boonies these shitboxes last forever with proper maintenance.

[@hakeemsd70m]

Nothing shifty about a W body. Way more character than a Toyota sedan of the era.

[@Rokkator]

6 years ago when I was in high school, I bought my first car, a 1973 Plymouth Valiant 4 door sedan. It is beige, and powered by a 198ci slant 6. That car forced me to learn basic mechanic work like replacing and redoing drum brakes, replacing most of the accessories and bits and pieces under the hood (except the engine) and taught me a lot about dealing with frustration and general random car issues. I still own the car, and once all of the bugs were ironed out it became a very pleasant, albeit slow, car to drive. It has proven to be dead reliable, with the only mechanical faults being the newer parts, like the alternator, starter, carburetor, etc. My slow gutless stubborn old slant 6 just continues to burble its way well into the 21st century, and believe it or not, she can still go over 90 miles an hour!

[@jukeofearl]

Same thing here boss. I just bought a 2006 Buick LaCrosse CXL for $1000 with 103,000 miles. It’s a gift from God in this market. The reason I bought it cause it was a 3.8. I’ve bought brake pads, rotors, sway bar end links, coolant res, hood struts, trunk struts, rotated the tires and a thermostat was only a few hundred bucks and did the work myself and have an amazing car for less than $1500. Couldn’t agree more Wizard.

[@Supervanguard]

Had one with the 3.4, no major issues, ran from 85k-200k miles until I sold it, no major issues very reliable. Front fender dent is common, you can pop it back into place by taking your palm and smacking it up on the upper portion of the wheel well.

[@DocBernard]

my 2000 buick regal gs with the 3.8 sc still ran despite being parked outside for over 2 years with busted front end and a broke trailing arm. I was shocked when it fired right up. Did the valve cover gaskets and intake gaskets as well as the front end and trailing arm and started driving it again. Best car purchase I've made.

[@tee6680]

Please fix the lights and tires, extremely important especially for inexperienced drivers and winter coming. Your health of your daughter is priceless

[@davehill9951]

i have owned 3.8's . Last one was a Bonneville ssei with the supercharger. Amazing engine that treated me well. regular maintenance keeps it in good shape.

[@paulmueller6307]

Had a 95 SSEi as well,loved that car,wish Pontiac was still around,anyway, have Park Avenue Ultra Supercharged now,great car,only thingis,which is minor,in the older 3.8's, just keep a diligent eye on oil level as well as regular oil changes and that engine will last a loooooooong time.

[@andrewdonohue1853]

I have one of those in my driveway right now. 2003 SSEi. It's my summer car. I'm running a few mods, supercharger pulley swap, PCM tune, power log. Its quick

[@325xitgrocgetter]

We inherited a 2005 Buick Lacrosse CX from my father in law....the car wasn't driven much in the past 2 years...and now has 77,000 miles. put some money in it to address some deferred maintenance but is running strong and it has a the 3800 V6. Did a wash and detail on it yesterday and drove it around to run some errands....and drives great and is a perfect first car for my daughter who just finished college.

[@VIH319]

We always called those baby momma mobiles cuz everyones baby momma got one from a buy here pay here

[@mrFancyclancy]

I did 220kph (137mph) in a "series I" non SC alot in a '90 Bonneville. I loved how the front end lowered itself when I stomped on it. I went through a balancer and engine mounts. It was only 12 yrs old and I bought it for $2000cdn. I was at the ripe old age of 34 at the time. Miss it.

[@emeyer6963]

Usually It is the parents who drive the Hooptie while Jr or Missy has a BMW or Benz.Nice to see the Wizard steering him in the right direction.

[@Thuddster]

The very first thing to fix on this beast, is to apply a headlight restoration kit. Those fogged-out headlight covers are a genuine hazard to the kid, CW`s daughter, and every other oncoming car on the road (edit: at night!). It's a mandatory fix in my book, along with keeping the windshield clean inside and out. Those Kansas roads can be really dark - so, good driver visibility, and not blinding oncoming traffic, is a key safety factor. TBH, I am disappointed that (edit: fixing this issue specifically) was not even mentioned, much less emphasized.

[@wickedmuffin76]

I would have though that and the tires would be a priority.

[@80wolfmanrob]

Those kits suck watch Chris fix he does his like I do mine I learned at the Nissan dealership.

[@xPreatorianx1]

Honestly much easier if Wizard and the kid go half on a new assembly. Amazon has an aftermarket set of two for $100 to $125. They've held up for 2 years so far and even make the car look better then factory. Then all he has to do is put them in (Literally 10 minutes of work, if not less) and swap the bulbs over. As the kit, if it does come with bulbs, and it doesn't always, has some of the shittiest quality bulbs I've ever laid eyes. I literally kept the bulbs only for an emergency. If a bulb went out and I was on the road at night. Pull off to the side, put hazards on, open the hood, and swap the bulb. Then as soon as parts store opens up, get a proper replacement.

[@bobbates6642]

Yes I would hand the kid a tube of toothpaste when he showed up to pick up my daughter . He likely would think he had bad breath but I would tell him to go polish the headlights for an hour then come back inside

[@MRCNC1967]

And a set of tires would be a good idea too.

[@leroyjethrogibbs]

No bullshit, my girlfriend had one with that same engine that went 418000 before her brother decided to take it backroading and threw a rod in it. Damn thing was a work horse.

[@VERYPROSNIPA]

I don't know about Kansas but in NY those tires would definitely not pass inspection with the severity of those dry rot cracks.

[@tomyost6330]

@Dominick Been around to many other states with roads as bad or worse than New York's. Any states roads can be bad that have a lot of heavy truck traffic, not to give them a bad name because they're necessary. I used to drive truck. Areas prone to frost and deep surface freezing will also cause the breakdown of 'good' roads. I suppose your roads are much better. Interesting.

[@tomyost6330]

Yeah, New York makes sure you are safe on the roads. Some other states could care less.

[@phillipevans9414]

Yeah, no way that thing gets registered for road use here in Australia without the headlights fixed, the oil leaks fixed and a new set of tyres minimum.

[@gregdesena4207]

They don't do vehicle inspections here in Ohio. As long as you pass an emissions test, you're fine. When I worked at a scrap awhile back there was one minivan that drove in there every day on three tires and one rim!

[@tomyost6330]

@@gregdesena4207 Yeah, New York's LEO's would have you pulled over and giving you a strange look while he's writing. Of course, it's totally unsafe.

[@CumminsDriver100]

If that's true with the 3400 being junk, I must've got lucky. One of my cars is an 02 Monte Carlo with that engine. At around 115000 miles I replaced the infamous intake gaskets. Its now at 160000 and has been nothing but flawless and reliable.

[@toniowo5693]

i got an 05 3400 with 360k i looked out too i guess

[@schwenda3727]

Had an 04 with the 3.4 between the 2nd half of high school and my mid 20s and after the head gasket went at around 120k miles, it was mostly smooth sailing. Original fan belt snapped just before 150k miles and I had a whole $1200 laundry list of deferred wheel/suspension maintenance just before 190k, water pump at 195k, and front wheel bearings just after 215k miles. Unfortunately, all good things must eventually come to an end and when the odometer hit 230k miles, the check engine light came on and stayed on (quite often that light would flash and eventually stay on if I’m putting the hammer down going uphill). I called my mechanic next oil change and sure enough, the transmission was getting ready to go out, the catalytic converter already was finished by the winter before, on top of another thousand dollars in engine work was imminently due. But I already planned accordingly just before the 200k mile mark and had a healthy downpayment on a just about brand new car ready to go when the mechanic confirmed that time was officially of the essence for that car.

[@CumminsDriver100]

@@schwenda3727 I have a slight tranny problem too. Its just a converter lockup slip that is very slight but noticeable around 50-55MPH. Other than that shifts smooth and drives great. When I changed the intake gaskets, I also did the head gaskets since I was that deep into the engine. Had I not, who knows, they might've not been far behind the intakes. I hate GM vehicles, but this one has been pretty good, other than the stupid wiper system they utilized on these models. This has broken more than once to say the least, and is a well documented issue. Nothing like shutting them off and they stay straight up and down instead of parking....

[@paulmueller6307]

I agree,have a 2000 Impala 3400,only issue really is the gaskets,put some sealer in it and keep an eye on the oil,it's just fine.

[@dftns19]

I owned a 2001 Grand Am GT with the 3400 from 30k miles and sold it still running great at 204k. Intake gasket did go bad around 65k but other than that it was a great, reliable engine for me (went through alternators like crazy though). I do wonder how long it lasted after because I know it wasn't going to get driven regularly, but it did me well. I also have mechanical sympathy and do scheduled maintenance unlike the masses.

[@matt.604]

I think new (or newer) tires would be best for a new driver. Those look pretty worn... And winter is coming.

[@hotpuppy1]

@Dominick He said they were ok for now but should be changed at some point in the near future. Got to make some $ at the burger joint first. They have tread on them still. Not to the wear bars.

[@povilasmarveloustv3810]

Seriously, the front right tire at 7:38, cracked up and ate up on one side, these tires should get changed asap. I know there are cars who drive on shitty ass tires like this for years and even worse looking tires. But if i was the car wizard i would find him some used set of 4 tires that are still in good condition and evenly worn down. that car might be cheap, but the lives inside the car are not.

[@crazyeyez1502]

@@povilasmarveloustv3810 for real. That looks like a case of underinflation mixed with a bit of bad alignment.

[@kenc2386]

I guess it never rains in Kansas. You Han hydroplane on 4/32 tread. Would I want somebody I love trusting the antilock brakes because the tires are fine until the first rain?

[@jayslomine4280]

Yes General Altimax’s for the win

[@hambonerodriguez4163]

I had a similar 2003 pontiac Bonneville and drove hard for years. Loved that car. Gas mileage much better than you would think also.

[@hakeemsd70m]

I'm so glad to hear you love with your final generation 00-05 Bonneville. I'll be looking into buying one soon for my first car, if I can find a clean example.

[@namegoeshere2903]

I have a 2005 Lesabre with the 3.8. It only has 224K miles on it. So here's to another 10 years.

[@mslmn92]

This was my first car that I bought 10 years ago. I had a 2000 Impala LS with the 3.8 v6 with 156K miles when I bought it. Had it for 5 years and I sold it with 250K miles. That thing got me through college and I had so many memories in it!!

[@coryw.9086]

My niece had one as her first car. It had the 3.4 and all we did to it in four years of daily use was both front wheel bearings, struts, and a water pump. She made a huge mistake and replaced it with a Hyundai Veloster that in one year has already cost three times as much in repairs as the Chevy did the entire time she owned it. They’re good solid cars.

[@suginami0]

My brother had a Chevrolet Caprice from the early eighties with this 3.8 liter V6. He bought it used with over 150,000 miles on it. We learned it had been a company car for a manager that worked for Union Oil. It was fairly low optioned. Vinyl floors. Velour seats. Manual windows, manual door locks. My brother drove it through high school, college, and at least a decade after. People thought it was a detective’s car. The older it got the cooler it looked. He planned on keeping it forever. He put over 400,000 miles on it when he got T-boned in an intersection. Totaled the car. It was a sad day to see it go. The only thing I can recall it ever needed was a transmission rebuild and regular maintenance. The head had never been off the engine. I knew it used a little bit of oil. He didn’t regularly change the oil. It was a miracle how much abuse that engine took but kept on running.

[@Greven64]

i got 450k out of my 3.8 Buick Le Sabre the reason i had to get rid of it wasn't because of the motor it was because the frame rotted out

[@paulmueller6307]

I know what you mean,inherited a midwestern(Mi.) LeSabre ,245,000 miles,started right up,always,but had to get rid of it because of rotten underneath,previous owner never washed it or took care of it,good car for a lot of years,though.

[@ice44567]

Hazed headlights cut output by over 50%, definitely something worth repairing :)

[@patrickfichter81]

Reminds me of my ‘02 Impala LS. Had it tuned, CAI, and HV intake manifold in it. That car was quick for its size! If it didn’t have absolute garbage electronics, a trash transmission, and eat through wheel hub speed sensors like candy, I would’ve kept that car.

[@jefferee2002]

I had an 06 Impala that I LOVED. Got amazing gas mileage for a car it's size, plus, flex fuel vehicle. Had to sell it due to financial difficulties but glad it went to a young couple with a baby. I never had an issue with the vehicle

[@denislinehan5581]

Yup, you called it. The 3.8 just runs and runs and runs. I've had 4 of them...all excellent. My 08 Lucerne has 310,000 and just got 32 / gallon driving from Lake Placid into Saratoga Springs. Darn things are bullet proof. Drive it smart, keep in under 3000 rpm except to pass and that one will take care of you.

[@terrypickette118]

A nice big back seat lots of room for activities especially with the dark tint

[@sanjeever82]

"or whatever they're going to do in the car"

[@vettepwr23]

3800 series is a great engine for sure. I had two. Both the supercharger version and the na version shown here. The transmissions are not that good. They tend to have issues around 150k or so.

[@danieldyer1]

I remember P1811 “long shift” causing harsh shifts in my 2004 Impala. Installing a shift kit will quicken and firm up the shifts and stop the P1811 from commanding max line pressure and making it really shift hard. Before 2004, the overdrive shaft wasn’t hardened and will eventually strip the splines, causing loss of overdrive, and requiring major trans. repair. (Edited for correct code number)

[@SalemTechsperts]

@@danieldyer1 Ah, this is interesting, thanks for sharing that! Always wondered exactly how these would fail.

[@BartlettRacing66]

Yeah trans is trash, they buck extremely hard eventually.

[@sirsardine1]

My 07 impala 3.9l is starting to shift rough/hesitate too, and it only has 105k miles! The previous owner was in multiple accidents though, so maybe that’s part of it

[@DJackson1232]

@@sirsardine1 multiple accidents? lmao ya think?

[@thefranchise713]

The feel good video for my Sunday. Hard working young adult gets a serviceable vehicle, appreciates it for exactly what it is, and keeps a perfectly adequate car on the road for a little longer. Glad the stars aligned on this one.

[@EMichaelBall]

Given the quality of the car’s bones and its large trunk, this is a car he would be wise to keep for at least another decade and up to two kids. Crossovers are superfluous, especially when food and housing costs aren’t set to flatline, let alone drop, anytime, soon.

[@genericsomething]

I tell people that mid-sized mass-market sedans from the 90s and early 2000s, with good reputations, are the way to go as a general purpose, daily vehicle.

[@ice44567]

@@genericsomething I agree, I typically always have a Taurus in my stable for around town beating duties. Cheap parts, simple, and comfortable.

[@trr5291]

Ya as long as it doesn't rust . My sister had to junk her Impala over extreme rust.

[@genericsomething]

@@ice44567 ~ I have an '06 Taurus with 217,000 miles so far. I keep it clean, do the maintenance, and use good quality parts. The darn thing drives like new.

[@genericsomething]

@@trr5291 ~ I live in a rust-free area. We may be moving to the rust belt, so I'm going to invest in a good undercoating if we do.

[@HexBread]

This was my first car for a good 5 years, I sold it 2 weeks ago for a 2010 camaro 2ss. I miss it already. Vlad. I hope you go to a good home.

[@nick1822]

My first car was an 01 impala 3.4 and i paid $700 for it in 2015 and it only had 110k miles on it. I drove it for 2 years and only put 11k miles on it before the tranny went out at 121k. It was in awesome shape with nice wheels and no rust but to put a new tranny in it at the time, I just didn’t have the money so I sold it for basically what I paid. Great car while it ran and made me fall in love with big sedans.

[@vcdrny]

I had one a 2002 and I got back in 2007. I paid around 2k with 55k miles on it. It was at a city auction ex undercover police car. And the Wizard might not want to hear this. The front seat is great for extra activities because it's a beach seat. I made really good use of it.

[@Zetsucat]

If it was my kids boyfriend i would have helped them change the pan gasket (that thing is cheaper than the oil), swaybar linkage and put in the very best tires i could find (those would be illegal in europe). And just because it regards your doughter a bit of a buff of the headlights + uv coating and a drive through the wash street. I understand you are not a charity but still.

[@chryslerfordgm]

Man charity? That's an overstatement She's his daughter(and her boyfriend). I mean for car wizard to help them as much as possible is only normal to me

[@DJackson1232]

@@chryslerfordgm he better help them as much as possible given that he is the father and he knows for a fact she's gonna be driven in this pos. I mean, it's already in his shop, why not fix it right then and there instead of saying how much something broken on that car will cost.

[@maartenyzer4121]

he filled it up to..

[@Zetsucat]

@@maartenyzer4121 the wizard filled it up, changed fluids and filters and the o2 sensor. Which is commendable. But still tires are safety especially with rain.

[@dntulsa5039]

@@Zetsucat Maybe the boy's parents can help. The Wizard is NOT his father.

[@unstablebobgable]

The Car Wizards has the coolest walk on KZbin! I'd love to see a continuous loop video of him just walking around. Maybe if enough people give this post a thumbs up The Car Wizards will make such a video!

[@619guy202]

Yeah I love it when he waddles into the shop

[@WashburnD10]

The concerned parent video. Good on you guys.

[@isaac24]

These things are EVERYWHERE in central Michigan. You see most of them with the 3800, but there are still a lot of them running around with the 3400.

[@paulmueller6307]

Have one ,2000,3.4,125,000 miles,Northern Illinois,winter car,only issue is Overdrive slips once in awhile,especially when cold.

[@dogleg]

I had that car but it was a 2005. I used it for work for 12 years. Oil, Brakes, Tires. Completely reliable. I sold it to a guy who's still driving it.

[@ChrisCollins-Oakland]

"whatever they're going to do in the car." What a good dad.

[@timmcm9538]

The Wizard probably has an industrial strength Chastity belt on both the daughters. Those boys need to show up with a ring before it comes off. lol

[@NickGilesMusic99]

Nice score. 3800 V6 Impala's are solid cars, My 05 impala ls has never left me stranded. These cars were popular with police departments and taxi fleets for a reason. Decently powerful for its age with 200 hp and 225 lb-ft, roomy interior and good overall safety rating, I have personally seen an 03 3.8 impala with 547,000 km on it.

[@marhot]

That's low mileage for a 21year old car. A good detailing is all it needs ... perfect for a 1st car.

[@928gto]

Powertains, goodly ! Smooooooth

[@digitalrailroader]

A good detailing and a headlight restoration (or replacement if he can afford it) and replace that oil pan gasket (and check the valve cover gaskets too) and this car will be ready for years of faithful service!

[@2ndGenBen]

I got one when I was 18 with 33k miles it seems a lot of these cars were owned by old men who didnt drive very much

[@928gto]

@@digitalrailroader ok, sure-thang! and better than untested, Brand New (fangled) $$STUFF$ . keep healthy y'all

[@TastierBackInThe80s]

"Genuine Hooptie". I guess though, if Wizard rubber stamps it, should be a good set of wheels.

[@mhirst16]

When I took Driver's Ed in high school, these were the cars that were used....takes me back.

[@mikewasfaret9563]

I'm glad I grew up when I did. My first car 1n 78 was a 1956 F100. I paid $300 for it. My second car I bought in college, a 1966 Chevy impala convertible I bought for $350. I traded it for a 69 Chevelle Malibu 2dr. That's the car I wish I'd kept.

[@steveross85]

Excellent video. This is exactly how I explained to my kids what a first car should be. Great channel and lots of good info and tips.

[@akio2589]

As soon as I saw that Impala my first thought was, "Well, that'll be a great first car if you replace the intake gaskets immediately." Then I saw it had a 3800. Most of them had a 3100 or 3400 it seems. That's a Series II, though, so that intake manifold should just be replaced. If it's stock, it *will* fail cause of crappy EGR design. But, an aftermarket intake, and problem solved permanently. And the car will fall apart around that engine before it quits running. Oh, also, if that has a 4T65e trans, just replace the EPC Solenoid in advance. Or wait until it starts shifting hard that stops for a little while if you shut it off and restart it. Easy enough to get to, just under the valve body cover.

[@EchoFoxtrot94]

Didn't realize how lucky I was until I watched this. I just got a 2004 Impala LS with this exact same engine and the entire car inside and out looks like it rolled out of the factory yesterday. 1 owner granny grocery getter. 72K miles, my uncle gave me the car as a gift last month and i smogged and registered it. Looks like i hit the jackpot.

[@TheDodgefan9]

A Monte Carlo is the same mechanically, so that could be a good option if the younger person wants a 2 door car that can't get them into trouble.

[@markiangooley]

A Monte Carlo is a pretty good gamble…

[@FCT8306onTwoWheels]

@@markiangooley i used to rent that car back in the day, it was a nice ride

[@SDKwarrior]

definitely. my buddy not super into working on cars got an 03 for $800 and i replaced the brakes all around and oil change and its been mint for past 2 years just changing oil

[@mr.goodpliers6988]

I had a 2000 Monte last spring. Had 332,000 miles. Engine was great and it drove fine but the rest of the car was crumbling around it. Still it was worth fixing up. They are great cars

[@kclefthanded427]

Even a 1998 Oldsmobile Intrigue had the Buick 3800 but I'm not so sure about the "Shortstar 3.5 V-6"

[@mikebelcher5111]

I've got an 05 with a 3.8 1 40000 miles miles and I love it . I bought it in 2014 with 95000 miles and 5000 miles remaining on the factory warranty. I paid almost 5 grand and I am happy with that as the wizard would say.lol The 3.8 is what make a good one. Usually the ls is the 3.8 the one with paint matched moldings.

[@120672alexandre]

Great!!!!! It has the original transmission or did it had any work all this time?

[@mikebelcher5111]

it had headgaskets just b4 i bOught it As far as necessities work I haven't done anything that really had to be done I've gone through 2 sets of tires Because I didn't rotate him quickly enough and it ate up the backtires swaybar The front Breaks all the way around I went with ceramic composite and it stops so much better. And that would be it oh I'm sorry I replaced the engine mounts about a month ago go but that was because I wanted to they were starting to wear so I just changed them all the car is my baby it may be an old car but it's a damn good one. I haven't had any problems that I would consider more than regular maintenance for a 100000 mile car . And yes it has the original transmission it's still shift's perfect.

[@johnlynch4990]

You should at least buff out the headlights so they can see at night takes less than ten minutes

[@chriselliott4199]

Especially considering his daughters going to be in the car 🤦‍♂️

[@hellokittybebop]

Damn some oversight from the wizard

[@JBM425]

@@hellokittybebop He did talk about replacing them, as well as mentioning that GM used bad plastic. It may well be that particular lens doesn’t polish out well and is better replaced than buffed.

[@zlatkovujevic7348]

100 times.."IT A 2000 $ CAR!! WE DON'T DO THAT" hahahaha

[@gingerman5123]

I think Wizard doesn't want his daughter driving with the bf at night lol

[@pflans2306]

You’re daughter is going to be riding around in that car. Replace the tires and buff the headlights.

[@EMichaelBall]

At least buff the headlights. The tires are good for another year, though I wouldn’t want to drive on or near wintry conditions.

[@jae9843]

@5:53 The weird thing about late-90's/mid-2000's W-bodies is that really bad headliner sag seems to be pretty rare. Definitely not all GM's of the era; just W-bodies. lol. Biggest headliner issue on these cars, which is somewhat common, is them being stained due to sunroof/OnStar antenna leaks. Having said that, I'd take bad headliner sag any day over really, really bad rocker panel-area rust that these cars are notorious for in the NE.

[@Darksyne]

My grandfather drove this generation of Impala with the 3.4L and I can confirm these are hoopties. Parts were cheap but everything rusted and I could actually see the gas gauge slowly go down when flooring it to pass cars on the highway, it was so bad on gas.

[@yoshimitsu1896]

I remember looking at this car when I was in high school. For some reason I backed out and now I want one in the nearby future

[@Henry_Jones]

I had a 94 Regal with the 3800 and 4t60e 4 speee automatic. It was the most reliable car Ive ever had. It was also very powerful and fuel efficent and the transmission was very reliable and responsive to driver inputs with none of that slushbox feel. It was a really great car.

[@divineoracle4809]

I got a 1993 Buick Regal in 2017 with 122k miles. It hadn't been started in 5 years, jumped it and it started immediately. Even the AC Delco battery held a charge. I had to replace an oil sending unit, the rear struts, the rear calipers, brakes, thermostat, window regulator, recharge the A/C, new tires and change fluids. I got the car for 400, with parts i probably put 1200 total. That car was beyond reliable. Never had an issue, or check engine light! Everything worked. I sold it around 200k miles, the girl who bought it got into a car accident that totaled the car. It held up really well surprisingly!

[@dafff08]

i would recommend a new set of tires. they look quite old and worn tbh. if he doesnt have a set of winter tires, he should at least get decent all seasons. traction is the single most important aspect for a beginner driver when it comes to safety.

[@cigarsgunsandgasoline8032]

Agreed... those Goodyear Integrity tires are GARBAGE!!!

[@toddjoe123]

I thought I could see the bare tread on the last tyre.

[@vinces8974]

I thought the same those tires look pretty crappy

[@lgunderso2117]

Yeah those tires are quite dry rotted/hard. If he were in Michigan/Ohio like me I'd insist on winter tires, but I think Kansas gets a lot less snow?

[@EMichaelBall]

@ Lgunderso Wichita averages about a foot of snow per winter.

[@JohnRocker340]

These Impala's last forever. Police used and abused them and they kept going. We have one with 189,000 miles and other than a few minor issues has been trouble free.

[@JustinBacle]

That's so funny. Nice to see a 01 Impala here. I spent a year in Canada after passing my diploma in Europe. And the first car I got, on my first paycheck was an 01 or 02 Impala Loved this car so much, bought it for $2000 in 2013 and sold it for the same $2000 in 2014 when I left Canada. Mine had the ABS sensor fault, which is quite common, but everything else worked great. These are real road trip cars, super comfortable and very very reliable. Such a pleasure to drive on long journeys !

[@johnnyhawk329]

I love these old cars. Don't have to worry about putting a scratch on it or someone opening a door on you.

[@tlawler88]

If it has the 3.8, it’s the perfect first car. My grandparents had one and it was a great car

[@hunterstraus843]

I had one of these for a while -- pretty good car that survived 15 northern winters outside before I sold it. Aside from the ABS sensors, nothing really went wrong with it

[@bobmizen1]

Another great episode. Thanks again for sharing your experiences. I like the musical 🎵 car lift 😂 that plays every time it goes up and down 😁. Regards, Bob M. South Wales

[@bowl300ify]

I have 2003 Chevy Impala 3400 V6. 20 years old still running.

[@Jaylikescar]

I got the 04 impala 3400 with 160K I got it with 149k and it’s been great I changed the head gasket myself since I heard the original tends to go bad and the fel pro kit was less than 150. And she’s been running great ever since. I originally got it free from my sister in law because she didn’t know what was wrong with it but it just needed spark plugs and coil packs. She got a Honda Fit new so she didn’t need it after I fixed it and let me have it after paying for the expired tags lol.

[@jasonhsu4711]

When I was in high school during the Saved By The Bell Era, Malaise Era Oldsmobile Cutlasses were the most widely owned vehicle among my high school classmates. One could have bought an old, beat-up Cutlass for $500. Those Cutlasses had an uncanny ability to keep going in spite of having rusted out body panels and peeling vinyl roofs that made them look ready for the junkyard. This old Impala seems to be the successor to those Cutlasses but in much better condition. There are so many similarities: mid-size to full-size car from GM, relatively cheap to buy, relatively cheap to insure, and relatively cheap to maintain/repair.

[@davydigger708]

Have you heard of the Chicago Cutlass? It's the story of a Chicago resident who drove a clapped-out 1978 Cutlass with half a million miles or more on it for 40+ years, and everybody in Chicago knew about it! Recently, it was sold to a car collector who plans to preserve it!

[@jasonhsu4711]

@@davydigger708 Wow! I read about it, and I'm amazed by how long it lasted as a rustbucket! I grew up in the Chicago area, and those Malaise Era Cutlasses with the junkyard-ready look were common in high school parking lots and poor neighborhoods in the early 1990s.

[@davydigger708]

@@jasonhsu4711 Keep in mind, this guy bought it brand new!

[@davydigger708]

@@jasonhsu4711 Honestly, it's sad and unbelievable that GM used to make cars like that, and now look at what they are making! How far our automotive industry has fallen!

[@kerrylewis2581]

These are great videos. People need to know what they should be buying for someone's first car or if on a tight budget.

[@boobbutthole9537]

I picked a 89 vovlo 240 in Seattle yesterday with 120k miles for 1000 bucks with a 800 dollar bose sound system. On my second 240 now

[@42luke93]

I really love that front split bench seating and column shifter! If you find one of these, go for it!!!

[@borninpennsylvania3908]

i really want one of these as my first car always loved the looks and once i found out the 3.8 is bullet proof now i want it even more i dont even mind that its an automatic only (i learned to drive manual first)

[@jadesmith6823]

You're a good soul to help your daughter's love mate ❤️🙏

[@KalebKronic]

I have an 02 Impala LS 3.8 I bought for a grand a few years back. Has been a great car with minimal issues.

[@lanceripplinger8352]

Great find for a first car. Will be cheap for the kid to insure. He can clean it up and polish those headlights.

[@adamdean4322]

Here in the UK a kid wouldn’t get insured on this. Even small cars cost thousands to insure.

[@Noah_E]

A newer car with more airbags, higher crash tests scores, and more tech to avoid a crash in the first place should be cheaper to insure and cheaper to maintain and run. This thing was outdated 20 years ago and is an absolute dinosaur now

[@goblinzl1]

youre a good person to know regarding vehicular knowledge. yes, these engines are extremely reliable.

[@cvr24]

I had one of these with the 3.4L, intake manifold gasket went bad, $1100, Chevy pitched in $400. Still the most comfortable car I have ever owned.

[@xltranger98]

I have an 05 Buick LaCrosse I picked up for $1500 it has the 3.8 engine has 110,000 miles on it. It runs very good no oil burning or leaking. I’d drive it cross country as a matter of fact I did. I towed it with a tow dolly from New York to iowa behind a rental truck moving my daughter. I drove it home and it was a pleasure to drive, 30 mpg with cruise control set at 75 mph. Great engine.

[@shayajp]

I'm surprised you were able to say "hooptie" so many times without Hoovie appearing like beatlejuice!

[@dukeshire09]

Wizard I love your videos but I’ll be honest if my daughter was going in it after seeing the tires I would get him some good used ones or some fairly cheap new ones .

[@dainsmart6237]

I was thinking the in Britain you would get an automatic ban for four bald tyres 12 points on your license 😬

[@dukeshire09]

@@dainsmart6237 in Massachusetts you would never pass . I was concerned about the tires mostly because I’m a tire Nazi . I almost wanna buy the kid new tires and a sway bar link . You wouldn’t pass in My state with that link either .

[@MrManniG]

@@dukeshire09 me to, especially with winter coming around and this beeing his first car, on my first car i had not very good winter tires on it and wrecked it not having had it for 6 months because of some snowed over black ice and a very unpleasently placed telephone pole

[@DJackson1232]

@@dukeshire09 he's a mechanic with youtube money. he can stop being so cheap and do that boy a solid.

[@dukeshire09]

Come on wizard Since I’ve been watching you : 3 boats 1 Ferrari 2 motorcycles Bought the building next door Several cars from Hoovie If you buy him tires , fix the lights , away bar link , abs the oil leak I will donate what ever you spend to wounded warrior !!! Or a veterans cause of your choosing

[@sgttombailes3380]

Outstanding Video Wizard !

[@donaldhollums3278]

My Wife’s Mama gave her 2003 Ford Taurus with the 3.0 V-6 to our 17 year old Boy as his first car last December. The car needed a new master cylinder and front brake calipers, which I coached my Boy on changing out, he enjoyed that. I have yet to figure out why the battery light stays on when I haven’t found an issue with the charging system yet. The car is overall in good mechanical condition with over 180,000 miles and some panel dents. The engine doesn’t burn any oil and there is some minor p/s fluid leakage. My wife’s two brothers went in together and bought their Mama a 2017 Ford Escape for Christmas. I think the only other time my mother-in-law cried was when her daughter married me 19 year ago.

[@mr.grumpygrumpy2035]

Hell, I would drive this, it's a perfect car for the days we are living in.

[@MajorOutage]

Had a 99 Bonneville that had around 270k miles on it. Bumper mounts rotted off, would no longer pass inspection. Still ran like a top. God bless the 3800.

[@anandabilal9620]

And it'll start right away, just like a 12V Cummins

[@xxtoughguy]

Wizard is a real bro for this. Helping out the next generation so he can get some independence and grow as a man. I'm sure he won't ever forget this.

[@almaiz6177]

Always loved the column shifters