From Scrap Heap to Spectacular: How I Turned a Junked 2009 Impala Into a Reliable Daily Driver

Roughly 2 years ago, I set out to find a reliable used car for our son for $2500. Being that it was 2021 and the world was in the midst of massive supply chain issues, new cars were in short supply. Therefore, used car prices were at unheard of highs. The cars being sold private party in the $2500 range were complete crap. Let's not even get started on what dealerships had on their lots!!
Now with that diatribe out of the way, I started sniffing around Copart's website. Since I already owned a 2012 Impala at the time, my wife convinced me that with my knowledge of the 9th Gen Impala, I should find one for our son (I was looking at Malibus and Auras for him!!) I happened to find one at a Copart in my neck of the woods, so not only did I register with Copart and plunk down a deposit, I went to the lot myself to look at the car (and a few others that I edited out of this video.)
In this video, follow my journey from discovery, to purchase, to full resurrection of a 2009 Impala LT that I am happy to report is still running like a tank nearly 2 years later!!
Thanks for watching! Any questions or comments, please post below. If you found this informative or helpful in any way, give a the video a thumbs up! Be sure to check out my other videos, hit the subscribe button, and ring the bell to be notified of new videos! If you're feeling generous, hit the "Thanks" button below to show your gratitude!
Special thanks to Intro Maker for the new channel intro:
www.intromaker.com
#copart #impala #resurrection

[@CertifiedShadetree]

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[@scrappyscoobydo7577]

I bought a 2013 impala with 84k miles for 5,000$ back in 2020. I put 40 series Flowmasters on it with a resonator delete and installed a Trifecta tune. I maintenance her regularly as well. I really enjoyed the video because I love bringing old GMs back to life as too.

[@CertifiedShadetree]

Nice!! I'm planning on installing either Magnaflows or Flowmasters with some nice honkin' tips on 'em. Have you heard of the Vibrant Ultra Quiet resonator? It's supposed to work tremendously for reducing the raspiness of Flowmasters and Magnaflows. a.co/d/dg1AD9i Looking into adding one of those instead of a straight up resonator delete..

[@scrappyscoobydo7577]

I haven't heard about Vibrant quiet resonators. To be honest I was thinking the same thing about the raspiness of the Flowmasters. I was surprised when I heard how deep the sound was for a V6. I've had multiple people think I have a V8 when they hear the Impala idle lol I guess the best way I can describe the sound is deep with very mild high pitch raspiness. In my opinion it does not sound like a import lol. I think the Magnaflow cat-back exaust system would be louder for sure.

[@CertifiedShadetree]

Was hunting for one of those Magnaflow systems - the only place selling them was Magnaflow's own website! Thinking they might've discontinued it and are just selling remaining stock..

[@gphilipc2031]

What performance gain did ya get?

[@johnnyhawk329]

I love those impala's. I have a 2012 with the 3.6 LFX 70000 mi. Had it for 11 years no problems at all. Love your videos. I have learned a lot of tips to make working on my impala easier. I installed a catch can no problem thanks to you. Keep up the good work.

[@CertifiedShadetree]

Awesome, and thanks for your support! 🍻

[@debbieerickson3050]

I've been waiting for you to get in that trunk!!!

[@CertifiedShadetree]

Probably need to don a hazmat suit to go in there nowadays! 🤣

[@gphilipc2031]

Have a 2013 LTZ. Blend door actuators went but otherwise a good car w 60 k on the odo now.

[@CertifiedShadetree]

Aw damn, that thing's just a baby!!

[@toejullar]

Changing out those blend door actuators was a test from god ☠Never have i cursed so much bent under the dashboard

[@thebraveone5095]

They are sleepers. These cars are fast, for real. But you better watch for the motor mounts, the ac motor in the passenger dash, and the rotors

[@CertifiedShadetree]

Never had any motor mount issues, but everything else and more!!

[@CertifiedShadetree]

My contact info: [e-mail]

[@cg8005]

You’re SPOILING the kid!! Make sure he’s not jackrabbit starting off the line…he’ll kill the trans with a full throttle 1-2 shift. Altimaxes are really good: I have them on my Lesabre. Maybe try the new Goodyear Reliants at Wallyworld…..cheaper than the altimaxes. The pad/rotor kits from rock auto can’t be beat. Just did the rears on my car for $52 plus shipping (but you’d probably need the coated rotors up in MN-a bit more $-where I chose non coated).

[@CertifiedShadetree]

Well we didn't exactly just hand him the car, he had to earn the privilege. And he's been very responsible with it, just uses it to drive to school and work. Told him from the get go if he even thinks of hooning it, I'll go in with my Tech 2 and change the speed limiter to 55!!🤣 Got a full set of Max Advanced Brakes with the black coated rotors for my old 12 Impala for $179. Can't go wrong for that price!! I've never had any luck with Goodyears, so I avoid them like the plague!!🤣