Just about everything was replaced over the years, but one can expect that with over 650,000 km on it.
Apart from a worn camshaft replaced at 350,000 km, the engine never had a wrench on it, and still had lots of power, too!
There wasn't much left of the interior, but it was a legend in my hometown.
This car was my first ever, the perfect balance of dependability, durability, (vast understatement) and simplicity. I will never own another vehicle that could come remotely close to it. It will be sorely missed.
I believe that clockwork service intervals and other preventative maintenance have allowed this car to have had such a formidable existence. I'd like to see the cars of today last this long. (ya right.) Why GM discontinued this car, I'll never understand.
Your experience and mine are similar. My '82 Impala, bought from the CHP at 96000 miles, has had another 300,000 miles put on it with only minor, expected repairs and maintenance. I attribute much of this to quality workmanship, regular maintenance, and synthetic oil.
Thank you, a good impala owner. I've got an 81 Diesel Impala with 120,000 miles. Best car I own and will never sell. GM made a mistake discontinuing the Impala. The one with the drive wheels on the correct end of course.
Out with the old and in with the old? Bought my 81 Bel Air Wagon in 87 with 187,000km (Alberta, Canada) and have just retired it at 370,000km. The body frame rusted out at rear lower control arm and broke. Broke my heart too. Never touched the engine, transmission or differential. Engine uses next to no oil. Trans works perfect. Battery going on for 11 yrs. Absolutely everything on this car worked properly and has never let me down. Why? Maintenance=longevity. Replaced it with, you guessed it, 81 Impala Wagon, beautiful body, low miles, rides quiet and tight. Do they make them like this anymore?
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