2008 Chevy Impala Life Expectancy
A 2008 Chevy Impala can generally last up to 200,000 miles. But that life expectancy depends on proper care and maintenance.
Written by Shannon Fitzgerald
Reviewed by Melanie Reiff
With regular maintenance, it’s predicted that a 2008 Chevy Impala’s life expectancy runs between 150,000 to 200,000 miles, or about 14 years. However, it may not last this long if it doesn’t receive proper care.
The 2008 Chevrolet Impala offers a spacious cabin and trunk, powerful engine options, and classic
Chevy
styling all for a very reasonable price—car insurance
bills included! Whether you’re hunting the used car market for your next commuter vehicle or are already using a 2008 Impala as your daily driver, you may be wondering just how far this sedan can actually go. Let’s break down the numbers.
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How many miles can a 2008 Chevy Impala last?
Based on the reliability of its parts, the 2008 Chevy Impala is anticipated to last between 150,000 and 200,000 miles. Given that the average American drives about 14,000 miles each year, you can reasonably expect the 2008 Chevy Impala to go as long as 10 to 14 years without needing major repairs (depending on your driving habits).
How long does a Chevy Impala engine last?
Just like your Chevy itself, the Chevy Impala engine will generally last between 150,000 and 200,000 miles as long as it receives
proper maintenance
. There are three engine options available in the 2008 Impala model: a 3.5-liter V6, a 3.9-liter V6, and a 5.3-liter V8. All three engines are rated highly for reliability, but the base 3.5-liter engine will get you the most fuel efficiency at an EPA-estimated 18/29 MPG city/highway compared to the V8’s 16/24 MPG.
Both V6 engine options also feature E85, or flex fuel, compatibility, which allows them to use an ethanol and gasoline mixture to run. While some Chevy owners claim that E85 will deteriorate your fuel system faster, many experts report that it makes little to no difference in your fuel system’s longevity.
In fact, because ethanol does an excellent job of cleaning deposits from your engine, fuel lines, and fuel injectors, an E85-powered engine may have a longer lifespan—though its fuel economy will suffer.
MORE: Chevrolet Impala Premier V6
Can a Chevy Impala last 500,000 miles?
Not likely. While it can’t be said with total certainty that it’s impossible for an Impala to hit that mileage, it’s extremely rare for any vehicle to endure that long (even with regular maintenance).
Therefore, despite receiving only two recalls in its lifetime and a “great” 87/100 quality and reliability score from J.D. Power, it would be a bit of an anomaly to see a 2008 Chevy Impala hit that 500,000-mile mark.
Average life expectancy for a Chevy Impala
As a whole, it’s expected that most Impala models will last up to 150,000 miles, with newer models anticipated to clock in around 200,000 to 300,000 miles. On average, Impala owners of various model years report that their sedan lasts as long as 160,000 to 200,000 miles before needing major repairs.
Statistically, the Chevy Impala does seem to hold up to these numbers. In a 2019 study from iSeeCars (an auto research firm), 1.7% of Impalas on the used car market had over 200,000 miles on them. While this percentage may seem low, it’s three times that of the average sedan—confirming the Impala’s renown as one of the most reliable American-made sedans out there.
Of course, the Chevy Impala’s longevity relies heavily on its owner, too. Here are a few major factors that can determine its life expectancy:
- The regularity of its maintenance: the worst thing you can do for any car is skip out on itsoil changesand routine check-ups. If you want your Impala to make it to 200,000 miles, it’s vital that you keep a regular maintenance schedule.
- Its annual mileage: an Impala that’s driven fewer miles per year than the average 14,000 could very likely see a lifespan longer than 14 years.
- How many collisions it’s been in: though the Impala has a 5/5 safety rating from theNHTSA, getting into any sort of accident can impair its components and lead to an earlier breakdown.
The average life expectancy of a new vehicle in 2006 was around eight years or 150,000 miles, according to a study by Consumer Reports. The 2008 Chevy Impala tends to exceed that number, but you’ll still want to take some precautions when considering buying one from a used car dealer.
Namely, keep an eye on its mileage and think very carefully before putting money down on an Impala with over 200,000 miles on it. Getting a pre-purchase inspection from a trusted mechanic is a great precaution to take
when buying any used car
. It’s also important to check in on the vehicle’s maintenance records and possibly run its VIN through a site, like Carfax
, for a more thorough vehicle history report. How to extend a 2008 Chevy Impala’s life expectancy
The key to extending your 2008 Chevy Impala’s life as much as possible is regular, ongoing maintenance. Remember to use your owner’s manual as a guide for recommended oil and fluid change schedules, as well as services to your
brake pads
, tires, and rotors. The more care you put into maintaining your Impala, the more miles it will be able to give you.
Common 2008 Chevy Impala problems to watch out for
Compared to other Impala model years, the 2008 Impala is one of the least recalled models—with just two official recalls compared to the 2014 Impala’s 12. However, that doesn’t mean the 2008 Impala isn’t without its issues.
- Loose or stuck ignition switch:faulty ignition switchmechanics and wiring have caused issues with erratic losses of engine, steering, and braking power in the 2008 Chevy Impala. Fortunately, you can most likely replace the switch for free through a Chevy dealer thanks to the 2014 recall.
- Transmission slipping: many drivers report hard or erratic transmission shifts, which is due to problems in the transmission pressure control solenoid. Replacing it typically costs between $150 and $400.
- Loose gas cap: when a gas cap is loose or worn on any vehicle, it can trigger thecheck engine lightto come on. This requires a check engine light diagnosis and testing, which generally costs between $88 and $111. It costs about $22 to justreplace the gas capyourself.
- Locked gear selector: the Impala’s gear shifter is prone to getting stuck in park, which can make it impossible to drive or tow without professional help.Costs for a towand replacement typically come to around $450.
- High-pressure power steering hose leaks: the power steering hose commonly wears out prematurely in the 2008 Impala and leaks out power steering fluid. Replacement costs tend to be about $412 to $449.
- Oil and coolant leaks: the Impala’s intake manifold gasket can often fail, leading to internal coolant leaks or external oil leaks.Replacing the intake manifold gasketcan run as high as $652 to $713, possibly even more depending on your location.
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FAQs
What percentage of cars make it to 300,000 miles?
Only about 0.03% of cars actually make it to 300,000 miles. As such, it’s highly unlikely that the Impala will last that long, but regular maintenance and a mild driving environment could give it a shot!
What is the highest mileage on a Chevy?
The record mileage for any Chevy vehicle is a whopping 1.29 million miles, which was set by Frank Oresnik in 2006 after delivering seafood between
Chicago
and Wisconsin
daily in his 1991 Chevy Silverado C1500
pickup. It may come as no surprise that Oresnik’s Silverado isn’t the only one to hit over a million miles either—a 2006
Chevy Silverado C3500
also reached 1.22 million miles hauling supplies for Hurricane Katrina recovery. While most Chevy Silverados can’t expect to last quite that long, regular oil changes, underbelly rust prevention, and careful maintenance can stretch a Silverado’s average life expectancy to 200,000 to 300,000 miles.Estimate your repair costs for free with GarageGuard™
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