2009 Chevrolet Impala Life Expectancy
As long as it’s well-kept and has light usage, a 2009 Chevy Impala should last somewhere between 150,000 and 200,000 miles.
Written by Andrew Biro
Reviewed by Melanie Reiff
On average, the 2009 Chevy Impala has a life expectancy of 150,000 to 200,000 miles, or 10 to 14 years, though it’s not impossible for it to reach 250,000 miles. Ultimately, however, a vehicle’s lifespan depends on one key factor: routine maintenance.
As far as fuel economy and interior styling, the 2009 Chevrolet Impala outstrips its competitors—it does, however, lag behind when it comes to actual performance and ride quality.
Of course, this doesn’t mean the model is a bad choice, nor does it mean the Impala is an unreliable vehicle. But just how long can it last? Let’s find out.
How many miles can a 2009 Chevy Impala last?
In theory, a 2009 Chevy Impala should last somewhere between 150,000 and 200,000 miles before it clunks out or needs serious repairs. Most American drivers travel 14,000 miles each year—so if your Impala has been driven this often, expect it to have a life expectancy of 10 to 14 years.
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How long does a Chevy Impala engine last?
As long as it is properly maintained and isn’t damaged in an accident, a 2009 Chevy Impala’s engine should last between 150,000 and 200,000 miles before experiencing serious issues or failing altogether.
The base LS model comes standard with a 3.5L V6 engine capable of producing 211 horsepower, whereas the LT trim may be equipped with a 244-horsepower 3.9L V6 engine.
For the most part, both engines are considered to be reliable—V6 engines need to be able to withstand more wear and tear, after all—but the smaller 3.5L engine gets slightly better fuel economy at 23 mpg compared to the 3.9L’s 21 mpg.
Can a Chevy Impala last 500,000 miles?
It would be disingenuous of us to say that it’s impossible for a Chevy Impala to cross the 500,000-mile mark—after all, there have been several Chevrolet vehicles over the years that have reached this milestone, so it’s not entirely out of the question.
Realistically, however, it is extremely unlikely for a Chevy Impala to last 500,000 miles, even with proper maintenance.
Average life expectancy of a Chevrolet Impala
With proper maintenance, Chevrolet claims that the Impala can easily reach 150,000 miles before requiring major repairs, though many customers have crossed the 200,000-mile mark without much issue.
According to data gathered by iSeeCars, 1.6% of Impalas have over 200,000 miles on them—and incredibly well-kept vehicles extend the model’s potential lifespan to 230,343 miles.
Of course, potential life expectancy isn’t the same thing as actual life expectancy, and any vehicle is only as good as its owner.
In reality, the actual life expectancy of a 2009 Chevy Impala depends on:
- Mileage: The average vehicle is driven a little over 14,000 miles each year—if your 2009 Chevy Impala has, on average, been driven less than this estimate, it could potentially last longer than 14 years.
- Routine maintenance: Missing a single oil change or driving with low coolant can drastically reduce your vehicle’s life expectancy. Following a routine maintenance schedule is the #1 way to get your Impala to the 200,000+ mile mark.
- Accident history: Even reliable vehicles like the Chevy Impala can see a marked decrease in their expected lifespan after just one accident, as a severe impact can make certain parts more susceptible to wear and tear.
If you’re in the market for a used 2009 Chevrolet Impala, make sure to check the mileage. As long as the vehicle is well under 150,000 to 200,000 miles, you can expect it to last a few years with proper maintenance.
If you’re looking to purchase an Impala that’s closer to the 200,000-mile mark, take some extra time to research the vehicle’s accident and maintenance history or have it inspected by a professional mechanic.
How to extend a 2009 Chevrolet Impala’s life expectancy
At the risk of sounding like a broken record, the secret to extending any vehicle’s life expectancy is proper maintenance—and the 2009 Chevy Impala is no exception.
Even an Impala with 200,000 miles on it can keep chugging as long as it receives the proper care. If you want to get the most out of your 2009 Chevy Impala, follow the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule for brake services (that includes pads and rotors), oil changes, and power steering fluid/automatic transmission fluid flushes.
Common 2009 Chevy Impala problems to watch out for
Despite being a fairly reliable vehicle, the 2009 Chevrolet Impala isn’t without its faults—and while there are a few universal problems that all vehicles are susceptible to, owners of the 2009 Chevy Impala have reported experiencing the following most frequently:
- Leaky intake manifold gasket: A loose or worn intake manifold gasket can result in an external oil or coolant leak, which can lead to engine trouble and overheating—replacing the gasket usually costs between $650 and $750.
- Leaky power steering hose: It is common for the 2009 Chevy Impala’s high-pressure power steering hose to leak fluid, which can make steering more difficult and may produce a whining noise—a replacement typically costs between $400 and $450.
- Failure of the transmission pressure control solenoid: If you start to notice erratic, rough, or jerky shifting between gears, the transmission pressure control solenoid may have failed—replacing it costs upwards of $1,000.
- Premature water pump failure: If you start noticing coolant leaking from the engine, notice that your engine temperature is hotter than normal, or begin hearing a squeaking noise, your Impala’s water pump may be on the verge of failure—on average, this part costs $700 to $850 to replace.
- Electrical problems: This is somewhat of a nebulous classification, but “electrical problems” encompasses a variety of potential issues, including malfunctioning sensors, incorrect dashboard light readings, burned-out wiring, and so on.
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FAQs
What percentage of cars make it to 300,000 miles?
According to AutoBlog, only 0.3% of all vehicles in the United States actually make it to 300,000 miles—and while the 2009 Chevy Impala can last upwards of 200,000 miles with the proper care, it’s extremely unlikely that one will last past 250,000 miles.
Which Chevy model has the highest life expectancy?
Across all Chevy models, the Chevrolet Suburban is considered to have one of the highest lifespans (150,000 to 250,000) and boasts a potential life expectancy of 265,700 miles.
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