The 2016 CHEVROLET IMPALA is a full-size sedan that appeals to buyers who want a spacious cabin, comfortable ride, and straightforward features at a reasonable used-car price. If you’re shopping for a 2016 Impala, this guide walks through the trims and engine choices you’ll see, what to check before you pay, how to read the vehicle history, and common problem areas to watch for.
Trims and Powertrains — What You’ll Find
The 2016 Impala was offered in a simple lineup that makes it easy to understand the options:
LS — The base trim. Basic convenience features, cloth seats, and the standard four-cylinder engine on most examples.
LT — Mid-level trim with upgraded infotainment, nicer interior materials, and optional packages. Many LT models have additional options such as remote start, upgraded audio, and comfort packages.
LTZ — The top trim. Leather upholstery, heated front seats, premium audio options (e.g., Bose), and the 3.6L V6 often found on higher-equipped cars.
Engines you’ll commonly encounter:
2.5L inline-4 (I4) — The standard engine for most LS and many LT models. It balances fuel economy and decent day-to-day power.
3.6L V6 — Optional on LT and common on LTZ. The V6 provides stronger acceleration and better passing power for highway driving.
What to Check Before You Buy
When inspecting any used 2016 Impala, prioritize these checks to avoid surprises after purchase:
Exterior and body: Look for mismatched paint, uneven panel gaps, or welding that could indicate previous accidents. Check for rust around wheel wells, lower doors, and under the car.
Tires and suspension: Uneven tire wear can signal alignment or suspension issues. Listen for clunks or creaks on bumps that point to worn bushings or shocks.
Engine and fluids: Check oil level and color, look for coolant leaks, and inspect under the car for fluid drips. Excessive oil consumption or sludge is a red flag.
Transmission: During a test drive, watch for smooth, consistent shifts. Hesitation, slipping or harsh shifts suggest transmission problems.
Brakes: Confirm strong, smooth braking without grinding, pulling to one side, or pulsation under pressure.
Electronics and infotainment: Test the radio, touchscreen (if equipped), Bluetooth, HVAC controls, power windows, and seat heaters. Electrical gremlins are common complaints on older cars.
Interior condition: Inspect wear on seats, steering wheel, and controls—these can reveal how the vehicle was used.
How to Read the Car’s History
Getting an accurate history is essential. Use the vehicle identification number (VIN) to pull a vehicle history report and do the following:
Title brands: Look for salvage, rebuilt, flood, or lemon law titles. Avoid salvage/flood cars unless you’re an expert with proper documentation and inspections.
Accident history: Small fender-benders can be acceptable if professionally repaired, but check for structural/frame claims or airbag deployments.
Service records: Regular maintenance (oil changes, brake service, timing-belt/chain work if applicable) is a strong positive. Gaps in maintenance don’t always mean trouble but raise risk.
Mileage consistency: Confirm odometer readings match previous records and inspection stickers. Look for unusually low mileage with many owners—this may indicate odometer tampering.
Recalls and warranty: Check whether recall repairs were completed. Many recalls are free to fix at a dealer even on used cars.
Common Problem Areas to Watch For
While overall the 2016 Impala is a solid choice, there are recurring issues reported by owners and mechanics that you should watch for when inspecting a used example:
Electrical and infotainment glitches: Problems with the MyLink system, Bluetooth connection inconsistencies, and intermittent power accessories can occur.
Transmission behavior: Some owners have reported rough or delayed shifts. A clean shifting pattern on your test drive is important.
Suspension noise and wear: Because the Impala is built for comfort, worn bushings or shocks can lead to body roll, clunks, or degraded ride quality.
AC/heater performance: Make sure the HVAC system properly cools and heats; repairs on compressors and HVAC systems can be costly.
Brake wear: Check for premature rotor or pad wear and any pulsing—warped rotors sometimes show up on heavier urban-driven cars.
Buying Tips and Negotiation Points
Always get a pre-purchase inspection (PPI) from an independent mechanic who will check for leaks, frame damage, and mechanical faults.
Use the vehicle history and any needed repairs as negotiation leverage. Factor in upcoming maintenance items such as tires, brakes, or timing-chain-related services.
Confirm all recalls were completed; if not, that can be a bargaining chip because the seller may need to arrange recall service.
Consider total cost of ownership: insurance, fuel (4-cylinder vs V6), and likely repairs. The V6 will be more fun but costs more to run.
Final thoughts
The 2016 CHEVROLET Impala remains a practical used-sedan choice if you prioritize interior space, a smooth ride, and simple, conventional powertrains. Focus your search on well-maintained LS, LT, or LTZ models with clear service histories, and be especially diligent with a test drive and a VIN-based history check. A thorough pre-purchase inspection will reveal most red flags—address those through price negotiation or walk away if structural or flood damage appears. With the right example, a 2016 Impala can deliver comfortable, reliable transportation for many miles.
FAQs
Q: Which engine is best for a 2016 Impala — the 2.5L or 3.6L?
A: The 2.5L four-cylinder offers better fuel economy and is sufficient for everyday driving. The 3.6L V6 provides noticeably stronger acceleration and is preferable if you often drive on highways or carry heavy loads. Choose based on your priorities: economy vs. performance.
Q: Are there any major recalls I should know about?
A: Specific recalls can vary by VIN and production date. Always run the VIN through official recall lookup tools and ask the seller for documented recall repair completion. Dealerships will perform recall repairs free of charge when required.
Q: How much should I expect to pay for maintenance on a used 2016 Impala?
A: Routine maintenance (oil changes, brakes, tires) is generally comparable to other midsize/full-size American sedans. Expect occasional higher-cost items—such as transmission or HVAC repairs—on older or poorly maintained examples. A pre-purchase inspection helps estimate near-term expenses.
Q: Is the Impala a good long-term car?
A: With consistent maintenance, many Impalas reach high mileage with reliable service. Prioritize cars with full service records and avoid those with major unresolved mechanical or body damage.
If you plan to purchase, bring a checklist based on this guide and consider having a trusted mechanic perform a PPI before finalizing the sale.
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