My wife is looking to move on up from her 2000 Buick Century so we have been out lot hopping driving about 30 used cars. They range from the Pontiac: Wave, Vibe and Torrent. Chev Cobalt, Malibu and Impalla. Also drove some Kia, Hyundai, assorted Fords such as Focus, Fussion.
The one I liked the most was out of her price range was a 2007 Impalla SS. That car is fast with a 5.3 V8. Had a blast driving it, my wife loved the power it had as we test drove ot for over 2 hours. ( I know the dealer). Then we drove a 2007 Impala LS with only 19,000 kms (under 12,000 miles) that we can get for $10,000. This one is like brand new still and came from an older couple. I will find out tomorrow if she decides on this one but am really hopeing she goes the extra $5,000 and gets the SS.

the imp SS is nice if you want one that is still pretty quick but less on the budget find a LT with the 3.9L in it.

that would be a fun DD!
We have been having an ongoing dispute at work: Who'* car is faster? Dukes 2009 Impala SS (5.3) or Thomas'* 2009 300C (5.7 Hemi)

I did not see any with the 3.9, the majority was either 3.4 or 3.5.

the 3.5L is ok but the 3.9L and some 5.3L'* have the active fuel management on them that shuts down half the motor to save fuel while cruising. that is why i wanted the one i got. i do a lot of traveling so anyway to cut corners on fuel consumption was a huge factor in the purchase

Those are very nice cars. Good luck.

The Impalas are nice cars. My parents have a 2009 LS they bought as a demo, in november 09, with only 10,000 kms on it. It has about 100,000 more on it now. Other than needing a 4 wheel alignment and a few small things that were covered under warrany, its been a good car. I haven't been in an SS, but one did drive past me one day when I was walking to school.. amazing sound

the 3.5'* like my 3400 will run well into the 30'* without afm. real world highway not epa listing that really isnt reliable.

that is correct however as long as you don't run ethanol. if you do you will see a nast drop in fuel economy

AFM ain't all it'* cracked up to be. I had it in both my Avalanche(07 LT) and my Monte Carlo(06 SS) and the difference between active and in-active was negligible.

Also be glad you got an 08, my moms 07 LTZ with the 3.9 has had a few problems in it. One being related to the AFM ahaha.