I'm new here, because I'm looking for somewhere that I can find definitive answers to the following questions:

I'm shopping for a used car, and I think I want the impala, I have several options available from 2011 - 2014(limited, not the redesign 2014) and many in between.

But I can't find anywhere for certain that answers the two questions:

Are all of the available engines in the model years listed above interference engines? Or are they non-interference? The only websites I find listing this info about engines are out-dated.

Second: assuming they are interference engines, do they use a timing CHAIN or belt?

I have had an engine snap a belt and knowing what I'm dealing with is critical to the choice of vehicle.

Bonus question: also considering the malibu from the same time frame, so if anyone knows about that it would help as well, but I prefer the impala if all else is equal.

Thank you,

 

Hopefully you go into the malibu forum and check it out. I bet you'll end up running right out of there.

 

Supposedly the early LLT's had timing chain stretch issues. This can be found on many forums.

GM "Customer Satisfaction Program" Recall of 3.6L V6 Engine - Car Talk

GM 3.6L - timing chain problems?

I had an old 3.4 DOHC Lumina Z34 with a timing belt and that motor was interference.

I believe the 3.6's are interference.

GM High Feature engine - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia


I'm yet to be convinced of carbon buildup that would require a 'catch can' on a LFX.
(although I'm pretty sure I've seen enough smoke out my tailpipes that should cause me concern).

 

I don't think any of the engines use belts, all chains, not sure if they are interference or not, have not heard about anybody smackin valves with the V6 though.

 

I too specifically look for non interference engines on older timing belt cars.
(camry's good, hondas bad). It's usually 4 cylinders.
6 cylc usually ahve timing chains and i dont' worry about them.