Hey all, new owner of an '08 Malibu (build date 11/07) here. (I have a technical question at the very bottom BTW).

I gotta say I had a bit of buyers remorse initially, as I really wanted an Accord, and was even looking at Camry's, etc. The interior took a bit of getting used to, along with the giant visibility hampering pillars and super narrow windows (I love the Coupe-sleek look on cars but I like a little "air" in the cabin)....

Anyway, just wanted to say that I am VERY happy with the purchase now, and am amazed at how much you get out of this car, not to mention it's IMO the best looking in its class. It's super quiet too, I am shocked at the double-laminated glass, which is a feature bragged about on even an S-Class.

I bought it for work trips (long distance) which I do weekly, and to rack the miles on, and I'm confident this thing will last a nice long time, and look and ride damn good while doing so.

As for my question, I hear a slight and relatively faint "clunking" noise, or actually more like something kind of like rattling around where the rear end is, seemingly under the rear passenger seat area, is this a normal issue at all? It only happens sometimes over bumps or rough surfaces.

P.S: I bought it as an Ex Rental which I was SO freaked about, but got it for an amazing deal, 12,995 with only 21K Miles.

Some quick pics, just gonna Tint the windows::
http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i243/MxSTAR/Maxima/9781024239255972661IM102565x421_-1.jpg
http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i243/MxSTAR/Maxima/9781024238255972661IM1MAIN565x42-1.jpg
http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i243/MxSTAR/Maxima/10162860987257170620IM104565x421_A5.jpg
http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i243/MxSTAR/Maxima/9781024242255972661IM105565x421_-1.jpg

Congrats on the new bu!

Not sure on the clunking sound I know in mine with windows down I can hear the shocks sometimes when going over speed bumps or dips in the road but I haven't noticed any clunking

Congrats!
Is that a 4 or a V6 3.5 fleet edition?

Btw, the worst case of buyers remorse I had was with 07 Accord. That car disappointed me in many ways so I traded in after a year for a Malibu :)

It's funny actually how there's always talk about declining quality among owners of recent Accords and Camrys and how general public is unaware of that at all.

Congrats on your purchase mate!!

Welcome aboard and congrats on your BU.

Congrats!
Is that a 4 or a V6 3.5 fleet edition?

Btw, the worst case of buyers remorse I had was with 07 Accord. That car disappointed me in many ways so I traded in after a year for a Malibu :)

It's funny actually how there's always talk about declining quality among owners of recent Accords and Camrys and how general public is unaware of that at all.

Thanks guys!!

Yeah, I did so much research on Affordable Midsizes, seriously obsessive, I gauged Safety, Reliability, Styling, MPG's, Warranty, Quality, of course Pricing/Age, etc. and the Malibu came out on top.

Indeed if you read up on Reviews, both the newest Camry's and Accords are having a lot of problems reported, haven't heard of many if any at all with the Malibu.

I'm gonna be keeping an ear out for that sound, I think clunking might be the wrong way to explain it, it just sounds like something in the rear passenger side shock/wheel area that's loose or something, kind of mutedly rolling, or "clunking" around.

Oh, it's the 4Cyl version as well. It sucks it only comes with a 4-Speed, but I gotta say the thing gets some solid MPG's considering the limited gears and weight of the car.

The clunking noise is the rear brakes. Does it do it a low speed?

We took ours into the dealer to have it checked out and they took apart the rear caliper and regreased the slider pins and it stopped.

Hmm, thanks, I'll have to check that out. It seems most noticeable at low speeds due to less all around noise otherwise, but I think it does happen at all speeds perhaps?

Quick update. Just got the windows tinted, and the car has an even sharper look to it. I really can't express how happy I am with this car. Especially for that price! :eek:

I bought it as a long-distance work hauler like I said, something to just be able to beat up without worrying much about, but what is surprising me is how much I enjoy driving it, and how good looking of a car it really is. I would describe myself as "OCD", basically an extremist, either I'm stressfully anal about my car (like I am with my other car), or I am carefree. The fact that I do enjoy this car enough, and don't worry myself about it, is starting to make my other car feel like a big headache to me with how nitpicky I am about it, haha.