First off I love the car- but like any car- there are things that bug you about it. I traded my 2003 Impala for this. Here is what I would change:
1. Engine- the 4 banger is weak- crank it up or dump it
2. Mileage- my 6 cyl impala got better mileage than this POS 4 cyl
3. Instrument cluster- Rental car quality/style at best- spent 10 bux more and make it not look like ass
4. Bose Sound system-Its GARBAGE. move the Pioneer from the cruze up in awl here. Plus reception sucks
5. Trunk- roomy- but the trunk opening SUCKS. cant fit a cooler in the friging trunk!!!!! (or a keg.....)
6. TRansmission- pick a gear....
7. XM radio- sounds like CRAP- probaly trying to compress too many channels. no, i will not be signing up...
8. Gas filler on opposite side- come on GM how long u been making cars?
9. leather seats- if i wanted 50% leather i would have paid for 50%
- its a mid size car thats got features of small and large car- it cant figure out which it wants to be.

well--thats a start :)

Things i like:
1. style- european style-
2. interior- reminded me of a audi i drove
3. seats are comfy
4. lots on knick knacks- features
5. consumer reports it a best buy.
6. 18" wheels look sweet
7. quiet inside

Should have bought a V6.

^^^ Ditto

Glad I got the V6 for 2 reasons:
1. More power (unh unh unh unh unh - Tim "The Tool Man" Taylor's patented grunt)
2. Hydraulic power steering standard on V6, not electric

Really? If they only offered a 4 banger you could bitch but they offer a 6. You didn't get it. Your Fault. The 4 cyl. does what's advertised which is adequately move the car while delivering good mileage. I don't have an issue with mine. If you wanted more power you should have got the 6 not chevy's fault.

Kudos to you for admiting your mistake. Most folks overcompensate for making a bad buying decision by overglorifying their purchase.

Now having said that. Didn't you test test drive the car and look at the interior before you purchased it. Or were you mesmerized by the new car buying experience and that new car smell. Don't laugh, it's happened to most of us.

I like Malibu; it is a good quality car for the money. I did not pay for a Cadillac, Lexus or Mercedes; I bought a Chevrolet at a much lower price than those cars. The Malibu delivers excellent value. Let cleatus build his own own car.

Sounds like somebody didn't do their homework ;) Really satisfied with my LTZ, car is quick, quiet and smooth, and yeah the 3.6 is the only way to go with the Malibu :D

http://img10.imageshack.us/img10/2011/img0374jv.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/10/img0374jv.jpg/)

Uploaded with ImageShack.us (http://imageshack.us)
http://img191.imageshack.us/img191/5484/img0384bt.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/191/img0384bt.jpg/)

Uploaded with ImageShack.us (http://imageshack.us)

Malo,
I love those wheels, man!

The v6 is the way to go if you wanted power. If you didn't care then the I4 matched with the A6 was your next best option. Sharp looking pictures Malo! I sometimes wish I'd gotten the v6, but I am happy with my end decision since I will eventually have a speed demon for my weekend car. Nice to have a counterbalance and such to get decent MPG.

The v6 is the way to go if you wanted power. If you didn't care then the I4 matched with the A6 was your next best option. Sharp looking pictures Malo! I sometimes wish I'd gotten the v6, but I am happy with my end decision since I will eventually have a speed demon for my weekend car. Nice to have a counterbalance and such to get decent MPG.

I think I see the wisdom of your whole plan, grasshopper. You buy I4 to get carbon credits built up so you can burn 'em off every weekend. ;)

The V6 is the way to go but I have also seen Malibu’s with the I4 flying past me on the highway but I imagine they are a big “Slow” dog on take off or when you really need the power to get out of a jam!

@Malo83, I agree / like your wheels! They might even look sharper with some Hankooks or another brand / model that does not say LS-2. Just busting your bubble! LOL!

Nice Wheels!

Malo - nice pictures. I'm not a big fan of the wheels, but that's just me. Your car looks great!

Thanks Guys :D

Kudos to you for admiting your mistake. Most folks overcompensate for making a bad buying decision by overglorifying their purchase.

Now having said that. Didn't you test test drive the car and look at the interior before you purchased it. Or were you mesmerized by the new car buying experience and that new car smell. Don't laugh, it's happened to most of us.



Many miss or just don’t find out many things of a car until some time after buying them! A Test Drive does not find all the likes / don’t likes or problem until later!

I can see this thread heating up like most end up doing with such a topic!:rolleyes:

I think that so long as we all exercise just a tad bit of discretion and mix in a little consideration for others, we ought to be fine.

But don't worry - I'm back from vacation and active! :D

I think I see the wisdom of your whole plan, grasshopper. You buy I4 to get carbon credits built up so you can burn 'em off every weekend. ;)

Lol, yep! Caught me, sensei.

First off I love the car- but like any car- there are things that bug you about it. I traded my 2003 Impala for this. Here is what I would change:
1. Engine- the 4 banger is weak- crank it up or dump it
2. Mileage- my 6 cyl impala got better mileage than this POS 4 cyl
3. Instrument cluster- Rental car quality/style at best- spent 10 bux more and make it not look like ass
4. Bose Sound system-Its GARBAGE. move the Pioneer from the cruze up in awl here. Plus reception sucks
5. Trunk- roomy- but the trunk opening SUCKS. cant fit a cooler in the friging trunk!!!!! (or a keg.....)
6. TRansmission- pick a gear....
7. XM radio- sounds like CRAP- probaly trying to compress too many channels. no, i will not be signing up...
8. Gas filler on opposite side- come on GM how long u been making cars?
9. leather seats- if i wanted 50% leather i would have paid for 50%
- its a mid size car thats got features of small and large car- it cant figure out which it wants to be.


Holy hell, Cleatus, with all due respect to you.....

Did you even drive the car before you bought it?

I bought a '10 LTZ 4cyl (after I put 18k on it, long term rental). It seems like we bought two entirely different cars!

Everyone seems to whine about the 4-banger... folks, it's a FOUR CYLINDER. My car runs right with the Camry 4-cylinder, and it jumps when I want it to jump: what did you want?

I'm driving 60% Interstate (HEAVY stop & go traffic), 40% urban. I'm up to 22.7 mpg, though my 4-banger can get 33mpg or so at 70mph. What re you getting for mileage?

Bose/XM - I've heard nothing but complements about my system, it sounds pretty good for factory.

Trunk opening - now, THERE we're definitely on the same page. Wonder what GM azzclown came up with this design? Frustrating at times to load small boxes, make me miss my pickup.

Leather seats - well, if you want GOOD leather seats, you should have spent another $15k on another make, THEN you'll start to see some GOOD leather seats. Overall, mine work really well with my bad back.


I'm on board with your likes, and let me add one more to the list:

I've been quite surprised with the retail resale value of my car here in the Great Sandspit of the South - it's right about what I paid for my car a year ago. The LTZs are popular here!

Your car should hold it's value about the same, and because it's red, it would probably be a bit more in demand.

Hey - there's still a lot of '11 V6 Malibus on the lots, or you can wait until next year to get a '13 with a turbo four!

Ya gotta take the cleats OPINION with a grain of salt... :)
1. engine- yes i test drove it- seemed weak, but i EXPECTED weak WITH good gas mileage...so far i still have the weak- crappy mileage
2. Mileage- you wont know the real mileage till ya have it for a while- so far- not impressed
3. Cluster- since i liked the car- i cant really ask for a new cluster to be put in just for ol' cleat...it was a SUGGESTION to GM- add some beauty to it.
4. Bose- I have NEVER beeen impressed with bose- maybe the 901's but nothing since. jsut another company with a recognizable name that sold out to big box junk. I just compared it to th cruz and that sound was reeeeealy good compared.
5. Trunk Opening=FAIL. Period
6. I am guessing the 6 speed is to always have a gear for the power provided...i get it
7. XM radio- seems flat-dull-blah to me.
8. Gas filler- FAIL- put it on the driver side- there is no excuse.
9. seats- is what it iz

1. Knee rests on both sides are hard plastic. On the left knee, it's also a 90 degree bend on the arm rest so it's worse. I hate that.
2. When the car is locked, the door lock post is right where you'd want to rest your arm on an open window. Make the damn thing flush when it's in the locked position.
3. Give the transmission a selection for "stop and go traffic" programming. The A6 is horrible in stop and go--it's always in the highest gear possible which is very jerky and always shifting up and down.
4. Yes, the trunk opening is small.
5. Give me someplace in the console dedicated to put my phone that isn't the passenger seat, cupholder, or that cubby behind the shifter that you can't access easily.
6. Add a timer to the DIC
7. When I push the garage door opener, open the sunroof, etc, the entire headliner moves about a half inch until it hits the roof. Put something solid up there- a screw, tab, bracket, something! Makes my LTZ seem chinsy inside.


The gas filler on the passenger side is actually very good since it's different than most other cars. It grew on my wife and me quickly with her Equinox and I like it also on the Malibu. I never wait at a gas station for a free pump. It's amazing to pull into a rest stop on the Penn Turnpike or other one way in, one way out gas stations and have a line on each of the pump right sides 4 to 5 cars deep and I motor on up to the opposite side of the pump with no wait.

3. Give the transmission a selection for "stop and go traffic" programming. The A6 is horrible in stop and go--it's always in the highest gear possible which is very jerky and always shifting up and down.


Does any car in the world really have that ??

I thought that was what the "manual shift" selection was for !! ;)

yeah- that door lock thing is annoying- do their testers not stick their arms out the window and drive?
the door is a bit too high to comfortably put your arm on anyway- but not much they could do about it as it would change the look of the car to lower it.
...not that you want your arm out on the broiling chrome trim anyway :)

Does any car in the world really have that ??

I thought that was what the "manual shift" selection was for !! ;)

Yes, it's called Sport Mode.

They could call it "Skittle Pooping Unicorn Mode" for all I care...just keep the car out of 5th and 6th gear under 40 and hold the other gears a little longer and I'd be happy. Since I do almost all of my driving in stop and go with this thing, I think I'd actually be happier with the old 4 speed...it's that bad.

I just purchased my Malibu with the 4 cylinder and I have not had any issues with it, True I am very new to this forum but I really have been following it for past couple of days, I like what I see...Knowledge! Question? do the cold air intake filters work? and which one would you recommend?

For the 4 cylinder don't do it. All you'll get is computer codes. Use the Search feature and you'll find it has been discussed a lot, and you'll be able to save your money by reading the posts.

Ya gotta take the cleats OPINION with a grain of salt... :)
1. engine- yes i test drove it- seemed weak, but i EXPECTED weak WITH good gas mileage...so far i still have the weak- crappy mileage
2. Mileage- you wont know the real mileage till ya have it for a while- so far- not impressed
3. Cluster- since i liked the car- i cant really ask for a new cluster to be put in just for ol' cleat...it was a SUGGESTION to GM- add some beauty to it.
4. Bose- I have NEVER beeen impressed with bose- maybe the 901's but nothing since. jsut another company with a recognizable name that sold out to big box junk. I just compared it to th cruz and that sound was reeeeealy good compared.
5. Trunk Opening=FAIL. Period
6. I am guessing the 6 speed is to always have a gear for the power provided...i get it
7. XM radio- seems flat-dull-blah to me.
8. Gas filler- FAIL- put it on the driver side- there is no excuse.
9. seats- is what it iz
1. As said before the Malibu has the option of a V6, it's totally your fault that you don't have the 6. The Malibu is not and has never been a sports car. To expect the kind of power you'd get out of a Cobalt SS, Neon SRT, Focus SVT or any other performance 4 banger is just ridiculous.
2. I have the 4 cylinder, and my parents have the 6 cylinder. Over the past year that i've had my car i've kept a very close eye on my mileage and i've watched my parents. My average mileage comes in at 22mpg and my parents comes in at 18mpg. I admit the 4cyl is a bit lower than I would have expected but i've seen first hand it gets better mileage than the 3.6L V6.
3. I guess i'm just use to plain gauges where the main idea is functionality, the Malibu has the best looking cluster of any vehicle i've ever owned. It doesn't seem cheap in the least(but that may just be the LTZ cluster)
4. On the stereo I have heard much better factory systems, check out the Mach 360 in the Mustangs, but still the Bose system is certainly adequate and from the threads in the modifications section these stereos are easily upgraded.
5. The trunk opening......... It's a trunk opening:confused: My trunk opens just fine, it's large enough that I was able to lay the seats down and fit a huge little giant model 26 into the car through the trunk. It was a tight fit but if I can fit that big eucker in through the trunk then I doubt your complaint holds any water.
6. Yes, the 6 speed will search for a gear. It's simple common sense. The more gears you have the more the transmission will want to shift back and fourth to find the proper gear for the RPM you're at. Go find yourself an old car from the 70s with a 3 speed auto and that will barley shift as its driving, think about it chief!
7. This is the one i'm the most confused about, I love my XM so far. Around where I live the radio stations play the same boring crap every day and have done so for countless years. With XM i've heard artists and songs that I never knew existed. Plus to top it all off most of XM is UNCENSORED! How could that be flat or dull? Only problem I have with the XM is when I pass under a bridge I loose the signal for half a second.
8. The gas filter. Who or what decides what side of the car is the right or wrong side for the filter? My truck and my bike both have their fuel filters on the left side of the vehicle, so the Malibu's fuel filter seems to be on the correct side to me. I mean is there a stamp or something under the car that points to the right side of your car that says "fuel filter goes here"?
9. Yeah the seats are what they are......... whatever that's suppose to mean :confused:

All in all your argument on what you dont like about your car seems nothing more than you. Nothing you've mentioned is a true issue with these cars and can be fixed by finding a car with the features you actually do want.

put a regular size cooler in your trunk- without doing it from the inside...
really? A v6 has more power...would have never guessed.
My point was for how gutless it is, the mileage should be better.
The Bose system does not look easy to upgrade at all- without entire system replacement
The gas filler should be ont the driver side- cause i say so.
the XM sound is not nearly as clear or sound as good as radio or cd.

The Trunk Opening is too narrow in my opinion! Yes I did notice it right from the start when looking at it on the dealership lot! Yes you can’t fit an full size cooler in the trunk because of this reason “ Narrow Opening.” The size is decent, it is just the opening that is not practical at certain times.

Gas Mileage? Yes it would be nice if it was a little better but it pretty much gets what it is rated except for the city rating, totally wrong! 12 -14 MPG is not 17 mpg as rated period! This hurts the average rating! I agree with the 18mpg avg. since that is about what I get on mine, give or take!

I think a 4 cylinder with a turbo would have been more ideal for this car!

Gas cap! It does not really matter to me, if anything it my be safer if you ran out gas being on the passenger side but I am sure I won’t let this happen!

Bose system! Again it does not matter to me since the 2008 models did not have them but I have to admit the system I have is not the greatest and I am sure it would sound better with the Bose speakers. My one and only complaint is the ratting in the back dash!

All in all. The Malibu is a nice car and as far as the design looks? Very Sharp looking, GM did an awesome job! The only thing that has me concerned is the Long Term Reliability of the car since I and many have had so many issues! Hopefully this is all in the past now and it will turn into a decent car since I don’t plan on getting rid of mine for a long time and the fact that I really do like the Malibu, believe it or not!

It has been a very long haul for me and my car! Many trips to the dealership but again, hopefully that is all done, the bugs have been worked out and all is in the past!

Yes there are things that I have found that I don’t like but not enough to take the loss to get rid of it at this time!

PS. The seats, not the most comfortable! A real soft leather would be nice! I can almost guarantee GM will change this on the new generation Malibu! They know what they did / didn’t do! Now that they have their heads above water, hopefully we will see a change for the better.

right on 08...sorry about the confusion- its the trunk OPENING that is FAIL not the trunk size-the size is great.
What kind of troubles have you had? I know consumer reports rates these things way up there-hope i dont have that many :) My previous 03 Chev Impaler did...engine, tranny, brakes...
As far an engine- my next car WILL be a turbo diesel- it would be a perfect match for this car and its weight. And would be a Jetta killer.

right on 08...sorry about the confusion- its the trunk OPENING that is FAIL not the trunk size-the size is great.
What kind of troubles have you had? I know consumer reports rates these things way up there-hope i dont have that many :) My previous 03 Chev Impaler did...engine, tranny, brakes...
As far an engine- my next car WILL be a turbo diesel- it would be a perfect match for this car and its weight. And would be a Jetta killer.



I have had multiple issues such as Steering/Suspension problems! Shimmies to rattles, clunks in the front end to whining/growl sound when turning the Steering wheel! The entire steering rack has been replaced / Steering Column and cover replaced!

Transmission leak issues! “Twice” Cooling line replaced and major transmission work! The entire Housing around the torque converter replaced!

Headlight replacement due to water and condensation problems with both lights, what hell they put me through at the time, trying to get them to replace them!

Drivers seat Air bag cover replaced since it was falling apart! Now the back of seat Plastic is starting to come apart!

Took it in for squeaky brake issue!

Lock Actuator problems!

Whistling sound coming from vent! A modular of some kind was replaced!

Dash Pad was lifting! Was replaced then Vent trim got damaged during the process! New trim replaced!

Remote Start making an awful sound when engaged, reprogrammed- problem corrected per GM responds to dealership!

Remote Start metal to metal scrape sound in cold weather! Still not fixed - Unresolved issue with GM!

Headliner rattles & Creak sounds, Worked on per TSB several times! Still have issues with it time to time but NOT nearly as bad.

This is a small list of problems that I had with my Malibu that I can think of off the top of my head, I am sure I could continue to add the list if I pulled out some of my paperwork but I am sure you get the point and can understand my long term concerns! Many of these dealership appointments were non stop returning trip before anything got fixed correctly.

I put around a thousand miles on my Malibu in just trips to and from the Dealership! I have come very close to trading and taking a Hugh loss in the past! I almost drove off with a New Ford Taurus SEL one day! If the trade-In Value was not so low, I just might have made a deal and left the Malibu behind at the Ford Dealership.

Hopefully I did not make an mistake since my trade-in value would be even lower now! Hoping the Malibu is good now after going through all of the headaches! I think I have put up with a lot with this car, I think even your most committed GM person would have gave up on the car and said hell with GM!;)

I would hate to see / think of this car being driven by some else after investing thousands of dollars into it and going through all the trouble getting "Most" all my issues fixed!


PS. I had to replace my tires since the original OEM Goodyear LS-2 tires were horrible in general performance! Winter time, forget it! Useless / dangerous!

Ug man- sounds like my old Imapler. but after i got the majors fixed, it ran like a champ!
I too have some clunking in the front over bumps- impala never did that- not sure if normal- also makse a "squish" sound over bumps...
otherwise 3500 miles and no issues.

I just install 10K HID ( lows & highs ) and they are the only way to go. had to remove the front bumper but all is well.

7. XM radio- sounds like CRAP- probaly trying to compress too many channels. no, i will not be signing up...


XM radio delivers music channels at between 30 to 50 kb/second.
CD audio is runs at 1411 kb/second.

If you've got a good ear for music you will not enjoy either of the satellite radio providers. I had Sirius for a couple of years and could not handle listening to music; talk radio was acceptable.

Tried it again--- XM STILL SUCKS....sound is CRAP.
The reception on the Bose sound system/head unit sucks too... I used to get WAAAAAAY better reception with my 03 Impaler. This one fades out ALOT.
Friggin Bose POS.
I honestly have not tried a CD yet- but the ipod sounds much better- and thats even compressed mp3.
Anotehr question- Where is the HD radio? Figured this "high end" sound system would have that.

I would change the name on the finance application so that my fiance didn't actually sign for such a cheap GM product. Unfortunately I didnt know her when she bought it, otherwise she wouldnt be driving anything made by GM.

I would change the name on the finance application so that my fiance didn't actually sign for such a cheap GM product. Unfortunately I didnt know her when she bought it, otherwise she wouldnt be driving anything made by GM.

Did you sign up on this forum just to voice your displeasure for your fiancée's car? (FYI fiancé means man, fiancée means woman) Now while there are lemons out there in every make and model I think your issue might have something to do with a prior post that you made. See below

Thanks for the info. It's my fiance's car and I just spoke to her about the oil change. SHe's terrible about the upkeep of the car. It's about 10,000 miles OVER the mileage of when it should have had an oil change. So basically she'd driven it for 13,000 miles since the last oil change!!

If she takes such poor care of her cars then I don't think any car would be indestructible enough to satisfy the two of you.


Considering the all plastic interior, cheap/shoddy construction, under powered engine, terrible road noise, uncomfortable seating, and the overblown price tag for what you get...I'd call it the Chevy POS!

I happen to like my Malibu's interior.

Shoddy construction? My Malibu has only had one issue and that was due to a bad switch on my sunroof. The fit of the body panels is excellent (I've seen mid range Japanese cars that the wind literally blows through the gaps) and overall I would say my Malibu is built very well.

Under-Powered Engine? Well, that's why they made the 3.6. You need to research and test drive before you buy.

Road Noise??? This is the quietest car I've ever owned. My last car was a 2002 Impala LS that at the time was touted as one of the quietest cars; my Malibu is much quieter than the Impala ever was.

Uncomfortable Seating - The seats are a definitely different than most cars, and I would even say that getting in and out of the drivers seat requires an unusual amount of effort. I would not call them uncomfortable though.

+1 on the quietest car I've ever driven!! I did come from a 06 Mustang though ;)

+1 on the quietest car I've ever driven!!

There have been many times where I think mine is TOO quiet.

I pretty much can't use the manual shift because I can't gauge the engine speed by the noise it makes !!!

I can hear some tread noise from the tires......but I think that's a good thing......because other noises don't drowned it out. ;)

I agree - it's the quietest car I've ever owned or driven. Part of that has to do with the laminated glass in the front doors (but not the back). Like MK says, it might even be too quiet. Heck, I dumped the stock muffler for a pair that make a little more noise. The muffler shop and I are still dinking around with 'em but it already sounds better. When I'm done I'm sure it'll be just right!

On my '09 and again on my '11 I went around the entire car checking the gaps. Except for where the hood meets the bumper skin just above the grille openings the gaps are nearly perfect. The hood-to-bumper gap is not as good as I'd like compared to the rest, but it's still decent.

The interior could be better but hey, I also didn't pay over $100K for this. Take a look at the Corvettes and see what they get for $50K or more.

Power? My '09 could take a V6 Mustang stick weighing less than the 'Bu. I still have the V6 in the '11. I test drove the I4 and was impressed for a 4-banger, but when I had to go to the hospital to fix my broken neck after testing the V6 I was sold.

I signed up for this forum to get an answer to a question, which I got the answer. After reviewing some of the posts it was just amazing to me the number of people that think highly of this vehicle. I'm a General Manager of a car dealership in Dallas, TX and after seeing, driving, and playing around in just about every vehicle on the road, this thing is definately a low level vehicle. It is widely popular amongst people with low income, low credit, yet needing a family sedan. My fiancee was a single mom when she bought her's so yes, she too fell in these categories, and I'm assuming most owners do based on my car selling experience. It serves a purpose for those people who fall within that description but lets not act like it's more than it is. Do I drive one? NOPE, and never will. I actually drive a brand new Lexus IS350.

And to the guy who thinks his Malibu will outrun a V6 Mustang...you sir are an idiot. I hope you're not serious or are potentailly smoking crack. You may think your driving some sort of speed demon but to those of use who sell them and drive them, I know better!!

I actually drive a brand new Lexus IS350.

When you look up the definition of condescending, this post will be listed as an example.

What exactly did you hope to accomplish by making that post here ?? :rolleyes:

I think it smells like a troll.

When you look up the definition of condescending, this post will be listed as an example.

What exactly did you hope to accomplish by making that post here ?? :rolleyes:

I think it smells like a troll.

He was trying to salve his tiny ego?

The 'Bu is a fine family flivver. I do wonder about those that want to make them hot rods, but eh. For that, I have the Cougar :p

(Even back in the 60's the Chevelle base was for hot rodders, the Malibu was more of a smaller family car. But that's history nowadays)

RwP

I signed up for this forum to get an answer to a question, which I got the answer. After reviewing some of the posts it was just amazing to me the number of people that think highly of this vehicle. I'm a General Manager of a car dealership in Dallas, TX and after seeing, driving, and playing around in just about every vehicle on the road, this thing is definately a low level vehicle. It is widely popular amongst people with low income, low credit, yet needing a family sedan. My fiancee was a single mom when she bought her's so yes, she too fell in these categories, and I'm assuming most owners do based on my car selling experience. It serves a purpose for those people who fall within that description but lets not act like it's more than it is. Do I drive one? NOPE, and never will. I actually drive a brand new Lexus IS350.

And to the guy who thinks his Malibu will outrun a V6 Mustang...you sir are an idiot. I hope you're not serious or are potentailly smoking crack. You may think your driving some sort of speed demon but to those of use who sell them and drive them, I know better!!

Dang. So, if I can beat a Mustang one-on-one you think I'm what, exactly? Oh, hold on, not only did you condescend in that comment and suggest that I am "potentailly" smoking crack, you directly called me an idiot! We have a zero-tolerance policy here, so you're on vacation for 10 days. Get a better attitude. If/when you come back there will be no more name-calling or you're just plain gone - got it?

If/when you come back you might also want to consider a spell checker. Your spelling shows that either you're in too big of a hurry to care, or that you just don't know how. I know that others don't spell too well at times and nobody says anything to them at all. But with your attitude, sticking your nose in the air, you've set yourself up as a target. Well, take a look at MK's post. You've succeeded in victimizing me and gaining the ire of not just me but others as well!

I just push a mouse around all day, making spreadsheets and databases do things that others don't want to. In my spare time I enjoy the snot out of driving my car. I really don't care if you are one "who sell[s] them and drive[s] them," you, sir don't know better! I beat the Mustang, plain and simple. Did you read and understand my post? It was with my '09 that was traded almost a year ago, and the Mustang I beat was an '06 or '07, which was before they upped the horsepower. I'd be foolish to attempt that with one of the new ones. But my ego isn't as large as yours, Mr. "Drives a Brand New Lexus", so if I were to try to outgun him I would have already told him that I expected to lose.

***********************************************
When you look up the definition of condescending, this post will be listed as an example.

What exactly did you hope to accomplish by making that post here ?? :rolleyes:

I think it smells like a troll.

Thank you for the added support, MK. That just proves to me that I'm not the only one who took offense to his attitude.

I signed up for this forum to get an answer to a question, which I got the answer. After reviewing some of the posts it was just amazing to me the number of people that think highly of this vehicle. I'm a General Manager of a car dealership in Dallas, TX and after seeing, driving, and playing around in just about every vehicle on the road, this thing is definately a low level vehicle. It is widely popular amongst people with low income, low credit, yet needing a family sedan. My fiancee was a single mom when she bought her's so yes, she too fell in these categories, and I'm assuming most owners do based on my car selling experience. It serves a purpose for those people who fall within that description but lets not act like it's more than it is. Do I drive one? NOPE, and never will. I actually drive a brand new Lexus IS350.

And to the guy who thinks his Malibu will outrun a V6 Mustang...you sir are an idiot. I hope you're not serious or are potentailly smoking crack. You may think your driving some sort of speed demon but to those of use who sell them and drive them, I know better!!

Ohhhh, a Lexus IS350! Well I guess we should all bow down at the feet of somebody that can afford a fancy Toyota. Good for you buddy! Maybe I should head on over to the Lexus forums and start slinging it like you huh?

The Malibu was my choice, just as an Impala was my choice of car before that. I used to live very close to the plant that makes the Impalas and I've met a lot of people who's incomes depend on people buying the cars that keep them in jobs. Maybe I'm a sucker or maybe I've had a little bit of the "Domestic KoolAid" but at least I know that I've done something very small to help my community.

I don't want this to turn into a debate over the amount of money that car companies put into local economies so I'm going to leave it at that.

So enjoy your Lexus and enjoy the feeling you get when you pass a Malibu on the highway; you're so much better than that guy driving his crappy car. In the end being "better-than" is what matters right?

If you are that unhappy with it then trade it in rather than bitch about it, if you arent getting good gas milage then there is something wrong, the 4 cyl in these cars are known for great gas milage and mine gets great milage.If you want power buy something with a V8

Ohhhh, a Lexus IS350! Well I guess we should all bow down at the feet of somebody that can afford a fancy Toyota. Good for you buddy! Maybe I should head on over to the Lexus forums and start slinging it like you huh?

The Malibu was my choice, just as an Impala was my choice of car before that. I used to live very close to the plant that makes the Impalas and I've met a lot of people who's incomes depend on people buing the cars that keep them in jobs. Maybe I'm a sucker or maybe I've had a little bit of the "Domestic KoolAid" but at least I know that I've done something very small to help my community.

I don't want this to turn into a debate over the amount of money that car companies put into local economies so I'm going to leave it at that.

So enjoy your Lexus and enjoy the feeling you get when you pass a Malibu on the highway; you're so much better than that guy driving his crappy car. In the end being "better-than" is what matters right?

No my friend YOU are the idiot! The mods need to delete your ass from this forum

No my friend YOU are the idiot! The mods need to delete your ass from this forum

What we have here is a failure to communicate. :eek:

You really are NOT sticking up for the pompus ass that started this side-thread......are you ??? :rolleyes:

I feel another timeout coming.

What we have here is a failure to communicate. :eek:

You really are NOT sticking up for the pompus ass that started this side-thread......are you ??? :rolleyes:

I feel another timeout coming.

Pretty sure he meant the other guy. Just messed up his quoting a little.

No my friend YOU are the idiot! The mods need to delete your ass from this forum

I fixed your quote but I'm not sure who you're calling an idiot. You can see from a member getting a vacation that we won't tolerate name-calling. Stating an opinion (wrong or right) or being arrogant are things we can discuss and possibly correct. Care to explain?

Alright, back on track.

One thing that annoys me is how far you have to lean out of the car to grab the door handle when the front doors are at the full open positon.

Ummm... that was not neccesary at all...

Alright, back on track.

One thing that annoys me is how far you have to lean out of the car to grab the door handle when the front doors are at the full open positon.

I agree and at the same time disagree. Weird, but follow my thoughts, please.

The door has 2 detents before it reaches its fully open position. Most other cars have 1 detent, and fully open is only about as far as our second detent. So yes, I agree that it opens so far that it's hard to reach. I've come up with 2 ways of dealing with it. Usually when getting in I pull the door to the last detent so I can reach it, but if I don't then I reach out and grab the cup holder/pocket to draw the door close enough to use the "normal" handle.

Where I disagree - well, lemme rephrase, please. I don't really disagree. The door opens too far to make it easy to close while seated. But because it opens so far it makes cleaning the windshield much easier, and I appreciate that point.

I saw a TV show where Rolls Royce has a button to close the door. I'm sure other high-dollar cars do as well. I wonder what it would take to fit something like that.............

I agree and at the same time disagree. Weird, but follow my thoughts, please.

<snip>

I saw a TV show where Rolls Royce has a button to close the door. I'm sure other high-dollar cars do as well. I wonder what it would take to fit something like that.............

Ummm....

How about one of the Lamborghini door kits for bu's on eBay?

They're probably manually operated, but you probably could hook up an electrically powered hydraulics kit to open/close the doors.

DD, if you buy the door kit, electronics & hydraulics, and supply a keg of beer, we can all come over one Sunday and install it for you! :rolleyes:

But, probably not....

Ummm....

How about one of the Lamborghini door kits for bu's on eBay?

They're probably manually operated, but you probably could hook up an electrically powered hydraulics kit to open/close the doors.

DD, if you buy the door kit, electronics & hydraulics, and supply a keg of beer, we can all come over one Sunday and install it for you! :rolleyes:

But, probably not....

IF I buy the kit (not! ;)), and IF I could get you guys to come over, I think I'll hold the keg opening ceremony until after it's done. I'm sure it wouldn't benefit the installation much by opening it early, eh?

'Sides, I'd have to get the suicide Lambo doors for the rears. If I were to choose to make my doors open in any other fashion than stock I think I'd gull wing 'em. I'm certain that I'll be installing neither the Lambo nor Mercedes versions.

But thanks for the offer! :)

I fixed your quote but I'm not sure who you're calling an idiot. You can see from a member getting a vacation that we won't tolerate name-calling. Stating an opinion (wrong or right) or being arrogant are things we can discuss and possibly correct. Care to explain?
Originally Posted by Hotrodjrd
I signed up for this forum to get an answer to a question, which I got the answer. After reviewing some of the posts it was just amazing to me the number of people that think highly of this vehicle. I'm a General Manager of a car dealership in Dallas, TX and after seeing, driving, and playing around in just about every vehicle on the road, this thing is definately a low level vehicle. It is widely popular amongst people with low income, low credit, yet needing a family sedan. My fiancee was a single mom when she bought her's so yes, she too fell in these categories, and I'm assuming most owners do based on my car selling experience. It serves a purpose for those people who fall within that description but lets not act like it's more than it is. Do I drive one? NOPE, and never will. I actually drive a brand new Lexus IS350.

And to the guy who thinks his Malibu will outrun a V6 Mustang...you sir are an idiot. I hope you're not serious or are potentailly smoking crack. You may think your driving some sort of speed demon but to those of use who sell them and drive them, I know better!!



[Above you will find the quote of the person I refered to as an idiot! This person should have been removed from the forum as soon as this post was posted. Why would you allow a person that made the comments that were made about the owners of the Chevy Malibu being low income bad credit holders to get as far as they did? As someone that is not low income and has the best credit I was offened by his comments and this is why I called him an idiot. Anyone with a small amount of intelligence wouldnt post what this person posted and although I agree there shouldnt be name calling I still feel that he is just that an id***.....sorry

Above you will find the quote of the person I refered to as an idiot!

Well then the easy part is: You need to be more careful with your quotes and comments because your previous message made it look like you were directing that insult at someone else entirely. That's the way fights start. :eek:

I won't comment on the rules; that's for somebody else to do.

ssman,
Thank you for taking the time to help me understand. I fully agree with your point of view. The only thing I've done thus far is give him a vacation for 10 days. It'll be up to him when he comes back, if he comes back, to post responsibly.

Also, I saw that you were quoting multiple posts. I modified your post a little to make it more understandable, as MK suggested. I'd like to help you out with that. It took me quite a while before I finally figured out how but I'll save you (and any other readers) some of the struggle. You already know how to quote a single post so I won't bore you with that.

At the bottom right of each post (if the thread is not locked) you'll see some buttons. One says "Multi Off". For each post that you want to quote, click it. It will then say "Multi On". Once you have identified all the posts you want to quote, then click "Quote" and it will properly quote and highlight each one separately. You can even quote within the thread from more than one page!

Try it when you have a minute. When you're done just delete the post yourself (click "Edit" button, then "Delete", and provide a short reason) to keep it cleaned up.

Again, thanks for providing insight on your comment. Even though I agree with your sentiment let's all of us take the high road and refrain from calling each other names. Discuss - yes, Insult - no.

;)

Popcorn...check.

I signed up for this forum to get an answer to a question, which I got the answer. After reviewing some of the posts it was just amazing to me the number of people that think highly of this vehicle. I'm a General Manager of a car dealership in Dallas, TX and after seeing, driving, and playing around in just about every vehicle on the road, this thing is definately a low level vehicle. It is widely popular amongst people with low income, low credit, yet needing a family sedan. My fiancee was a single mom when she bought her's so yes, she too fell in these categories, and I'm assuming most owners do based on my car selling experience. It serves a purpose for those people who fall within that description but lets not act like it's more than it is. Do I drive one? NOPE, and never will. I actually drive a brand new Lexus IS350.

And to the guy who thinks his Malibu will outrun a V6 Mustang...you sir are an idiot. I hope you're not serious or are potentailly smoking crack. You may think your driving some sort of speed demon but to those of use who sell them and drive them, I know better!!

So you drive a glorified Toyota. That's great. So much better than us low income Malibu owners. :rolleyes: Here's your cookie.
http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r225/gmc1234/quiz1083outcome2.jpg

Meanwhile, back to the subject: Things I would change

1) I would appreciate a headrest that wasn't tilted so far forward. Places my head an uncomfortable angle.
2) Should have gotten the v6. 4 is OK.
3) Door lock button. I hate having it dig into my underarm when I try resting arm out the window.
4) The need to remove bumper to replace bulbs. I can envision a couple of strategically placed quick release buttons form the front to make this much easier.
5) Some additional stiffening of the roof. I about freaked out when going through a car wash and the blowers caused the roof panel to vibrate. I have since noticed when I try waxing the roof it flexes far more than I care for.
6) Larger trunk opening. I didn't realize it was THAT small until I tried putting some packages in back.

Overall, now that I own it, I would give it a 8/10. I got what I paid for.

Meanwhile, back to the subject: Things I would change

1) I would appreciate a headrest that wasn't tilted so far forward. Places my head an uncomfortable angle.
2) Should have gotten the v6. 4 is OK.
3) Door lock button. I hate having it dig into my underarm when I try resting arm out the window.
4) The need to remove bumper to replace bulbs. I can envision a couple of strategically placed quick release buttons form the front to make this much easier.
5) Some additional stiffening of the roof. I about freaked out when going through a car wash and the blowers caused the roof panel to vibrate. I have since noticed when I try waxing the roof it flexes far more than I care for.
6) Larger trunk opening. I didn't realize it was THAT small until I tried putting some packages in back.

Overall, now that I own it, I would give it a 8/10. I got what I paid for.

1. I agree. I now have head restraints from an '09. The stockers are put away.
2. I agree again. I test drove the 4 and it was impressive. But I knew that when I press the skinny pedal I'd want more.
3. I agree. I'm going to put a little more bend in the rods for all 4 doors to make them flush with the panel.
4. Can't agree more! Who ever designed a car knowing the bumper had to come off for this???
5. I have the sunroof and the only vibes I get are on the rear portion.
6. I agree X2. It's small, but I knew it when I got it and got what I paid for.

I like your straight-forward assessment.

Regarding the light change/bumper removal, at first I agreed with it, but found that familiarity with the procedure really makes it less of an issue for me.

The first time I did the bumper removal to change the lights, I removed the wheel well covers long with other items and it took me roughly 8 hours. Of course, that included an oil change and a full clean of of the plastic/rubber protective pieces with it's two years of accumulated dust and dirt.

Fast forward to that following week. I decided to revisit my procedure and looked at everything I truly needed to remove.

Long story short, I put the front part of my car up on the ramps and did the new revised work. From the time it went up on the ramps to the time I pulled it down only 45 minutes for a full light bulb change.

While that may be more than the twenty minutes I might have taken with my Monte Carlo, I would still consider that to be a reasonable time frame.

I took out the bolts behind the fender liner and left them out. The rest are just little screws and plastic rivets. Easy peasy.

I can't tell you how many times I almost drove away from the gas station with hose still in the fill tube. I'll get distracted when filling up and since I can't see the gas hose from my side of the car, I'll walk right out of the convenience store get in and start the car and almost drive off. Am I the only one that has this problem? (In my defense, I work a twelve hour night shift and am not always mentally present.)

I'll walk right out of the convenience store get in and start the car and almost drive off. Am I the only one that has this problem?

Probably not BUT..........
In many places, leaving a running gas hose unattended is against the law.
Some stations will shut the pump OFF if they notice.

So I would suggest not leaving the car while the gas is running.
Get a paper towel and clean off your wiper blades. That will make them last longer. ;)

P.S. I had a LONG list of "required" features on my next car. It soon became evident that no reasonably priced car would have them ALL. The drivers side gas cap is, I believe, the only feature that I had to sacrifice with the Bu.
The spare tire is even mounted correctly in the trunk........with the valve stem pointing UP. :)

Probably not BUT..........
In many places, leaving a running gas hose unattended is against the law.
Some stations will shut the pump OFF if they notice.

So I would suggest not leaving the car while the gas is running.
Get a paper towel and clean off your wiper blades. That will make them last longer. ;)

P.S. I had a LONG list of "required" features on my next car. It soon became evident that no reasonably priced car would have them ALL. The drivers side gas cap is, I believe, the only feature that I had to sacrifice with the Bu.
The spare tire is even mounted correctly in the trunk........with the valve stem pointing UP. :)

That's what I do...Start pumping, clean off my windshield and by the time that's done, I'm all filled up.

Plus if you walk away from your car while it's filling up...What is going to stop someone from putting the gas nozzle in their car while your inside?

http://www.chevymalibuforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=5540 How-To: Thread Link

Another member: Starship, posted a (How-To Thread) on Headlamp removal, almost a year ago. He kind of stated in the quote above that once you do it once, and get by the learning curve, the second time you do it, you will know some tricks and short cuts.
I am like you Emmexx, the first time I do it I will probably use that opportunity to clean up everything behind the bumper.

So Emmexx: What did you do different on your second time that made it faster and easier? From your post above, it sounds like maybe the wheel well covers do not need to be removed.:)

Glad to share :)

I'll start with the prelim bits first. As stated previously, I put the car up on ramps, as if I was going to do an oil change. I have two electric screwdrivers and two long, skinny flat head regular screwdrivers available. I use painters tape to tape the edges of both the fender and where the rest of the car is joined. Mainly, to not scratch the car as I do the rest of the work.

Then I go underneath the car. I remove all the plastic rivets and bolts/screws that are in the half-smile going from the where the bottom of the car meets each of the wheel wells. Then, using the two manual flat head screwdrivers, I work them into the wheel well protective cover. Doing this, I can 'pop' the plastic rivets attached to the front bumper on each side quickly and without damaging anything in the process. All blots/screws and rivets are placed on the work bench.

Next, I pop the hood. I use both electric screwdrivers simultaneously to remove the bolts. I use the two manual flat-head screwdrivers to pop the plastic rivets. I take the cover from the engine and the bolts/rivets and move them to the bench.

This leaves the one bolt on each side keeping the bumper from moving. These are located in a spot on each side that has just enough room to see with a flashlight. An electric screwdriver with an extension reaches them easily.

After that, lift the bumper off and set it on something to support the weight. Use a towel in between the bumper and the surface to prevent scratches. Only thing left is to remove the screws holding the headlamps in place and replace all the lights.

Repeat in reverse to re-assemble.

As an aside, I think it took longer to type out than the actual process :)

One thing I am going to do the next oil change will involve the bumper removal.

I am going to do something that I think should be standard on all cars. I am going to install the Show and Go license plate on my car that was mentioned on this site. It will make washing/claying/waxing easier and simpler if I can move the plate out of the way while doing things.

Thinks I would change on my 2009 Silver moss 2lt.

1. I should have gotten an LTZ, idk why I couldn't get fog lights on a 2lt.
2. Trunk opening could have been better.
3. On the fence about the 6 cyl, still. I wanted the 4 for mileage.
4. Place to put my phone and the such when the passager seat is used. The area in front of the shifter..doesn't work well.
5. Bigger cup holders, the gf and I cant fit two large cups in the thing, unless we let the middle storage area sit on the lid of one, which I don't like to let happen.
6. Better/deeper rear cup holders, try having ppl in the back after getting say taco bell to bring home, only to make a turn and they spill over, not pretty
7. Vent Visors, wasn't an OEM option for 2009. Still considering aftermarket
8. Rear power Package, i wanted one for my car, gave up on it since I couldnt find one with it. Ended up having to go 2 states away to get the car I have now.. It would have more use back there then the empty hole there now. I could charge my camera and random other household items (I spend alot of time on the road during work hours). instead of using the dc/ac converter i have.

I hate my malibus. I've had 2 and Nothing but problems. Sue me for buying an import, but my KIA broke 200,000 with not one problem but a wheel bearing.

I hate my malibus. I've had 2 and Nothing but problems. Sue me for buying an import, but my KIA broke 200,000 with not one problem but a wheel bearing.

So you are saying you would change your malibu into a 200K Kia?

8. Gas filler- FAIL- put it on the driver side- there is no excuse.


It really pisses you off to have to walk to the other side of the car? The reason they put the filler on the pass side is due to SAFETY. If you ever run out of gas and you have to put emergency gas in, would you rather have your back face the road/highway, or the shoulder? :rolleyes:

The reason they put the filler on the pass side is due to SAFETY.

I think that's a stretch, at best. What leads you to believe that ??

I have been driving for close to 50 years and not ONCE have I run out of gas in a "hazzardous" situation. In fact, I don't remember running out of gas ever.

If that were a GM policy, then their WHOLE product line should be built that way. Is it ?? I don't know but I doubt it. I have 3 GM vehicles that are less than 10 years old and ALL of them have it on the left.

I suspect that the real reason is that it saves them $1 on each car they build.

I think that's a stretch, at best. What leads you to believe that ??

I have been driving for close to 50 years and not ONCE have I run out of gas in a "hazzardous" situation. In fact, I don't remember running out of gas ever.

If that were a GM policy, then their WHOLE product line should be built that way. Is it ?? I don't know but I doubt it. I have 3 GM vehicles that are less than 10 years old and ALL of them have it on the left.

I suspect that the real reason is that it saves them $1 on each car they build.

Take a look at Japanese models since they drive on the opposite side. Every Japanese car I've owned (besides my Madza5) the filler was always on the driver side. Every German car I've owned the filler is on the pass side. Makes sense.

Never said it was a GM policy. And besides, how does having the filler on the pass side versus the driver side save any $? From what I've seen, all newer GM designs have the filler on the pass side.

One nice thing about the gas filler on the right side is that you dont ram your drivers door into those gas pump barriers when getting out.:) Right?

I was just about to post this myself. I always had that problem with my old Saturn that I just traded in. Besides it gives you more time to touch something metal and discharge any static you build up coming out of the car.

One nice thing about the gas filler on the right side is that you dont ram your drivers door into those gas pump barriers when getting out.:) Right?

Absolutely!!! I had three dings in my Monte Carlo and one in my Z34 from accidentally doing this. Granted, all my fault, but no longer an issue here. I happen to like the gas access on the passenger side. I just have to watch when it is windy. As wide open as we can swing the doors, that can tend to be an issue in close quarters.

Only things I might change would be the middle brake light moved down to the trunk lid instead of the interior and the door lock button, as mentioned earlier. I sit just far enough forward so it doesn't irritate me much, but I prefer a seamless look and feel

My theory on the placement of the gas door:

The Malibu's major competitor is the Camry. It has the gas door on the right as well. That makes it easy for a Camry driver to accept the 'Bu.

Again, that's just my theory for what it is.

That actually makes sense, DrivenDaily. I would have never thought of that!

My theory on the placement of the gas door:

The Malibu's major competitor is the Camry. It has the gas door on the right as well. That makes it easy for a Camry driver to accept the 'Bu.

Again, that's just my theory for what it is.

For the record, the Camry (and most of all of Toyota/Lexus models) the filler in on the left (driver).

p.s. my toyota filler is on the left....
1. if you run out of gas- your a DA
2. if you smack your doors on stuff (presumably other cars in parking lots too)- guess what....
3. its called convienience. ya get out, its right there, ya fill up, ya go. I would suspect many more filler drive offs on the right than left.
4. it should be on the left because I say so....that should be enough. :)

p.s. my toyota filler is on the left....
1. if you run out of gas- your a DA
2. if you smack your doors on stuff (presumably other cars in parking lots too)- guess what....
3. its called convienience. ya get out, its right there, ya fill up, ya go. I would suspect many more filler drive offs on the right than left.
4. it should be on the left because I say so....that should be enough. :)

Actually, it's called "convenience".

Sometimes fuel gauges break. Sometimes fuel tanks leak. There is always a chance you can run out of fuel unintentionally. When that happens, I don't want to be smacked on the back by a Peterbilt.

And if you drive off with the filler hose still in your tank..."you're" a dumbass.

I'd just rather take the guys Kia with 200K miles on it that posted earlier, considering I have to take mine to the shop AGAIN because the "check engine" light came on...AGAIN. The front suspension has started rattling terribly, and lets not forget the recall notice for the catalytic converter on 2008 models that may cause the "check engine" to come one as well. A 2008 with just over 40,000 miles and already a frequent visitor to the dealership's service center. That's hand-made quality stuff right there!

In Japan they drive on the "wrong" side of the road and the filler door is on the driver's side, which from the back of the car is the right.

I guess since I don't drive, or look very long at, Camrys I wasn't aware that they had moved the filler to the left side.

Either way, it was a little bit of a learning experience to have to park the car on the other side of the pumps, but now it's de rigeur. No biggy.

As I stated a few pages back...my wife's equinox and the malibu both have filler on passenger side and more times than not, it has saved me from having to wait for a pump to free up. Most cars have it on the driver's side so they're always waiting for one side of the pump (not all stations are easy to swing around and back in, etc). It's no big deal either way for me and sometimes I'm pleasantly surprised at driving right up to a free pump while other wait for one or two cars in front of them...

Most cars have it on the driver's side so they're always waiting for one side of the pump (not all stations are easy to swing around and back in, etc).

Which is just a testiment to how dense the American public really IS. :rolleyes:

If there is room to drive out the other side of the pumps, there also is room to drive THROUGH the vacant pump, back up and drive in the other way. :eek:

:D

I'd just rather take the guys Kia with 200K miles on it that posted earlier, considering I have to take mine to the shop AGAIN because the "check engine" light came on...AGAIN. The front suspension has started rattling terribly, and lets not forget the recall notice for the catalytic converter on 2008 models that may cause the "check engine" to come one as well. A 2008 with just over 40,000 miles and already a frequent visitor to the dealership's service center. That's hand-made quality stuff right there!

I "owned" a 2008 LS, and it was right around 56k I believe, started having the door lock problem where they wouldn't pop up,(goo thing they didnt make em flush ehhh) but just as I started having problems I decided to save the money and hassle of the dealership trips, it was easier to just total my car and get a new 2010 2LT ahahaha. So far, I got it in dec. of '10 brand new. Got an amazing deal on it, Zero down 4.2% int. for 22k and so far NO problems, except my wife wont let me drive in M when shes in the car lol. I roughly around 15,500 on it now.

M will not hurt the car if that's what she's concerned about. If you're at a dead stop and put it in M you can select 1, 2, or 3 to start out in. When you're on the road and slow or stop it will automatically shift down to keep the engine from lugging. Sounds an awful lot like an automatic to me, eh? The M is just a mode where the driver can request the transmission to shift. It might or it might not, and it might not stay in that gear (slowing) if it "thinks" the engine or ride will suffer. There's also a rev limiter that won't allow the engine to go past a set limit, so even if you don't shift up (it won't in M) it'll never go past that limit. Instead it'll just keep bouncing off of it until you either shift, put it in D, or take your foot off the skinny pedal.

If she's not aware of how "smart" the car is that might still her fears and let you be the driver while you're in the seat behind the wheel.

There's also a rev limiter that won't allow the engine to go past a set limit, so even if you don't shift up (it won't in M) it'll never go past that limit.

All absolutely true.
However if the wife doesn't "like" it, no amount of logic will change that.
Are you married ?? ;)

It is not a good thing to bounce off the rev. limiter all the time however.
The engine wasn't really designed to do that on a routine basis.

........ More along the lines of, she "thinks"(thats her first problem lol) that I drive more aggressively lol......... she has a legitimate concern lol.