Simple question ... if you had a chance to do it over would you buy a Malibu again?
- Status
1 - 20 of 295 Posts
Joined
·
1,604 Posts
I am happy with mine, it is serving me well. I would probably buy again, but a different drive train to change things up.
Joined
·
344 Posts
Probably would... I still am not wild about the other options in the segment. It's the devil I know.
I like mine, a 2010 LT 1. It has not given me one minute of trouble and fortunately, I have not had any issues with vibrations, leaks, squeaks, and rattles. Like many other owners, I am not overjoyed with the way the 6 speed automatic transmission shifts, but for the most part, I have learned to live with it. My particular car had the transmission flash done before it was delivered to me, so I have the experience of driving the car exclusively after this had been done, and therefore, do not have any before and after experiences to discuss.
Now, what would I do differently if I had the chance to turn back time to January 28, 2010? I really wished I had gone ahead and gotten an LTZ with the 6 cylinder engine. The LTZ really has some nice features and, in my opinion, more "snaz" appeal. I should have looked for a demo LTZ or similar vehicle to cut a deal on.
However, I am still happy with my Malibu and do not regret purchasing it.. As I have said before, I really like the looks of this car, especially in Mocha Steele.
Best regards
Mr. Bill
Hamlet, NC
Now, what would I do differently if I had the chance to turn back time to January 28, 2010? I really wished I had gone ahead and gotten an LTZ with the 6 cylinder engine. The LTZ really has some nice features and, in my opinion, more "snaz" appeal. I should have looked for a demo LTZ or similar vehicle to cut a deal on.
However, I am still happy with my Malibu and do not regret purchasing it.. As I have said before, I really like the looks of this car, especially in Mocha Steele.
Best regards
Mr. Bill
Hamlet, NC
Joined
·
4,169 Posts
As much as it pains me to say this. Nope....
I have owned about ten GM cars, some bought new, some bought used. Heck, I still own my Camaro I bought new over ten years ago. It has been great. BUT, my last two new GM cars, a '07 G6 GTP and the '08 Malibu LTZ just haven't been "good" cars. The G6 had a few things go wrong in the year and a half we had it, but I didn't think much of it and traded it in and got a Malibu. The Malibu I used as my daily driver for over a year, until I got the Speed3 to replace it. Then the wife got it for her daily driver. It has about 30K on it, and at last count 14 trips to the dealer. Some things minor, some things major. Some things fixed, some things not fixed to my standards. I like the way the car looks, and has a decent interior. But it has been far from what I consider good. The wife has a short 4 mile round trip commute, so it will serve her well for a few more years and I use it a lot on the weekends for errands with her and trips. But honestly I am glad I am not driving it every day anymore. So many things used to bother me. My last GM car? No, I would buy a RWD car from them as they seem to be good at that, but never a FWD car again....
I have owned about ten GM cars, some bought new, some bought used. Heck, I still own my Camaro I bought new over ten years ago. It has been great. BUT, my last two new GM cars, a '07 G6 GTP and the '08 Malibu LTZ just haven't been "good" cars. The G6 had a few things go wrong in the year and a half we had it, but I didn't think much of it and traded it in and got a Malibu. The Malibu I used as my daily driver for over a year, until I got the Speed3 to replace it. Then the wife got it for her daily driver. It has about 30K on it, and at last count 14 trips to the dealer. Some things minor, some things major. Some things fixed, some things not fixed to my standards. I like the way the car looks, and has a decent interior. But it has been far from what I consider good. The wife has a short 4 mile round trip commute, so it will serve her well for a few more years and I use it a lot on the weekends for errands with her and trips. But honestly I am glad I am not driving it every day anymore. So many things used to bother me. My last GM car? No, I would buy a RWD car from them as they seem to be good at that, but never a FWD car again....
My 2.4 liter 2010 LTZ has been trouble free except for the intermittent transmission surging during excessively hot weather (still hoping to get this resolved). It's a competent daily driver. Quiet, well controlled ride. Nice interior. I'm disappointed with the fuel economy, one of my main reasons for choosing this model. I've logged about 24k miles in the last year. I been averaging about 28mpg on my mixed commute, the same as my previous '03 Monte Carlo SS.
If I had to do it again, I'd be looking for something more exciting to drive. Like the Mazda 6, VW GTI or Subaru WRX.
Just checked the Black Book trade in value. $13,600 to $15,500. About half what i paid a year ago. Guess I'll be driving the Malibu till the wheels fall off.
Don
If I had to do it again, I'd be looking for something more exciting to drive. Like the Mazda 6, VW GTI or Subaru WRX.
Just checked the Black Book trade in value. $13,600 to $15,500. About half what i paid a year ago. Guess I'll be driving the Malibu till the wheels fall off.
Don
Joined
·
21 Posts
When we first started looking, it was down to two: the Malibu LTZ and the Buick Regal (turbo)...But I just thought the Buick was more of an 'old' persons car and the Malibu was more age appropriate(I'm 25). So we went with the Malibu and I've been satisfied with it. It was better than the previous car we traded in (2009 Lancer). I will definately buy another Malibu/Chevy/GM again, but not any time soon. Gotta try to afford a wedding and a house this year..... 
I remember a couple of threads on the subject but I don't seem to be able to locate them. The thing is, the dissatisfied are usually the loudest on these forums. It depends on the personal experiences, expectations, and perhaps personality types. I've seen people who start out all excited and then go downhill quickly once they encounter a problem that could not be resolved to their satisfaction.
I have to admit that there often appears to be disparity in service departments in their ability to fix the problem and fix it right the first time. It's an unfortunate reality that an attempt to fix a problem may precipitate subsequent problems but I don't believe this sort of thing is isolated to GM. You really don't have to look far to find incompetencies in all walks of life.
As for me, I'm comfortable with my Malibu as it is now. I do notice a few quirky things but, like all the cars I've owned over the years, I like figuring out why it does what it does. I guess I'm blessed that I can be a control freak and yet don't necessarily have to depend on others to do my bidding.
Sorry for the long post, but, in short, I'd do it over again without a doubt but, if I had to recommend the current generation Malibu to someone, I'd consider the prospect carefully to make sure it's a good fit.
I have to admit that there often appears to be disparity in service departments in their ability to fix the problem and fix it right the first time. It's an unfortunate reality that an attempt to fix a problem may precipitate subsequent problems but I don't believe this sort of thing is isolated to GM. You really don't have to look far to find incompetencies in all walks of life.
As for me, I'm comfortable with my Malibu as it is now. I do notice a few quirky things but, like all the cars I've owned over the years, I like figuring out why it does what it does. I guess I'm blessed that I can be a control freak and yet don't necessarily have to depend on others to do my bidding.
Sorry for the long post, but, in short, I'd do it over again without a doubt but, if I had to recommend the current generation Malibu to someone, I'd consider the prospect carefully to make sure it's a good fit.
Joined
·
135 Posts
I think it's a great car, and my '08 ex Fleet, Fairfax build has served me extremely well. It isn't garaged, barely washed, driven about 26K+ Miles in 1 year and a half, and has been solid. Had a few little issue's, which were all taken care of while the car was under Warranty.
When I bought it, it was by far the best value and candidate for what I was looking for. If I was doing it again today, I might still go with it, or with some newer cars out, I might look at them. Safety is my #1 deciding factor with this car, so I'd have to determine if there are better players in that field for the price now. The Subaru Legacy seems to have a stronghold in that department, especially for this price range.
If this was my "passion car" I would look at it differently, but I bought it more-so as an "appliance car", and it has done very well so far at that. It also is a great looking car to boot, which came as a plus. Also, very quiet, which is a huge deciding factor as well.
When I bought it, it was by far the best value and candidate for what I was looking for. If I was doing it again today, I might still go with it, or with some newer cars out, I might look at them. Safety is my #1 deciding factor with this car, so I'd have to determine if there are better players in that field for the price now. The Subaru Legacy seems to have a stronghold in that department, especially for this price range.
If this was my "passion car" I would look at it differently, but I bought it more-so as an "appliance car", and it has done very well so far at that. It also is a great looking car to boot, which came as a plus. Also, very quiet, which is a huge deciding factor as well.
Looking back to the day I bought it, yes. Much as K-A said, I was looking for a comfortable, economic, reliable daily driver that looked good, and didn't cost over $25k. This was the best deal out there. Being the fleet car, with a free V6 that seems to get better MPG than the 3.6 and has more power than the 2.4, it was definitely the best deal at the time. So far, it has done me well. I'm not a big fan of sedans, but I can honestly say I enjoy driving this one, and like the car even more now with my 18's.
However, if something were to happen to the car, and I had to replace it, I would either buy a Fusion Sport or just get the top back on my Plymouth and drive it. Got the the Ram for bad weather...
However, if something were to happen to the car, and I had to replace it, I would either buy a Fusion Sport or just get the top back on my Plymouth and drive it. Got the the Ram for bad weather...
I'd consider buying one again - it would be on my list of cars to price and drive.
I've had my '09 LT1 about 1.5 years now, with 16K miles, and it's been very reliable. I haven't taken the car back to the dealer for anything yet, aside from oil changes (dealer provides 4 free oil change coupons per year).
In very hot weather, I did notice the steering column plastic trim making sqeaking noises when first turning the wheel, but I didn't bother taking it in for that (maybe next summer).
I finally got used to the electronic power steering and the paddle shifters. And I love the styling, ride quality and the quietness (worlds better than a 2003 Malibu).
I think the power from the 2.4 engine is adequate, especially for the way I use it - as a highway commuter car. If the price were right, I'd consider the 3.6, based on forum reports that the gas mileage isn't that different. But I don't regret getting the 2.4 engine.
I've had my '09 LT1 about 1.5 years now, with 16K miles, and it's been very reliable. I haven't taken the car back to the dealer for anything yet, aside from oil changes (dealer provides 4 free oil change coupons per year).
In very hot weather, I did notice the steering column plastic trim making sqeaking noises when first turning the wheel, but I didn't bother taking it in for that (maybe next summer).
I finally got used to the electronic power steering and the paddle shifters. And I love the styling, ride quality and the quietness (worlds better than a 2003 Malibu).
I think the power from the 2.4 engine is adequate, especially for the way I use it - as a highway commuter car. If the price were right, I'd consider the 3.6, based on forum reports that the gas mileage isn't that different. But I don't regret getting the 2.4 engine.
Joined
·
15 Posts
I know it's probably a matter of perspective, but after a month in my Malibu I can't stop saying enough good things or even keep myself from staring at it as I walk away . To be fair, my car history (I'm 28) has went '93 Toyota Tercel > '01 Chevy S-10 > '05 Saturn Ion > Malibu. This is the most "grown-up", and even luxurious car that I have owned. It would be hard for me NOT to be happy, I'm sure. And for the price I paid, I would happily buy it again. BTW, since we're talking Chevys, I'd give anything to have that S-10 back. That was one heck of a truck that I stupidly gave away when we hit the first big gas crunch. Oh well.
I did have one minor issue when the Check Engine light came on about a week after I purchased the car. I took it to the dealer and it was an issue with a faulty camshaft actuator solenoid. It was replaced under warranty. The car has 26k miles, so I'm hoping that will be the only "minor" issue I hit for a while (or that it works out any kinks in the next 10k miles!). Otherwise, the 2.4 has plenty enough power, the gas mileage is decent, the ride is comfortable, and the car simply looks great.
My one complaint? I wish the seat warmer came on with the remote start. I have to wonder why that was left out.
. To be fair, my car history (I'm 28) has went '93 Toyota Tercel > '01 Chevy S-10 > '05 Saturn Ion > Malibu. This is the most "grown-up", and even luxurious car that I have owned. It would be hard for me NOT to be happy, I'm sure. And for the price I paid, I would happily buy it again. BTW, since we're talking Chevys, I'd give anything to have that S-10 back. That was one heck of a truck that I stupidly gave away when we hit the first big gas crunch. Oh well.I did have one minor issue when the Check Engine light came on about a week after I purchased the car. I took it to the dealer and it was an issue with a faulty camshaft actuator solenoid. It was replaced under warranty. The car has 26k miles, so I'm hoping that will be the only "minor" issue I hit for a while (or that it works out any kinks in the next 10k miles!). Otherwise, the 2.4 has plenty enough power, the gas mileage is decent, the ride is comfortable, and the car simply looks great.
My one complaint? I wish the seat warmer came on with the remote start. I have to wonder why that was left out.
Only once the car has been updated/redesigned; eg: 2012.
I bought this car to be an appliance, think dishwasher, I just want it to work when I want it to. I bought the car with 16k on it, now has 47k in about 20 months. The reliability has been so-so but the dealer has been great and taken care of me. With only 1,500 miles left on the warranty I'm seriously considering an extended warranty, if I can find a good in at a reasonable price.
At the time I bought the car it was a good decision, today if I was buying a car I'd buy something different, probably a BMW 5 series, or an MB C Class.
I bought this car to be an appliance, think dishwasher, I just want it to work when I want it to. I bought the car with 16k on it, now has 47k in about 20 months. The reliability has been so-so but the dealer has been great and taken care of me. With only 1,500 miles left on the warranty I'm seriously considering an extended warranty, if I can find a good in at a reasonable price.
At the time I bought the car it was a good decision, today if I was buying a car I'd buy something different, probably a BMW 5 series, or an MB C Class.
Yes, though I have only had it for 6 months, but no trouble other than the trans issue, though that’s only happened twice and not in the last 4 months.
My brother works at a Chevy dealer, is a hard fast Ford man, and tells me and everyone constantly of the problems with the GM cars, and he had no problem recommending me to buy this car. In his words, they see very few problems, and when they do, they are usually minor or just very fussy customers.
My brother works at a Chevy dealer, is a hard fast Ford man, and tells me and everyone constantly of the problems with the GM cars, and he had no problem recommending me to buy this car. In his words, they see very few problems, and when they do, they are usually minor or just very fussy customers.
Joined
·
920 Posts
No reason not to buy another, the wife loves her "Bu. Totally, problem free. Does what we ask of it. It's too small for me, but just right for her.
However, if I were in the market to replace it I may consider something different. I don't foresee replacing it for another 7 years, though.
However, if I were in the market to replace it I may consider something different. I don't foresee replacing it for another 7 years, though.
Joined
·
1,539 Posts
X2 JramsWithout question YES! Best car out there period anyone saying other wise shouldn't even be on this malibu site! JMO
Very Happy with my 08 LTZ,18K trouble free miles
1 - 20 of 295 Posts
- Status
Join the discussion
