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2000-2011 Chevrolet Malibu
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Comments
Otherwise it is a nice car.
Should I grab one of the '03s, the last of the current generation 'Bu? Or is the '04 worth the wait? The '04 offers traction control -- which I'd really like, since I live in the snowy Great Lakes region -- but I could live without it. Other than that, I think the current model looks as good as the future one.
I'm thinking this way: The price will be higher on the '04 and there will be fewer rebates (if any) initially. Plus dealers will probably not negotiate as much if they still have leftovers to clear out.
And then there's the reliability question. I've been burned before on brand new models and I'm almost thinking that it would be better to go with the the '03 that's had most of the bugs worked out of it. Yeah, I know, there are some here who will disagree with that idea. ;-)
Opinions, please! Thanks.
If you need to purchase the car soon you're probably better off with the 03. I don't think the 04 will be out until the fall which means rebates probably won't be available until around the new year. But don't listen to me, I'm notoriously bad at timing these sorts of things.
Squeaking noise in front end going over bumps. Replaced both front lower control arms. Excessive noise from bushings.
35646 miles:Intermittent wiper switch shorted, replace switch.
Extended Warranty kicks in -
61132: Intake manifold gasket replaced.
68360: Alternator replaced, Power steering pump replaced.
72963: Upper strut mount bearings and front struts replaced.
74675: Rack & Pinion steering replaced.
77874: Bottom idler pulley & serpentine belt replaced (this one left me stranded on I-10 New Years Eve!)
86726: Brake ABS Motor pack replaced.
94310: Top idler pulley & serpentine belt replaced. Intake manifold gasket replaced (again) Transmission mount replaced.
95884: Front rotors replaced.
My malibu now has just under 96k on it. Warranty runs out at 100k. You can bet I won't be keeping it after that! The last mechanic I used told me he loves GM cars, especially Malibus. They keep him in business!
robby8: Based on the fact that it is relatively new (and the problems the early models have had with the suspension) I don't hink it is normal. What exactly do you mean by "rubbing" in the steering wheel. If it is in the steering, the only thing you cna try is to have a power steering flush and hope that helps. The next option is replace the rack. If you do have to replace the rack, insist on a re-manufactured one. BTW, how many miles do you have on your Malibu?
Maybe pathow can tell us how his steering felt when he had to replace his steering rack? If youhave some of the same symptoms, then that could very well be your answer.
Second, to tamu2002..yes, the pads should be smooth. If you are starting to get grooves, check your rotors for matching grooves/ridges. If you can replace the pads before rotor damage occurs, you will be money ahead. If you replace the pads/rotors, try to do it at a time when you can take the car out and put about 100 miles on it with light use of the brakes. They need to seat and break in for optimum life. The worst thing you can do is to put on new brakes over the weekend, then get into heavy rush hour traffic on monday. It only takes a few panic stops to crystalize the new pads, and they will not last long before they start pulling, grabbing, and squealing.
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tamu
Is this a possible front suspension problem?
Today I went to a local dealership (didn't buy from them)and asked if they could replace the pads (I actually meant rotors) for free because a new car with 7800 miles shouldn't have bumpy rotors. They roughed up the rotors. I don't know how they did it but the rotors weren't any smoother than I came in. So I asked again and was refered to the manager. First he tried to tell me it was normal but I knew better. He then reluctantly called over a mechanic and he and I went for a drive. He did some braking tests (Ouch!) which left me literally car-sick and said he did hear some scraping noise from the brakes. After hearing what the mechanic had to say the manager finally agreed to replace the pads (not the rotors). The rotors were left with the grooves and I don't know how badly the pads were damaged.
Even with the new pads the tiny scraping noise is still there. It's been doing that since day one but it doesn't really bother us that much. The only tangible difference is that now braking effort is better.
Throughout the whole thing they didn't seem to think unsmooth rotors were a big deal. And I still have the same rotors with grooves. Aren't the damaged rotors gonna mess up the new pads? Should I go to another dealer to have the rotors REALLY smoothed out? Thanks a lot for any input!
Our 2002 Malibu has 7800 miles and everything is great except for this incident.
The more common problem with the brakes is the rotors warping. I just went through this and about ready to have my front suspension looked at. You'll know when the rotors start to warp. You'll feel vibration in the pedal while braking.
Good luck.
I found a place called "truckxpressions.com" that charged $45 for a set, delivered/UPS. The proper number for a Malibu is 94403. Now I can drive in the rain, and smoke without getting the left side of my head wet.
the brakes were covered by warranty and didn't give me a hard time.
It has been forever since I posted to this site...but I wanted to ask about the above mentioned problem. I was having my oil changed the other day and they mentioned that my intake manifold gasket was leaking. I have read that this is a common problem with GM V6 engines. I have also read that it is common for this to happen in winter months only and then the leaking to stop when the weather warms up. Have you heard of this? I do not have a pool of antifreeze or anything under the care and have a hard time seeing where the mechanic was having me look to see the leak. Any help or clarificaiton you can provide me would be greatly appreciated.
I have also had all the chronic problems with the car. I put life time NAPA rotors and pads on and they have been great for 21K so far.
I am hoping for 150K plus out of this car so I can live with some minor repairs. I talked to my mechanic and he will do the gasket for around $400. I can live with this if it needs repeating in 100K or so.
Does anyone know, if it gets repaired, how long does it usually last? Is it possible to get any kind of warranty, so if it fails again, it could be repaired for free? Thanks!
Also, the strangest thing happened to me today. When i got into my car to start it this morning my "Theft System" light was flashing, and the car wouldn't start. It would crank and turn over, but would shut back off. So, I figured i'd do a shut-down and restart. I disconnected the battery and reconnected it, and the light went off. When i tried to start it again, it started right up. Continued Strangeness; I didn't have to reset my radio stations, like i expected i would, but i did have to reset the clock. The clock was exactly one hour off. It was such a strange experience for me, i went to the dealer and asked them would could have possible caused this, and they had "no clue" why it would do that. I don't have the fancy little cheap in the key for the Pass-lock theft system, or what ever it is. Anyway we were completely baffled, the dealer and I both.
Mileage is 123410 98 Malibu, her name is Genesis by the way.
BTW, how long does everyone expect their Bu's to last? I've heard an average engine usually goes up to 250K miles, sometimes to 300K miles, is that true?
While we're on the subject I'd kinda like to take a tally of everyone's year and mileage. I'll go first - I have a 97 with 57,000 miles. It has low miles because it was decomissioned for a year and a half after it was wrecked.
I got 40K on 99ls, and it runs very nicely. No major problems so far, though the manifold thing may bite me soon. we'll see.
I am wondering, when the engines "go," what happens? They just stop working? Why? I am sure we have some car experts here, enlighten us, please