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Comments
That seems really bizarre, as those lights--barely ever being on--should never need changing, for many, many years.
Thanks
Also worth noting, all the rental cars in the garage we were at were Nissan Altimas and Toyota Camrys. We got an Altima for 4 days. Not bad but horrid brakes. They grab really suddenly and jerk the car unless you really concentrate. Malibu seems like a more refined ride.
The Employee pricing cleared out alot of cars.
I have a 2006 Malibu Maxx and the brakes have been trouble free with nice, firm pedal, no squeals or squeaks, and at 40,000 miles still a lot of wear left in the original pads. Meanwhile, our 2002 Honda CRV has had to have 3 of the 4 calipers replaced, plus pads and rotors replaced twice inside of 100,000 miles. The calipers became partially seized causing pulling to one side or the other, and in the case of the left rear, the brake was always applied to some degree causing the entire aluminum wheel to get hot to the touch. It's never been off-roaded, so I'm not sure just how the grime made its way past the piston seals...
I imagine your Malibu's brakes were not representative, just as my CRV's haven't been. Nevertheless, we both have had problems that we wouldn't have expected form these autos, so I can sympathize.
My biggest complaint comes with the fuel mileage - or lack thereof, which I have discussed in the appropriate thread elsewhere.
Having owned the car for about 5 weeks now, I do have a list of things I would change about the car.
The 6 speed automatic hunts - a lot. And, when pressed suddenly, it takes too long to downshift and get underway - worse than any turbo lag I've ever experienced. I tried shifting manually yesterday on my way into work and it seemed more driveable (although still a bit slow to shift). But I think GM could have done a much better job on the programming.
The DIC has far too many pages for one button. If they had used the same stalks on the new Malibu that has been in the GM parts bin for years (and the one used on both my Avalanche and my Corvette), it would have freed up those extra buttons so that those pages could have been divided into different menus (again, like on my Avalanche and my Corvette). As it is, if you're reading the instant fuel mileage and you want to see the average, you have to page all the way through the various pages to get back there.
The lumbar support could use more adjustment. That's my way of saying I need more lumbar support than this vehicle currently has. An electronically adjustable version such as I have on the Avalanche would be greatly appreciated.
One thing that was almost a deal breaker for us was the fact that the back seat does not fold flat. I know they were trying to avoid having to lift the seat bottom up before folding the seat back down, but I would do that to get the flat load floor. Plus, I know the material on the back of the seat is intended for protection, but I would prefer a smoother surface. The trunk mat is so nice; the back of the seat is so tacky. And you can't set something on it without it sliding back.
I'm also disappointed that they chose to remove the adjustable pedals for 2009. My wife is quite a bit shorter than me and that is a future she would find useful.
The other complaint I have is the fact that the temperature can only be viewed with the odometer. I would prefer a separate read-out somewhere so that it is always visible. Similarly, when in manual mode, it defaults to one of the trip odometers as the other bit of information displayed. That's an odd pairing; a combination that I can think of no rationale to support. I would have combined it with the instant fuel mileage read-out.
While I'm discussing the instrument panel, that's one more thing I'd change. It's kind of neat to look at initially. Eventually, though, it's just flashy and not as functional as it could be. I'd prefer nice white on black or black on white gauges with red pointers and clear hash marks. They could also add a voltmeter and oil pressure guage between the top and bottom of the fuel and temperature guauges. A larger tach would be nice for those times when driving in manual mode.
Those are just my observations to date. Some would cost GM a little more and others would have cost them hardly anything - or nothing at all.
Not that people don't want them, but the screwy economy and now lack of GMAC anything, etc. doesn't help. Have to offer either a big discount or awesome financing to get anyone even looking, really, anymore it seems.
My wife went into Walgreens for ten minutes when she returned there was a huge scratch and white paint marks around the rear passenger door. It would appear that a pick-up truck was the culprit. Funny thing is that the parking lot was empty yet that brute violated her car.
No eye witness means bad news as the insurance company will not pay the deductible and the $1,100 damage estimate is not sufficient to bring the car back to its original condition. The 2008 Malibu has only 7,900 miles and it was in showroom condition as I had just washed and waxed it.
Any tips for dealing with the insurance?
Try asking your questions over in Questions About Auto Insurance & Accidents.
We did ask them but unfortunately this particular Walgreens does have a security camera.
Sorry to hear about it.
Still no big credit crunch here.. yet.
As far as the Malibu not moving it looks like nothing is. When I was shopping dealers had no Civics or Corollas. Now I see dozens on the lot. I wonder what kind of deals you can get now?
So far 2 months and 3k miles and my Malibu has been excellent. My only complaints are that the radio controls on the steering wheel should have been on the left side. I use the radio controls much more than cruise control and the dic. If you have a cup of coffee in your right the radio controls are awkward to use.
The other is now that the colder weather is here I wish I could get the heated seat to stay on all the time. With running kids around I am in and out of the car alot and every time I restart it I have to hit the heat button again.
I know life is so tough when these are my only complaints, warm buns and having to move my thumb 12 inches to the right.
With a base 10 system maybe this is Chevy's way to get us to think metric.
We have purchased a 2009 Malibu LT. We have had it for about two months now. We love the ride and the car's features. People often comment on what a sharp four door car the Malibu is. Our twin boys are fourteen years old and five foot seven inches tall. They too love the Malibu, but would have liked just a little bit more leg room in the back. One reason we purchased the Malibu was due to the high safety rankings and high performance reports. Our boys will begin learning to drive in December and we feel good about them driving the Malibu.
I heard that after market rotors are made better, but since these cars were under warranty for me, I did not need to consider that option.
My current car is the 2008 Malibu 2LT with the V-6. No brake issues, but I only have 6,700 miles so far.
Check it..
http://www.gm.ca/gm/english/corporate/offers/clearance/overview?adv=82228
I also think the heat dial in the middle needs a little grip. It was very cool here this morning and my finger slipped turning it to hot.
Minor details, GM could make the changes with little cost I'm sure!
When I came into work today I felt like I had just come back from the Spa since my back was still nice and toasty from the heated seats.
Also, I know I could ask the guys at the hardware store, but I'm wondering if anyone here knows what's best for up-keeping the interior leather and suede?
A big 'thanks!' to everyone who gave feedback about this car on edmunds. I really feel like I made the perfect choice in buying it. A huge smile appears on my face everytime I see it!
I have an 2LT V6 and yes, the interior is amazing. I have the black with the maple trim and everyone who sees it says "wow". What exterior color did you get? Post a picture when you get a chance.
I have no idea what to do with the suede either, I do try not to eat in the car as crumbs really show up on the black.
For care, this was a good link made by a Malibu owner long ago:
Ultrasuede Care
Overall, the UltraLux in the Malibu is VERY durable and generally quite easy to clean up, even with a damp and dry rag for spotting. Otherwise, heavier stuff can be taken care of with light cleaning solutions.
Indicator to show when headlights are on or Daytime Running Lights are on.
Shift Indicator that shows for both manual and automatic. For example M3 or A4.
Bluetooth (available on the 2009?).
Better displays. The displays look like an old dot matrix printer from the 1970's. Even inexpensive cell phones have better displays.
Power outlet and mp3 connection in the console.
Fewer blind spots
Minor items I agree, but would improve a great car, in my opinion.
As for one of the items, Bluetooth, 2009's do now have it and it is AWESOME. Before when people complained GM vehicles never had BT, I typically wrote it off as "big deal", but now that I have it I don't think I could give it up. Cell in my pocket, just get in and after a few seconds all is automatically synced, then I can call or be called and have a crystal clear conversation on my cell line through the car--somehow, it seems even a bit better than the Onstar phone often, as I've heard others mention, for clarity. It's just fantastic, and a shame it took the extra year to come out that it did.
After 10 months, there's little my mother has commented on wishing were different in her '08 and I'm 7 days in my '09, so will probably take some time to think of anything myself. So far, so good, in the Malibu stylish, solid, silent, and luxurious way, and both of our 2LT's in 4-cyl and V6 form.
I made the deal for the LT2 Malibu I recently posted about. The story on the hail damage was that there were alot of cars, mainly Impalas at the storage yard in Fairfax Kansas that got hit. They were never delivered to the intended dealers. They all went straight to GM auction. A few Chevy dealers around here each have several Impalas. Anyway I love this car. I can't believe how quiet it is. The double laminated glass really does the job. I'm also really impressed with how peppy the 4 cyl. is. I got a good price on my 05 Malibu trade so I decided to do it. I'm very glad I did. Anyone out there on the fence about buying a new Malibu, I would recommend taking the jump. This car is nothing like the previous generation Malibu. You won't be disappointed.
thedeckdog
They are fantastic, and one of the most telling things is exactly what you just found...go from an old one--a respectable car, in it's own way--with the same guts underneath, and it's just astounding how different the new one is. Mom is nearing 10k now on her 2LT 4-cyl and still not a complaint, and so far the same is true with my 2LT V6 after 500 miles.
Hope it gives you many enjoyable, silent miles
A) Will my warranty be voided if I don't fix it?
Is it likely that this crack will allow water/snow/ice in and cause damage to the machinery?
Shouldn't be, as far as I understand,
Is it likely that this crack will allow water/snow/ice in and cause
damage to the machinery?
What machinery is there under the bumper? :-)
Here is what you should keep in mind, though:
a. If you don't repair your bumper, the insurance company will reduce
the appraised value of your car by the amount of the check you
received, and should your car be totalled, you'll get the payment
that amount less.
b. Should your car be rear-ended again, you may have problems getting
another compensation: how can you prove that the damage then is the
damage from the new collision, not the old crack, perhaps increased
in size?
c. There should be certain absorbers under your bumper: they may be
compromised as a result of the collision -- you can't know without
inspecting them.
Should you be rear-ended again at high speed, your car may not
react as soundly as it would with pristine absorbers. This may
prove important for the car's and your own bodies.
Good luck making the right decision!
The new Malibus are among the best of the best cars out there, no one will go wrong buying one. I researched the car extensively and I love my 2LT V6. Not one issue yet.
So far I got one of these to replace my dealer sticker:
http://cgi.ebay.ca/DALE-EARNHARDT-CHEVROLET-DEALERSHIP-LOGO-EMBLEM-NEW_W0QQitemZ- 270306309538QQcmdZViewItemQQptZMotors_Automotive_Tools?hash=item270306309538&_tr- ksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A1215|66%3A2|65%3A12|39%3A1|240%3A1318
Looks so nice compared to what I had.
I haven't heard anything though.
Thanks
Overall
Average materials, driving charactertistics and bland design prevent the Malibu from receiving a hearty recommendation.
Comfort
Malibu neither offends nor dazzles.
Function
Nothing ground-breaking inside, except the optional DVD screen that emerges from the arm rest.
Design/Build Quality
Monochromatic interior theme has no personality, and the materials have a low-rent look and feel.
The model review say pretty much the opposite. So, which is it Edmunds.....good car or bad???
What happened is nothing is selling, and though this car started out and continued on very strongly...when all sales of everything died, so did it.
Overall, given how awful everything from every brand is moving, it's actually still going pretty well vs. that, just not great in terms of how it started pre-bad market. As for the Impala, those numbers have been discussed elsewhere, and a car that's still heavily fleeted, etc. is going to have higher numbers.
With a terrible market like this, all cars are down. Even Honda has to lower their production next year. And please, don't scream here. Keep your head up. If you bought Malibu and intend to keep it for 10 years like I do. You should not have to scream and just enjoy your Malibu ride.