Chevy Malibu Maxx

bluedevils

We are considering the Malibu Maxx LT. Test drove tonight. Just finished reading all 2319 posts here. Am a frequent Town Hall participant, but not in the Malibu forums. We are traditionally 'foreign car' buyers - currently drive a Kia Sedona and an Isuzu Trooper. The Maxx is a compelling package and good value. Kicking myself for not pulling the trigger in September when the rebates apparently peaked.

Right now in North Central region, $3500 rebate on 2004 and $2000 rebate on 2005 Maxx. Considering long-term vehicle value (3-6 years from now), which do you think is the better buy? I like saving $1500 more off the 2004, plus the base price has increased about $300 for 2005. But a 2005 now would be a full model year newer than the 2004.

We would be planning to keep the vehicle for at least 4-5 years.

bluedevils

I know someone asked essentially the same question recently, but I raise it again...

Can anyone with good knowledge of how GM typically structures its rebates comment on whether you think the rebates will start decreasing on the 2004 vehicles now that the big push to clear 'em out has passed?

Here in southeast Michigan, there seem to be plenty of Maxxs (what's the proper plural syntax of Maxx?) available. My helpful salesman at Buff Whelan tonight located quite a few 2004 Maxx LTs in the area.

We qualify for GMS (employee) pricing through our grandmother, and the $3500 rebate is pretty good, but it still leaves me looking at about $20k for an LT with some options. Last month, I was drooling over the prospect of same vehicle for about $18k.

bluedevils

Local dealer's last 2004 Maxx is in the showroom. It's not a demo insofar as it does not have miles racked up on it. But as a 'display' model, it seems somehow not quite as pristine as a brand-new one out back with all the plastic still on it.

Do dealers typically give any additional discount for a vehicle that has been sitting in the showroom for a while, with kids (including mine!) climbing around in it, etc. I don't want to push for that if it is not something they yield on, but if there's no price difference I'd prefer to have one from out back that hasn't been prepped.

bluedevils

Can anyone comment on whether this engine is a good candidate for synthetic oil? I'm wondering if anybody has done a used oil analysis, how hard is the engine on oil, etc.

In the past I've dabbled with using synthetic in some of our vehicles, but lately have swung back toward conventional oil.

bluedevils

This forum was the first I've heard of such coupons, and I still do not understand it very well.

I am looking to get the best possible deal, and we have not decided 100% to actually buy the vehicle - so our decision of whether or not to purchase depends quite a bit on if we can swing a deal that will make me happy enough.

Right now, I'm not sure if GMS price minus $3500 rebate is good enough.

Is there any way to find out, without offending the sales folks, if a dealership typically has this coupon thing going on, and if so, when, etc..

bluedevils

can anyone give an example of your Maxx's insurance rate, including relevant info (deductible, coverages, location, etc.)? If possible, compare/contrast it with your other vehicles' insurance rates.

I've not found too many web resources with good insurance rate info. Anyone care to share?

bluedevils

I'm sure rebates are determined on a model-by-model basis, but I had the impression the Maxx and the regular Malibu were not selling like hotcakes. And since some of the other GM vehicles we were considering - namely, Saturn Vue and Buick Rendezvous - saw increased rebates in October ($3,750 vs. previous $3,000 on Vue; $6,000 vs. previous $5,000 on RDV), I was surprised to see Maxx rebates take a turn for the worse.

bluedevils

Silly question, but I do not recall if floor mats are standard equipment.

bluedevils

It occurred to me while staring at the numbers from the dealer's helpful GMS pricing and 'invoice sheet' printouts -- the GMS price on a Maxx LT with DVD, 1SB, CD changer, and OnStar is $24,596.15 (this price appears to include a $49 charge for paint stripe - I didn't think dealers could do something like that and include it in a GMS price?!). Invoice is $25,686.93. Subtract the holdback, which is 3% of total MSRP ($27,620). So $25,687 minus $829 = $24,858.

So GMS is only $262 cheaper. At this time of year, I would expect to be somewhere below invoice - i.e., into the holdback - on a '04.

Should I expect a dealer to somehow make the GMS deal better than a straight GMS price?

The GM supplier discount price is about $35 below invoice, so going the supplier route and getting all the holdback would put me within $250 of the GMS price?!

I guess I held the GMS pricing up on a higher pedestal than that.

Tonight we looked at a navy 2004 Maxx LT with a March 2004 build date. So the dealer has had it for nearly 8 months, meaning they oughta be anxious to unload it.

madmadam

No, they are extra. I think they were listed at $80 for my LS. Good luck with your other questions. I recall that my dealer said the navy 2004 is a rare color.

jerrywimer

I've got a sedan, not the Maxx, so I don't know how the % of vehicles made in any given color compares between the two models, but I've only seen two navy blue sedans on the road since we bought ours (late May), and not a single navy blue Maxx. It's a shame, because imho, the darker colors (esp. the navy blue) look better on these cars than the lighter colors.

Ironically, most of the cars I've seen are gray.

bluedevils

extra on both LS and LT? are they a 'dealer-installed' extra? i didn't notice if our test drive Maxx LT had 'em, but they were not listed on the window sticker.

michiganmaxx

Jerry, when you say "Ironically, most of the cars I've seen are gray", do you mean Chevy's color designation of "Medium Gray" or "Galaxy Silver"?

I only ask because I've noted some people seem to identify the two colors interchangeably, "ironically".

2damaxx

BlueDevil,

I also was using GMS pricing and was rather surprised/disappointed to learn how close it was to invoice. I too was expecting more significant discounts, especially after hearing stories about $10,000 below invoice on big trucks.

I guess there is more markup on pickups and SUVs, so the GMS pricing can be more generous. Still, it was nice to go into the dealership, with paper in hand know exactly, and I mean to the penny, what I would be paying them. No hassle. No pressure. No dock fees.

I ended up buying the car Sept. 30 at GMS pricing, minus my trade, minus some rebates and at 0% financing for 72 months! I love that every dollar I pay them is going directly to the equity of my car. (Wish my house worked that way....)

There is no use in pushing for a discount on a "floor model" beyond GMS. Won't happen. While only a little cheaper than invoice minus holdback, you have to remember that the price available to you is still cheaper that invoice minus holdback. While it's a nice dream, we can't really expect the dealer to pay us to take the car off the lot.

bluedevils

Thanks for your reply. You are right - the profit margins on the cars are smaller than on the trucks, so the discounts - whether a regular deal, supplier price, invoice, or GMS - are smaller.

Still, my wife called the salesman this morning and asked if he could check with his management on getting us a better price. He called back 20 minutes later and said they could sell us the navy Maxx LT in their showroom for $500 less than we were quoted last night (last night was GMS price minus the $3500 rebate). I don't know if this is end-of-month dealing so they can push past a bonus milestone, or it represents them applying one of those $500 'coupons' folks have talked about, or what.

bluedevils

were the bumpers revised anytime during the 2004 model year, to address the poor performance in low-speed impacts? This is not a major concern to me, but if the newer '04 builds have better bumpers, that would be something to consider.

jerrywimer

Absolutely right. Thanks for the correction- the actual color I'm seeing so much of is "Galaxy Silver".

prdm

I traded a 1988 Taurus wagon for a 2005 LS Maxx with 1SB. With no change in coverage annual premium went up $244.

tra2883

I agree, I think Galaxy Silver is probably the most common color that I see on the road. I like the way the Malibus look in the lighter colors... I think the darker colors make the goofy chrome bar on the front end stand out more. My Bu is Galaxy Silver, and when she's clean, she totally sparkles!!!

In response to someone's earlier comment about the Malibus not selling like hotcakes, I don't think that's true in my area. I live in NY, about 1hr north of NYC, and I see them on the roads a lot. They're easy to spot when they're heading toward you because of the glowing orange DRLs.

townhome

I'm pretty sure they are standard on the LT, and a nice big mat for the rear cargo area is also part of the package.

pao

well, another 1100 miles on the Maxx and still no problems, will repeat the trip again this weekend!.....11K overall since Feb...must admit..saw lots of malibu sedans on the road this trip but not one Maxx on the 1-95/85 corridor thru VA, NC, SC. Cruising 75 most of the way with the sunroof open....XM playing..and almost 31 mpg per my calculation....computer still 1.5-2.0 mpg off. Still love the car....

beedublu

Me too. I just took another 1000 mile round trip on the NY Thruway in my LS Maxx. Just over 31 MPG at a steady 70 with 3600 on the odometer. And yes, my computer is also off by 2 MPG, but that distance-to-empty function is cool and useful.

I'm even sort of getting used to the reluctant cruise control disengagement, but I still believe there's got to be an adjustment. Stay tuned...

All in all, I'm enjoying the car. It rained for most of the trip downstate and the wipers work great, and the windshield/side window defogging is excellent.

bwolter

Have only seen one other Maxx here in San Antonio. I have been getting 30-34 mpg. In constant heavy traffic, it will drop to 28. This is according to the display AND calculating manually. By the way, the computer calculates almost exactly the same as my manual calculations.

bwolter

I don't have exact rates, but I am now paying $117 per 6 months more on the Maxx than I was on my 98 GMC 5.7 V8 with full coverage and max liability.

jerrywimer

Same here for rates, but I can tell you that all other things being equal, 4WD vehicles (trucks, SUVs, etc.) tend to have lower premiums than cars.

The 2003 Chevy Trailblazer LT 4WD and now my 2004 Chevy Silverado ext cab Z-71 both have been less expensive for insurance coverage than any of the three cars I've owned in the same period of time (1992 Toyota Corolla, 1997 Chevy Malibu, 2004 Chevy Malibu LT). What is really surprising to me is that these cars have all been small / mid sized family sedans, and I really expected them to be more inexpensive than the trucks. I mean coupes and sports models I can understand, but..

You could possibly extend this to just say that trucks and SUVs tend to have lower premiums, but all those I've owned have had 4WD, so I can't say for sure about the rest.

craigster

I have a question for anyone with a 2005 and the roof spoiler.

Is it purely cosmetic, or does it provide any wind redirection to help clear the back window?

I'd like to add a spoiler to help clear the window, but there doesnt weem to be an aftermarket one yet. If the factory one is functional, Id think about adding one to my Maxx.

Thanks for any input.

tra2883

I've heard that the roof spoiler actually disturbs the airflow, making it so the rear window doesn't keep clear as easily. That's why for the 05s, the rear spoiler comes grouped with the rear window wiper.

pao

correct on the airflow on the rear window between the 05 and 04 models..there is an aftermarket cosmetic spoiler that fits the lower deck if you are interested....I have the 04 Maxx and at speed over 35-40 miles an hour I find the rear window to stay clear in the rain here in Northern VA.

pao

rates are specific to states of course...I have the Maxx and 03 Kia Sorento and I have about $150 difference in the two...the Maxx being higher.....now I went from a Mustang GT to the Maxx and my rates fell by $250 from the GT to the Maxx! all for six month premiums

kurtamaxxguy

at one chevy forum I visited the engineers commented that the new maxx spoiler was essentially a marketing decision, and that a wiper was needed to cope with the additional dirt the rear window would collect because of it.

As for the 06 SS version of the maxx, perhaps we will see show cars of that style this year? marketing was definitely interested in bringing an SS version out.

maxxsilverman

Just Purchased a 2004 Maxx LS with rear audio controls (NOT DVD Entertainment system)and I am wondering if this is supposed to come with Headphones included? Either the wireless headphones mention for the DVD Entertainment system, or wired headphones for the two headphone jacks on the rear control panel. Thanks for all your inputs so far it helped make the decision easier

maxx4me

nope, you only get the headphones with the DVD player, not the audio only player

occking

I had that same question of the dealer. A year ago got a Buick Rendezvous & it came with two sets of headphones. When I got the Maxx it did not. I questioned the dealer & they said earphones should not come with the vehicle, although the handbook, I believe, implies the opposite. I didn't push the dealer cause no one ever uses them anyways.

[Deleted User]

www.alldata.com has a list of TSB's that have been released for the 2004 Malibu. Site does not provide the text yet. But one of the TSB listed sounds like it might be helpful for your problem.

TSB#=03-08-47-002, Issued=Nov 03, Title="Brakes - Brake Pedal Position Learn Procedure." You might want to have your dealer check this TSB the next time you bring it in.

e2helper

Just as an FYI for the 2005 Model year the Rear Seat Audio system was changed to a new design that is also wireless (like the DVD) and so you get headphones with that system.

sorry for the bad news, maxxsilvermann

e2helper

I think something might be at the SEMA show in Las Vegas next week (re 2006 SS model).

Not sure how close that would be to production model though.

craigster

That would be nice. I'm going to be there. So if there is, pics will be available.....

beedublu

Just FYI...I got quotes from my insurance agent for the various "candidates" on my shopping list:

04 Accord LX sedan
04 Impala sedan (base model w/ABS)
04 Maxx LS w/1SB group including head-curtain airbags(what I ended up buying)
04 Taurus SE sedan

For the same coverage, all ended up being within about $40 per year, with the Maxx being the highest and the Taurus being the lowest.

BTW, I'm in upstate New York.

jerrywimer

Absolutely true. The rates even vary in different localities within a given state. I'm military, and because I move around a bit, I see my rates change from state to state exactly as you say. However, the general ranking of my vehicles' costs from least expensive to most expensive hasn't changed for me, at least so far. (Basically comparing WV, TX, MS, VA, IL, and NC)

maxxsilverman

Thanks for the info, and for your many other helpful insights. Not really bad news as I may be the only one here who purchased the Maxx even though I am not married, or have any children, but who nevertheless recognized the value that the Maxx represents to a single consumer. Just wanted to make sure that the dealer wasn't shortchanging me after picking up the car and finding that the rear cargo panel missing. Brought this to the salesman's attention and he had to check if this was standard or an option that I hadn't purchased. Needless to say I left with the cargo panel.

pao

not to worry .....just me and the significant other here...no kids....and even got the DVD in the back....its been used once in 9 months now.....we love the car for road trips and tailgating at college football games...we are in that 40+ age group....have to bring the poll results back that showed the age group of maxx buyers....

michiganmaxx

bdubsee, welcome to the world of Maxx owners! If you haven't done so already be sure to also check out the forum, "Chevy Malibu Maxx". And while you're at it, if you haven't done so already, you're encouraged to enter your info on the poll sites set up by "pao". You can find them here: Buyers color poll....for the color of your maxx
http://oswaldp.freepolls.com/cgi-bin/pollresults/001

Buyers Age Poll...How old are you if you bought a Maxx
http://chevymaxx.freepolls.com/cgi-bin/pollresults/001

michiganmaxx

Oops! The URLs I mentioned in my previous #2362 post
were not exactly correct. Try these to actually paticipate:
Buyers color poll....for the color of your maxx
http://oswaldp.freepolls.com/cgi-bin/polls/001/poll_center.htm

Buyers Poll...How old are you if you bought a Maxx
http://chevymaxx.freepolls.com/cgi-bin/polls/001/poll_center.htm

pao

is it time to set one up for miles driven or anticipated in one year of ownership?

2themax

Bought the car 2 months ago. Already have a cracked windshield...anyone know how much a replacement will cost? Seems it might be expensive with the way the rearview mirror is mounted to the glass. Anybody else have any problems with the windshield (ie, susceptible to cracking from rock chips?)

2themax

Just found this site last nite. Very cool. Glad to see other Maxx enthusiast.

We got the grey Maxx LT with absolutely everything except Onstar and DVD for just under $21K after tax, registration, delivery charge, GM supplier discount, and 5K in rebates. Also, got the dealership to throw in window tinting, a third key (which aren't cheap), treatment coatings for the paint, undercarriage, and seats, and 9 free detailings within the next 3 years. Very pleased!

We love the hatchback area...it is just the right height and square footage to place a few bags and our medium-sized dog. This car has officially replaced the SUV for roadtrips.

2themax

Has anyone attempted to take the "eyesoar" safety stickers off of the visors? If so, can you comment on if attempting this is worthwhile.

Also, is it possible to remove the dealer emblem on the rear of the car. I hate that they feel the need to advertise their name on my car.

maxx4me

if it is a raised plastic emblem, then it is real easy: take a hair dryer and heat up the plastic emblem for 2 minutes. Take dental floss and run it behind the emblem and saw through the sticky tape. The rest of the tape left on the car is easily rubbed off with your fingers.
As for the safety stickers, I couldn't agree more. I posted this question a long time ago and got no answers. Hopefully we'll have better luck this time.

2themax

Does anyone have the Yakima rack system...and can anyone comment on how well the rack works in regards to the hatchback and the sunroof. I would store skis (and maybe kayaks) if possible.

tommy42

I took the ones on my Impala with 3M solvent on a rag. I start in one corner&peeled it off.