Chevy Malibu Maxx

sgr5516

I was going to shop around for GMPP after I purchased my Maxx (back in May)to get best quote from various dealers as other posters had mentioned.

However, dealer told me it would cost extra $600 or more if purchased later. I did not believe him but did not want to chance it. So I went for it.

I took the 72mo/90k mi $0 deductible GMPP plan for $1950 and they included 12mo/12k smart care (to cover first year of oil changes and tire rotation).

I probably could have gotten a better price if I had done my homework before I purchased the car.

maxx4me

I tried that. I sent out over 25 e-mails around the mid Atlantic trying to get the best deal. The bids were pathetic at best. There simply is no replacing the deal offered by http://www.capperauto.com
They are the cheapest. The alternative is Black Auto in Pennsylvania http://www.gmoutlet.com/mgn_menu.htm
You have up until 12 months/12,000 miles to commit to the prices offered here. Once beyond that, the prices escalate

pao

the quotes I posted are all from capper auto. both before and after the 12/12k....

pao

60 mo / 50,000 miles
 890.00 / 625.00
 750.00 / 555.00
 650.00 / 505.00
 
60 mo / 60,000 miles
 1265.00 / 815.00
 1050.00 / 705.00
 880.00 / 620.00
 
60 mo / 75,000 miles
 1415.00 / 965.00
 1270.00 / 820.00
 1060.00 / 710.00
 
60 mo / 90,000 miles
 1800.00 / 1350.00
 1570.00 / 1120.00
 1400.00 / 950.00
 
60 mo / 100,000 miles
 2050.00 / 1600.00
 1765.00 / 1315.00
 1550.00 / 1100.00
 
72 mo / 48,000 miles
 1160.00 / 760.00
 970.00 / 665.00
 820.00 / 590.00
 
72 mo / 60,000 miles
 1365.00 / 915.00
 1210.00 / 785.00
 1010.00 / 685.00
 
72 mo / 72,000 miles
 1730.00 / 1280.00
 1515.00 / 1065.00
 1355.00 / 905.00
 
72 mo / 90,000 miles
 2130.00 / 1680.00
 1830.00 / 1380.00
 1600.00 / 1150.00
 
72 mo / 100,000 miles
 2350.00 / 1900.00
 2000.00 / 1550.00
 1735.00 / 1285.00
 
84 mo / 56,000 miles
 1645.00 / 1195.00
 1450.00 / 1000.00
 1305.00 / 855.00
 
84 mo / 70,000 miles
 2175.00 / 1725.00
 1865.00 / 1415.00
 1630.00 / 1180.00
 
84 mo / 84,000 miles
 2775.00 / 2325.00
 2330.00 / 1880.00
 1995.00 / 1545.00

new car..less than 12/12k....read it as list and your costs..then top to bottom..0/100/200 deductible..price they quoted me today..

now for a maxx over 12/12k but less that 24K
48 mo / 60,000 miles
 $1,540.00 / $1,090.00
 $1,370.00 / $920.00
 $1,230.00 / $795.00
 
48 mo / 72,000 miles
 $1,870.00 / $1,420.00
 $1,625.00 / $1,175.00
 $1,445.00 / $995.00
 
60 mo / 40,000 miles
 $1,305.00 / $855.00
 $1,110.00 / $735.00
 $940.00 / $650.00
 
60 mo / 50,000 miles
 $1,485.00 / $1,035.00
 $1,330.00 / $880.00
 $1,160.00 / $760.00
 
60 mo / 60,000 miles
 $1,920.00 / $1,470.00
 $1,665.00 / $1,215.00
 $1,475.00 / $1,025.00
 
60 mo / 75,000 miles
 $2,315.00 / $1,865.00
 $1,970.00 / $1,520.00
 $1,715.00 / $1,265.00
 
72 mo / 48,000 miles
 $1,945.00 / $1,495.00
 $1,685.00 / $1,235.00
 $1,490.00 / $1,040.00
 
72 mo / 60,000 miles
 $2,695.00 / $2,245.00
 $2,265.00 / $1,815.00
 $1,950.00 / $1,500.00
 
72 mo / 72,000 miles
 $3,250.00 / $2,800.00
 $2,700.00 / $2,250.00
 $2,285.00 / $1,835.00
 
84 mo / 56,000 miles
 $2,275.00 / $1,825.00
 $1,940.00 / $1,490.00
 $1,695.00 / $1,245.00
 
84 mo / 70,000 miles
 $3,325.00 / $2,875.00
 $2,755.00 / $2,305.00
 $2,330.00 / $1,880.00
 

bwolter

I have been doing manual calculations for many years. I have found my 04 Maxx to always be about 0.4 mpg high. I figured that was close enough for me to trust the computer. When you fill the tank, reset the mpg. One day I didn't fill up completely (3/4), and got erratic readings. I reset it and initially the readouts obviously were off (48, then 35 mpg). After a few miles, it became correct.

occking

Approaching 29k on my Maxx LT, and the avg mpg on the computer has been remarkably accurate. By that, I mean is it consistently approx 2 mpg higher on the computer than actual. I also have been calculating gas mileage (have been doing so for as long as I can remember) Don't ask me why, I keep it in a log book put the outside temperature, all computer readings, etc. And, I know when I fill the tank, it is to the brim every time. So far, the most miles I have squeezed out of a tank has been 479 and that one time put in 15.5 gallons so I was getting close to empty. Curious any others out there how many highway miles they have gotten on one tank.

maxx4me

the readings were not off; you can reset the mpg calculator at any time. For instance, if you want to see how many mpgs you get going to a nearby town at 55 mph versus 35 mph, you can do so. It is fun to play with....oh, and do keep your eyes on the road; otherwise, you'll get 0 mpg at 0 mph!

e2helper: thanks again for the info on the lumbar support feature. I cranked mine all the way up, and love the extra support.

bluedevils

Anybody have extra keys cut for your Maxx, either by the dealer or a hardware store?

Salesperson called today - they are mailing the license plate to us and were going to cut me 2 more keys and mail those, too. At delivery, salesperson made it sound like the keys would be free. That was the case with the Kia Sedona we bought 3 years ago. Alas, not the case this time. According to the salesperson, the key is a 'Passkey' and therefore is expensive. He said their cost is $30.03 and his manager okayed them selling me the keys at cost. $30 apiece for spare keys is too rich for my blodd, so I passed.

Salesperson also said if any other key is put in the ignition, the vehicle will be immobilized for 15 minutes. I have not read up on these areas in the owners manual yet, so I don't know if that is all true.

2themax

Yeah, $30 to $36 per key sounds about right. We were fortunate to have a salesman that was willing to earn a customer for life...he did not charge for the extra key. Jerry Seiner cheverolet in Salt Lake City.

By the way, I finally programmed the garage remote on the headliner the other day. Even cooler was that I was able to program one of the other two buttons to control the remote locks on my other car.

blackmaxxny

i have a question for e2helper i guess? about the transmission not shifting fast enough from 3rd to 4th. i know you said something about a reprogramming the tranny i think? my car was built in march so its got the transmission that is not the 'improved' one...well anyways im going to the dealer tomorrow for an appt. i stopped in yesterday and they have never heard of it! and they let me check the tsb thing myself and i couldnt find anything. im going tomorrow like i said and im wondering if you have anything specific to tell them since they are seemingly lost on the issue..i will be checking late tonight so please write if you can...thanks in advance...blackmaxxny

maxx4me

the PCM reflash is for the rough idle, upshift problem, hard start, and one other thing which escapes me. It is in the system as a TSB. Your dealer is not paying attention

e2helper

Well it doesn't sound like you went for the new keys but there is pretty sophisicated electronics in them for your theft system (maybe not $30 worth, though) which is actually called the "Passkey 3 Plus" system. If you were to ever find something less expensive and looking to be a good deal just remember that not all Theft system keys are compatible. The ones for your vehicle will have a "+" stamped on the shank as mentioned in the owner's manual. It also gives you the correct learn procedure in order to use new keys.

I would hate for you to buy a key that is for an older type of system that doesn't work with the 2004/5 Malibu

kurtamaxxguy

Just wondering if anyone knows exactly what was changed between 2004 and 2005 maxxes?

My understanding is 2005 added side air bags as an option, and for the LT a new rear deck spoiler and wiper (to clean up after the spoiler).

Any other changes?

Kirstie_H

A reporter is looking for consumers attracted to GM's plan to lock the interest rate for a purchase of both the current and NEXT car or truck. If you know about this program and would like to offer your opinion, please e-mail jfallon@edmunds.com by Monday, November 15. Thanks!

e2helper

The new side airbags for 2005 are specifically thorax airbags in front seats and are packaged with the roof rail airbags which were available in 2004.

2005 has new Dark Blue Metallic Exterior Color

Cloth heated seats available in 2005. You can now get heated seats on more than just uplevel vehicle.

Non-ABS vehicle might have rear Drum brakes in 2005 instead of disc in 2004

Rear Seat Audio option redesigned to have wireless headphones for 2005

Electronic Range Select feature of shifter works slightly different in 2005 (you can now upshift to "L4" - not sure why you would want to do this though)

e2helper

Maxx4me actually already answered this(and did a great job).

Dealer now has Bulletin 04-06-04-080 available describing the new calibration for V6 engine. The bulletin just mentions improvements to idle when engine is warm and not that is had some modifications to shift operation. However "shifting fast enough" wasn't really what was addressed by calibration either so not sure if it will help what you are concerned about. The same electronic module controls both engine and transmission (FYI).

I think what Maxx4me was trying to remember was that this calibration "had diagnostic enhancements for DTC P0340" but I don't have any details on what that means.

kurtamaxxguy

Thanks E2 helpeer for 2005 notes. The extra gear in manual shifting is nice (I suspect not retrofittable to 2004, though ?), and should make Car and Driver mag happier as they complained about only having 3 gears to play with in manual mode.

The only other two areas I am curious about are the Bumpers (are pretty flimsy on 2004 I have) and side impact (a factory mod of some kind was made in Feb, I was told - don't know if it is retrofittable). Wonder if 2005 got stronger bumpers.

e2helper

You aren't going to hear me rant too much here folks but IMHO-

I guess I need to read the C&D article again to remind myself how well they described their beef but introducing the ability to "Tap" Up when in "L" to 4th gear (or Drive) may only lead to confusion by owner since this feature is not designed to be a "manualmatic" like you have on the Pontiac G6 GT. It was simply a means to allow the customer to select lower gears "manually" like you can on a vehicle that has a shifter than physically has 7 positions PRNDL21 instead of 5 on the Malibu PRNDL.

Can you manually shift into "D" on a 7 position PRNDL21 without putting the shifter into the "D" position? Of course not...that doesn't make sense.....

............EXACTLY!!!!

Reason the Malibu doesn't have those extra 2 positions? To give you more room for cupholder and console space while still giving you the ability to manually get to these lower gears for special driving situations.

OK enough ranting for now, thanks for listening

I will probably be in enough trouble for sharing that (LOL)

michiganmaxx

e2helper, I'm a little confused. I just got back from talking with my dealer's service write-up person. I showed him your statement, "Dealer now has Bulletin 04-06-04-080 available describing the new calibration for V6 engine." He was unsucceful getting the bulletin to come up on his screen even as I peered over his shoulder to verify he was entering the correct data. He tried the entry with the dashes and without...no luck. Would you please verify that you have given us the correct number? Anyone else with a similar experience with this particular bulletin number?
Many thanks,

Michiganmaxx

e2helper

Hmmm, I don't know what to say Michiganmaxx. I might have jumped gun a day or 2 and should have waited but I just looked up bulletins for 2004 Malibu on what the dealer would call their Online Electronic Service Information (ESI). Select View all Bulletins, go down to "Technicial" and it shows up as 2nd one from top. Granted it reflected being posted November 9, 2004 which is only 3 days ago.

It is possible your dealer is working off a "local" copy of this database which they don't update often but if were truly accessing it via Internet through his dealer access it should have been visible.

BTW - Does your dealer hate me or does he appreciate the assitance I am trying to provide??

Anyways Bulletin starts out like this:

Rough Engine Idle when Hot (Reprogram PCM) #04-06-04-080 - (Nov 9, 2004)
Rough Engine Idle when Hot (Reprogram PCM)
2004 Chevrolet Malibu

with 3.5L LX9 (VIN 8 - RPO LX9)

Condition
Some customers may comment on a rough or unsteady idle when the vehicle is at full warmed to operating temperature.

Correction
New calibrations have been released to address this concern. Reprogram the PCM with the appropriate calibration or later as shown below..........

davidm4

I'm thinking of buying a 2004 malibu maxx and have 2 questions: 1) i took one out for a drive at the dealer's and the brakes were pulsating. when i got back the sales manager said it was b/c of rust and the brakes would be fine soon as the rust would burn off - is that right or could it be that there's a problem w/the brakes or w/the rotor or something else?

2) i read somewhere that the bumpers on the early 2004s were weak and that Chevrolet had upgraded them. does anyone know if this is true? if so, if i have the vin number for the car i'm thinking about buying, is it possible to tell whether this particular car has the upgraded bumpers?

thanks very much.

sgr5516

I have 2004 Maxx LS purchased in Feb. At first brakes were fine. Went on vacation in July. When I returned the brakes were horrible due to the rust on rotors (very noisy and grabby). After a few days, they improved, but since then I have had a rumbling resonating sound when braking from above 40mph. I don't feel pulsing in pedal or steering, just the noise.

Others on this forum have same problem from day one. I remember one person here had this checked and their dealer had to turn the rotors to correct problem. I'm going in for service soon and will have this checked.

There was a recent post listing the changes for 2005 model. I don't think the bumpers were updated.

beedublu

I've been reading these comments about week bumpers...I just got an unexpected test, although not a terribly realistic one, of my 04 Maxx's bumpers this a.m.

I as following a Buick Roadmaster on a local 4-lane highway at about 45 MPH. All of a sudden, the driver swerves to avoid something...I couldn't quite tell what. As there was traffic overtaking me in the left lane, I couldn't swerve so I had to jam on my brakes. Fortunately, it was just an empty plastic 22 gal. trash barrel, but I ended up whacking it at what must have been 20 mph or more. It scared the **** out of me, but fortunately there was no damage at all to the front bumper. It must have hit the license plate squarely. And I'm really thankful that the lady behind didn't rear end me. Whew!!!

prdm

davidm4 wrote:the brakes were pulsating. when i got back the sales manager said it was b/c of rust

Definitely not rust - something has too much runout. Get them to fix this. Can't help with bumpers except to note that any kind of whack is going to crack the covers requiring a fairly expensive cosmetic repair but they will maintain their structural integrity.

michiganmaxx

Thanks e2helper for your responce in post #2440. I'll be back at the dealer early next week to share your info. I'll let you and fellow posters know the result.

missourigrl

Are there any crash test results on the MAXX? I've found then on the Malibu but not the MAXX. I was just wondering if the MAXX's results were different.

Thanks!
Kristen

maxxliberty

Re: Tap-up to 4th gear and heated cloth seats on 2005 Maxx

The 2004 shifter without tap-up to 4th is annoying and inefficient, by having to constantly use the unintuitive manual console shifter AND the electronic button. Tap-up to 4th I'd like to have on my Maxx. If anyone figures out how to modify the 2004 shifter electronics to tap up to 4th, please post.

Heated cloth seats is another excellent feature - GM is improving this vehicle and is succeeding in producing a formidable competitor!

e2helper

Thanks for input. I am curious, what do you use the "L3" "L2" "L1" shifting operation for?

maxxliberty

>...what do you use the "L3" "L2" "L1" shifting operation for?<

Depending on my driving situation I sometimes want to control shifting, including down-shifting for brake assist, holding a gear on hills or coming out of a turn, or holding third in city traffic. And sometimes manually shifting just for the enjoyment/control.

Two of my other cars are a '78 and '80 Z28 Camaro.

prdm

Just got back from my first extended trip with our new Maxx. It purrs at cruising speed of 85 to 90 (early morning run). Very smooth, no vibrations. Cruise control worked fine, uphill, down, disengagement was fine. Loved how radio/CD kicked up with speed. To e2helper and all the others who designed and put together this car congratulations and thanks - you guys did a bang up job.

Peter-

e2helper

Thanks for buying our product !!!!!!!!!!

The speed compensated volume feature on radio is adjustable between OFF, LO, MED, HI in case you didn't notice.

The front windshield wiper's intermittent setting is also vehicle speed dependent. Shorter delay at faster vehicle speed.

maddmaxx

Well, I picked up my car yesterday after a week in the shop. I thought everyone would like an update. They replaced the entire headliner & they told me it's a different part number. Well I can say the rear sunshade frame is stout now, not flimsy and bendable like before. I'm very pleased with the fix.

e2helper, you were right on my car's build date. The date you said was on a sticker on the original headliner. Thanks!

I also had a wheel center cap replaced due to the bowtie falling off and the rear hatch lubed to improve relatching halfway when opening and closing. Not sure this is really fixed though.

The gas tank is on backorder, I guess dealers everywhere are trying to get one?

The did tell me the brake pedal could not be adjusted for the cruise off even though I told them about the scan tool.

We had a new owners session yesterday and they used my car to illustrate. When they put it on the rack, I saw an oil leak. The parts man said it was the rear main seal and that was normal. But if it got worse, they would need to do something about it. I sure hate to have the motor pulled to fix this, but I guess it will have to be done.

On a final note, I am very thankful to have it back. It's worlds better than the 03 Malibu I used as a loaner.

e2helper

Thank for the update maddmaxx. I wish I could explain to them what I meant regarding the brake pedal and scan tool and what screen to look at. They are correct there is no "adjustment" for cruise off. I was more interested in whether the pedal is "zeroed" or not. If it is then the system is likely operating by design - but maybe not to your likely

pao

just wondering how an oil leak from the rear main seal is considered normal???

townhome

I know that some people don't like the Malibu's front seat headrests, but it looks like they will do a good job of protecting us from whiplash in a crash.
I'm not sure if the link will work or not, but I'll post it anyways
http://biz.yahoo.com/ap/041114/vehicles_whiplash_3.html

If the above link doesn't work, the same info should be available at http://www.iihs.org

kurtamaxxguy

was able to visit the yahoo link and nice to know that the headrests do good job on whiplash. Drivers in Los Angeles love to tailgate and pile into each other - we need all the protection we can get!

Wrt manumatic, I've used it a bit myself and yes it would be nice if the 4th gear upshift could be retrofitted to the 2004, but it's certainly no reason to trade the maxx in if it's not possible.

maxx4me

yes, it is good to know about the seats, in case a deer hits me from behind next time!!!

.....you guys did a bang up job.
Peter-

...and Peter: don't say bang up anymore!!! he, he, he

islandpete

e2helper and all interested :-) Brought my 2004 Maxx LT 1800 mi in this AM to the dealer for the Gas Tank (fuel indicator) problem and the rough brakes. Just got off the phone with the Service Writer and he said they are flying in a new gas tank tomorrow. e2helper, you were right on target. They are saying my tank was one of the warped ones. As for the brakes, so far they put an "Indicator on them and they look OK", but after the tank is in they will road test it and see how they perform. I was promised a loaner if the repair goes beyond tomorrow. So far they seem like they are doing the right things :-) Stay Tuned

craigster

I found the perfect solution to the headrests. I just switched the front with the back. They fit perfectly, and have a much more natural feel and distance to your head. If I had to guess, I think it was designed this way and someone on the line got mixed up and it just stayed that way

Try the switch, you'll see what I mean.

maddmaxx

e2helper, I'd like to really pick your brain on the details of the oil life monitor. No dealer I've talked to recommends using it. I've emailed every technical engineer I could locate on the net for oil filters and researched oils. None of them I've found go along with it either except for Mobil 1 who say their oil is compatible but no other details or mileages listed.

What I've found out is that Wix was the only manufacturer that would give me specs. They tell me the bypass valve for your application is part of the engine not part of the filter. GM sets their valve at 4 psi. They go on to say that this shortens the life of the filter compared to other manufacturers who use a filter bypass set at 8-11 psi. Their tests show a PF47 will hold 4 grams of dirt and their equivalent 51040 holds 7 grams of dirt. They tell me the life of their filter will be 2500 - 7500 miles. Again, no way to know when the bypass valve will kick in, so 2500 to be conservative.

I've also found specs at Redline Oil who state mileages. Their conservative mileage is 7500 up to around 12000.

What are your thoughts and exactly what is the built in range of mileage on the monitor? And what sensors are put in the Maxx for this? I want to get the most miles out of my Maxx.

Thanks!

bluedevils

I don't understand filtering basics very well... are you saying the following:

1. The Maxx has a built-in bypass valve and therefore, an owner should take care to ensure that the filters used on his/her Maxx does NOT have a bypass valve built into the filter

2. The Maxx will go into filter bypass mode sooner than other filters, since the valve is 'set' to 4 psi which is lower than many other vehicles/filters.

Did I understand that right?

We might get more feedback if this topic was posted in one of the oil-related forums on Town Hall.

jerrywimer

It seems a bit screwy for GM to engineer a car so that you'd be more or less guaranteed to have no filtration in so little time / distance, and then to explicitly state in the manual that you should use the oil life system / 1 year as the recommended interval for oil changes. I'm fairly certain that the dealerships just want to sell you more service, after all, it's their biggest money maker!

(I'm on my 3rd GM vehicle with the Oil Life System, and so far have had excellent results just by using it. The first I had was my Trailblazer, which I used Mobil 1 oil in. At the last oil change the old oil still had a "honey" look to it after almost 9000 miles.)

hermaxx

Just brought home our '05 Maxx LT last night. If someone were to tell me a month ago that we would be owning a Chevy Malibu, I would have told them they were crazy. My wife drove this car and loved it! I reluctantly took my turn and was very impressed. Initial thoughts on the car are ones of quality, value, and a solid structure. Hope this thing is as tight with 25,000 miles on it. We drove a Trailblazer (too truck-like), an Equinox (wobbly structure, plasticy interior), and an Impala (too pedestrian). Have greatly enjoyed reading these posts...has really influenced our buying decision.

michiganmaxx

hermaxx, congratulations to you two (her maxx) on your new purchase! I recall that the Maxx was one of four considerations when I was shopping. When I test-drove the Maxx, I could not keep the grin off my face because I found it to be a even nicer experience than I had anticipated. Ultimately
the Maxx won out over the other three considerations. I have over 6,000 miles on my '04 Lt and I still have that grin on my face.

hermaxx

Thanks michiganmaxx...interested to know if you have experienced a michigan winter with your maxx yet? I'm in N. Iowa and am curious as to the winter driveability habits of the car....anyone else care to comment on their winter experiences with the Maxx? Would also be interested in hearing from anyone with 25k+ miles on their Maxx with respect to durability/reliability issues.

michiganmaxx

hermaxx, I picked up my Maxx at the end of April so haven't experienced a full-blown Michigan winter yet. I'm pretty sure you'll appreciate the remote start, heated outside mirrors, heated front seats, and quick heater warm-up when winter sets in.

prdm

We picked up our Maxx in October and the first thing I did was order 4 snow tires mounted on steel wheels from Tirerack. I have done this on our other cars through the years as there is a HUGE difference when using dedicated snow tires as opposed to already over compromised OEM all weather tires. I strongly urge anyone in the snow belt to try 4 (not 2) snow tires.

dudleyr

I agree on the snows - better than AWD because you can stop too.

dan165

Well, I live in Canada and I have never bothered with winter tires and never got stuck or had an accident. I think they are good though and have been thinking about getting them for my GP.

What does a set go for?

skyhawk

This past weekend we had an unexpected 7" of heavy snow. I needed to go out before the plows came. I had no trouble driving on snow covered roads.