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2000-2011 Chevrolet Malibu
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Comments
Before I go, I would like to offer my thoughts on 3 years of experience with the Malibu LS. Overall, I have to rate this vehicle as very good. From a mechanical standpoint, it has been reliable. My Chevy dealer did have to fix the brake/rotor problem (under warranty) and did replace the leaking manifold gasket (again under warranty) that has been previously discussed on this board. Both of these issues were detected and fixed during routine maintenance check-ups, so they weren't much of an inconvenience for me. I think the ride and the level of features you get in a Malibu is hard to beat, for its class.
A final note. I've read a number of messages that compare the Malibu with foreign cars (usually Honda or Toyota). My oldest daughter bought a brand-new 2001 Honda Civic after graduating from college. The car came standard with the same Firestone tires as my Malibu. In addition, the paint on the front bumper and hood is starting to peel, after less than 20,000 miles.
So far, no complaints about the Affinity tires, but I figure to leave 'em for about 25-30K miles, then see what's available. No sense spending $500-700 when I don't have to.....
Any help on the add-ons would be greatly appreciated.... thanks.
We got our LS loaded, so everything was already on it..still debating on the vent visors. Wind noise isn't too bad with a window cracked, but they may be good to have when it starts raining.
We're getting about 26/27 combined mileage so far with about 1500 miles on it. Warmer weather and more miles should get us up to near 30 on the road. So far, I have no problems with the Affinity tires. They have a UTQG of 500 which means they will probably wear like iron, but with that high a rating, they may not have the best of grip for aggressive cornering, etc. Thats ok with me as I didn't buy this car to run road rallies with. I did catch myself doing almost 90 the other day on the interstate, and the car and tires were smooth as butter.
gmpartsdirect.com. (competitive pricing compared to jcwhitney for some of the parts)
I picked up a bug shield for $25. They also have the molded splash guards ($25 for set of four MSRP $36) and painted rear spoilers ($250 MSRP $359). Check the following URL for part numbers and then plug them into the search engine at gmpartsdirect.com.
http://www.gmgoodwrench.com/gmgoodwrenchjsp/accessories/brochure.- - jsp?make=3&model=5&year=1&sid=5424830638236251
You're right, it does take a lot of juggling with a large family to get what you want out of life (just ask my wife); but I wouldn't trade it for anything else in the world. With four daughters, Father's Day is getting to be like Christmas for me. Of course, now that they are older, I keep saying elopement is an option <grin>.
I'll stop in from time to time on this message board to see how things are going. Like I said, I really did like the Malibu, and I continue to recommend it to people who are in the market for that class of car.
Some people order from the Internet from store web sites like Wal-Mart, Sears, JC Penny Home Depot, and then are "surprised" when they find out that they have to pay hefty shipping charges (sometimes handling charges as well). Also, most (if not all) of these stores allow you to place an order and pick it up, also saving on the shipping charges.
Of course, some people are willing to pay these other charges for either the sheer convenience of being able to order at 2 AM on Sunday morning or they hate to go shopping.
For some people, time is money. Paying $25 dollars shipping and having it delivered right to your front door might be a bargain, if you work hours that don't allow you to get to the store when it is open or do a lot of traveling. For others, their time is worth a lot more than $25/hr, so if it would take an hour to pick up the item (round trip), then they might be happy to pay these charges.
I came across a 1999 ex-opp white Lumina for 5 thousand Canadian. It has the 3800II, 4t65e transmission, recaro seats, stiff suspension, H rated tires(max speed 130mph) and the odometer says 147k km (92k miles). After taking it for a drive last week I found no apparent flaws such as pulling to one side, engine whine or rough shift points. To my surprise when I check the dipstick for the automatic transmission fluid, it is showing bright pink fluids which indicates the fluid is fairly new.
What do you have to say about this folks? The price is right and the car is in relatively good shape, I know it would be hard pressed to find a late model vehicle in the 5000 dollar (CDN) price range, and this one has the 3800II in it which is a big plus. I have always enjoy the power the 3800II outputs, and its smoothness and reliability. Anyways, I would like to take the car home next week unless somebody comes with a convincing reason for me not to.
This is my first time car shopping, I would appreciate any suggestions and comments. Thanks in advance.
Basil
I am starting to have very serious problems witht he brakes. Lots of chattering at high speed braking(above 50 mph). Will take it to the dealership this week to see if it is the rotors. Is this something that is covered as part of a TSB? I have 25k miles on the vehicle and rotors should not wear or warp in that short time. Any thoughts?
2. Rotors. If you have bad rotors at 25K, I would imagine that the warranty will cover you. I haven't looked at mine yet, but I understand that the rotors just slip onto the spindle, and are held in place by the wheel and lug nuts. If this is so, it makes the rotors very easy to replace. However, if this is the way its built, it would be VERY important to torque the lug nuts properly. If some mechanic changes a wheel, and puts it on with an air wrench set for 150 lbs, I would imagine he could really warp the rotors. A car built with slip-on rotors, should have the nuts tightened in stages, in the proper sequence, and the final torque done with a good manual torque wrench.
2. Speaking of bad luck and windshields, I had an 84 Cavalier that I had to have the windshield replaced because a stone chipped it and then the crack traveled all the way across my windshield at eye level. Less than a week after getting the windshield replaced, another stone chipped the the new windshield. Fortunately, that chip could be repaired. Like Deminin, I've had the same insurance company for years (still do). They attributed it to bad luck as well and didn't raise my rates. It's the only claim I've had in about 15 years or so.
I looked at one 2 weeks ago 128km excellent condition but the price was $9800. out of line but it was a private sale and owner could wait.
the early lumina's had rear brake problems, big time but the design was changed I think in 1995.
Good Luck.
Had a burned out headlight, so replaced both lowbeams with Sylvania Silver Star bulbs... (19.99 ea @Autozone and there's currenly a $10 mail in rebate on a pair) WOW! What a difference in night time driving... they're better than the PIAAs I had installed in my Envoy at a fraction of the cost. The DRLs appear brighter as well.
They also tried to get me to replace the front pads since I have new rotors. I declined.
I guess the next thing I can expect is the dreaded intake manifold leak.
How far between brake jobs do you normally drive? I find that I usually get between 35,000 and 40,000 miles, but it's been as low as 30,000 (especially since my two oldest are now driving).
Just from the peace-of-mind aspect, I would want new pads with the new rotors. But then, that's just me and my $0.02;-).
The car: I'm 16 years old and own a 1997 Malibu LX with everything except power windows or locks (I guess those are big omissions). I bought the car with 48,417 miles on the odo at a used car place in south Denver. I got it for $5,000 but there was one drawback: a salvage title. It seemed fine and since the rebirth of the Malibus in 97 I've wanted one. Every thing was great for the first couple of months. In October of 2002 I went out to start the car and nothing. When I turned the key to the on position none of the dash board indicator lights came on and there were no chimes. The engine did crank however, but didn't turn over. Good thing my grandparents live right across from me, so I was able to borrow their car to get to school. Anyway, when I got home that night, I tried to start it, and of course nothing. This went on for about 3 more days and on the 4th day the car just mysteriously started...nothing funny, she just started right up. Since it didn't happen again, I felt no need to take it in or have it looked at. Thank god that hasn't happened since. I have had other problems pop up though: In February my alternator went out when I had only 55K on her. Then they told me my rear control arms and my intake manifold gasket had to be replaced. My alternator was $360 @ Century Chevrolet in Broomfield, CO., my rear control arms were $260, and just today I got the bill for the intake manifold gasket: a whopping $754.60. Of course today they found two new problems...my brakes have only about 500mi or so on them and my engine mounts need replacing. I suspected the engine mount thing though because at speeds of 50 mph + the car shakes really really bad on the highway. That's going to be $250 and I'm gonna do the brakes myself tomorrow. HOLY COW! That was a mouthful. Anyway, beside the mechanical problems I love my bu to death. It's great for long drives and easily fits 4 friends. Everyone tells me I should trade it in but I can't afford to pay the loan off and no one (not even if I traded it in) would give me $5000 for a Malibu with a salvage title. Anyway I guess the point of this article was to introduce myself and my car. By the way I have the 3.1 V6 (love the power). If anyone else has had any of the problems, please respond. Oh! I'm also gonna get the bra for it which includes the front end cover and hood cover with air deflector for $85 at John Elway Chevrolet in Denver...if anyone has found a better deal, let me know. Anyway, that's me and my bu. P.S. - After they changed my intake maifold gasket my serpintine belt (I think that's how you spell it) is sqweeking just a bit. Not too much, but just enought to where I can hear it. I found some small cracks about a month ago so I'm thinking I should replace it. Do you guys think this should be done at the dealership, at and independant place, or by myself? I have the service manual for the car, but I'm not too great under the hood...I guess I should try it and see what happens...Just kidding.
larryt: Probably had a couple of more ratings added to the list that were "subpar". It happens.
A couple of ideas for you...if you experience the starting troubles again, you might want to check out the computer module...and you may even want to see if you can find a good one at a salvage yard. A new one will cost a bunch, and you already have so much invested. I would definitly replace the serpentine belt..if it breaks you are stranded. Re-the grinding noise when cold..does the engine run cool/normal? You might keep an eye on the water pump, and check your anti-freeze to see that its nice and green or clean. If its a nasty brown, start saving up some more money for some cooling system work. As for oil/additives, unless the engine is burning oil, I would stay away from Restore, or any Teflon/Moly/etc., gunk...They may help for a short period of time, but the engine will still roll over and die if it's that bad. I remember once when I was about 18, I put raw hamburger meat in the differential before I traded an old junker. It sure quieted down the gears..the dealer I sold it to had screwed a couple of my biddies, so he deserved it. It is best to stay with whatever oil the original owner was using, if you can find that out. An engine will last twice as long with a diet of the same oil, rather than changing brands. At the minimum, keep a good filter in the engine.
Good luck with your adventure! Cars can keep a teenager broke, big time! If you have the manual, try to learn how to fix it yourself as much as possible. Dealers and shops will charge you a fortune...example, a new alternator should have cost around $100, and is a fairly easy job. I grew up in north Denver, near 36th and Federal, but I no longer know any contacts there that might be of any help to you (North High-class of '60). Check out the local auto parts stores for the best prices. If you have the O'reilly chain or Autozone there, they are usually fairly reasonable. Good luck!!!
Good luck Jtrujillo86. I had plenty of fun/good times working on all my cars until I bought my first new one in 1990.
I have an '02 bu. I've noticed that my engine idles at around 1400 when in park. When I shift it into drive it drops down to the "normal" 600-800 range. Has anyone else noticed this? Should I be concerned about this? I don't remember ever seeing another car idle in park at such a high rate.
Jason
ps. love the car.
Also, I've detected a squeak somewhere in my dash. I can't really hear it, unless i have the radio off or down really low. It is very annoying, the sound is similar to a form cup rubbing in the cup holder. Has anyone else experienced this, and what are you suggestions? It's a 98 Bu.
Anyone else in a cold climate seeing something similar? I'm in frigid Massachusetts and its been near or below freezing in the morning for about 5 months now.
Jason