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2000-2011 Chevrolet Malibu
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Malibu LS - $21,995
Malibu LT - $22,470
Malibu LTZ - $29,885
Malibu SS - $29,885
Malibu Maxx LT - $25,595
Malibu Maxx LTZ - $31,495
Malibu Maxx SS - $31,495
thanks- Tiger10
So whatever models GM is gonna make out of the Maxx, they won't be around long.
..and for those who have not tried the cabin filter idea, posted earlier here and reposted on the Maxx thread, you'll find that after 10K miles, it will have filtered out a __lot__ of dirt.
And for what GM is asking for the MAXX SS, sorry, but you could get a base Audi3 with V6 and AWD for about the same price. Is all black interior and Bling Bling wheels better than AWD, 6 speed double clutch trans and direct injection?
The cheapest V6 Audi I found was listing at $34k+ (the 2005 A4 3.0 Quattro). So there's plenty of wiggle room for the Maxx SS at under $30k.
The existing A3 with FWD is actually quicker than the Maxx or Malibu, but possibly not the Malibu SS. The A3 sounds more like a drivers car while the SS is more like the SSR - more show and noise, but less refinement. Still, Maxx has more interior room than the A3.
And is it true that the SS malibu variants will __only__ have black interiors?
Anyways, I feel that in order to appreciate the real value of the newer malibu models you have to sit in an '03 model or earlier and then try an '04 or newer. Then you'll be able to get a good sense of what a great car it is.
My wife and I test-drove 2004 Maxx. It was our first choice before the test drive. We like the specs, and the dealership is great.
We had generally good impression of the car we test-drove: great suspension, adequate power in city/suburbs, spacious cabin. At speed above 70 mph on highway it did not want accelerate, as if had not enough power - probably because the engine was not broke in yet. Unfortunately, the seats were so uncomfortable that the both of us had tired backs after 20-30 minutes test drive. Barely OK for short commute, but not for major trip.
We decided against the car and bought instead a second Buick Regal. It have very comfortable seats.
My wife is 43, I was 53. For older people the seats ought to be even less comfortable.
I think the Maxx's seating is probably harder than most GM seats, but I like it that way.
As to the last gen. Malibu, I thought that was one of the most uncomfortable cars I'd driven (although I had an abused rental car). I owned a Hyundai Elantra and found the 'Bu had less useful space (and was much more uncomfortable).
As for cheap plastic, in the Maxx that can be found, in spades, around the skylight and the rear hatch. It's thin, creaks/squeaks, works loose - definitely detracts from the car.
The front trim on other hand feels solid, and the dash surface is definitely a cut above most GM products.
And do you really want soft trim where your feet bang into the door or footwell lining? The "Bu's trim cleans pretty easilly and so far has shown no wear.
Without checking, I'm sure they're different. I thought GM gave lots of thought to mirror shape to lessen drag in the 04.
LOL! Well said man. That's my reaction whenver I read reviewers complain about "cheap plastic". What makes a certain kind of plastic cheap anyway, harder vs softer or what? I think the reviewers are actually defining "cheapness" for everybody.
On the otherhand, the Sonata's door surfaces seemed cheaper, especially the door pulls which are hard plastic unlike the Maxx's great texture. So, unless you're talking Lexus, it all depends where you look -- and feel.
The only Classic I ever drove was a much abused rental car but was not exactly pleasant.
I believe only a limited number have been built so far and none sent to dealers yet.
gouged the aluminum housing another$70.00.4: ok now car is running ok noticing a little ticking noise hmmmmmm :surprise: took car to dealership on a recall for pinion bearing issue , that went ok then two days later power steering fluid spewing!! dealership fault pinched power steering hose $0.00 ok now using car for new job two weeks into new job hit the accelerator then BAM!!! , check engine light comes on hmmmm car wont start. had car towed to a really good ase certified mechanic. guess what? timing chain gear broke threw the valves buh bye engine!! only good thing about this nightmare is that we found an engine with warranty $500.00 only 50k on it oringinal engine had 86k on it , mechanic installed 200.00 car runs very well know, bottom line is NEVER trust a mobile mechanic and beware of any mechanic unless they can show certifications and get references!! even through all that I still love my malibu ,that is all lol Patricia
Patricia
Well, this is just an update on the 2003 Malibu. It's had a warranty repair (gasp!).
The A/C would quit working, so I took it in to the dealer on a Saturday morning recently. They replaced a pressure sensor switch and returned it to me that same day, charging GM $70 for their trouble. The car now has close to 28,000 miles and is performing flawlessly. I tend to the recommended maintenance with care, and am still very happy with it.
You can check it out at:
Chevymalibuspringfailure.com